This month, two students from Shaker High School are being recognized as the February North Colonie Kids Care recipients. Senior Eveline Hanchett and sophomore Haitham Hussein have a very special relationship that was established during Unified Physical Education class, specifically the newly established swim unit. Both students were nominated by their Unified PE teachers, Coach Keith Bateman and Coach Sarah Bruno.
Initially fearful of the water, Haitham worked together with Evie for weeks, making small gains with her encouragement. The process took a lot of patience, communication, learning and trust on the part of both students. After five weeks, Haitham made it all the way into the pool, walking around the shallow end with confidence.
Thank you to both Haitham and Evie for their dedication, care and support for one another and congratulations on being our February Kids Care recipients! For the full story, head to our website or click the link in our bio.
2 months ago, North Colonie Communications
This week we honor Septima Poinsette Clark, an educator and civil rights leader who used education as a powerful tool for change. Through the Citizenship Schools she developed, Clark helped African Americans gain literacy skills needed to register to vote and participate fully in democracy. Her work connected education to empowerment and earned her recognition as the Grandmother of the Civil Rights Movement.
2 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Shaker High School students and their chaperones, Spanish teachers Jessie Morgan and Stephanie Majewski and LaFollette Hall principal Nikki Newidomy, spent 15 days in Costa Rica discovering the meaning of “Pura Vida” (Pure Life). From beaches and volcanoes to rainforests and coffee plantations, they immersed themselves in the culture and language while staying with host families and attending Colegio Humboldt in San José. The trip, part two of the exchange program, followed Costa Rican students’ visit to Shaker in October, and students described the experience as life-changing, with one saying, "this trip wasn’t just a trip. It taught me more about myself and changed the way I want to live the rest of my life."
2 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Tuesday, Feb. 24, North Colonie hosted an event titled “Paving Your Path in Education.” This event was designed for individuals interested in exploring a career in education. The evening consisted of networking, a panel discussion with district leaders, and one-on-one screening sessions. It was an informative experience for both current and future educators.
As we head into March, this event marks the first of many recruitment efforts. Jewelie Koutelis, our Recruitment and Retention Specialist, will be traveling from Plattsburgh to Niagara Falls in search of top teaching talent across New York State, along with some of our administrators. Part of their journey will consist of attending two Teacher Recruitment Days (TRD), during which they will meet with college students from a total of 18 colleges in NYS.
If you were unable to attend, but are interested in joining the North Colonie team, please visit northcolonie.org/recruitment to learn more.
2 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Congratulations to all of our Shaker High School students who achieved High Honor Roll, Honor Roll and Merit Roll for the second quarter of the school year! See the full list here: https://www.northcolonie.org/article/2728781
2 months ago, North Colonie Communications
February is American Heart Month! Join us on Wednesday, February 25 and go red to raise awareness! North Colonie students, staff, and community, wear red and show your support for heart health! ❤️
2 months ago, North Colonie Communications
North Colonie Central School District is proud to celebrate Public Schools Week 2026. This week we honor the educators, staff, students, and families who are the very foundation of our schools. We recognize the dedication, passion, and collaboration that support our students every day, from exceptional teaching and strong leadership to family engagement and community partnerships. Join us in celebrating the people, practices, and pride that make public schools strong.
2 months ago, North Colonie Communications
The Shaker High School DECA chapter proudly announces that three members have qualified for the New York State DECA Competition, which will be held March 4 to 6 in Rochester, NY. Congratulations to Ansh Maurya and Adithya Thumilan, competitors in Business Law and Ethics Team Decision Making, and Srivar Gilela, competitor in Automotive Services Marketing Sales. Special recognition goes to Faraz Shaikh, a qualifier not attending, and to Shaker DECA Club President Naisha Majmudar for three years of hard work and dedication.
2 months ago, North Colonie Communications
This week we recognize W. E. B. Du Bois, a sociologist, historian, and civil rights activist whose scholarship and leadership helped shape the fight for equality. As a co-founder of the Niagara Movement and the NAACP, and the first African American to earn a PhD from Harvard University, Du Bois championed full political, economic, and social rights for Black Americans. His work as editor of The Crisis and his lasting influence on civil rights thought continue to resonate today.
2 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Isla Bentley is a fifth grade student with not only a vivid imagination, but also an extra special writing partner. When Isla had an idea for a story, she teamed up with her mom, Vicki Bentley, to work on turning her idea into a shared storytelling experience. Together the duo has released their children’s picture book “Not Sorry to Be Me,” inspired by Isla’s own experiences growing up with autism and ADHD. Read about the inspiration, writing process, and more on our website:
https://www.northcolonie.org/article/26806923 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Charlie and Johnny teamed up for Friday's Forts Ferry Staff Appreciation Breakfast! Farm to School Facilitator Mrs. Amber Cost and second grade teacher Mrs. Guba used a griddle on the Charlie Cart to cook johnnycakes for this morning's festivities. There was jam and honey to add to the small cornmeal flatbreads. In addition, North Colonie Food Services provided a yogurt parfait bar, muffins and coffee. What a great event for the last school day before February break!
3 months ago, North Colonie Communications
This week we honor Mary McLeod Bethune, an educator, civil rights leader, and founder of what became Bethune-Cookman University. As the founder of the National Council of Negro Women, she championed racial and gender equality and expanded opportunities for Black Americans through education and public service. Her legacy as a trusted advisor to U.S. presidents and a lifelong advocate for inclusion continues to inspire progress today.
3 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Forts Ferry Principal Dr. Casey Parker liked it! And a surprising number of students said they loved it! February's Harvest of the Month was roasted Brussels sprouts with NY maple syrup and balsamic and the Lions had the chance to sample the dish during lunch on Wednesday, February 11. The Brussels sprouts certainly weren't for everyone, but we had a good number of students come back up for seconds! "I can't believe how much I like these!" exclaimed one student.
Two representatives from the New York State Education Department's Office of Child Nutrition were on hand to check out our Harvest of the Month. Thank you to North Colonie Food Services for another successful tasting!
3 months ago, North Colonie Communications
On Tuesday, Feb. 10, members of the Parliament of Uzbekistan visited Shaker High School to meet with students from AP Government, Civic Engagement, and Gender in Politics classes. Representing a young democracy less than 30 years removed from the Soviet Union, the parliamentarians discussed topics such as modernization, civil rights, youth engagement, and women’s participation in government. The five members were accompanied by two translators, one speaking Russian and the other Uzbek, the country’s primary language. As a recently independent nation, the parliamentarians main goal for this visit was to learn about the structure and workings of the United States government, as well as to gain a deeper understanding of American culture. Their trip was supported by the International Center of the Capital Region (ICCR) and the Congressional Office for International Leadership.
3 months ago, North Colonie Communications
On Monday afternoon, dozens of district students and families gathered to celebrate the artwork in the Superintendent’s Art Gallery. Superintendent Kathleen Skeals welcomed some of our young, aspiring student artists from Southgate, Latham Ridge and Forts Ferry, whose work was selected by their art teachers for display. The featured pieces have been showcased since the start of 2026 and will remain in the gallery through the end February. Congratulations to our talented student artists!
3 months ago, North Colonie Communications
On Thursday, Feb. 5, Mrs. Parks’ Innovation Lab students enjoyed a tasty change of pace with help from the Charlie Cart, a fully equipped mobile kitchen that rolled into school for a Farm to School learning experience. Students tackled hands on tasks like crushing dried parsley with a mortar and pestle, zesting lemons, chopping broccoli and cauliflower, peeling Brussels sprouts, and making breadcrumbs, all while learning knife safety, nutrition, and where food comes from. After discovering that these veggies are all part of the Brassica oleracea family, students watched their dish roast in the Charlie Cart’s convection oven, and, best of all, got to taste their delicious creation!
3 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Classes begin Monday, Feb. 23 and offer opportunities to learn new skills, explore hobbies, and grow personally and professionally. There’s truly something for everyone! In-person registration will be available on Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 3–5 p.m. (snow date Feb. 12) at the Central Office, 91 Fiddlers Lane, Latham, NY. Please note that in-person or phone registrations must be paid by check. Kick-off spring with learning and visit our website to register online today!
3 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Crêpes, culture, and a whole lot of fun! On Feb. 4, Shaker Middle School students from French Club and FACS Club teamed up to celebrate La Chandeleur with a hands-on crêpe-making party. Flipping skills were tested, laughs were shared, and delicious memories were made!
3 months ago, North Colonie Communications
Order in the courtroom! Loudonville fifth graders recently took a field trip to the U.S. courthouse in Albany to hold their own mock trial. The classes worked with Judge Nardacci to hold the trial, as a part of their social studies unit featuring Don Quixote. Students played the roles of judge, jury, prosecutors, defendant, and the defense team, in a real courtroom. It was a great day of learning and history!
3 months ago, North Colonie Communications
This Black History Month marks 100 years of Black history and this year’s theme is A Century of Black History Commemorations. As part of our Black History Month celebration, we will highlight influential Black leaders whose impact spans from the past to the present every week. This week we are honoring the legacy of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the founder of Negro History Week in 1926 and the Father of Black History. His work led to the official recognition of Black History Month in 1976 by President Gerald Ford, and continues to ensure that the contributions, struggles, and achievements of Black Americans are included in our shared history.
3 months ago, North Colonie Communications
