Canstruction took over Upper J Wing on Wednesday as 17 clubs transformed thousands of donated cans into jaw-dropping sculptures for a great cause, supporting the school pantry located just steps away. This year’s event brought in more than 2,000 cans to help keep the pantry stocked for students and families who depend on its support. Teams had only a few hours to build, and judges evaluated every creation for creativity, completion, and how cleverly the cans were used.

The hallway buzzed with energy as students, staff, and spectators watched iconic landmarks and pop-culture scenes rise from stacks of cans. Shaker Robotics wowed the crowd with a replica of R2-D2, the SLC team built an impressive model of Walker Field, and UNICEF recreated the famous house from Up, complete with balloons!

Coding Club took home the award for the most cans donated with its tissue box build. Latin Club claimed first place overall with a stunning Colosseum, German Club earned second for its towering Rapunzel tribute, and the National English Honor Society secured third with a dramatic Hamlet’s skull display. From creativity to community impact, every team delivered. Congratulations to all participants for an unforgettable Canstruction event!
about 2 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Winning Team: Latin Club
Coding Club
Judges
Latin Club's Colosseum
UNICEF Club building the house from UP
Spanish Honor Society
SLC builds SHS Football Field
German Club
Key Club
NAMI built a Turkey

Happy Thankful Thursday!
Each Thursday in November, we’re celebrating and showing our gratitude to the people who make North Colonie CSD such a special place.

This week, we’re giving a huge shoutout to our students, past and present! Your curiosity, creativity, resilience, and kindness are at the heart of our community. You inspire us every day and remind us why our work matters. Thank you for bringing energy, passion, and possibility to North Colonie.

We are proud of each and every one of you!

#ThankfulThursday #thankyounorthcolonie #nccsd75 #throwbackthursday

about 2 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Collage for thankful thursday
Lanterns were aglow for the annual Martinstag Lantern Parade and Celebration on November 13! Students and families from around the district gathered to celebrate the traditional German holiday at Shaker Middle School with performances and an outdoor lantern parade. This event has grown each year with tremendous support from the German program, students and staff. We hope to see you next year!
about 2 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Three students speak into microphones during a performance at Martinstag.
Students stand at the front of the cafeteria to present as part of Martinstag.
Four students perform as part of Martinstag.
Hundreds of students and family members walk outside with glowing lanterns.
Two students pose together with lighted lanterns.
One student plays a guitar during the lantern parade outside.
Dozens of students pose in front of Shaker Middle School with lanterns for Martinstag.
Dozens of students pose in front of Shaker Middle School with lanterns for Martinstag.
Please join us in congratulating SHS senior Nithin Vinothkumar, who recently earned the distinction of an Eagle Scout. For his Eagle Scout project, Nithin remodeled the area that his old preschool used as a play space. The room had thin carpeting that had been damaged by flooding and contained several hazards for the children who used it, so he removed the existing carpeting, sealed the walls that were letting water in with concrete sealant, and painted the walls. I then installed padded flooring to make the area safer for the kids and wrapped the support poles for added protection. Thank you to Nithin for your hard work and commitment to our community!
about 2 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Eagle Scout Project with Cleaned Up Playroom
Eagle Scout Project with Cleaned Up Playroom
Eagle Scout Project with Cleaned Up Playroom
Eagle Scout Project with Cleaned Up Playroom
Eagle Scout Project with Cleaned Up Playroom
Reminder! Tomorrow is the community food drive, we will be hosting the event from 8am-12pm at Central Office (91 Fiddlers Lane). We need your help to support our district students and families in need! All donations of non-perishable food items will be used to support the backpack programs at each of our eight school buildings. A list of most needed items can be found by clicking the link in our bio. Thank you for your support!
2 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Food Drive
Food Drive Needs
Happy Thankful Thursday! Each Thursday in November we’re showing our gratitude to all the people who have helped make North Colonie CSD special through the years.
From past to present, our incredible instructional staff members have shaped North Colonie into the strong, caring, and inspiring community it is today. Thank you to all of our employees from across the years for your dedication, service, and heart.
#ThankfulThursday #thankyounorthcolonie #nccsd75 #throwbackthursday
2 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Thankful Thursday
Shaker High School is excited to present Peter and the Starcatcher on Nov. 21 and 22 at 7 p.m., and Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. at SHS auditorium.

Tickets are available online and at the door. Scan the QR code to purchase your tickets today!
2 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Shaker High School is excited to present Peter and the Starcatcher on Nov. 21 and 22 at 7 p.m., and Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. at SHS auditorium.  Tickets are available online and at the door. Scan the QR code to purchase your tickets today!

Retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Christopher Byron stopped by Shaker Middle School on Monday, Nov. 10 to visit with five Communications classes. Students listened to a presentation from Byron on his time in the Army, the places he traveled to, their schedules, and more. The group also did some boot camp exercises and tried on some Army fatigues. Thank you to Staff Sergeant Bryon for stopping by!

2 months ago, North Colonie Communications
veterans day presentation
veterans day presentation
veterans day presentation
veterans day presentation
veterans day presentation
veterans day presentation
veterans day presentation
veterans day presentation
veterans day presentation

North Colonie CSD appreciates our Veterans and active-duty service members today and everyday. To mark the occasion, a variety of events were held throughout the district.

On Friday, Nov. 7, Forts Ferry Elementary welcomed members of Christian Brothers Academy for their second annual Veterans Day presentation. During the visit, students learned about the military and the importance of respect through an engaging demonstration by the CBA Color Guard. The event concluded with a special birthday song for Sean, a Color Guard member celebrating his birthday that day, and for a student whose birthday falls on Veterans Day. Thank you to CBA for providing our students with such a meaningful and memorable experience!

On Monday, Nov. 10, the Boght Hills Elementary School community gathered in the gym to celebrate and honor Veterans and active-duty service members. Before the event began, honored guests were welcomed with refreshments and had the opportunity to spend time with their Boght Hills students. Twenty individuals from the Colts community were recognized for their dedication and service across the Air Force, Army, Army National Guard, Navy, and Marines. Each grade paid tribute by singing the military hymns: kindergarteners performed the "Marines’ Hymn," first graders sang "The U.S. Air Force Song," second graders presented "The Army Goes Rolling Along," third graders performed "Always Ready, Always There" in honor of the Coast Guard, and fourth graders sang "Anchors Aweigh" for the Navy. The ceremony concluded with a unifying moment as the entire school, joined by the Shaker High Band, sang "America the Beautiful." After students were released back to their classes, some guests took a moment to look at Boght Hills' Wall of Heroes.

Thank you to all the Veterans and active-duty service members!

2 months ago, North Colonie Communications
CBA Color Guard and Boght Hills community Veterans and active duty service members
Dr. Parker and Color Guard from CBA
Veterans and active military members listening to Shaker High Band play the Pledge of Allegiance
CBA (Christian Brothers Academy) JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps) Army Instructor: SFC (Sergeant First Class) Herbert Reeves
Commander James Belarmino from the U.S. Navy with his daughter
SFC Reeves and Dr. Parker
Military members look at Boght Hill's Wall of Heroes
Forts Ferry student fist bumps CBA students
Shaker High Band plays the National Anthem
Shaker High School’s National English Honor Society is proud to welcome E.L. Shen, Shaker alumna and author of The Queens of New York, for a special author visit for SHS students. E.L. Shen will visit Tuesday, November 25, where she will share her journey from Shaker student to editor to published author, along with insights into her writing process and career in publishing.
Following the reading, a writing workshop will be held for students interested in creative writing and the publishing world. Both the author talk and the workshop are open to all SHS students, but space is limited. Students are encouraged to scan the QR code and register by Friday, November 14. Copies of The Queens of New York are also available for presale, with orders due the same day.
We hope you’ll join us for this exciting opportunity to meet and learn from a Shaker graduate and accomplished author!
2 months ago, North Colonie Communications
E.L. Shen Visit
Reminder: North Colonie Central School District is closed on Tuesday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day.
2 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Reminder: North Colonie Central School District is closed on November 11 in observance of Veterans Day. #VeteransDay #veteransday
Shaker High School senior Rob Congiusta is combining his passions in pursuit of a lucrative career. Congiusta is currently enrolled in the Welding and Metal Fabrication program at Capital Region BOCES where he is earning certifications and learning American Welding Society standards in pursuit of a career in the welding industry. But he isn’t pursuing just any career in welding; rather, Congiusta would like to become an underwater welder.

Read more about Congiusta and his exciting future plans on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/article/2530016
2 months ago, North Colonie Communications
student welding

Looking to sharpen your driving skills and save on insurance? Take a Defensive Driving Course with the Northeastern New York Safety & Health Council. This six-hour, classroom-based accident prevention program helps drivers improve their skills and knowledge on the road.

Participants who complete the course are eligible for a 10% reduction in their liability insurance for three years, and up to four points may be reduced from their driver’s license. The NENY Safety and Health Council, a member of the National Safety Council, will provide the instructor, student workbooks, and completion certificates.

The course will take place on Saturday, December 13, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is open to ages 16 and older.

To register, visit the link in our bio!

2 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Sharpen Your Driving Skills & Save on Insurance!
Just stopping by to say hi! Last week Taft Hall Principal Brian Spofford and LaFollette Hall Principal Nikki Newidomy visited Siena to meet with students in the NCCSD-Siena University Transition Program. The duo talked with students and discussed the NCCSD-Siena University Transition Program. Students then provided Principals Spofford and Newidomy with a tour of Siena, which also gave them the opportunity for this great photo opp!
2 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Siena Transitions Program
Pumpkins aren’t just for carving! Thanks to a generous offer of pie pumpkins from Hillard's Greenhouse and Produce in Latham, Shaker Middle School was able to add a new item to the menu - pumpkin pie parfaits! Middle school cafeteria managers Jeryl Hess and Julie Watson eagerly embraced the opportunity to transform this autumn bounty into a festive, student-favorite treat. Featuring creamy pumpkin layers sweetened with New York maple syrup and garnished with crisp New York apples and cinnamon sticks, these parfaits were a beautiful celebration of local flavors and were an instant hit at breakfast.
2 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Pumpkins
Pumpkins
Pumpkins
Pumpkins
Pumpkins
Pumpkins

Have you seen Wicked at Proctors Theatre? If the answer is yes, then you heard Shaker Middle School Band teacher Omar Williams playing trumpet in the pit orchestra! Mr. Williams is one of the most sought-after trumpeters in the Capital Region, and as a member of the Schenectady-Amsterdam Musical Union, he got the call to play the touring production of Wicked at Proctors. Mr. Williams is doing double-duty for the two-week run - teaching by day and playing in the pit orchestra each night. If you're catching the show this weekend, listen for the trumpet player!

2 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Omar Williams
North Colonie Central School District is once again teaming up with the United Way of the Greater Capital Region for our “Season of Giving” campaign. As the holiday season approaches, we would like to give back to our own students and families in need in our district. Your donations could provide meals during winter break or clothing throughout the school year. We appreciate your support and are grateful for any and all donations!
2 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Season of Giving
Meet North Colonie's newest author! Loudonville fifth grader Isla Bentley recently co-authored a children's picture book with her mom Vicki (who works as a substitute teaching aide at Blue Creek), called "Not Sorry to Be Me." Isla and Vicki visited Isla's classroom on Wednesday, Nov. 6 to read the book to the class.

"Not Sorry to Be Me" was inspired by Isla's experiences with autism and ADHD, tells the tale of a cockatoo called Sorry who is different from the other birds in the forest because he sees the world in color, while the rest only see in black, white, and grey. This sensory overwhelm can cause Sorry to react in ways that irritate or seem strange to the other birds, causing them to miss out on the unique perspective he has to offer. One day, Sorry meets a kind, curious bird who asks to see Sorry's world through his eyes. From this shared understanding, a friendship is forged, and two lives are forever changed.

Isla and Vicki will also be doing a book signing at Professor Java's Coffee Sanctuary on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The book may be purchased at that time or on Amazon or Barnes and Noble online. Congratulations to Isla and Vicki on this exciting accomplishment!
2 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Vicki and Isla
Vicki and Isla
Isla
Vicki and Isla
Classroom
Hugging Sorry
Vicki and Isla
Classroom

Happy Thankful Thursday! Each Thursday in November, we’re showing our gratitude to all the people who have helped make North Colonie CSD special through the years. From past to present, our incredible instructional staff members have shaped North Colonie into the strong, caring, and inspiring community it is today. Thank you to all of our employees from across the years for your dedication, service, and heart!
#ThankfulThursday #thankyounorthcolonie #nccsd75 #throwbackthursday

2 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Thankful Thursday - Instructional Staff

On Wednesday, eight Shaker seniors officially signed to continue their athletic and academic careers at Division I and II institutions.

Family, friends, and teammates gathered to celebrate these student-athletes as they made their commitments official.

Congratulations to our signees:
Tessa Carroll – Iona University, Lacrosse
Peyton Hoblock – Dartmouth College, Basketball
Peyton Cerrone – Saint Anselm College, Lacrosse
Emma Davis – Newberry College, Lacrosse
Elisabeth Gialanella – Mercer University, Lacrosse
Sean Hurley – University of North Carolina, Baseball
Talyn Chernosky – Caldwell University, Softball
Jason Bailey – Stonehill College, Baseball

Another signing day will be held in May for seniors still finalizing their decisions.

2 months ago, North Colonie Communications
A student and her family members pose after signing her letter of intent.
A student and her family members pose after signing her letter of intent.
A student and his family members pose after signing his letter of intent.
A student and her family members pose after signing her letter of intent.
Members of the Shaker girls lacrosse team pose together with four of their teammates who signed letters of intent.
A student and her family members pose after signing her letter of intent.
A student signs his letter of intent surrounded by his family members looking on.
A student and her family members pose after signing her letter of intent.
A student and her family members pose after signing her letter of intent.
Members of the Shaker girls basketball team surround one of their teammates after she signed her letter of intent.