"The arts teach students that creating a quality product, such as a performance or a piece of art, requires sustained effort, discipline and study. Students learn that hard work and delayed gratification are essential to success, and they carry this important ethic into the workplace."

"Arts education helps students learn to deal creatively with complexity and ambiguity and to analyze a variety of approaches to problems. These types of thinking skills are required for successful careers in medicine, law, research, and business."

• Grades K-6

• Grades 7-8

• Grades 9-12

Shaker grad's billboard design encourages citizens to vote

If you're driving along Troy-Schenectady Road during October and are reminded of your civic duty to vote, you can thank Shaker High School graduate Julian Norton. » MORE

Shaker freshman's art displayed at Colonie town library

Artwork created by Shaker High School freshman Jun Xia  was exhibited at the William K. Sanford Town Library during September.

The exhibit featured a collection of Jun's photographs, portraits and computer digital pictures. Jun took an accelerated Studio Art class as an eighth-grader and is currently in Jude Hanley's Drawing class at the high school.

Elementary school
art galleries now online

Art galleries for each of North Colonie Central School District's elementary schools are now available online. The galleries showcase samples of students' project work completed at each grade level. Along with each project is a description of the objectives of the lesson and pertinent artists of reference. Additional examples will be added to the galleries over time. » MORE

Art Explorer program provides after school enjoyment

The elementary Art Explorer after school program recently completed a four week series on game design in November. Students enjoyed designing their own themed board games complete with directions, strategies and game pieces. Family members attended the final class to see the creations and play the games. A fun and creative time was had by all.

"Summer Series" exhibit closes with a reception

The William K Sanford Town Library had a closing reception on Oct. 29 for its Shaker High School exhibit entitled “Summer Series.” The exhibit featured a collection of portraits, still lives and figure work from the summer courses at Sage College at Albany, as well as summer assignments from the district's advanced full year elective courses.