Ms. Bootier - Spanish

    Hola, I’m Ms. Bootier! This will be my second full year teaching Spanish at Ichabod Crane and I couldn’t be more excited! I graduated from Oswego State University in 2007 where I received a B.S. in childhood education and minors in Spanish and athletic coaching. While there, I played varsity lacrosse and spent a semester abroad in Barcelona, Spain. Currently I am pursuing a Master’s degree as a Literacy Specialist from the University at Albany.
    I am a native of the Albany area and a 2003 graduate of Colonie Central High School. When I’m not teaching or going to school I love to read, watch the Yankees, go shopping, and travel. I just recently returned to Spain for three weeks. I spent my time traveling to different Spanish cities, and learning more about the language and culture.  

Mr. Burnett  - Technology

Mrs. Duggan - Literacy Consultant Teacher - 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! 

Madam Granai-Martin  - French

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. 

Mrs. Kuhn - Home and Careers

Mrs. Kuhn is NYS Certified in Family and Consumer Science and Health Education, receiving her Masters degree in Health Education and Bachelor of Science in Consumer Affairs. She is also a Certified Fitness Specialist through Springfield College and teaches a variety of fitness classes. Her favorite activities are running, weight lifting and spending time with her family.
You will have FACS in 6th, 7th and 8th grade and learn the skills to be successful in the home, workplace and community. Mrs. Kuhn has a website which can be accessed through the district's website and displaying activities that are happening in class, as well as homework and project deadlines.
Go to www.ichabodcrane.org and click on Teacher Websites, or http://www.ichabodcrane.org/Faculty/mkuhn/www/
 

Mr. Nordgren - Physical Education

Ms. Rathke - Reading

Ms. Seaver - Instrumental Music

Hi my name is Miss Seaver, the 6 - 8 Band Director at Ichabod Crane Middle School.   I grew up with music being a part of my life from an early age.  I started playing the piano at the age of 5 and then started the trumpet in 5th grade.   As I got older I spent most of my time accompanying the choirs at school, playing my trumpet in jazz band and marching band but the best part was being in the Empire State Youth Orchestra for three years.  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, All county band, moving up band and many, many lessons.  During my years at Ichabod Crane I have been involved with the Crane Acting Troupe as the pit band conductor, guest conductor for various All County festivals across the region and recently I have been the Special Area Team Leader.  Outside of school, I am busy performing with the Joey Thomas Big Band.  I can also found on the golf course, hiking, kayaking, traveling or cooking at home.

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 classes, having lunch groups and resolving conflicts. I currently live in Stuyvesant and have three wonderful children...Ben (11), Caroline (8) and Matthew (6).  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

II was born December 4, 1969 in Corona, Queens. 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 for a few years and then attended SUNY Albany and received my Masters Degree in Library Science and luckily I found my place at Ichabod Crane.  I just completed my 10th year at the middle school - how times flies when you are having fun.  I have two beautiful daughters, Gabriella and Olivia and  a frisbee loving black lab named Chance.  They are the loves of my life!   In my free time - ha ha ha - I enjoy painting, photography and cooking.  I love to laugh…so bring on your good jokes!  I am also a huge fan of music of all kinds and I love spending time outdoors.