100%! The North Colonie CSD transportation mechanics received a perfect rating on their New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) inspection for the 2025-26 school year! Congratulations to our team of eight and thank you for your dedication to keeping our students safe on buses each and every day.
During Women’s History Month in March, the Shaker Music Department is joined the #PurpleBaton campaign, celebrating great conductors who are women! The campaign features the color purple for the batons to represent equity, loyalty, and justice. SMS Orchestra Teachers Desiree Burke and Nina Canestrari picked up the Purple Baton in an effort to share awareness of famous women conductors. SMS girls were also invited to the front of the room to take a turn at conducting their peers.
Shaker High School Latin teacher Edythe Malara-Lutjen has been named a WNYT News Channel 13 Top Teacher! This recognition reflects her lasting impact on generations of students. For years, she has inspired learners through her engaging Latin classes and club, bringing language and history to life while fostering curiosity beyond the classroom. Her dedication extends to travel and enrichment opportunities, from museum visits and trips to Union College, her alma mater, to unforgettable experiences in Italy that deepen students’ understanding of Roman culture. Congratulations to Mrs. Malara-Lutjen on this well-deserved honor and for the passion and excellence she brings to North Colonie every day. To see the story, click the link in our bio.
On Wednesday, April 15, Shaker Middle School proudly hosted a naturalization ceremony for the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York, welcoming fifteen new citizens from countries including India, Moldova, Albania, and China in a powerful celebration of unity and opportunity. The event was made especially meaningful by members of the North Colonie community, as Director of Instructional Technology and Innovation Renata Relyea shared her journey to citizenship as a guest speaker. Shaker High School food service employee Mariana Zahopoulos, a recently naturalized citizen, led the group of new citizens the Pledge of Allegiance. With remarks from Superintendent Kathleen Skeals and New York State Senator Jacob Ashby, a stirring National Anthem by eighth grader Arya Parikh, and patriotic performances by the Shaker High School 11th-12th grade band, the ceremony reflected the pride, diversity, and shared promise that define our community. Congratulations to our newest citizens on this inspiring milestone.
Today is the last day to nominate for the Shaker Alumni Hall of Fame! Do you know a Shaker alum making a difference or doing outstanding work in their career field? All nominations are due by Wednesday, April 15 by midnight! Don’t miss your chance to recognize someone deserving. You can find a link to the nomination in our bio. #alumnihalloffame
The North Colonie Central School District and Shaker High School are mourning the loss of longtime teacher and coach Ed Springstead. Coach Springstead passed away on Friday, April 10, at the age of 93.
A United States Army veteran, Coach Springstead spent more than 50 years as a physical education teacher and cross country and track coach at Shaker. In his decades as a coach, his cross country teams won two state championships, one at Colonie High in 1962 and another here at Shaker in 2010. His 2010 state championship team went on to qualify for Nike Cross Nationals and finished 13th in the country.
Mr. Springstead’s tenure as a coach lasted long beyond his retirement as a teacher in 1989. A member of the Shaker High School Athletic Hall of Fame and the Greater Capital Region Cross Country and Track and Field Hall of Fame, Coach Springstead impacted the lives of thousands of student-athletes across the Capital District. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and former athletes and colleagues. Our thoughts are with all of those who knew and loved Coach Springstead during this difficult time.
A United States Army veteran, Coach Springstead spent more than 50 years as a physical education teacher and cross country and track coach at Shaker. In his decades as a coach, his cross country teams won two state championships, one at Colonie High in 1962 and another here at Shaker in 2010. His 2010 state championship team went on to qualify for Nike Cross Nationals and finished 13th in the country.
Mr. Springstead’s tenure as a coach lasted long beyond his retirement as a teacher in 1989. A member of the Shaker High School Athletic Hall of Fame and the Greater Capital Region Cross Country and Track and Field Hall of Fame, Coach Springstead impacted the lives of thousands of student-athletes across the Capital District. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and former athletes and colleagues. Our thoughts are with all of those who knew and loved Coach Springstead during this difficult time.
In recognition of Cerebral Palsy (CP) Awareness Day, neuroscientist Dr. Kainat Akhtar, PhD visited Southgate to share information about CP with kindergarten students. Dr. Akhtar was joined by her younger sister Komal, who has CP and is a kindergartener at Southgate. Komal was excited to join in and share information with her friends! During the presentation, students learned to recognize if things are contagious or not, that everyone has the same emotions, and that all bodies and brains work differently. Thank you to Dr. Akhtar and Komal for sharing this important information with us!
Congratulations to Elijah Goldberg and Bolaji Owodunni! The two were among 45 students from across the Capital Region to place at the regional SkillsUSA competition last month. Elijah (pictured right on the podium) won third place in the Employment Application Process Basic competition. This is Elijah's second year competing and placing at SkillsUSA. Bolaji also won third place for the Prepared Speech competition. Bolaji currently attends the Game Design and Implementation with Capital Region BOCES. Great job, Elijah and Bolaji!
Congratulations to Shaker Middle School eighth grade students Rohith Krishnan and Louis Jin for receiving an Honorable Mention in the Toshiba ExploraVision Competition! The yearly competition is widely recognized as the world’s largest K–12 science competition and is organized by Toshiba in partnership with the National Science Teaching Association. Rohith and Louis worked together to research and develop a proposal for a future technology concept for "NOSSA- Self Secreting Cooking Oil." Their Honorable Mention recognition reflects the creativity, research, and teamwork put into the project. Every year, more than 6000 students from across the United States and Canada participate in this competition. Great job, Rohith and Louis!
Congratulations to Shaker High School sophomore Akshita Bandari! Akshita was honored with the Young Excellence Award by the YWCA at the 43rd Annual Empowerment Awards Gala. This award recognizes young leaders who demonstrate outstanding commitment to community service, leadership, and academic excellence. Akshita was recognized for her work as co-founder of EmpowerMed, a youth-led health education initiative, her advocacy in public health campaigns, leadership in the Free Healthcare Initiative, and her active participation in school clubs and academic pursuits. Her accomplishments reflect a strong dedication to service, learning, and positively impacting her community. Thank you for all you have done for the Shaker community, Akshita!
Receiving SNAP secures kids free school meals. Together SNAP and school meals provide kids the food they need to learn. Learn more about how SNAP grocery benefits can support your child’s education: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/snap/
Happy Assistant Principals Week to our Shaker Shaker Middle and High School hall principals and deans! We appreciate everything you do for our students everyday! It may be spring break but be sure to show your appreciation when we come back next week! #assistantprincipalweek
Eight Forts Ferry students are being recognized as the March North Colonie Kids Care recipients. A group of fifth graders... Isaiah, Levent, Ryan, Kaia, Josie, Mara, Josh and Olivia, were nominated by Mrs. Lisa Hunter and Mrs. Lauren Ireland, for their enthusiastic participation in an ongoing series of safety videos.
Under the direction of Mrs. Ireland, this group of students has been making instructional videos for younger students on how to safely participate in a cafeteria lockdown drill, as well as how to safely ride the bus. They have taken time out of their day to energetically read scripts and act out stellar behavior. As Mrs. Hunter said, “while these efforts may seem simple, the impact they have on the younger community is great.” Their enthusiasm rubs off on the younger students and gets them excited to learn about these topics that are very important to their safety and overall school experience.
We are excited to recognize this group of students for their leadership amongst peers and the younger community. Congratulations!
Under the direction of Mrs. Ireland, this group of students has been making instructional videos for younger students on how to safely participate in a cafeteria lockdown drill, as well as how to safely ride the bus. They have taken time out of their day to energetically read scripts and act out stellar behavior. As Mrs. Hunter said, “while these efforts may seem simple, the impact they have on the younger community is great.” Their enthusiasm rubs off on the younger students and gets them excited to learn about these topics that are very important to their safety and overall school experience.
We are excited to recognize this group of students for their leadership amongst peers and the younger community. Congratulations!
The Bison is wishing everyone a great Spring Break! Don’t forget we are one month away from the Bison getting a name, and celebrating the 75th anniversary together!
Congratulations to Vicki and Isla Bentley! On Wednesday, April 1, Senator Jake Ashby visited Loudonville Elementary to recognize Vicki and Isla with a New York State Senate Commendation for their picture book “Not Sorry to Be Me.” Senator Ashby nominated both Vicki and Isla for the award after hearing about their book, how they developed the concept for it, and the process involved in getting it to print. Senator Ashby spoke at a school assembly, reflecting on how writing "Not Sorry to Be Me" has created a story that helps to bring awareness about differences, autism, and ADHD. At the assembly, Vicki and Isla each received the NYS Senate Commendation for their work, to the cheers of students and staff. Thank you to Senator Ashby for this honor and congratulations to Vicki and Isla!
Read more about their book on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/article/2680692
Read more about their book on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/article/2680692
Congratulations to our Principles of Engineering classes! The classes attended the Capital District E-Week Model Bridge Competition at HVCC on Friday, March 27. Our students competed against other Capital Region schools, designing and building bridges that were evaluated and tested for aesthetics, max load held, and efficiency. Shaker High School students had an amazing showing, sweeping first, second, and third place in all categories! Great job to these talented students!
You're Invited to Shaker Unified National Banner School Celebration on Friday, April 17 at 6 p.m. in the H-Gym at SHS. This celebration is to recognize our recent recognition as a National Unified Banner School. We would love to have the North Colonie community there to celebrate this milestone!
The Shaker High School Art Department proved to be one of the top in the Capital Region once again, bringing home seven awards at the 27th Annual High School Regional Juried Exhibition at the Albany Center Gallery. Shaker artists had 16 works selected out of 25 submitted and seven of those won awards. Those works, created by four students, are listed below.
Jurors' Choice Award: Kayra Etienne Maître, Almost Like Home
Jurors' Choice Award: Anya Vedhathiri, Oneirism
The Joe Faul Memorial Award: Riley Luczak, Just the Three of Us
The Patricia Clahassey Memorial Award: Trinity Pitts, Clarity
Kevin & Cindi Dubner Showcase Award: Trinity Pitts, Handle with Care
Lory Tansky 3D Award: Riley Luczak, From the Depths
The Opalka Gallery at Russell Sage College Award: Kayra Etienne Maître, Almost Like Home
More than 126 works were selected from 109 students from 27 schools around the Capital Region by jurors D. Colin, Tony Iadicicco, and Alicia Lea. The exhibition will remain on display at Albany Center Gallery until April 24, 2026. There is a public reception on Friday, April 3, from 5-8 p.m. at the gallery located at 48 North Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12207.
Congratulations to all of the Shaker artists and their teachers for such an outstanding performance at the High School Regional Juried Art Exhibition! We’re proud to see your work recognized by the larger art community.
Jurors' Choice Award: Kayra Etienne Maître, Almost Like Home
Jurors' Choice Award: Anya Vedhathiri, Oneirism
The Joe Faul Memorial Award: Riley Luczak, Just the Three of Us
The Patricia Clahassey Memorial Award: Trinity Pitts, Clarity
Kevin & Cindi Dubner Showcase Award: Trinity Pitts, Handle with Care
Lory Tansky 3D Award: Riley Luczak, From the Depths
The Opalka Gallery at Russell Sage College Award: Kayra Etienne Maître, Almost Like Home
More than 126 works were selected from 109 students from 27 schools around the Capital Region by jurors D. Colin, Tony Iadicicco, and Alicia Lea. The exhibition will remain on display at Albany Center Gallery until April 24, 2026. There is a public reception on Friday, April 3, from 5-8 p.m. at the gallery located at 48 North Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12207.
Congratulations to all of the Shaker artists and their teachers for such an outstanding performance at the High School Regional Juried Art Exhibition! We’re proud to see your work recognized by the larger art community.
Blue Creek students used the book Stone Soup as their inspiration to make their own version of the delicious meal on Friday, March 27. A day after their Stone Soup assembly, students in Ms. Franke and Ms. Olszowy's communications classes dug for potatoes, cut vegetables and made the soup with the help of the district's Charlie Cart. Farm to School Facilitator Mrs. Amber Cost, helped students use the cart to create the finished product, which students really enjoyed! Some even had second and third helpings and asked for more veggies! In addition, students planted seeds that will be planted in the Blue Creek garden later this spring.
The celebration continued for World Language Month, as the World Language Department hosted a poster contest at Shaker Middle School. Students created posted related to this year's theme of "Languages: The Key to a Global Community." This year's winners are:
3rd Place: Izzy Gorman and Joni Gorr
2nd Place: Deeparjo Ganguli
1st Place: Lily Stone
Congratulations to our winners!
3rd Place: Izzy Gorman and Joni Gorr
2nd Place: Deeparjo Ganguli
1st Place: Lily Stone
Congratulations to our winners!
