The Southgate Gators were ready this morning for their first day of school! The morning was filled with smiles and high energy by everyone! Loudonville, you're next!
AND WE'RE BACK!
North Colonie's first day of school is officially underway! Shaker High welcomed nearly 2,200 students this morning! The energy was high and the smiles were big as students entered the building for the 2026-2027 school year!
North Colonie's first day of school is officially underway! Shaker High welcomed nearly 2,200 students this morning! The energy was high and the smiles were big as students entered the building for the 2026-2027 school year!
Meet Leslie DiBianco, North Colonie’s newest Assistant Director of Pupil Services!
Originally from Neversink, NY, a small town nestled in the Catskills, Ms. DiBianco joins North Colonie’s district leadership team after most recently serving as a school psychologist at Shaker High School.
After two years in North Colonie, Ms. DiBianco knew this was a special community. “I’ve really enjoyed being part of the North Colonie community, and I knew it was somewhere I wanted to keep growing with,” Ms. DiBianco shared. “Stepping into the Assistant Director role felt like a natural next step, especially as the district rolls out the Together for Every Learner Plan. I’m excited to help bring that vision to life for our students with disabilities and make sure every learner is seen, supported, and set up to succeed.”
What excites Ms. DiBianco most about her new role is the opportunity to return to the world of elementary school. “The support we provide at the elementary level can have such a meaningful impact during a very formative stage in a student’s development,” she said. “Being part of that positive development is what I’m most excited about.”
Outside of school, Ms. DiBianco enjoys expressing her creativity in the kitchen. She makes custom cakes and sweet treats for friends and family, along with sourdough favorites like cinnamon rolls and bagels. What started almost by accident has grown into a fun and creative outlet outside of the school day!
More than anything, Ms. DiBianco loves spending time with her family and going on adventures with their sweet pup, Paco.
Please join us in welcoming Leslie DiBianco to her new role as North Colonie’s Assistant Director of Pupil Services!
For the 2026-27 school year, we are inviting North Colonie Central School District students, staff, and families to share their first day of school photos with us on Thursday, September 10. Photos can be shared with us through Facebook & Instagram (@NorthColonieCSD) or email (communications@nccsk12.org). This year, Bryson the Bison has joined in on the fun with a First Day of School coloring page sign! Access the signs on our website here: https://aptg.co/s_LQxc
Meet Maria Sime, North Colonie’s newest K-12 District Social Studies Supervisor!
Originally from New Lebanon, NY, Ms. Sime joins North Colonie after most recently serving as an Educational Technology Specialist at Middleburgh Central School District. In that role, she worked closely with teachers and students to help them get the most out of classroom technology, providing training and support while helping resolve day-to-day technology needs.
Ms. Sime chose North Colonie because of its well-earned reputation for high academic standards and strong, community-first culture. “I wanted to work in an environment where continuous growth is encouraged and where both staff and students have the support they need to succeed,” Ms. Sime shared.
What excites Ms. Sime most about her new role is the opportunity to make Social Studies engaging and meaningful for students in an ever-changing world. “I’m eager to build collaborative relationships across the district and broader community to foster critical thinking through relevant and meaningful learning experiences,” she said.
Outside of school, Ms. Sime is a passionate traveler. So far, she has visited 16 different countries, with plenty more destinations on the wish list. “My goal is to keep adding to that list whenever I have the opportunity!”
More than anything, Ms. Sime is excited to become part of the North Colonie community. Approachable, adaptable, and deeply committed to supporting both teachers and students, she looks forward to building relationships, learning more about the district, and getting started with the school year.
Please join us in welcoming Maria Sime to North Colonie!
Originally from New Lebanon, NY, Ms. Sime joins North Colonie after most recently serving as an Educational Technology Specialist at Middleburgh Central School District. In that role, she worked closely with teachers and students to help them get the most out of classroom technology, providing training and support while helping resolve day-to-day technology needs.
Ms. Sime chose North Colonie because of its well-earned reputation for high academic standards and strong, community-first culture. “I wanted to work in an environment where continuous growth is encouraged and where both staff and students have the support they need to succeed,” Ms. Sime shared.
What excites Ms. Sime most about her new role is the opportunity to make Social Studies engaging and meaningful for students in an ever-changing world. “I’m eager to build collaborative relationships across the district and broader community to foster critical thinking through relevant and meaningful learning experiences,” she said.
Outside of school, Ms. Sime is a passionate traveler. So far, she has visited 16 different countries, with plenty more destinations on the wish list. “My goal is to keep adding to that list whenever I have the opportunity!”
More than anything, Ms. Sime is excited to become part of the North Colonie community. Approachable, adaptable, and deeply committed to supporting both teachers and students, she looks forward to building relationships, learning more about the district, and getting started with the school year.
Please join us in welcoming Maria Sime to North Colonie!
Welcome back, North Colonie teachers and staff! Tuesday. Sept. 8, marked the first day back for our educators! The day began at Shaker High School with welcoming remarks from Director of Communications & Community Outreach Ashley Miller, Board of Education President Linda Harrison, and Superintendent Kathleen Skeals, along with introductions of new staff and administrators.
We were also inspired by two-time Olympian Lara Dallman-Weiss, who shared her story of following her passion. The morning wrapped up with a moving performance of “I Was Here” by Lady A from Shaker Middle and High School students, a powerful reminder of the impact our teachers have on students and our community.
Afterward, teachers connected with colleagues, attended meetings, and prepared their classrooms. We can’t wait to welcome our students back in just two days!
North Colonie welcomed 25 new practitioners this week. They were introduced to our schools, community, and all the fun that comes with being a Bison! Welcome to the North Colonie family, we’re so happy you’re here!
We also welcomed our second year teachers back for a chance to reflect, share what they’ve learned in their first classrooms, and prepare for another great year!
We can’t wait to see everyone next week!
We also welcomed our second year teachers back for a chance to reflect, share what they’ve learned in their first classrooms, and prepare for another great year!
We can’t wait to see everyone next week!
Are you ready for the upcoming school year? The North Colonie School Supply Drive is a way to support our students and families in need for the upcoming school year. It will help ensure all students have the school supplies they need to start the year off right! Go to the link in our bio to donate and learn more!
Lavaughn Garland has built a career around helping others and it started with a simple realization: he enjoyed listening, connecting, and being there for kids. That discovery led him from youth programs to school counseling, and eventually to Shaker High School, where he now supports students both inside the counseling office and on the track. Whether guiding students through challenges or coaching athletes toward new goals, Mr. Garland believes the biggest impact often comes from the smallest moments of connection.
“At some point in time, they say thank you and then you think, maybe I really do have an impact on these students’ lives,” Mr. Garland said. “But it’s that simple thank you and kind gesture that keeps me going.”
Read more about Mr. Garland on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/staffspotlight
Congratulations to our Shaker High School summer graduates, who received their diplomas in a ceremony on Monday, August 24. The ceremony included remarks from Summer School Principal Ms. Morgan Flynn, Shaker High School Principal Ms. Crystal Fox and Superintendent Ms. Kathleen Skeals, along with the presentation of diplomas. Isaiah and Assem were two of eight students who graduated. Congratulations to all of our graduates and thank you to our teachers and counselors for your support of our graduates and their families!
After years of caring for patients in a hospital setting and serving in the Air Force, Amy Ryman wanted to find a way to make an impact as part of the North Colonie community. Nursing has always been about more than providing care, it’s about building trust, creating connections, and being there for people when they need it most. At Loudonville Elementary, she has become a familiar and comforting presence, celebrating students’ milestones, supporting them through challenges, and appreciating the small moments that make her work so meaningful.
“It’s rewarding when the kids tell me that they enjoy seeing me,” Mrs. Ryman said. “And being able to watch them grow through the different years and see them mature.”
Read more about Mrs. Ryman on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/staffspotlight
Before becoming a Shaker High School Global History teacher, Marc Jackson served nine years in the United States Air Force, built a career outside of education, and eventually found his way back to the role of instructor. For Mr. Jackson, the path to the classroom was shaped by service, resilience, and a lifelong desire to make a difference. Twenty-four years later, he continues to bring the same sense of purpose, dedication, and connection to his students that has guided him throughout his life.
“It’s people like Dr. (James) Jackson, like Mr. (Joseph) Corr and of course the fine teachers throughout my 24 years of teaching. It’s the people. And then of course there’s always the kids. They come into class. They’re smiling, they’re happy, keeping that momentum going.”
Read more about Mr. Jackson on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/staffspotlight
Continuing Education is back this fall with a wide range of courses! Visit northcolonie.org/ce to view available classes, learn how to register, or find out how to become an instructor next semester!
In-person Continuing Education registration is Wednesday, Sept. 9 from 2 to 4 p.m., checks will be the only form of payment accepted.
In-person Continuing Education registration is Wednesday, Sept. 9 from 2 to 4 p.m., checks will be the only form of payment accepted.
Art has always been about more than what hangs on a wall or what’s created from a piece of clay for John Doolittle. For more than 20 years at Shaker High School, he has used the classroom as a place to inspire creativity, build confidence, and remind students that one person’s encouragement can change the course of someone’s life. From sharing personal stories during “storytime” to guiding students through important moments, Mr. Doolittle has created a lasting legacy rooted in connection, compassion, and purpose.
“The ceramics class and teacher in high school really changed my whole outlook on school and life,” Mr. Doolittle said. “It gave me focus and direction.”
Read more about Mr. Doolittle on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/staffspotlight
Nothing says summer break like baseball under the lights!
North Colonie staff enjoyed a fun evening together at North Colonie Night at The Joe on Tuesday, August 11, as the Tri-City ValleyCats took on the Sussex County Miners!
The night was extra special as the ValleyCats honored first responders and veterans during Tunnel to Towers Night, with 3,119 fans in attendance. From the pregame ceremonies and helicopter flyovers to fireworks under the lights, it was the perfect way to enjoy summer break and celebrate our community and the heroes who serve it. Thank you to everyone who joined for a fantastic night!
North Colonie staff enjoyed a fun evening together at North Colonie Night at The Joe on Tuesday, August 11, as the Tri-City ValleyCats took on the Sussex County Miners!
The night was extra special as the ValleyCats honored first responders and veterans during Tunnel to Towers Night, with 3,119 fans in attendance. From the pregame ceremonies and helicopter flyovers to fireworks under the lights, it was the perfect way to enjoy summer break and celebrate our community and the heroes who serve it. Thank you to everyone who joined for a fantastic night!
For 15 years, Vedrana Kalas has helped North Colonie students find their voice, build confidence, and feel at home while learning English. As an English as a New Language teacher at Boght Hills Elementary, Mrs. Kalas draws from her own experience as an ENL student to provide the same support, encouragement, and sense of belonging that shaped her own journey. Through her compassion and dedication, she continues to create meaningful connections with students and families from around the world.
“It doesn’t feel like work most of the time, because I have so much devotion and passion for doing this,” Mrs. Kalas said. “For many of my students, I see myself as the role my teacher had been for me.”
Read more about Mrs. Kalas on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/staffspotlight
“It doesn’t feel like work most of the time, because I have so much devotion and passion for doing this,” Mrs. Kalas said. “For many of my students, I see myself as the role my teacher had been for me.”
Read more about Mrs. Kalas on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/staffspotlight
Shaker High School student Doaa Abdelmeged has had a busy summer! Doaa, who will be entering her senior year, was one of 20 students from across the country selected to participate in Summer Enrichment Program at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. The camp featured lab activities based on biology, biotechnology, nursing, clinical lab sciences, microbiology, and cytology. With this new knowledge of the next generation of health care, Doaa is ready for senior year!
For 34 years, Aileen Dirtadian has been a dedicated member of the Shaker High School mathematics department, inspiring students through her love of math and building lasting connections with colleagues along the way. From teaching nearly every level of mathematics to supporting educators through her longtime role with the North Colonie Teachers’ Association, Mrs. Dirtadian’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. After more than three decades at SHS, she reflects most fondly on the people who have made North Colonie feel like family.
“It’s the people. It is really the people,” Mrs. Dirtadian said. “The students, of course too, but the connections. When I started here, I found a family immediately and it was amazing.”
Read more about Mrs. Dirtadian on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/staffspotlight
“It’s the people. It is really the people,” Mrs. Dirtadian said. “The students, of course too, but the connections. When I started here, I found a family immediately and it was amazing.”
Read more about Mrs. Dirtadian on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/staffspotlight
For Sarah Vatalaro, returning to North Colonie felt like coming back to a place that helped shape who she is today. A 2020 Shaker High School graduate, Ms. Vatalaro has brought her passion for communication, collaboration, and helping others to her role as Main Office Secretary at Shaker Middle School. After gaining professional experience outside of education, she was drawn back to a community where relationships and teamwork are at the heart of everything they do.
“The community has always just been so kind and welcoming,” Ms. Vatalaro said. “It has really helped me grow, and not just as an empathetic person. There were, and still are, so many people who were willing to sit down, listen, and chat with me and help me figure out different solutions for my problems.”
Read more about Ms. Vatalaro on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/staffspotlight
“The community has always just been so kind and welcoming,” Ms. Vatalaro said. “It has really helped me grow, and not just as an empathetic person. There were, and still are, so many people who were willing to sit down, listen, and chat with me and help me figure out different solutions for my problems.”
Read more about Ms. Vatalaro on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/staffspotlight
Shaker High School has a new principal - and the first female to hold the position. Crystal Fox has been named the next principal of Shaker High School. She will take over the role on Wednesday, Aug. 12. Read more here: https://www.northcolonie.org/article/3051784
Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Fox to this new role!
