Merrill Levine, who has taught first grade at Bright since 1996, retired on the last day of school in December. She is moving to Florida, where her husband's job was transferred.

"Merrill has touched the lives of hundreds of Bright School students over the years and served with us as a dear and invaluable colleague. We will miss her deeply," said Head of School O.J. Morgan.

Mrs. Levine will be replaced by Mary Bosshardt, who has been Director of Bright Afternoons and Bright Days for the last two years. She came to Bright in 2016 as Leisl Slaughter's kindergarten assistant. "Mary has done a great job in Bright Afternoons and Bright Days, and we know Merrill's class will be in good hands," Mr. Morgan said.