Mrs. Duggan - Team Consultant - Special Education

Hi!  I'm one of the support teachers working with the sixth grade and reading and reading will by my focus this year.  I appreciate the energy and potential of the Middle School and I look forward to it all.

I grew up in Boston (but don't have an accent) and try to visit the ocean and my family when I can.  After a great first career as a geologist, I decided to change directions, returned to graduate school, and stepped out into education.  Along the way, I relocated to this area, married and had three sons.  Over the years, I have taught a variety of subjects in several area schools.  This will be my fourth year at ICCS.  I am returning to the Middle School after teaching a year in the high school and MHG.

I love words and I love to read.  I enjoy taking courses and being a student whenever I can.  I particularly enjoy the feeling of "family" at our Middle School and in working with the faculty and staff here.  This is going to be a super year! 

Mr. Funk - Physical Education

This is my 11th year teaching physical education here at the Middle School.  I have taught grades 5 - 8 and have enjoyed all 10 years.  I decided to become a teacher my first year out of high school when I was teaching swimming lessons.  I enjoyed watching young children progress in their skill level while enjoying what they were doing.  I was always involved and enjoyed all sports growing up, so I thought teaching physical education would be the thing to do.  I got my teaching degree at Brockport (western NY), and then got my master's degree at SUNY Albany.

Ms. Giammattei - Instrumental Music

Mr. Groat - Home & Careers

Mr. Groat has been a teacher at ICMS for 32 years, teaching Health and Home and Careers.  He is a graduate of Ichabod Crane Central School, SUNY Brockport, and Russell Sage College.  

The Home and Careers course focuses on life skills.  The physical health, psychological health and social health of the student is taken into consideration.  Special emphasis is placed on self-image, the decision making process, advertising, coping with anxiety and anger, communication skills, assertiveness skills, and conflict resolution.

Mrs. Helfer - Vocal Music

This year I teach 6th grade General Music, 5th & 6th grade combined chorus, and 5th grade General Music at the Middle School.  Many of the 6th grade chorus members also participate in the Columbia/Greene All County Music Festival each year.  Every day I teach in two buildings.  At the High School, I teach Elements of Theatre (9-12) and Theatrical Productions. (9-12).  The Crane Acting Troupe which is open to all 7th - 12th graders is my Advisorship.  Each year we produce either a play or a musical in the spring.  working with students from grades 6 - 12 gives me the fascinating opportunity to see them through to high school graduation.

Miss Infantino - Reading

Hi!  I'm Miss Infantino.  This is my second year teaching at the Middle School.  Come back soon for more about me!

Ms. Johnson - Spanish

Hola! I am Senorita Johnson and I teach seventh and eighth grade Spanish.  I have been teaching Spanish here at the Middle School for 5 years.  I am very excited to see Spanish and French starting in sixth grade.  I am looking forward to working with these students soon.  Studies have shown the earlier the exposure the better.

My educational training includes a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from the University at Albany with a minor in Education.  I am also working towards my Master's Degree in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology from the University at Albany, which should be completed in the fall of 2004.  I have also spent some time in Spain and Mexico and plan to return to both countries in the future.  While at Ichabod Crane, I have been a student mentor and have attended additional educational conferences.  I am hoping to start a Spanish Club for the 2004 - 2005 school year.

I have been a life-long resident of Valatie, NY and graduated from Ichabod Crane in 1995.  I feel right at home teaching at Ichabod Crane.  When I am not teaching, I enjoy traveling to San Diego, NYC, and Las Vegas.  One of my recent trips was to the Grand Canyon, and it is amazing.  I also enjoy listening to music, biking and working on my websites.  Go Yankees!

Mrs. Kuhn - Home and Careers

This is my third year teaching at ICMS.  I am really enjoying the high energy levels here, having spent most of my life teaching adults and college students.  I hold NYS Certifications in Health Education and Family and Consumer Science, as well as many Fitness Specialist Certifications in everything from Weight Training to Spinning (Group Cycling).  I like to spend my spare time running, and hanging out with my family (husband, son, daughter and Romeo, the Jack Russell Terrorist).  You may find my homework assignments posted on http://www.schoolnotes.com.

Madam Lobel - French

Everyone calls me MADAME LOBEL .... why? .... because I have been teaching French at Ichabod for the last 10 years.  This will be the first year of foreign language study at the 6th grade level and I am sure that it will be fun for all involved.

I am originally from NYC but stayed up north after college (SUNY Albany).  I have taught in many districts in the Capital region but have been at ICCS the longest.  For a time, I was a business owner along with my husband (the former gourmet food store - Cowan & Lobel), but teaching is my true love.  I have 2 grown children and when I am not doing "school work", I love to travel, ski, garden, go antiquing, watch movies and go to the theatre.

Ms. Mahar - Technology

Hi, I'm Ms. Mahar!  This is my first year at Ichabod Crane Middle School.  I will be teaching 6th and 7th grade technology classes.  I have been teaching for 3 years.  I have taught in the Schenectady City School District and the Averill Park CSD.  I received my bachelor in science degree from the College of Saint rose in Applied Technology Educations.  I am currently pursuing a master's degree in Integrating Technology in the Classroom.  I am available for extra help periods 2, 5, and 7.  Also, I am available after school Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursday.  So come down and see me!

I am a passionate wood worker.  I have entered items I created into the Northeast Woodworkers showcase.  I have also had students enter projects.  I always enjoy working with my hands and being around people.  Teaching seems like the perfect job for me.  I recently purchased a two family home in Albany.  I'm a great storyteller.  If you ever need a laugh, ask how my house is doing!  I enjoy the city life (minus the parking aspect).  I own two cats, Cali and Chloe.  I also enjoy indoor rock climbing, swimming and driving.

Ms. Seaver - Instrumental Music

I am Miss Seaver, the 6 - 8 Band Director at Ichabod Crane Middle School.  I am a 1995 graduated of Lansingburgh High School.  During high school, I studied hard, played sports, but most importantly I loved music.  I accompanied the choirs, played my trumpet and piano in band as well as the Empire State Youth Orchestra.  I decided to go into music after realizing I couldn't imagine my life without it.  I went to the College of Saint Rose and received my Bachelor's degree in 1999 and my Master's degree in Music Education in 2003.

I came to Ichabod Crane Middle School to start my teaching career in 1999.  As the band director, I am responsible for all three middles school bands and many, many lessons.  Outside of school, I am busy performing with the Joey Thomas Big Band and Vehicle.  I can also found on the golf course, watching an occasional movie, traveling. or anxiously awaiting the arrival of my first niece or nephew.

Mrs. Sweeney - Physical Education

I was born on August 21st, 1950 at 7:03am (always been a morning person). I lived in the Bronx until I was 16 when I moved to Yonkers and went to the same High school as Mrs. Trapanese (but obviously not at the same time) (Roosevelt H.S.).  I met my husband in 1976 (bicentennial).  We got married in 1981.  My husband and I moved to Valatie in 1982.  We have one son named Michael.  I have been teaching at Ichabod Crane for almost ten years.  I coach girls modified soccer.  Pretty boring, but sometimes "boring" is a good thing....  

Mr. Tuczinski - Guidance Counselor

Hello!  My name is Mr. Tuczinski, although most students and parents call me Mr. T.  I am the Guidance Counselor here at the Middle School.  Some of my jobs include talking with students about problems, changing schedules, assisting students with their clsses, having lunch groups and resolving conflicts.  I currently live in Kinderhook with my wife Karen and with my 3 children ... Ben (7), Caroline (4) and Matthew (2).  Please stop by and say hello if you get the chance!  I hope you have a great year in 6th grade!!

Mrs. Two-Axe - Library

I was born December 4, 1969 in Corona Queens on the coldest day of the year - according to my father.  I grew up in Huntington, Long Island where I attended high school with Mariah Carey.  I then went on to Plattsburgh where I received my degree in elementary education.  I taught fourth grade and then decided to get married and move to Florida.  That didn't work out - too many bugs but swimming in the ocean with the dolphins was amazing.  My husband Rich and I decided not to go back to Long Island and ended up in Columbia County.  I attended SUNY Albany and received my masters degree in Library Science and luckily I found my place at Ichabod Crane.  I just complete my 4th year at the middle school - how times flies when you are having fun.  I currently live with my husband, Rich, our two dogs (Oscar and Chance), our two cats (Shadow and Spirit) and our beautiful baby daughter - Gabriella - the sunshine of my life! In my free time - ha ha ha - I enjoy painting, photography and cooking.  I am a huge fan of music of all kinds and I love spending time outdoors.     

Ms. Yetto - Spanish

I am very excited to begin my sixth year of teaching Spanish, and my first year teaching at Ichabod Crane.  I grew up in northern New York and completed my undergraduate work at the State University College at Potsdam.  My husband and I then decided to move to the Albany area.  I spent the last four years teaching many different levels at Berne-Knox-Westerlo.  Last year I received a M.S. from SUNY Albany in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology.  I have enjoyed finding ways to incorporate technology into my teaching.