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!
Our weekly Summer Garden Market for tomorrow (Friday, July 31) is cancelled! Unfortunately, due to garden conditions, we are unable to harvest for this week's market. We apologize for the inconvenience, but look forward to seeing you next Friday, August 7 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Shaker Middle School.
Susan Deierlein and Christina Biviano have been helping students at Shaker Middle School discover what’s possible through compassion, teamwork, and high expectations. Guided by their motto, “Actually, they can,” the special education teachers have created meaningful opportunities for students to build confidence and independence, including through the school’s beloved Bison Brew coffee cart. Together, they continue to show that with the right support, every student can thrive.
“When everybody works together for the same reason, it just impacts the day, the child's life, immensely,” Mrs. Biviano said. Mrs. Deierlein agrees, adding, “The community is fantastic.”
Read more about Mrs. Deierlein and Mrs. Biviano on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/staffspotlight
Just in time for the rainy weather, WNYT @NewsChannel13 Meteorologist Paul Caiano stopped by Forts Ferry on Tuesday, July 28 to talk to fourth and fifth grade students about extreme weather, some of which can happen in the Capital Region. His presentation covered events such as hurricanes, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and more, while sharing some of his own personal experiences reporting on these events. Caiano then talked about his own path to becoming a meteorologist, telling students, “Whatever it is that you really enjoy and think about a lot, it’s really important to not let things stop you from achieving that goal and being whatever you want.”
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your insights, @PaulCaianoWeather!
Congratulations to Shaker High School rising senior Giuliana Palmieri on winning the 2026 USA Fencing Division III Women's Sabre National Championship in Portland, Oregon! Giuliana went undefeated at 12-0, defeating a field of 80 competitors to earn her first national title. Congratulations, Giuliana!
What a weekend to remember! The Shaker High School Class of 1976 came together to celebrate their 50th Reunion, bringing more than 100 classmates back together for a weekend filled with laughter, stories, and unforgettable memories.
From reconnecting with lifelong friends and enjoying great food to honoring classmates through a heartfelt memorial and reminiscing over a 1970s-themed time capsule, senior photos, and decades of shared experiences, the celebration was a true testament to the lasting bonds of the Shaker community. Congratulations to the Class of 1976 on this incredible milestone, and thank you for keeping the Blue Bison spirit alive 50 years later!
From reconnecting with lifelong friends and enjoying great food to honoring classmates through a heartfelt memorial and reminiscing over a 1970s-themed time capsule, senior photos, and decades of shared experiences, the celebration was a true testament to the lasting bonds of the Shaker community. Congratulations to the Class of 1976 on this incredible milestone, and thank you for keeping the Blue Bison spirit alive 50 years later!
Elizabeth Pomerville has supported students and families across North Colonie, bringing compassion, advocacy, and a lifelong connection to the district she proudly calls home. A Shaker High School graduate whose parents also dedicated their careers to North Colonie, Mrs. Pomerville has come full circle, helping students thrive while building strong partnerships with families and staff. As she looks ahead to retirement, she's excited for more travel, time with family, and new adventures, while reflecting on the place that has always felt like home.
“I’m so happy that I got to end my career here,” she said. “It feels like another full-circle moment.”
Read more about Mrs. Pomerville on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/staffspotlight
Hear firsthand what our North Colonie employees love about working in our district, then come see what makes our team so special at our Summer Job Fair on August 6 from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. at 91 Fiddlers Lane, Latham! We're hiring for multiple positions and looking for excited individuals ready to make a difference. Meet our staff, learn about our opportunities, and interview on the spot (first come, first served). RSVP using the link in our bio, we can't wait to meet you!
Ready for Week Two? We sure are!
There are plenty of fresh produce items from the district gardens, along with pantry staples, available at Friday's Summer Garden Market. Stop by in front of Shaker Middle School every Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to see what's available. As always, all items are free of charge. If you'd like to contribute, donations go directly back into supporting the district gardens. We hope to see you there!
There are plenty of fresh produce items from the district gardens, along with pantry staples, available at Friday's Summer Garden Market. Stop by in front of Shaker Middle School every Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to see what's available. As always, all items are free of charge. If you'd like to contribute, donations go directly back into supporting the district gardens. We hope to see you there!
For 22 years, Bob Pollaro has helped shape social studies education across North Colonie, combining his passion for history, leadership, and lifelong learning to support students and teachers throughout the district. As he prepares for retirement, he's looking forward to new adventures, including an Alaskan cruise, more time spent camping and fishing, and even learning to play the electric guitar. After more than two decades of service, Mr. Pollaro reflects most proudly on the opportunity to work alongside dedicated educators and help make a difference for students every day.
“The favorite part that I have in the role is being able to blend all of the different administrative roles from my love of history to working with kids and also working with teachers,” he said.
Read more about Mr. Pollaro on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/staffspotlight
“The favorite part that I have in the role is being able to blend all of the different administrative roles from my love of history to working with kids and also working with teachers,” he said.
Read more about Mr. Pollaro on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/staffspotlight
**Staff Spotlight: Kimberly Jeram**
For 30 years, Kimberly Jeram has been a steady, compassionate presence at North Colonie, helping students discover that success is possible with the right support, patience, and encouragement. This June, she retired from the district and is looking ahead to new adventures, including a European trip planned for 2027 and plenty of future travel opportunities. Still, after three decades at North Colonie, she reflects most fondly on the people and relationships built along the way.
“I loved being here for 30 years,” she said. “It’s been a great place to work, and I’ve met some of the best people in my life. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Read more about Mrs. Jeram on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/staffspotlight
SHS student Sahana Rao has had a busy start to her summer! The rising senior has been working in a lab at Albany College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, conducting HIV research with Lead Researcher and Associate Professor of Microbiology Dr. Vir Singh. Working in the lab alongside her high school peers, college students, and professors, Sahana and her group are focused on studying a molecule capable of keeping HIV dormant, even after treatment stops. Learn more on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/article/3025025
Congratulations to the SHS students who made fourth quarter high honor, honor and merit roll! Read the full list here: https://www.northcolonie.org/article/3022108
This Friday, July 10, the North Colonie Annual Summer Garden Market will open! In addition to plenty of fresh vegetables from the district garden, pantry items will also be available for pickup. The market will run every Friday from July 10 through August 14, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Be sure to stop by Shaker Middle School to check out all that our gardens have to offer, each week will feature different items. As always, items are free of charge; however, if you would like to contribute, all donations will go directly back into the district gardens. We hope to see you there!
Check out the 2026 Graduation Newsletter through the link in our bio! See the full photo album, social media coverage and find out how you can get the special edition 75th Anniversary calendar with over 300 pictures of North Colonie from the last 75 years.
We have celebrated and congratulated many of our seniors, but now it’s time to recognize those who have supported them behind the scenes.
Thank you to the parents, teachers, faculty, and administrators who have guided these students, supported countless students before them, and will continue to make a difference for so many more in the years ahead.
For many of our students, their North Colonie experience included something truly special: having both a family member and a faculty member wrapped into one. More than a dozen students had the opportunity to share this milestone with someone who played both roles in their journey, serving as the person who handed them their diplomas onstage.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026, and congratulations to everyone who helped them reach this moment!
Our Summer Garden Market is making its return this summer! Every Friday, from July 10-August 14 from 10am to 12pm, stop by Shaker Middle School to check out the freshest produce from our district gardens! Every week will feature some different items. As always, items are free of charge. Any donations made will go directly back into the district gardens. We hope to see you on July 10!
When school lets out, grocery bills go up for families who relied on free school meals. Resources in our community, like summer meals, Summer EBT, SNAP, and WIC, can help families put food on the table. Visit hungersolutionsny.org/find-food-help to learn more.
Shaker High School just welcomed around 500 new freshmen! On Thursday, June 25, Shaker Middle School eighth graders, along with their families, friends, and teachers, filled the Shaker High H-Gym to celebrate as these students graduated and took the next step in their journey. They have all worked incredibly hard to reach this milestone and we are excited to see what they do next. Congratulations Shaker High Class of 2030, see you in the fall!
It was a night filled with fun, games, photos, food, and a special visit from Bryson the Bison at Forts Ferry Elementary's fifth grade Bison Block Party on Tuesday, June 23! Fifth graders had the chance to celebrate, hang out, and make memories with their fellow Lions one of the last times before becoming Bison at Shaker Middle School. After their moving-up ceremony that morning, the Lions came together that evening for a well deserved celebration of their next big adventure! Congratulations Lions!
