About Fran

Born Frances Amalfi in New Dorp Beach, she graduated New Dorp High School in 1969. She went on to pursue a bachelor of arts in education from the former Richmond College in St. George. After graduating in 1973, she began her teaching career with the City Board of Education and was assigned to PS 18, West Brighton, Staten Island, New York. There, she started the first NIEH (Neurologically Impaired Emotionally Handicapped) program for the Board of Education. During her time at PS 18, she went on to receive a Masters Degree in special education from Richmond College. In 1976, she was reassigned to PS 69, New Springville where she held a variety of positions. In 1977, she was awarded by the New York City Chancellor of Education the prestigious honor of best special education teacher on Staten Island. Then, in 1984 she brought her talents and passion to the high school level at New Dorp High School, her alma mater. She continued teaching and achieved her six-year certificate in administration and supervision and became the assistant principal of special education at New Dorp High School. She ended her career in an administrative position with B.A.S.I.S. (Brooklyn and Staten Island Schools), retiring in October 2001 due to illness.

Throughout her long career, she was much more than a teacher and supervisor – she was a mentor who counseled and prepared her students to take the right path in life. She was well-respected and loved by staff and all her students. She taught more than academics. Her students became part of the fabric of who she was.  Many of her students kept in touch with Fran throughout the years and thanked her for her advice, guidance, and love. They became personal success stories and more so became contributing members to our community, making it a better place for everyone to live.

Fran was one of a kind – a unique woman who gave 110% of her time, devotion and love to each and every one of her students throughout her 28 years in the educational field. Her life was cut short in July, 2003 as she succumbed to her illness, but left this world having touched and influenced so many of us. We hope to continue, through the works of this charity, her passion for guiding and helping special education students achieve their goals through scholarship awards.

“A teacher affects eternity- she never can tell where her influence stops.”
Henry B. Adams