After working at Lakeland High School for the past six years, reading teacher Michelle Marbra bids farewell to her students and staff friends to teach for the Florida Virtual School.

“I’m really sad to leave, but really excited to start a new journey,” Marbra said. She will be leaving after this school year, and start her Virtual experience on June 1.

Marbra feels that this job will allow her to do more with her children who are age six and eight.

“I think teaching virtually will give me the opportunity to spend more time with my kids and allow me to reach more students and give them more of the individual attention they need to succeed,” Marbra said.

Currently, Mrs. Marbra teaches Intensive Reading classes, but next year, she will be teaching English II. “I’m extremely excited to start. Nervous, but excited,” Marbra said.

Although Marbra plans to leave after this year, she hopes to be returning after two years or so. “I plan on coming back a lot. I’ll miss my roommate, Mrs. Webster. She said she’s going to set me up a little ‘station’ to work, and I’ll bring in my computer, so I’ll be around,” Marbra said.

Marbra also coaches the Girls’ sprinters for the LHS track team. “I love the track kids,” Marbra said. She also said that for now, she still plans on working with them next year.

The staff and student body of Lakeland High School will miss Mrs. Marbra. “Mrs. Marbra is my favorite teacher, she’s so cool, and funny,” said Nick Lizardi, one of Marbra’s former students.

“It’s going to be difficult to leave; extremely difficult. I’m going to miss everyone. The administration has been very helpful and supportive, and that makes this bitter sweet transition a little easier.” Marbra said.