Latham Ridge second graders traveled back in time on Thursday, May 21, thanks to a visit from a dedicated group of Civil War reenactors. As a follow up to the CKLA (Core Knowledge Language Arts) unit on the Civil War, students were presented with a “first person” narrative from both the Confederate (Crenshaw’s Battery) and Union (NYS Third Light Artillery) sides.
Students visited six stations, learning information about railroads, artillery, and provosts (military police) among other things. Actors portrayed Harriet Tubman and Clara Barton, telling their stories and about the important roles they played in the war. It was a wonderful way to bring history to life for our students.
Students visited six stations, learning information about railroads, artillery, and provosts (military police) among other things. Actors portrayed Harriet Tubman and Clara Barton, telling their stories and about the important roles they played in the war. It was a wonderful way to bring history to life for our students.
Get ready, get set, go! All six elementary schools came together on Thursday, May 28 for the 74th Annual Fifth Grade Track & Field Meet! Despite a little rain, the students brought nonstop smiles, energy, and school spirit! Everyone did an incredible job, and the excitement from the stands was truly unmatched! Congratulations to all of the students who participated and placed in the races. A huge thank you to our faculty, staff, and amazing timekeepers for all of their hard work in making this special event such a success!
Congratulations to North Colonie Board of Education President Linda Harrison on being named one of Assemblymember Phil Steck's 2026 Women of Distinction honorees! Mrs. Harrison has dedicated more than 50 years to education and student success. Upon graduation from the University at Albany, she taught social studies at Shaker High School from 1971 to 2005 and continues to make a lasting impact through her leadership on the North Colonie Board of Education.
“Linda has dedicated so much of her time and energy to supporting students, families, and educators,” Steck shared. “Her commitment to public education and our community has made a lasting impact on countless families throughout the Capital Region.”
Thank you, Mrs. Harrison, for your unwavering dedication to our schools, students, and community. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!
“Linda has dedicated so much of her time and energy to supporting students, families, and educators,” Steck shared. “Her commitment to public education and our community has made a lasting impact on countless families throughout the Capital Region.”
Thank you, Mrs. Harrison, for your unwavering dedication to our schools, students, and community. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!
For the 16th time, the North Colonie Central School District has been named a “Best Communities for Music Education” by the NAMM Foundation. The award recognizes school districts and individual schools for their leadership and equity in music education, with more than 1,000 schools and school districts from across the country receiving this honor this year. Congratulations to our North Colonie musicians for this great accomplishment and thank you to the North Colonie community for your continued support of our music education programs.
We know it’s May now, but we were so blown away by all the support that we decided to wait a little longer to announce the winner of the North Colonie March Madness 2026 Challenge.
Thank you to everyone who supported their school and, in turn, our district. Every building did an incredible job, but three schools really stood out: Boght Hills placed third with $593, Shaker Middle School came in second with $700, and for the second year in a row, Southgate took first place with $1,155. Congratulations to the Gators on earning another banner and the bragging rights that come with it.
Most importantly, every dollar raised stays right here at North Colonie to support students and families in need through United Way. Thank you to every donor, family, and school community that helped make this districtwide challenge such a success.
Thank you to everyone who supported their school and, in turn, our district. Every building did an incredible job, but three schools really stood out: Boght Hills placed third with $593, Shaker Middle School came in second with $700, and for the second year in a row, Southgate took first place with $1,155. Congratulations to the Gators on earning another banner and the bragging rights that come with it.
Most importantly, every dollar raised stays right here at North Colonie to support students and families in need through United Way. Thank you to every donor, family, and school community that helped make this districtwide challenge such a success.
Reminder: There is no school on Friday, May 22 and Monday, May 25.
Thank you to the North Colonie community for supporting the 2026-27 budget! North Colonie residents voted to approve the budget, 1,103 yes votes to 355 no votes. Dr. Nicholas P. Comproski was re-elected to his seat and Janet Appe was elected to the open seat of Mary Nardolillo. Learn more on our website at northcolonie.org/news.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Join us in spreading awareness by wearing green on Thursday, May 21. Let’s show our support!
Budget voting day is here! Our annual North Colonie CSD school budget and Board of Education election vote will take place today, Tuesday, May 19, until 9 p.m. Voting will take place at Central Office (91 Fiddlers Lane, Latham, NY 12110).
Please note that all mail-in ballots must be received by the school district clerk by 5 p.m. today in order to be canvassed.
We’re excited to pilot the All Kids Bike program with our kindergarten students at Forts Ferry Elementary!
In partnership with Russell Sage College, students are building confidence, balance, and lifelong skills while learning to ride during PE class. Bikes, helmets, and curriculum were provided by Sage, with support from faculty, including Peter J. Stapleton, Ph.D., and their teacher preparation students.
This is our first year piloting the program, with hopes to expand to additional schools in the future!
#AllKidsBike #StudentWellness #ShakerPride #PhysicalLiteracy
In partnership with Russell Sage College, students are building confidence, balance, and lifelong skills while learning to ride during PE class. Bikes, helmets, and curriculum were provided by Sage, with support from faculty, including Peter J. Stapleton, Ph.D., and their teacher preparation students.
This is our first year piloting the program, with hopes to expand to additional schools in the future!
#AllKidsBike #StudentWellness #ShakerPride #PhysicalLiteracy
It was a day of fun at Latham Ridge on May 1, as the entire school came together to take part in Panther Pride Celebration Day. Students were able to choose from a variety of activities, allowing them to spend time doing everything from gardening, arts and crafts, dancing, board games, karaoke, and more! The day was a great way to connect all grade levels together, filled with plenty of Panther Pride.
We have some amazing artists here at North Colonie CSD! From the art show at the Town of Colonie Library to our Advanced Senior Art Reception and Secondary Art Reception at NYSUT, North Colonie student artwork has been on display across the town! Thank you to Omar Williams and the Shaker Middle School Jazz Ensemble for their performance during the NYSUT event. For more photos and student artwork, visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NorthColonieCSD
This month, Shaker High School junior Shreya Sharath is being recognized as the May North Colonie Kids Care recipient. Shreya was nominated by Shaker High School Student Assistance Counselor, Mrs. Stacey Angell, for her work as the founder of GleeBoxx.
Gleebox is a youth-led nonprofit initiative, grounded in the belief that small acts of kindness can create powerful change. Guided by the idea that no individual should feel defined or diminished by their circumstances, GleeBoxx creates thoughtfully curated care packages that combine essential items with personalized touches such as handwritten notes and small, joyful additions. Through this work, Shreya not only addresses immediate needs, but also fosters a sense of dignity, connection, and belonging among recipients. Shreya is currently organizing a large-scale drive to distribute 240 GleeBoxx care packages to elementary school children here in North Colonie. It’s an effort that reflects both her organizational skills and her unwavering dedication to serving others.
Shreya’s work through GleeBoxx is not only changing lives in our school community, but also reshaping how people think about giving—emphasizing empathy, dignity, and human connection. We are proud and honored to call Shreya one of our own here in North Colonie. Congratulations Shreya, you are so very deserving of this honor as a North Colonie Kids Care recipient.
Gleebox is a youth-led nonprofit initiative, grounded in the belief that small acts of kindness can create powerful change. Guided by the idea that no individual should feel defined or diminished by their circumstances, GleeBoxx creates thoughtfully curated care packages that combine essential items with personalized touches such as handwritten notes and small, joyful additions. Through this work, Shreya not only addresses immediate needs, but also fosters a sense of dignity, connection, and belonging among recipients. Shreya is currently organizing a large-scale drive to distribute 240 GleeBoxx care packages to elementary school children here in North Colonie. It’s an effort that reflects both her organizational skills and her unwavering dedication to serving others.
Shreya’s work through GleeBoxx is not only changing lives in our school community, but also reshaping how people think about giving—emphasizing empathy, dignity, and human connection. We are proud and honored to call Shreya one of our own here in North Colonie. Congratulations Shreya, you are so very deserving of this honor as a North Colonie Kids Care recipient.
There was plenty of sunshine and lots of smiles at Unified Field Day last week! Unified athletes from Shaker High School visited the @ShenendehowaCSD campus for a day filled with games, friendly competition, and lots of cheers.
Please join us in congratulating North Colonie CSD Board Member Mary Nardolillo and Shaker High School Hall Monitor Mary Kay Smollin on receiving awards from the Capital Area School Development Association (CASDA)! On April 30, the two were among those honored at the CASDA Annual Awards and Friends of Education Dinner.
Nardolillo was given the Excellence in School Board Service Award for her time on the North Colonie Board of Education and her dedication to creating opportunities and positive outcomes for students. Smollin was given the Friends of Education award for her unwavering commitment to enriching the lives of students and strengthening the North Colonie community.
During the evening, it was noted that both Nardolillo and Smollin have worked tirelessly - often behind the scenes - to support our district and ensure our students thrive. Congratulations Ms. Nardolillo and Ms. Smollin! North Colonie is lucky to have you!
Nardolillo was given the Excellence in School Board Service Award for her time on the North Colonie Board of Education and her dedication to creating opportunities and positive outcomes for students. Smollin was given the Friends of Education award for her unwavering commitment to enriching the lives of students and strengthening the North Colonie community.
During the evening, it was noted that both Nardolillo and Smollin have worked tirelessly - often behind the scenes - to support our district and ensure our students thrive. Congratulations Ms. Nardolillo and Ms. Smollin! North Colonie is lucky to have you!
Our new bison has found its permanent home! Thank you to the Class of 2026 for this incredible gift which you can now see as you walk up the center sidewalk at Shaker High School. Huge thanks to Mr. Jim Perry and several of our art teachers who spent time making Bryson's new best friend look so lifelike. Stop by and see it!
Monday, May 11 was an evening of celebration, as North Colonie CSD awarded tenure to 43 employees. The evening also celebrated over 80 faculty and staff members who reached milestone anniversaries of 20, 25, 30, 35, and 41 years of service. Surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues, honorees were recognized during a ceremony featuring remarks from Board of Education President Linda Harrison and Superintendent of Schools Kathleen Skeals. Please join us in celebrating these remarkable educators and staff members for their commitment and contributions to the district!
Due to anticipated weather conditions, the Bison Birthday Bash and 75th Anniversary Celebration will now be held indoors at Shaker High School's H-Gym.
We are pleased to share that all planned activities will continue as scheduled. Guests can look forward to booths, food, Kona Ice, the official Bison name reveal, student performances, games, and plenty of exciting surprises throughout the event. We hope to see everyone tomorrow (Saturday, May 9), from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
For entry, please use either the H-Gym entrance or the Main Office entrance at Shaker High School. Student and staff volunteers will be available throughout the event to assist and provide directions to help ensure a smooth and welcoming experience for all attendees.
Thank you for your understanding and flexibility. We look forward to celebrating this special milestone together indoors and making it a memorable day for the entire North Colonie community.
We are pleased to share that all planned activities will continue as scheduled. Guests can look forward to booths, food, Kona Ice, the official Bison name reveal, student performances, games, and plenty of exciting surprises throughout the event. We hope to see everyone tomorrow (Saturday, May 9), from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
For entry, please use either the H-Gym entrance or the Main Office entrance at Shaker High School. Student and staff volunteers will be available throughout the event to assist and provide directions to help ensure a smooth and welcoming experience for all attendees.
Thank you for your understanding and flexibility. We look forward to celebrating this special milestone together indoors and making it a memorable day for the entire North Colonie community.
We are excited to announce the opening of North Colonie's 75th Anniversary branded apparel webstore! The webstore will be open until Tuesday, May 19. The store can be found through the QR code or through the link in our bio! Items may be shipped to your address or picked up at Central Office or your school by selecting third party pick up. Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you at the 75th Anniversary and Bison Birthday Bash!
It’s National School Nurse Day! Join us in celebrating our incredible school nurses, we are so grateful for each and every one of you. Thank you for your care, compassion, and dedication to keeping our students healthy and supported every day!
