Author: Debbie.Jakala

  • Kids Care: Smiles, Tears, and a Standing Ovation

    North Colonie Kids Care: Smiles, tears, and a standing ovation. Board of Education President Linda Harrison is completely accurate when she says the recognition of the North Colonie Kids Care students is the best part of every Board meeting. And October was no exception when Latham Ridge 5th graders, Avery Lyons and Violet Williams were…


  • Hoops, Horns Up … Interacting with Art!

    Thanks to the initiative of two Shaker High School teachers and support from our transportation team, a group of students had a terrific weekend field trip experience! Teachers Carrie Lue and Elizabeth Schanz took students to an outdoor sculpture park in Ghent.  Art Omi is situated on 120 acres in the Hudson Valley and presents…


  • Meeting Demand: Morning Intramurals Max Out

    Research may show high school-aged students need to sleep later, but apparently Shake High School Bisons like to buck data points. Badminton birdies and basketballs dominate the scene in Shaker Gym H weekday mornings before classes start. Since the start of the 2022-23 school year, SHS has opened its gym doors at 6:45 a.m. for…


  • Our Teachers are Lifelong Learners

    Did you know that before the school year starts and throughout the year, our teachers “return to the classroom” as students themselves? Supporting our teachers in their pursuit to grow and improve their teaching and instruction methods is a priority. Under the direction of Naté Turner-Hassell, the NC Office of Professional Learning, Leadership, and Development…


  • Help Us Find Candidates: Instructional Aide Walk-In Interviews this Wednesday!

    Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work in a school? Or drive a school bus? Have family, friends, or neighbors who would be great candidates to work in our district? Help us spread the word! Educational Aides & School Bus Driver Walk-in Interviews Wednesday, Oct. 19 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 91 Fiddlers Lane,…


  • ‘Tiring’ Easily at SHS Spirit Week!

    Shaker High School students rolled into Spirit Week Tuesday morning, kicking off with “Anything But a Backpack” Day. You’re invited to write your own captions!   What to watch for the rest of the week? Wednesday: Disney/Marvel Day Thursday: Class Color Day Friday: Blue and White Day Enjoy Bisons!


  • SHS Pep Band Honored to Perform at Leatherstocking Sendoff

    Our SHS Pep Band had the tremendous honor and privilege of performing as the official band for the Leatherstocking Honor Flight ceremony at the Albany International Airport on Oct. 1.  Veterans from all five branches of the military who served in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, and more were recognized for their service to our country.…


  • Reminder! 15-Minute Early Dismissal – Friday, Oct. 7

    Hello Families. Just a quick reminder that schools will dismiss 15-minutes early on Friday, Oct. 7. Why you ask? So we can practice our “Go Home Plan.” Commissioner of Education regulations require school districts to conduct annual drills to exercise their School Emergency Management Plan. Thank you, as always for your support.    


  • Shaker Recognized by ‘Niche’ as #1 High School in the Albany Area

    Shaker High School was recently named the #1 High School in the Albany Area by Niche.   According to the site, “Shaker High School is a top rated, public school located in LATHAM, NY. It has 2,011 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1. According to state test scores, 99% of…


  • September NC Kids Care: Benson Jovel-Truong

    The Board of Education recognized the first 2022-23 school year Kids Care recipient during its Sept. 19 meeting. NC Kids Care is a long-standing recognition program intended to highlight once-a-month a student from any grade across K-12 who has gone “above-and-beyond.” In this instance, SHS senior Benson Jovel-Truong’s dedication and weeks of preparation to perform…