Shaker High School

We had a great time today connecting with members of New York State Education Department (NYSED) at Shaker High School today! Joining us were Chief Information Officer Michael St. John and Director of Human Resources Anne Fiscarelli. During their visit, they toured the Shaker gardens, learned about Freshman Seminar, sat in on a Latin class, and visited a few other classrooms to learn more about our district.

#NC75 #NCFirstDay

Welcome back, Shaker High School! SHS students were welcomed into the building by Superintendent Skeals, SHS admin, Charlie, and, of course, a fun balloon arch. Follow along as we visit each of the schools today and tomorrow to welcome our students and staff back! Don't forget to share your first day photos with us by emailing communications@nccsk12.org. It's going to be a great year! #NC75

On Tuesday, Sept. 2, members the NextStep Federal Credit Union team stopped by Central Office to drop off backpacks filled with school supplies. The backpacks will go to North Colonie elementary school students as a part of their Backpacks for Kids program. Thank you, NextStep - we’re so grateful for your support!

Share Your First Day Photos With Us - From Then and Now! For the 2025-26 school year, we are inviting North Colonie CSD students, staff, and families to share their first day of school photos with us. In celebration of our 75th anniversary, we’re also looking for first day of school photos from over the last 75 years. 

Have a photo from this year or years past? Photos can be shared with us through Facebook & Instagram (@NorthColonieCSD), email (communications@nccsk12.org or NC75@nccsk12.org), or by using the hashtag #NCCSDFirstDay.  We can’t wait to see how you plan to celebrate the start of the 2025-26 school year!

Download a PDF of the First Day of School signs: https://aptg.co/p47d84
Download the JPEG versions of the First Day of School signs : https://northcoloniecentralschoolsny.sites.thrillshare.com/documents/17969767

Please note that by submitting your photos, you allow the North Colonie CSD to use and display them online. When submitting photos on social media, please be sure to avoid using any identifiers like names and house numbers. #NCCSDFirstDay #NC75

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to the 51 new practitioners joining North Colonie CSD! The group started off Monday with a welcome message from North Colonie Superintendent of Schools Kathleen Skeals, who offered an overview of the district mission and words of encouragement for the year ahead.

"We're helping kids be the best version of themselves possible," said Skeals. "There are days that are hard, but there is no better job you can do."

The group, which consisted of teachers, specialists, and support staff, then went on to introduce themselves to the room. Each introduction offered a chance to showcase unique talents, fresh ideas, and a passion for helping our students thrive. Welcome to our new practitioners - we’re excited to have you as part of the North Colonie family! #NC75

Meet Chelsea Murphy, North Colonie’s new K-12 District ELA & Libraries Supervisor! Chelsea grew up in Waterford and now lives in Clifton Park with her family. She spent six years teaching high school English at Scotia-Glenville High School.

“I’m excited to support teachers and help shape learning across the district,” she said.

Chelsea was drawn to North Colonie for its culture of collaboration and commitment to excellence.

“This district values both educators and students, and I’m thrilled to be part of it,” she shared. "I’m passionate about lifelong learning and believe that every student’s voice matters. I look forward to building strong relationships with staff, students, and families as we work together to make North Colonie the best it can be."

Outside of work, Chelsea enjoys sailing, practicing yoga, spending time with family, and exploring new places.

Please join us in welcoming Chelsea Murphy to North Colonie!

Big news for North Colonie families! This year we’re rolling out Stopfinder, a new transportation app that keeps you connected to your child’s bus schedule, allowing you to see the bus location in real time, get alerts when the bus is near home or school, share schedules with caregivers, and receive important updates about their route.

Download the app today and keep an eye out for the activation email that will be sent out on Thursday, Aug. 14!

Meet Dr. Brian Carey, North Colonie’s new Assistant Superintendent for Business. A Capital Region native, Dr. Carey grew up in Clifton Park before moving to Babylon in third grade. He and his wife returned to Upstate New York knowing, "wanted our children to attend North Colonie schools. We recognized opportunities here that we simply didn’t see in other districts." In 2024, their son graduated from Shaker High School. “Throughout his time here, he found a place where he was not only challenged academically, but also engaged in sports and a variety of extracurricular activities,” Dr. Carey shared.

Before joining North Colonie, Dr. Carey spent eight years as the Assistant Superintendent for Business and Support Services at Schodack Central School District, where he oversaw departments including finance, facilities, transportation, technology, food services, and capital projects. His background also includes leadership roles at the Northeastern Regional Information Center (NERIC), where he managed multi-million dollar budgets and worked with districts across the region. He holds a Ph.D. in Education Policy and Leadership from the University at Albany, where his research focused on employee retention in school transportation.

“What excites me most about this role is the chance to be part of a district that genuinely values its students, staff, and community,” he said. “Being able to contribute to an organization so committed to excellence and support is incredibly motivating.”

He’s also always up for a good conversation about personal finance. “I’m always happy to chat with anyone who’s interested in the topic!” Please join us in welcoming Dr. Carey!

From Latham, NY to Fife, Scotland! Shaker Latin teacher Mrs. Edythe Malara-Lutjen took the international stage at the 2025 Classical Association Conference, sharing how she brings ancient texts to life for today’s students. To read more about Mrs. Malara-Lutjen’s trip and presentation, go to our website.

 As North Colonie CSD celebrates its 75th anniversary, the Shaker Loudonville Fire Department’s Explorer Post is celebrating 50 years. Shaker High School students Brayden Blanchard and Jack Monette are proud members of the Explorer Post and are gaining real-world experience while continuing their family traditions in service. To learn more about Explorer Post 475, go to the link in our bio.

On Monday night, recent Shaker High School graduate Mira Ginsburg was honored as one of 10 high school recipients in the 2025 Capital District Sports Women of the Year Class, recognized for her outstanding achievements in academics, athletics, and community service. Mira has gone above and beyond to promote inclusivity at Shaker. She founded the Include the Blue Club as a sophomore and served as its President. She is also heavily involved with Special Olympics NY and has raised thousands of dollars for that organization. Her impact will continue to shape a more inclusive school culture for years to come. Congratulations Mira on this well-deserved honor!

Congratulations are also in order for Kayla Beaudoin, daughter of Loudonville Elementary PE teacher Ron Beaudoin, on her recognition!

Summer Seminar is helping SHS students grow—both academically and personally! The Summer Seminar class is taking learning outside the classroom and into the sunshine, where students will spend the day building a vertical garden, planting pumpkins, and even starting the day with yoga.