Thursday, April 23, all eight schools gathered at Shaker Middle School for the annual Physical Education District Leadership Awards. Forty-six standout students in grades 5–12 were selected by their PE teachers for demonstrating exemplary leadership and effort. The Shaker Middle School Jazz Band, conducted by music teacher Omar Williams, provided musical accompaniment. Guest speaker Chris Landers, a Shaker High School Class of 2013 graduate and current assistant football coach, shared how physical education, along with his teachers and coaches, helped shape him into the person he is today. Senior students Gavin Bailie and Joelle Hannoush also spoke, sharing their experiences in PE and offering advice to younger students. Congratulations to all honorees!
Wednesday, April 22 marks Administrative Professionals Day! We’re proud to recognize the outstanding team members across our district who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep everything organized and running seamlessly. Their commitment, professionalism, and positive spirit make a lasting impact every day and we are truly grateful for all they do. Please join us in celebrating and thanking our amazing administrative professionals!
April is Autism Awareness & Acceptance Month! Let’s come together as a district and go blue on Friday, April 24 to raise awareness, show support, and celebrate inclusion for all. 💙
On Monday, March 30, author Lisa Smith visited Loudonville to share her stories, her journey as a writer, and inspire the students to create something they can feel proud of. Mrs. Smith spoke to students about how superhero writing is her anchor, but that it may not be the anchor they choose in their own writing. Mrs. Smith stated, "I firmly believe that each of you is a superhero. Your voice matters. Your ideas matter." Mrs. Smith went on to discuss how it's possible that not everyone will like what you write. She also said that students may choose to create in a different way. She said the important part is doing it for you, and whatever you do- it will be awesome! Mrs. Smith's books are currently on Amazon and will be heading to Barnes and Noble soon.
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.
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.
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
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
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!
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!
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!
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!
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
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.
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.
Nominations for the Shaker High School Alumni Hall of Fame 2026 Induction are now open! Do you know a Shaker alum making a difference or doing outstanding work in their career field? Nominate that person! All nominations are due by Wednesday, April 15. You can find a link to the nomination form in our bio. #alumnihalloffame
Have you supported your school today? Help your school knock out the competition this March! When you support your school, you’re also helping North Colonie students and families in need. Donate today and share your school spirit, submit your videos and photos through the link in our bio!
