On Wednesday, Nov. 5, students from AP Government, Civic Engagement, and Gender in Politics classes met with four Estonian delegates handpicked to represent their country through the Congressional Office for International Leadership’s Open World program, themed “From Marshall Plan to NATO: The US-Europe Alliance Then and Now.” Invited by the International Center of the Capital Region, the delegates spoke about Estonia’s digital innovations, security challenges, and how young generations can shape the future. For the full story, visit the link in our bio.
6 & 7 have entered the classroom! Blue Creek Math Specialists Mrs. Walton and Mrs. Forbes were very popular in Mrs. Connors' kindergarten class. The 6️⃣ and 7️⃣ duo brought some extra smiles (and math jokes) to the day! #MathHumor
Hatsgiving is here! Started by North Colonie alum Jeremy Wernick more than ten years ago, Hatsgiving collects new winter hats for pediatric cancer patients across the country. To participate, drop off your new winter hats in the bin in the front vestibule or main office of your child's school building. Thank you for your support and Happy Hatsgiving!
Congratulations to the Shaker High School Speech and Debate team! On Nov. 1, the team competed in their first tournament against eight other schools at Mt. Markham High School. They finished in second place overall and won multiple individual awards in multiple debate and speech events. Congrats to our competitors that also earned half bids to the National Speech and Debate tournament in Richmond, VA! The team walked away with the following individual awards:
*Renee Bates – First Place in both Impromptu Speaking and Extemporaneous Speaking E (Half Bids)
*Ella Bagchi – First Place in Original Oratory (Half Bid)
*Izzy Blanchard – Third Place in Original Oratory (Half Bid)
*Pragna Obiddi – Fourth Place in Original Oratory (Half Bid)
*Gianna Zhang – First Place in Intermediate Lincoln Douglas Debate (Half Bid)
*Aleena Saleem / Evelyn Lu – Second Place in Varsity Public Forum Debate (Half Bid)
*Sharvi Gawad / Chloe Li – First Place in Novice Public Forum Debate (Half Bid)
*Zahra Shaikh / Saila Sagiraju – Third Place in Novice Public Forum Debate
*Renee Bates – First Place in both Impromptu Speaking and Extemporaneous Speaking E (Half Bids)
*Ella Bagchi – First Place in Original Oratory (Half Bid)
*Izzy Blanchard – Third Place in Original Oratory (Half Bid)
*Pragna Obiddi – Fourth Place in Original Oratory (Half Bid)
*Gianna Zhang – First Place in Intermediate Lincoln Douglas Debate (Half Bid)
*Aleena Saleem / Evelyn Lu – Second Place in Varsity Public Forum Debate (Half Bid)
*Sharvi Gawad / Chloe Li – First Place in Novice Public Forum Debate (Half Bid)
*Zahra Shaikh / Saila Sagiraju – Third Place in Novice Public Forum Debate
It’s National School Psychology Week! School psychologists play a vital role in supporting students’ well-being, helping them overcome challenges, and reach their full potential. Join us in celebrating and thanking our dedicated school psychologists for their many contributions to our students and schools. #ThankYou #SchoolPsychologyWeek
The theme this school year at Boght Hills is "Better Together," and kindergarten students from Ms. Bender's class and third grade students from Ms. Nix's came together to prove just that. The two classes collaborated for a pumpkin party that included learning opportunities involving gutting a pumpkin, learning the life cycle of a pumpkin, roll and add pumpkin game, and creating a patterned pumpkin bead bracelet. Parent volunteers also joined in on the fun, with the event fostering community, friendship, and mentorship. Nice work, Boght Hills - we sure are better together!
A haunted house took over the wrestling room at Shaker High School on Tuesday morning! The Unified/Adapted Physical Education class had a Halloween themed class. Unified P.E. Coach Sarah Bruno and Adapted P.E. Coach Keith Bateman designed the lesson aiming to promote physical engagement and cognitive processing, helping students connect movement to self-awareness and teamwork. Students had six stations to cycle through, going from the Frankenstein Toss to the Boney Balance Obstacle Course! Inclusive physical education courses provide opportunities to unite students of all abilities.
In Unified P.E., the class is split into two groups, “athletes” (individuals with intellectual disabilities) and “partners” (individuals without intellectual disabilities) to explore a wide variety of activities. Additionally, the class supports the development of leadership skills for all students, and the empowerment of ALL students to foster an inclusive class and school-wide environment.
In Unified P.E., the class is split into two groups, “athletes” (individuals with intellectual disabilities) and “partners” (individuals without intellectual disabilities) to explore a wide variety of activities. Additionally, the class supports the development of leadership skills for all students, and the empowerment of ALL students to foster an inclusive class and school-wide environment.
Opening night is here! Shaker Middle School will present "Dinner at Eight, Dead by None" today, Nov. 1 and Sunday, Nov. 2. Both shows are at 3:30 p.m. and tickets are available at the door for $10. Donations of a cereal box or a cash donation to the SMS Food Pantry will be collected, with anyone who donates being entered into a raffle to win a prize basket. Enjoy the show!
Nothing too spooky or scary about these meals! Students enjoyed a special treat today, with whole grain spider web fried dough at breakfast and spooky bat chicken nuggets at lunch. Thank you to our Food Services team for all the fun treats, without the tricks!
Congratulations to Shaker High School Sophomore Simon Faseun! Simon recently signed on for the Biotechnology pathway offered at the Questar III & HVCC STEM High School. The STEM High School is located at the HVCC College Campus in Troy and allows students to experience the best aspects of high school and college learning through workplace learning, internships, community partnerships, and more. The Biotechnology pathway is a combination of biology, chemistry, and math and is a part of the P-TECH program, which allows students to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree and at least 24 college credits at no cost to families. Great job, Simon!
This past Sunday, members of the Shaker Rowing Association competed at the Head of the Fish Regatta on Saratoga Lake, racing against twenty teams in the Men’s Youth 16 category and earning an impressive 2nd place finish!
The event drew more than 160 clubs and 1,600 athletes from across the Northeast. Congratulations to Joey Guzda and Henry Michaels for their outstanding performance and to Coach Brody DeLorenzo for his support. Way to go!
The event drew more than 160 clubs and 1,600 athletes from across the Northeast. Congratulations to Joey Guzda and Henry Michaels for their outstanding performance and to Coach Brody DeLorenzo for his support. Way to go!
This week, Shaker High School was named one of ESPN’s Honor Roll Recipients!
Each year, ESPN and Special Olympics North America recognize one school in every state for their commitment to inclusion, and this year, New York’s honor goes to Shaker High.
The ESPN Honor Roll celebrates Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools (Shaker earned that distinction on September 15, 2025) that demonstrate exceptional dedication to creating inclusive environments. These schools successfully integrate Unified Champion Schools programming into daily life, ensuring that students with and without intellectual disabilities learn, play, and grow together.
Unified Sports at Shaker began with Unified Bowling and have continued to expand. The school now offers four Unified Sports across all three athletic seasons, open to all students.
We’re proud of the students and staff who make Shaker a place where everyone belongs.
Each year, ESPN and Special Olympics North America recognize one school in every state for their commitment to inclusion, and this year, New York’s honor goes to Shaker High.
The ESPN Honor Roll celebrates Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools (Shaker earned that distinction on September 15, 2025) that demonstrate exceptional dedication to creating inclusive environments. These schools successfully integrate Unified Champion Schools programming into daily life, ensuring that students with and without intellectual disabilities learn, play, and grow together.
Unified Sports at Shaker began with Unified Bowling and have continued to expand. The school now offers four Unified Sports across all three athletic seasons, open to all students.
We’re proud of the students and staff who make Shaker a place where everyone belongs.
North Colonie is celebrating 75 years this school year and we have exciting events planned! We’ll be naming our Bison and hosting a special spring celebration where the winning name will be revealed! Would you like to be part of the festivities? We are looking for NCCSD teachers, staff, parents, Shaker High School students and community members to sign up for our 75th Anniversary Planning Committee. Complete the form through the link in our bio.
#nametheshakerbison #NC75
From 1971 to today, generations of student athletes have carried the same determination and team spirit onto the field. Come cheer them on tonight at 7 P.M. versus Guilderland!
Have any other photos from the last 75 years? Send them to us at communications@nccsk12.org. We love to see them! #NC75 #throwbackthursday
On Wednesdays we wear pink! Today the North Colonie Central School District went PINK for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. North Colonie students, faculty and staff wore pink to show our strength and support as one district. Thank you to everyone who participated, sent in photos, wore as much pink as possible, and just helped spread the word.
A group of Shaker Middle School sixth graders are being recognized as the October North Colonie Kids Care recipients. Mikaila Russell, Olivia Gardner, Madison Fowler, Gia Valenti, Caroline Hunt, Evelyn Tumbusch, Hadley Coughlin, Everly Gregory and Madison Reichert all helped create a rain barrel system for the Blue Creek school garden, which also earned them their Bronze Award, the highest honor for Junior Girl Scouts. Click the link in our bio for the complete story.
On Wednesdays we wear pink! October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and North Colonie is going pink! We want to encourage all students, teachers and staff members to wear pink on Wednesday, October 29th to show support for the cause!
This Wednesday, October 29th, the 2nd Annual Clothing Swap will take place in the Taft Cafeteria from 2:15-3:00pm. This year, in addition to any clean and gently used clothing, you can also drop off any unwanted sports gear or clothing.
You can drop off your clothing and/or sports gear in the library before Wednesday and then on Wednesday, come browse the donated items and take home some new spring pieces. Snacks will be provided! If you have any questions, please email Nancy Chandra at nchandra@nccsk12.org.
You can drop off your clothing and/or sports gear in the library before Wednesday and then on Wednesday, come browse the donated items and take home some new spring pieces. Snacks will be provided! If you have any questions, please email Nancy Chandra at nchandra@nccsk12.org.
On Oct. 24, Mr. VanDerbeck’s College Accounting class at Shaker High School attended “Accounting Day” at Siena University. The class learned about Siena’s accounting program, asked questions to a panel of current Siena students, participated in a discussion with area accounting firm representatives, and played interactive accounting games. Our SHS College Accounting students are currently taking the class for college credit at UAlbany, through the University in the High School program at SHS. Great job to our students on representing Shaker!
BINGO! SMS celebrated Banned Books Week with a school-wide bingo game. Over 400 students and staff participated and each winner was given the chance to choose from a prize box of books. The first winner was Elisa (pictured), with an additional 141 winners following soon after. The event was an immense success and a great start to the school year!
