A group of 63 students from Shaker High School recently spent the day in training to become student ambassadors for the Sources of Strength program. Sources of Strength is a fun and positive program where students work together to spread hope, help, and strength throughout our school. The program, which was established through the University of Rochester, aims to help everyone know that they have people and things in their life that make them strong—even when things get tough. Thank you to our 63 new student ambassadors who spent the day learning, supporting their peers, and showing us just what it means to be a Bison! Read more on our website:
https://www.northcolonie.org/article/25907144 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Old McDonald had a farm.... and kindergartners at Latham Ridge learned all about the cows on that farm! A representative from Cornell Cooperative Extension's Dairy in the Classroom program visited to help teach students all about agriculture in conjunction with their CKLA (Core Knowledge Language Arts) unit on Farm Animals. Students participated in three different activities. They decorated cut-out cows with the grain and corn that cows eat, they made butter and they drew and created small barns with Mrs. Rossi. It was a day filled with a lot of fun and learning!
4 months ago, North Colonie Communications
We're proud to look back at the transportation team who helped keep our students moving in 1983, and proud of the team who does today!
Have any other photos from the last 75 years? Send them to us at communications@nccsk12.org. We love to see them! #NC75 #throwbackthursday
5 months ago, North Colonie Communications
As Shaker High School marked the end of the first quarter, a group of 31 students were named the newest recipients of the Shaker Strong character award. The award celebrates students who show important character traits in how they act and treat others, including bravery in tough moments, treating others with respect, and making a positive impact on our school community. For the first quarter, the group was honored for social and ethical behavior: building respectful, inclusive communities. The 31 recipients received their award along with a celebratory bagel breakfast. Congratulations to the newest recipients of the Shaker Strong award!
5 months ago, North Colonie Communications
It's almost here! The first “Holidays Around the World” event takes place this Friday, Dec. 12 from 5-7 p.m. at Shaker High School. The North Colonie community is invited to attend this event, which will celebrate diversity and culture by allowing SHS students a chance to share their cultural holidays. Read more about the event on our website at
https://www.northcolonie.org/article/2578704. We hope to see you there!
5 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Forts Ferry stepped into the spotlight as Monday marked the halfway point in the Bison’s naming journey! Students learned about the voting process during two assemblies before casting their ballots in classrooms. Excitement filled the building, and first graders were so inspired they even wrote a poem for the Bison. With plenty of votes to count, the journey continues at Boght Hills in January for their election day!
5 months ago, North Colonie Communications
On December 6th, the Shaker Speech and Debate won 1st Place in team sweeps at the Snowball Invitational at Mt. Markham High School. Leading the team to their success were the following competitors:
Original Oratory Speech:
1st Place – Ella Bagchi
2nd Place – Pragna Obiddi
3rd Place – Aven Kilmer
Extemporaneous Speaking:
1st Place – Renee Bates
Oral Interpretation:
1st Place – Aven Kilmer
Novice Lincoln Douglas Debate:
1st Place – Victoria Chung
2nd Place – Sima Amiri
Intermediate Lincoln Douglas Debate:
1st Place – Gianna Zhang
Congratulations everyone on a job well done!
5 months ago, North Colonie Communications
The Latham Ridge votes are in! The Bison stopped by Latham Ridge Elementary School Friday, and our students were excited to cast their votes the bison name! Their creativity and enthusiasm are helping bring this district-wide project to life. Stay tuned as we visit more schools and gather more votes! Forts Ferry, we will see you on Monday!
5 months ago, North Colonie Communications
The North Colonie community is invited to attend the first “Holidays Around the World” event on Friday, Dec. 12 from 5-7 p.m. at Shaker High School. The event, hosted by the Cooking & Culture Club, celebrates celebrate diversity and culture by allowing SHS students a chance to share their cultural holidays. Read more about the event here:
https://www.northcolonie.org/article/25787045 months ago, North Colonie Communications
The Bison is one stop closer to getting a name, with our second school visit in the books! Students grades K-5 at Loudonville Elementary School had the chance to cast their votes for the Bison's name today. The Bison and Superintendent Kathleen Skeals both stopped by to say hello, sharing plenty of high fives and excitement. Thanks for having us, Loudonville! See you soon, Latham Ridge!
5 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Please join us in wishing 13 Shaker High School students good luck this weekend as they head to the NYSSMA All-State Music Festival in Rochester. The students have gone through a complex process to be chosen as a performer or alternate in the 2025 NYSSMA All-State Festival. Congratulations and best of luck to the following students:
Bathala Bernardo 12 Drumset in the Modern Band
Surya Bommasani 12 Bass in the Mixed Chorus
Jenna Cannistraci 11 Alto in the Treble Chorus
Nafiza Ilma 11 Alto in the Mixed Chorus
Adam Judson 11 Oboe in the Symphonic Band
Lauren Lee-Chung 11 Violin in the Symphony Orchestra
Jackson Majewski 12 Tenor in the Mixed Chorus
Lily Maynard 12 Soprano 1 in the Treble Chorus
Avery Subik 11 Bass in the String Orchestra
Isabel Yang 12 Alto in the Treble Chorus
Sophie Freed 11 Alternate on Percussion
Gio Ok 11 Alternate on Cello
Chaz Siegfeld 12 Alternate on Tenor
5 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Prior to the Thanksgiving break, SHS alumni E.L. Shen visited to share her experiences as a writer and her journey from Shaker student to publisher to published author. The visit was hosted by the SHS National English Honor Society and offered Shen the chance to talk about her latest book, "The Queens of New York," which was based on the friendships she made while at Shaker. She also talked about the creative process behind writing the book, the input she had on the cover, and more. Following her session, Shen then led a writing workshop for students interested in the creative writing and publishing process. Shen has published three books, with another due in fall 2026. Thank you for your visit, E.L. Shen!
5 months ago, North Colonie Communications
It's Special Education Day! While this year was a snowy one, we thank all of our special education students, teachers and staff here in North Colonie for everything you bring to our district! #SpecialEducationDay
5 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Happy Giving Tuesday! The North Colonie @unitedwaygcr Season of Giving campaign continues as we look to provide a happy holiday season for all of our families in need. If you would like to contribute, use the QR code on your screen or by visiting
https://ignite.stratuslive.com/uwgcr/get-involved/fundraise/25NCCSDgiving.
100% of the proceeds go directly back to North Colonie to assist our families. Thank you for your support! #givingtuesday
5 months ago, North Colonie Communications
The North Colonie Central School District is closed today, Tuesday, Dec. 2, due to inclement weather. Only snow removal employees are to report.
5 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Students in Kaytie Ginter’s Russian class at Shaker Middle School recently embarked on a virtual adventure across Eurasia! Using VR goggles provided by NERIC/BOCES, they “visited” a first-grade classroom in Ukraine, witnessed the dramatic cracking ice of Lake Baikal, and explored the iconic Red Square. It was a quick but exciting journey - the students can’t wait to see where they’ll travel next!
5 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Last week was action packed at Blue Creek Elementary School. On Wednesday, Nov. 13, the school's annual Family Bingo Night filled the cafeteria with three rounds of games, enthusiastic winners, a spirited O67 call that thrilled the kids, baked-good sales supporting the food bank, and pizza and drink sales assisting the fifth grade. On Thursday, Nov. 20, Blue Creek hosted the annual Turkey Shoot, welcoming more than 300 participants as students and family partners each took ten shots for a combined score, with winners announced in school and awarded prizes.
5 months ago, North Colonie Communications
On Friday, Nov. 21, Communications and SHS students gathered in the Taft Cafeteria for the Gratitude Gathering, enjoying an hour filled with food, fun, and laughter. It was a warm and welcome chance for students to unwind, spend time with friends and teachers, and celebrate the spirit of appreciation together.
5 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Look at the Boght Hills Food Pantry! With the help of the Community Food Drive a couple of weeks ago, the pantry is stocked and ready to serve our students and families in need through the Backpack Program. Thank you to everyone who donated food and personal hygiene items to help fill all of our eight school pantries! If you would still like to help our students, you can use the QR code for the United Way Season of Giving campaign which directly benefits our district families.
5 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Forts Ferry students got a sweet taste of autumn on Thursday, Nov. 20. Food & Nutrition Services visited for this month’s taste test, where students sampled homemade apple crisp and voted if they Loved It, Liked It, or just Tried It. The winning dish was served across the district the next day!
5 months ago, North Colonie Communications
