Friday, March 27 marked the conclusion of the "One School, One Book" month long reading challenge for Latham Ridge. Students took part in a day of celebrations, with a morning assembly that included a student from SHS playing the bagpipes and Mr. Thiell reading the final chapter to the school. Throughout the day, students played Highland games, created their own Tartan patterns for an art project connected to the upcoming Ridge Gala, watched "The Water Horse," and engaged in many activities in their classrooms that connect to the story and the history of Scotland. It was a great day of celebrations, marking the successful completion of the reading challenge. Great job, Panthers!
A group of Shaker Middle School sixth graders has a lot more knowledge about mummies! That’s thanks to several visits by Janine Moon from the Albany Institute of History and Art over the past two weeks. Ms. Moon, the Education Manager for AIHA, presented Ancient Egypt: Mummies on the Move, for the students of Ms. Meade, Ms. Silver, Ms. Ackerly and Mr. Futia. Our students had a lot of great questions about Ancient Egypt and Ms. Moon answered every one of them! She brought ancient tools to show off and students got to make a Shabti out of model magic clay and decorated it.
The Albany Institute is the legal guardian of two mummies, which means it is their responsibility to take care of those mummies. They sign a contract with specific terms like making sure the mummies are under plexiglass and have specific temperature and humidity requirements for their protection. Thank you to Ms. Moon and the Albany Institute of History and Art for the fun and educational experience!
Prom season is almost here, and we’re excited to support our students once again. On Monday, 4/6 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, NCCSD is hosting our annual Free Prom Attire Giveaway. All students are invited to browse our collection in G103 (Chorus Room), entering through the Auditorium Entrance. We’ll have over 100 dresses and some men’s formalwear available, all in great condition, with some brand new and never worn items. Everything is completely free and yours to keep. We had a great turnout last year and hope to see even more students this time!
We are also accepting donations, so if you have gently used formalwear to share, please drop it off at the Shaker High School main office.
Our classrooms have changed so much in just 14 years, and so have the ways our students explore and create. Some things, like curiosity and energy, never change!
Have photos from the last 75 years? Send them to us at communications@nccsk12.org. We’d love to see them! #NC75 #ThrowbackThursday
For the past few weeks, Mrs. Hoffman, Mrs. Nolett and Mr. Zitolo’s physics students spent time engineering cardboard boats that finally hit the water on Monday, March 23 and Tuesday, March 24. Students competed across three categories including Best Theme, Most Buoyant, and Fastest Race Times. Huge shoutout to all participants for their creativity, teamwork, and determination, great job!
Congratulations to SMS eighth grader Inaayah Ashar! On March 14, Inaayah came in first place in the Junior Division for the Capital Region History Day at the New York State Museum, where she presented her original documentary, titled "Revolution, Reaction, and Reform in History: How a Peaceful Protest was the Only Solution for the Courageous Country of Lithuania." She also won an award from WMHT for best documentary in both the Junior and Senior Division. Inaayah will move on to compete at the state competition at SUNY Oneonta in April. Congratulations and best of luck at States, Inaayah!
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!
You couldn’t help but “shake, rattle and roll” in the auditorium at Loudonville on Tuesday, March 18. Students in grades 3-5 were treated to a special performance from the musical group “Blues and Beyond,” who hosted an assembly to introduce students to African American history through music. The performance offered a look at different musical styles such as blues, hip hop, and gospel, teaching students how these genres connect to important moments and stories in history. “Blues and Beyond” brought the lessons to life with a live ensemble, performing music that relates to each topic as it was introduced. The narrator interacted with the students by asking questions and inviting them to share their ideas. Students could not stop themselves from getting up to sing and dance along to songs such as “My Girl” by the Temptations, "I Feel Good” by James Brown, "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire, "Purple Rain" by Prince, and many more popular tunes. The show was a musical success!
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
Help us celebrate the amazing accomplishments of Shaker alumni! Nominations are officially open for the 2026 Shaker High School Alumni Hall of Fame. If you know a graduate who is leading, inspiring, or making a meaningful impact in their field or community, we want to hear about them. Submit your nomination by Wednesday, April 15 using the form linked in our bio. #alumnihalloffame
Have you seen the latest district newsletter? Featuring staff spotlights, Capital Project updates, district news, and more, find the digital version here: https://www.northcolonie.org/o/nccs/page/district-newsletters.
Stay tuned for more information about the Bison Birthday Bash on May 9, 2026!
Stay tuned for more information about the Bison Birthday Bash on May 9, 2026!
Last week during lunch at SMS, students were invited to place a star on the world map, indicating the place where they feel most connected. Students gathered around to place stars on places they liked to vacation, had family living at, were born, and more, with stars placed across the globe. The "Where We are From" map will be hung up on display in the school as a celebration of our students.
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!
Loudonville Elementary students participated in an all-day Dance-O-Thon in the school gymnasium on Friday, March 13. Throughout the day, students watched short dance videos and worked together to learn and practice the movements themselves. The event provided a fun and engaging opportunity to stay active while building school spirit and teamwork and raising money for the PTA.
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!
Pinkies up! On Wednesday, March 11, and Thursday, March 12, Southgate kindergarteners donned their finest attire for a delightful spot of tea. After completing their Kings and Queens unit, students celebrated with a royal tea party. Cupcakes and apple juice (their version of “tea”) were served as students sipped from fancy cups at tables covered with a special tablecloth they colored together as a class. When the “tea” ran out, teachers returned with the teapot to pour more for their royal guests. It was truly a very regal day indeed!
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!
