I can’t imagine my life without Orchard. I can’t imagine not being part of this community which has become my family, where I raised my children. I can’t imagine my life without the beautiful laughter and warmth of these children. I am also so thankful. Thankful to have had almost 20 years in the most amazing, supportive, loving and generous community I could have ever imagined. Thankful for all of the very fulfilling and rewarding experiences which being part of your community and family have given me. And, although I am nervous about what lies ahead, I am also excited about the unknown!

 

So many things I hadn’t thought about before are dancing in front of me. I will be looking for employment in Denver and exploring a variety of new avenues. This is both thrilling and anxiety provoking. I can’t even imagine not being in my Orchard classroom any longer, but I am open to the new possibilities ahead! Anyone who knows me knows that my children, Chloe and Taylor (class of 2009), are the centers of my universe. I know that my life is fullest when we are near one another. So, Denver here we come!

 

I believe when doors open, I need to walk through them. I was so uncertain and scared at first. Then two beautiful things happened which confirmed to me that I had made the right decision. My niece, Kemper Bricker (class of 2014), recently committed to U.C. Boulder. She is very special to me and we will both have new Colorado adventures! Secondly, Allie DeHaven (class of 2007), a previous student of mine at Orchard, will be the new 5/6 Boost teacher. Allie faced her own challenges head-on, and has become an amazing teacher. She volunteered through University High School in my classroom for J terms. I love and admire Allie so much, and for her to become my replacement is a dream come true for both of us. Having Allie in this position made it clear to me that I was up for a new challenge of my own. I know she will love and respect your children as deeply as I do. Your children are in gentle, committed and very dedicated hands!

 

Thank you. Thank you for making a profound difference in my life. Thank you for impacting my life in a meaningful and extraordinary way. Thank you for trusting your beautiful children to me. You have filled my emotional and professional bucket. Not only did I raise my children here, I feel as if I came into my own here. I will be forever grateful for the last 20 years. I will still be traveling with the Orchard community, at least for 2019. I can’t quite say goodbye yet.

 

With so much love and respect,

Becky

Click here to read a letter to Becky Burton from our Middle School Director, Jamie Napier.

The second picture below is of Becky and Allie DeHaven. Allie will be picking up right where Becky left off. We are so glad to have you back, Allie!