A group of 15 Shaker High School students are being recognized as the May North Colonie Kids Care recipients for their efforts to raise money through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Student Visionaries of the Year Campaign. Over seven weeks this winter, these 15 students raised $111,114! Juniors Joelle Hannoush and Yirou Kao served as captains of Team “Fight2Cure” and were joined by senior Catherine Cheng and juniors Hannah Nune, Michael Green and Renat Gosmanov. This team finished as runner-up in the competition, raising $88,399 in that seven week period. They ran a lacrosse clinic at Afrim’s where they not only taught the sport to young students, but also stressed the importance of philanthropy and giving back to the community. The second team, “Hope Raisers,” was captained by juniors Cristiano Logrippo, Fynn Sarfoh and Kwame Boakye and joined by fellow juniors Anthony Tleiji, Aydan Shahbazli, Madison Turcotte, Patrick Guana, Rosa Tropiano and Shradha Thapa. They hosted pickleball and cornhole tournaments, ran a pancake breakfast and even presented as a team to Meliora Law in Delmar. For more on this story, click the link in our bio.
about 15 hours ago, North Colonie Communications
An image of 13 of the 15 students honored as North Colonie Kids Care recipients for May.
An image of two students posing with a representative from LLS while holding certificates.
An image of two students posing with certificates.
Two students pose with certificates received at the Board of Education meeting.
The SHS Multicultural Festival was a resounding success on Friday night! Families from across the district turned out to celebrate the many cultures represented here in North Colonie. There was food from dozens of different countries for people to sample, along with dance, music and crafts from various cultures. The festival was put on by the SHS Cooking and Culture Club with the support of many other school clubs. We can't wait to do it again next year!
about 22 hours ago, North Colonie Communications
Two students do Henna designs on the arms of two other students.
A posterboard with information on Lebanon set up by a table with food.
Four dancers posing together.
A family standing at a table with food and a posterboard on it.
A table with a cloth and various cultural items on it.
A table with photos, flags and other items representing the Afghan culture.
A group of eight students posing for the camera.
A student looks on in the foreground and three other students dance on the open floor.
Two students do crafts with colorful yarn at a table.
A student waves from behind a table with food and other items representing Mexico.
Thursday morning, the Shaker Varsity Boys' Basketball team and Ski Champion, Ava Bachta were honored at the New York State Senate, receiving official Resolutions from 43rd District Senator Jake Ashby. This means their incredible athletic achievements are now recognized in the official state record! Congratulations to all the athletes, coaches, and families on this amazing honor!
2 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Senator Ashby presenting Ava's resolution
Ava Bachta being awarded at the Senate
Senator Ashby presenting Ava Bachta with a resolution
Senator Ashby presenting the boys' basketball resolution
Boys basketball team being awarded at the Senate
Senator Ashby presenting the boys' basketball team with a resolution
They have signed on the dotted line! Alex Buff and Melina Carroll recently signed letters of intent at the Capital Region BOCES Career and Technical Education National Signing Day Ceremony. Alex (pictured), a student in the Automotive Collision Technology program, signed a letter of intent with Dawson's Auto Body Shop, Inc. Cosmetology student Melina Carroll has signed a letter of intent with Pixie Salon. Congratulations, Alex and Melina!
2 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Student holding a certificate at Capital Region BOCES Signing Day
Student holding a certificate at Capital Region BOCES Signing Day
Student holding a certificate at Capital Region BOCES Signing Day
It was a party at Walker Field on Wednesday as fifth graders from all six elementary schools came together for the 73rd Annual Fifth Grade Track & Field Meet! The field was buzzing with energy, cheers, music, and nonstop fun! Students participated in more than a dozen events like the softball throw and shot put. To wrap up the day there were three thrilling 4x100 relays ( boys, girls, and coed) which brought the crowd to their feet. Latham Ridge swept them all! Huge thanks to our faculty, staff, and incredible timekeepers for making it all happen!
3 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Coach Williams countdowns the race
Blue Creek student wins race
Walker Field
Co-ed Relay Race Second Place Winner
Loudonville students
Our time keepers and coaches
Boght Hills students
Blue Creek student does the long jump
Latham Ridge student does shotput
Supportive family members
Nothing lifts spirits like a surprise show of love and support! Representatives from the Class of 2025 and the athletic department covered Mr. Couture's yard with encouragement as he continues his recovery. Your school family is cheering you on every step of the way!
4 days ago, North Colonie Communications
An image of students carrying lawn signs in the road.
Students placing lawn signs on the front yard of a teacher.
Students plant lawn signs all over Mr. Couture's front yard.
An image of dozens of signs planted on the front lawn by students and staff members.
A sidewalk lined with lawn signs promoting Shaker pride.
Seven students and three teachers pose behind the signs they planted on the lawn.
Mr. Couture comes out of the garage to a surprise of signs all over his lawn.
Mr. Couture speaks at the end of his driveway.
Mr. Couture addresses the students who helped surprise him with lawn signs.
Mr. Couture poses behind the signs all over his front lawn.
Future architects in the making! Shaker High School Architecture 2 & 3 students took their talents to CSArch in Albany, presenting stunning design portfolios complete with CAD drawings, scaled models, and bold ideas. Each team confidently defended their vision in front of professional architects who were blown away by their creativity, skill, and professionalism.
5 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Students watching presentations
Students watching presentations
Group picture
Students discussing architecture
Group picture
It's Loudonville's turn for their day of service! On Friday, May 23, students and staff from Loudonville participated in a day of service to clean up their school garden. While the rain kept them inside, students stayed busy planting seeds and moving flowers and herbs to new containers in preparation for planting in their school garden.
5 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Students at Loudonville PlantingStudents at Loudonville Planting
Loudonville Day of Service
Loudonville Day of Service
Loudonville Day of Service
Loudonville Day of Service
Loudonville Day of Service
Students at Loudonville Planting
Loudonville Day of Service
Loudonville Day of Service
Loudonville Day of Service
We are thrilled to congratulate the outstanding Spanish students from Shaker High School who have once again demonstrated excellence on the 2025 National Spanish Exam (NSE), earning well-deserved national recognition. In this year's competition, 83 students from SHS secured a remarkable 1 gold, 4 silver, and 10 bronze medals, in addition to 35 honorable mentions. The achievement of earning a medal or honorable mention on the National Spanish Exam (NSE) is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our students as well as the guidance and expertise of our dedicated Spanish teachers. Click the link in our bio for a list of winners.
9 days ago, North Colonie Communications
An image of seven of our medalists from the 2025 National Spanish Exam.
Big smiles and even bigger school spirit filled the H Gym today as our Unified Basketball and Cheerleading teams hit the court for their first ever Blue vs. White game! The energy was electric as both teams gave it their all on the court and the sidelines. Huge thanks to everyone who came out to support. What an unforgettable day!
10 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Blue team cheering on from the sidelines!
Blue team player, Brenna, makes a basket!
Blue team player, David, makes a basket!
Everyone cheers on Gavin!
White team's Coach is preparing to sub Devon in!
White player, Dom, is open!
Group picture of Unified Basketball and Cheer
Unified Cheerleading team performs at halftime!
There are 20 new members of the National Art Honor Society after a formal induction ceremony at Shaker High School on Wednesday. Art Supervisor Anne Manzella and several NAHS Officers honored the new inductees with a certificate, a carnation and a special cord which students will wear at graduation. In addition, all of the SHS art teachers honored individual students in each of their classes for high achievement and performance. Teachers spoke glowingly about the 34 students they selected in grades 9-12 who were called up to receive certificates and sketch pads for the recognition.
10 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Art Supervisor Anne Manzella speaks into a microphone at a podium.
An image of a large group of students standing on risers in an auditorium. They were inducted into the National Art Honor Society.
A student officer hands a certificate to another student as she walks off the risers.
A teacher addresses a group of five students being honored as they stand to the side of her.
An art teacher speaks about the five students he is honoring as they stand to the side of him.
A teacher hands a student honoree a sketch book and pen for her recognition in art.
An art teacher speaks about the five students she is honoring as they stand to the side of her.
An art teacher speaks about the five students she is honoring as they stand to the side of her.
A teacher hands out awards to several students she is honoring in art.
An art teacher speaks about the five students he is honoring as they stand to the side of him.
This week, Haystack Hall sixth graders are participating in mock Congressional Hearings as part of their social studies curriculum. Students presented prepared testimony as expert witnesses, comparing the structure and principles of the United States government with those of ancient Athens and the Roman Republic. They delivered their testimonies to a panel that included Mrs. Ackerly (Social Studies teacher), Ms. Phillips (Librarian), Mrs. French (Haystack Principal), and Mr. Pollaro (Social Studies Supervisor). The panel provided feedback and asked questions to help students improve their public speaking skills and build confidence.
11 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Group reading their mock testimony
Group introducing themselves to the panel
Panel taking notes
Panel paying attention to students' testimony
Shaker Middle School is celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month! Charles Rice from the New York State Office of Mental Health came in during lunches on Wednesday to share information on the 988 Lifeline and help spread awareness about mental health. Students and faculty members were encouraged to connect with their feelings. Students could grab stickers from a table and volunteers handed out fidget spinners, pens, bracelets, and other support goodies. Staff even received a special treat, a "You Matter" hat! #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #YouMatter #988Lifeline
11 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Be Kind to Your Mind Sticker
Kind reminders
Students taking goodies from the table
Picture of Charles Rice with SMS Staff
Shaker High School is home to one of this year's Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Good Citizen Award recipients! Senior Sakthi Jagannath was honored at the Pruyn House on Tuesday, May 13, along with a recipient from Colonie High School. The DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Contest was created in 1934, to encourage and recognize high school seniors who possess the qualities of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism in their homes, schools and communities. For more on Sakthi's achievements, check out the full news story in our bio.
11 days ago, North Colonie Communications
A student shakes hand with Board of Education President Linda Harrison.
A student stands at a podium while speaking into a microphone.
Two students pose with Town of Colonie Deputy Supervisor Rick Field, while holding framed certificates.
A student receives a certificate as a recipient of the DAR Good Citizen Award.
A student's family member secures a pin to her dress as part of the Good Citizen Award recognition.
Four people pose and smile for the camera.
Thank you to the North Colonie community for supporting the 2025-26 budget! North Colonie residents voted to approve the budget, 937 yes votes to 267 no votes. Linda Harrison and Samuel Johnson were both reelected to their seats on the Board of Education. Learn more on our website at northcolonie.org/news.
11 days ago, North Colonie Communications
North Colonie CSD Budget Vote Passes
Gator Clubs! Where there is something for everyone! Sports like bowling, golf and cornhole not for you? There are beaded bracelets, fashion design, origami, slime, spirographs, dancing, trivia and much more! Every Southgate student in kindergarten through fifth grade was introduced to all of the clubs earlier in the school year before choosing five of their favorites. Once a month, beginning in January, students are assigned to one of their favorite clubs to just have fun for an hour!
12 days ago, North Colonie Communications
A student weaves a beaded bracelet while sitting at a desk.
A student colors with a pink marker on a paper as part of a fashion design.
Students and teachers sit around a table creating braided bracelets with string.
Students dance on a carpet as they watch a screen.
A student hits a ball at a bucket with a golf club.
A student throws a beanbag while playing cornhole.
Students draw a penguin figure with a pencil.
Students sit around a table creating spirograph designs.
A student squirts shaving cream into a paper bowl to make slime.
A student gets ready to throw a paper airplane.
On Sunday, May 18, the Shaker Middle School Select Chorus took the field to sing the national anthem ahead of the Tri-City ValleyCats baseball game. Southpaw loved hanging out with our singing stars and some students even had the chance to participate in the games on the field in between innings. Everyone had a great time!
12 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Members of the SMS Select Chorus lined up behind microphones on the baseball field as they prepare to sing.
The ValleyCats mascot jokingly takes a bite out of Ms. Greco's head at the baseball stadium.
ValleyCats' mascot Southpaw stands around with a group of middle school students.
An image of the Tri-City ValleyCats mascot kneeling down and posing with a large group of middle school students.
Shaker High School has another winner! Congratulations to senior Victoria Raghubar, who was chosen as a winner of the 3M Scholarship, for her performance in the National Merit Program. The 3M Scholarship is a special supplemental scholarship given to a candidate who fulfills the sponsor's criteria and scored highly on the 2023 PSAT. Victoria plans to attend Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in the fall.
13 days ago, North Colonie Communications
An image of a student standing next to a sign that says, "Welcome to Shaker High School."
Shaker Middle School held its Day of Service on Saturday too! Students, parents and staff members helped install a new pollinator garden and cleaned up the current garden beds which will be planted later this spring.
13 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Volunteers place mulch in new pollinator gardens.
Two students hold a large bucket of dirt to be used in the garden.
Students posing next to a garden bed at Shaker Middle School.
A large group of volunteers pose next to new garden beds at Shaker Middle School.
The Forts Ferry garden beds are in! Thanks to a huge effort during Saturday's Forts Ferry Day of Service, the beds were delivered and installed by a group of volunteers that included students, teachers and representatives from Forts Ferry Farm. Lookin' good Lions! We can't wait to see what you grow!
14 days ago, North Colonie Communications
A large group of volunteers rake mulch into wheelbarrows.
Two students use a hammer to pin down tarp.
Two men move a large, wooden garden bed from a truck.
Two people move a second large, wooden garden bed from a truck.
One student smiles and she and others work to lay mulch in the gardens.
Volunteers lay hay down in the wooden garden beds.
Volunteers shovel mulch into the new, wooden garden beds.
A group of volunteers pose behind one of the newly mulched garden beds.
Four adult volunteers pose after working in the gardens during Forts Ferry's Day of Service.
An image of the newly mulched and installed garden beds at Forts Ferry.