ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, April 29, 1996 TAG: 9604300042
SECTION: NEWSFUN PAGE: NF-3 EDITION: METRO
Showing affection to her pupils is easy for Fran Figari. Giving affection comes naturally to her third-graders at Oak Grove Elementary in Roanoke County, she said.
"In third grade, the kids are so warm and affectionate. They want to please you," she said. "I like their personalities ... it seems like they're always smiling."
Figari, who has taught kindergarten and first grade in addition to third, says she tries to return her pupils' affection. "I want them to respect me, but at the same time, be able to come to me, get a hug and talk about their problems."
Her attempts appear to be working. "Ms. Figari is always happy to see us," said her nominators. "She thinks of us as her children, and she is very easy to love."
Figari, whose favorite subject to teach is science, graduated with a business degree from Roanoke College. After staying home with her first child, she decided she wanted to teach, so she returned to Roanoke College and became certified.
The mother of 13-year-old James and 10-year-old Peter, Figari enjoys reading, tennis and hiking with her family.
LENGTH: Short : 32 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: Fran Figari\Third grade, Oak Grove Elementary. Type first letter of feature OR type help for list of commands FIND S-DB DB OPT SS WRD QUIT QUIT Save options? YES NO GROUP YOU'VE SELECTED: QUIT NO login: cby CNB