CLAIRE ANITA SIMMONS

I was a student of Ms. Claire Simmons at Curtis HS on Staten Island in1962 when she taught AP Biology. I was genuinely saddened and hurt to belatedly learn of her death. She was a demanding, no-nonsense teacher and expected her students to work hard and to do their best. She was, as well, a truly decent and concerned person with a knack for sharp reparte and a lethal zinger. At times she was inspirational. Over the years I thought about her often and wasn't surprised when she took on a new...

I remember Ms Simmons,my bology teacher. She was stern, which was a veneer for the deep dedication to her students and their education in her classroom. Daunting for her students,then, but great appreciation held now for her belief in us. Look to the legacy of Ms Simmons and see the true essence of a teacher.
Audrey Mills McGuire, class of 1962

Claire had the ability to make you laugh and give you back bone all at the same time. I first met Claire in the 60's at Curtis High School. As a beginning teacher, I was always in need of her wisdom and protection. Both of which she gave freely and often (whether requested or not.) We became good friends, sharing jokes and opinions over dinner and drinks. I will miss her terribly. Heaven will be a more interesting place from now on.
My heart felt condolences to her family, who she loved...

Ms. Simmons was one of the finest teachers I ever had. I had her for biology. (Curtis class of 1962).I was terrified of her...until I got to know her and her method of teaching...when she told me I MUST pass the regents I studied the hardest I had ever done..I did not want to dissapoint her...I wish there were more teachers like her.. ....Rest in peace....

My sons, Matthew & Timothy were fortunate to have been taught by Claire at Curtis H.S. I was equally fortunate to have known and worked with her when she became Principal of P.S.18. Claire was a most gracious, spirited, and intelligent teacher, supervisor, and educator. The children" learned" at P.S.18 and the teachers "taught".
Claire had wonderful sense of humor. She was straightforward and
never a "hidden agenda". She will be missed.

I recall how dedicated she was to her students at Curtis High School and how she accepted us for who we were. She helped many realize their dreams of careers in engineering, medicine, media and education. She had a wit and sense of humor that made me feel like she was letting me in on an inside joke. A comfort to those in pain, a trusted advisor to those who needed guidance, and a master of her profession as an educator. But always a friend to those who just needed to have a friend. May God...

It was my pleasure and honor to have known Claire and work with her as a colleague. She was an educator who lived with ideals and never sought recognition for her achievements.

Her tales of travel could keep one in suspense as she woved her experiences into wonderful stories.

My wife (who also knew her)joins with me in expressing out deepest sorrow to the Simmons family.

Mitch Strear
Former Principal
PS 8

I will say that Mrs.Simmons had my best interest at heart.Of course i did not realize this as a child because i wanted to feel like although i was acting out i was the victim.As a mature man this realization came to me in reflection of her actions and i now totally know that Mrs.Simmons was not mean she was a stern disciplined Principal with a job to do.I can appreciate her work ethic and dedication to changing lives especially where PS 18 was located at in a low income community where there...

I worked for Claire For 10 years as her secretary. We laughed a lot and she was very good to me at a difficult time in my life. I will remember her fondly. She would say to me , "Angie don't tell your secretary friends all the fun we have in the office, I have a reputation to uphold."
Angie McCoy