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 My name is Kirby.
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 My son Emmett is now six years old, and he's been at Bright Star Learning Center daycare since he was two. I use the term "day care" loosely. These wonderful human beings are not babysitters by definition; they are teachers with hearts of saints! No babysitter would potty train and teach my son his ABCs while my wife and I were hard at work. They have taught him and numerous other children respect, manners, and the basics of being a good student for 30-plus years. If this were a private school, we would have kept him here when he started kindergarten for sure. In fact, we like Emmett being there so much, we opted out of the free summer program the school district offered to ensure our boy would be loved and cared for as if he were home with us during his first summer break. Unfortunately, this might be the last time we have this choice, as the school district has decided to reclaim the wonderful campus Bright Star has created there.
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 I'm reaching out in the hope of raising a little something to send these wonderful human beings away with a little more than a "boot in the rear". If I had a chance, I would buy a property so they may continue to guide our youth for what lies ahead.
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 Help these superheroes leave with grace and a proper thank you :)
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 Thank you,
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 Kirby Thomason
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 My name is Krystal Dreier, and Brightstar Learning Center has been a part of my life for over 30 years.
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 I first walked through its doors in 1993, when it was known as The Learning Circle. Like so many children, I spent most of my days there while my parents worked. Brightstar wasn't just a daycare; it was my second home. Some of my favorite childhood memories were made there: riding the Tumble Bus, Computer Tots class, exciting field trips, and countless moments with the incredible teachers and aides who loved, nurtured, and encouraged me every single day.
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 The staff became so much more than teachers. They became family. They celebrated milestones with us, comforted us when we needed it most, and built relationships with our parents that extended far beyond the classroom. They poured their hearts into every child who walked through those doors.
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 Years later, in 2009, life came full circle. After earning my Early Childhood Education units through ROP, I had the incredible opportunity to return to Brightstar, not as a student, but as a teacher. I worked alongside Ms. Judy and many of the same amazing educators who had once cared for me. From the infant and toddler room to the after-school program, I experienced firsthand the passion, dedication, and love this staff gives to every child. It wasn't just a job; it was being part of a family.
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 Today, that story has come full circle once again.
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 For the past four years, both of my own children have attended Brightstar. My oldest returns every summer when school is out, and my youngest has been there since she was just one year old. Every day she comes home talking about her teachers, how funny they are, how kind they are, and how much she loves them. As a parent, there is no greater feeling than knowing your children are safe, genuinely loved, and cared for while you're at work.
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 Every afternoon when we pick them up, they smile. Their faces, clothes, and hands are covered with the evidence of a day well spent, learning, exploring, creating, making friends, and simply being kids. That joy is because of the incredible people who have dedicated their lives to caring for our children.
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 For years, I have recommended Brightstar to every family I know because I trust them completely. They have cared for generations of children, and our community is stronger because of them.
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 That is why it is heartbreaking to learn that Brightstar Learning Center is closing due to unforeseen circumstances beyond their control.
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 While the building may be closing, what hurts the most is knowing that these incredible teachers and staff, many of whom have devoted decades of their lives to serving our children, are now facing an uncertain future.
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 This fundraiser is for them. Unfortunately, they have no 401 (k) or any other type of severance plan to get them through this next chapter.
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 If Brightstar has ever touched your life, whether as a student, parent, grandparent, teacher, or friend, I ask that you please consider donating. Every contribution, no matter the amount, is a way to thank
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 Ms. Judy and her extraordinary staff for the love, patience, compassion, and care they have given to thousands of children over the past 30 years.
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 If you're unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser or referring these amazing educators to families or schools looking for experienced, loving childcare professionals. They deserve the opportunity to continue doing what they do best, shaping young lives and serving our community.
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 From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting the people who helped raise me, who helped raise my children, and who have made such an incredible impact on so many families.
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 With love and appreciation,
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 Krystal Dreier
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The Hands That Held Ours-Please Help Our BrightStar Teachers

The Hands That Held Ours-Please Help Our BrightStar Teachers

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