In the Beginning |
THE STORY OF USIn the Beginning
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The Karafin School started out as a school for underachievers in 1958, when a woman named Mrs. Geraldine Karafin opened the school with only three students while her husband, Albert, worked to earn his Ph.D. along with his friend Dr. Greenfieldt.
The Karafin School original home was 340 Main Street, Mount Kisco, N.Y. but its location changed frequently which led to its' student population expanding in size and diversity. Sadly, Karafin School suffered a tragedy when, in 1970 on January 31, the school building went up in flames only fifty nine days after it had opened there. Thanks to the immense efforts of Dr. John Greenfieldt, then the Associate Director of the School and of his colleague, Mr. Eugene Matts, enough files were saved to rebuild the school once again. |
Dr. John E. Greenfieldt bought the school from the Karafins when they chose to retire in 1975, he then worked diligently along with his wife to bring prosperity to the school and a second chance at success to its students. In 1982 the school moved to its present location at 40-1 Radio Circle, Mount Kisco.
In 2002 Dr. and Mrs. Greenfieldt retired and Dr. Bart A. Donow and Mrs. Renee L. Donow became the Directors of the school. Under Dr. Donow’s direction the school has continued to fulfil its mission of helping every student to achieve his or her maximum potential. Mrs Donow, who is the I.E.P. coordinator and is responsible for scheduling the students, has added her personal touch to the school in many ways. The plants which she tends brighten every hallway and help to make the school welcoming. She knows all the students individually and is always ready to help them with anything from a change of class to a cough drop.
The Karafin School has now celebrated its 50th anniversary and it has changed immeasurably from its humble beginning as a school for underachievers. Student diversity and range of learning styles have grown significantly thanks to the tremendous support of Karafin’s committed and compassionate staff. Despite all the changes with which it has come to terms The Karafin School remains dedicated to its students’ success.