Second grade students at Latham Ridge had a special visitor last week from the Irish American Heritage Museum. Museum Director Michael Clarke visited the school to talk about Irish immigration, including the Great Famine, push/pull factors, and Irish traditions. With his accordion, Clarke shared Irish music for the group as he talked about the history of the Irish and his own story. Students were quick to clap, tap their feet, and sing along to the music. Thank you for stopping by, Mr. Clarke!
Congratulations to SMS student Livia Lu SHS student Gianna Zhang for their winning submissions in the Albany County Legislature essay contest! The contest, a part of the commemoration of Women’s History Month, invited students across all grade levels to reflect on what a sustainable future looks like to them. Congratulations Livia and Gianna!
Families and students gathered at the Empire State Plaza K-8 Abstract Expressionism Art Show reception on Thursday, March 12 to celebrate the creativity of young artists from across the region. Students proudly shared their work while exploring inspiring pieces from the Rockefeller collection on the concourse. Local children’s book author and illustrator Liz Zunon delivered an engaging keynote, encouraging students to keep creating and expressing themselves through art. Congratulations to all the students who shared their work!
The SHS Shaker Character Award for Quarter 2 honors students who exemplify self-awareness, self-advocacy, and emotional resilience each and every day. These outstanding students were nominated by their teachers for the positive choices they make, the way they support others, and their commitment to personal growth. Their actions truly make a difference in our school community! Join us in celebrating our Shaker Strong Character Award winners for Quarter 2. We are incredibly proud of all they’ve accomplished!
Oliver Aiossa
Arek Bardakjian
Sam Behrens
Faith Brate
Mikayla Brice
Noli Ceccucci
Nealy DeBiccari
Makayla Jackson
Nana Kyiretwie
Gaven Li
Yanitcia Pino-Mercado
Anthony Walls
Javeria Zahid
Gianna Zhang
Stay tuned for more information about the Bison Birthday Bash on May 9, 2026!
From pencils and paper in 2006 to a classroom full of curious minds in 2025, learning has always been at the heart of our schools. We’re proud to look back at the students who filled our classrooms years ago and just as proud of the learners continuing that tradition today!
Have photos from the last 75 years? Send them to us at communications@nccsk12.org. We’d love to see them! #NC75 #ThrowbackThursday
Shaker High School’s World Language Department celebrated the 3rd annual induction ceremony of the Felipe VI Chapter of La Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica!
A total of 91 students were honored for their dedication to Spanish language and culture, showcasing excellence in academics and a passion for global connections.
Congratulations to our newest members, and thank you to the families who joined us to celebrate this special milestone!
Blue Creek Elementary third, fourth, and fifth graders welcomed visitors from IBM Research, on Wednesday, March 11. The researchers introduced students to exciting STEM careers and showed them how various topics they learn in school connects to real-world innovation. Students learned about conductors, semiconductors, insulators, computer chips, nanos, and nanometers while taking part in hands-on activities like transferring patterns using light, examining samples, and even trying on a cleanroom suit just like real researchers. Thank you to IBM Research for inspiring our future scientists, engineers, and innovators!
Lose your blues and kick off your Sunday shoes at Shaker Theatre's production of Footloose! The show will take place on Friday, March 27 at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 28 at 2 p.m., and Saturday, March 28 at 7 p.m.
Tickets are now available! Visit https://shsnccs.booktix.com to purchase tickets for any show. Tickets have been selling quickly - don't miss out!
March 4 to 6, marked the 62nd Annual New York State DECA State Competition in Rochester. In just their third year as a DECA charter, this was the first time Shaker qualified for states. The team, consisting of juniors Adithya Thumila and Ansh Maurya and sophomore Srivar Gillela, represented Shaker High School while competing against over 3,500 students from across New York State. Adithya and Ansh earned medals in their events, marking a memorable achievement. Special thanks to senior and outgoing president Naisha Majmudar for establishing DECA at Shaker High School. DECA provides students with opportunities in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management through competitions, leadership development, and real-world experience.
Shaker High School band teacher Samantha Baldwin has been nominated for the Manilow Music Teacher Award! This national award honors outstanding music educators, and the winner receives a prize of $5,000 for classroom instruments to support their students and music program. The winner will receive VIP tickets to Barry Manilow’s concert and will be presented their award in person during a special backstage ceremony with Mr. Manilow. Please vote daily and share to help support Samantha and the Shaker High School music program! Congratulations Samantha! Vote daily here: https://on.barrymanilow.com/trk/mmpalbany
SOLD OUT! We're not the only ones excited about Shaker Middle School's performance of the "Descendants: The Musical." Our students and staff are putting the finishing touches on the show, which will take place on Friday, March 13 & Saturday, March 14, and Sunday, March 15. Best of luck to the cast and crew, it's sure to be a wickedly fun show!
