Schools

School grieves for teacher

Bayonet Point Middle's Gail Robinson was struck by a pickup Sunday night.

By THOMAS LAKE, Times Staff Writer
Published November 7, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT Sixth-grade teacher Gail Robinson, 59, had been at Bayonet Point Middle for about 10 years. [Lifetouch National School Studios]

NEW PORT RICHEY - Gail Robinson, a sixth-grade teacher at Bayonet Point Middle School, did not come to work Monday morning, and when the principal found out why, he knew he would have to tell everyone.

Steve Knobl went to her students first, then he made an announcement on the school's closed-circuit television system. He does not remember his exact words, but he thinks they went something like this.

Boys and girls, I have some tough news.

We had a tough situation last night.

We were given some news this morning.

This is very sad.

I need to share some information with you.

Miss Robinson was killed last night in an automobile accident.

We don't have many details at this time.

She cared a lot about all of you.

She loved working here at Bayonet Point.

She was a teacher who loved being a teacher.

Robinson, 59, of Land O'Lakes had an ex-husband and an adult son, Daniel. She enjoyed boating and yard work.

About 7:30 p.m. Sunday, she was crossing U.S. 41 when she walked into the path of a pickup, a Florida Highway Patrol report says.

Robinson taught at Bayonet Point for about 10 years.

"She was always upbeat and happy," said Cydnee Southern, 13, a student of Robinson's two grades ago. "She had a pretty smile."

"She loved almost every single kid. Even if they were troublemakers."

Bob Lowry, a colleague who filled in for her Tuesday:

"She was an extremely patient person. More so than myself."

"She was very loving toward the kids."

Alicia Artley, 11, one of her sixth-graders: "She was always nice. She taught me a lot."

Branden Ware, 12, another student: "She's like one of those persons that will help you even if you don't need help. She likes everyone in school."

Tuesday, principal Knobl had to think about placing an ad for a new teacher. He hoped to fill the job by Thanksgiving.

Someone asked Robinson's students how their school day had gone.

"It was empty without her," Branden said.

"Yeah," Alicia said.

Thomas Lake can be reached at tlake@sptimes.com or toll-free at 1-800-333-7505, ext. 6245.

[Last modified November 6, 2007, 22:04:03]