CCSD District Newsletter            April-June 2008

Dave Bradman. 

Known fondly as “Brads,” Mr. Bradman has served with distinction as Director of Athletics as well as Head Varsity Football coach and Head Varsity Lacrosse coach throughout his long tenure with our school district.  As Athletic Director, Mr. Bradman has presided over an interscholastic athletic program that affords our students unparalleled opportunities for a school of our size and one that is widely recognized for excellence in every respect.  Although he may justifiably take great pride in the banners that hang in our gymnasium, it will be Mr. Bradman’s mentoring of a generation of student-athletes that will stand out as his greatest contribution as an educator.

Dave Flanagan

Mr. Flanagan is the one of the more senior members of this year’s distinguished group of retirees, having served the District as a custodian for 33 years, and as our custodial evening shift supervisor for the last 23 of those years.  Mr. Flanagan deserves larger recognition and an appropriate title like “Canton Central School District Community Events Building Coordinator,” for it often fell to Mr. Flanagan to ensure that every group using our building, every person looking for a meeting location, or every delivery outside of school hours were accommodated.  And he did so with patience and a “What can I do to help you?” approach to all things.  Mr. Flanagan has undoubtedly logged more miles than our track team from one end of Canton Central to the other in the course of performing his duties in keeping our building up and running.

Michele Flores

Ms. Flores’s performance as a teacher of science has been nothing short of exceptional.  Her command of content area is at the Master Teacher level; her lessons serve as school-wide benchmarks for student engagement and achievement; her classes are models of inclusion.  In addition to teaching at the Middle and High School levels, Ms. Flores has also served as an adjunct professor of graduate education at the State University of New York College at Potsdam.  Of particular note, Ms. Flores was one of a handful of teachers nationwide to be named an Einstein Fellow, wherein during the 2004-2005 school year she served as an educational advisor and liaison to Senator Richard Durbin of Illinois.  Ms. Flores was also recognized as a 2007 nominee for the Presidential Award of Excellence in Science Teaching.

Janice Musselman

As a teacher of English, Mrs. Musselman contributed immeasurably to the success experienced by many of our students on the English Regents exam as well as to those students’ preparation for life beyond high school.  For the past seven years (and perhaps for years to come!), Mrs. Musselman served as a summer school English teacher in order that students may successfully complete their requirements and stay on track for earning a diploma.  Mrs. Musselman was also extensively involved in student activities outside the classroom as she selflessly served as a junior class advisor, a senior class advisor, student council advisor, high school department chairperson, and as long-time and much appreciated coordinator of faculty special activities and events.    

Larry Spicer 

Mr. Spicer retires from his duties as the veteran of this year’s group of retirees, having served the District ably as a custodian for the past    35 and ½ years. Throughout his period of service, Mr. Spicer has performed virtually every task associated with maintaining a building complex of Canton Central’s size.  If you have been in any classroom hallway (or almost any other nook or cranny in the District for that matter), chances are it has been painted at some point by Mr. Spicer.  Mr. Spicer’s approach to his responsibilities reflected an upbeat, can-do attitude—one that made him a pleasure to work with and be around.  He will join his wife full time as they continue service to the community in caring for the twelve senior citizens who reside in their Spicer Adult Care Home.

  Faculty & Staff Features—Best wishes and thanks to our retiring faculty and staff!

Art Quackenbush

Mr. Quackenbush retires at the end of this school year having served the students and people of New York for a total of 33 years as a professional educator.  During his 23 year tenure with the Canton Central School District, Mr. Quackenbush’s roles have been numerous and significant, having served as Acting High School Principal, Director of Athletics and Student Affairs, de facto Dean of Students, Extracurricular Activities Funds Controller, Student Council Advisor, and Class Advisor.  His legacy will resonate from his capstone experience as Middle School Principal where his focus was on, for, and about kids.  He will undoubtedly remain involved with the youth of our community and beyond, as he continues service as a widely recognized and highly regarded sports official.