NEWSOMS—Brindle Hardy’s 36½-year career with Southampton County Public Schools, which includes teaching at seven former and current elementary buildings, ends today, June 15.

The thing the kindergarten teacher expects to miss most is the children.

“Seeing them every day and seeing them grow and blossom and learn,” Hardy said. “I will miss seeing them grow from September to June.”

Meherrin Elementary Principal Syretha Wright said Hardy will be missed, but hopes to see the 60-year-old return as a substitute teacher.

“You always hate to see someone leave, especially when they put so many years in,” Wright said. “It’s her time. I wish her well and I’m going to miss her.”

A Southampton County native who grew up in Drewryville, Hardy graduated from the former Riverview High School before attending Virginia State University in Petersburg for two years. She received a degree in elementary education from Old Dominion University in Norfolk.

Hardy began her career in January 1976 at the former Courtland Primary School. She also taught at the former Ivor and Newsoms primary schools and Drewryville District School before going to Capron Elementary School, the former Boykins Elementary School and Meherrin eight years ago.

Hardy started her career as a reading laboratory teacher, working with first-, second- and third-graders. She got her first regular classroom at Capron, where she taught second grade. Hardy started teaching first grade at Meherrin before going to kindergarten.

The biggest change she experienced during her tenure was technology.

“When I first started, as far as lesson plans, we had to write everything out,” Hardy said. “Now we have computers and SMART boards, all this modern technology. It’s been an adjustment for me.”

She believes it has benefited students.

“It makes learning fun and the Internet adds to that,” Hardy said.

She is retiring to spend more time with family.

“I just felt that I want to enjoy this part of my life a little bit,” Hardy said.

Her son, Lamonte, 39, lives in Chesapeake and works for Stihl. Her daughter, Brindle, 31, lives in Portsmouth and is a preschool teacher. Hardy also has six grandchildren — five boys and one girl.