Dear Fran – You always started your emails to me with “Dear Arlene” and I was always amazed by that because it was just a typical Fran gesture. All heart, even in daily emails. What followed was usually you reaching out about a student who we shared and cared about and were just trying to give him or her one more chance with some assignment, even though it went beyond the norms of second and third and even fourth chances. For the students who have known you, they know what I’m talking about. For the students who sadly will never have you, we as teachers can only try to emulate not only your incredible gifts as a teacher, but most importantly, your compassion and incredible heart. How many times did you go above and beyond to help your struggling students, sacrificing any free time during the day and/or after school, just to help them keep up? Not only did you inspire all of your students, but you also set aside a special time and place for those students who needed that extra “Ms. Davis time” whether extra seconds, minutes, or hours – anything to help them feel engaged, interested, and most importantly, loved. I will miss you and our conversations terribly, especially your sense of humor and passionate rants in the faculty lounge. Love you very much Fran.
Beloved Educator, Mother, and Friend