Shaker High School senior Rob Congiusta is combining his passions in pursuit of a lucrative career. Congiusta is currently enrolled in the Welding and Metal Fabrication program at Capital Region BOCES where he is earning certifications and learning American Welding Society standards in pursuit of a career in the welding industry. But he isn’t pursuing just any career in welding; rather, Congiusta would like to become an underwater welder.
Read more about Congiusta and his exciting future plans on our website:
https://www.northcolonie.org/article/2530016about 2 hours ago, North Colonie Communications
Just stopping by to say hi! Last week Taft Hall Principal Brian Spofford and LaFollette Hall Principal Nikki Newidomy visited Siena to meet with students in the NCCSD-Siena University Transition Program. The duo talked with students and discussed the NCCSD-Siena University Transition Program. Students then provided Principals Spofford and Newidomy with a tour of Siena, which also gave them the opportunity for this great photo opp!
about 21 hours ago, North Colonie Communications
Have you seen Wicked at Proctors Theatre? If the answer is yes, then you heard Shaker Middle School Band teacher Omar Williams playing trumpet in the pit orchestra! Mr. Williams is one of the most sought-after trumpeters in the Capital Region, and as a member of the Schenectady-Amsterdam Musical Union, he got the call to play the touring production of Wicked at Proctors. Mr. Williams is doing double-duty for the two-week run - teaching by day and playing in the pit orchestra each night. If you're catching the show this weekend, listen for the trumpet player!
2 days ago, North Colonie Communications
North Colonie Central School District is once again teaming up with the United Way of the Greater Capital Region for our “Season of Giving” campaign. As the holiday season approaches, we would like to give back to our own students and families in need in our district. Your donations could provide meals during winter break or clothing throughout the school year. We appreciate your support and are grateful for any and all donations!
3 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Meet North Colonie's newest author! Loudonville fifth grader Isla Bentley recently co-authored a children's picture book with her mom Vicki (who works as a substitute teaching aide at Blue Creek), called "Not Sorry to Be Me." Isla and Vicki visited Isla's classroom on Wednesday, Nov. 6 to read the book to the class.
"Not Sorry to Be Me" was inspired by Isla's experiences with autism and ADHD, tells the tale of a cockatoo called Sorry who is different from the other birds in the forest because he sees the world in color, while the rest only see in black, white, and grey. This sensory overwhelm can cause Sorry to react in ways that irritate or seem strange to the other birds, causing them to miss out on the unique perspective he has to offer. One day, Sorry meets a kind, curious bird who asks to see Sorry's world through his eyes. From this shared understanding, a friendship is forged, and two lives are forever changed.
Isla and Vicki will also be doing a book signing at Professor Java's Coffee Sanctuary on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The book may be purchased at that time or on Amazon or Barnes and Noble online. Congratulations to Isla and Vicki on this exciting accomplishment!
3 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Happy Thankful Thursday! Each Thursday in November, we’re showing our gratitude to all the people who have helped make North Colonie CSD special through the years. From past to present, our incredible instructional staff members have shaped North Colonie into the strong, caring, and inspiring community it is today. Thank you to all of our employees from across the years for your dedication, service, and heart!
#ThankfulThursday #thankyounorthcolonie #nccsd75 #throwbackthursday
4 days ago, North Colonie Communications
On Wednesday, eight Shaker seniors officially signed to continue their athletic and academic careers at Division I and II institutions.
Family, friends, and teammates gathered to celebrate these student-athletes as they made their commitments official.
Congratulations to our signees:
Tessa Carroll – Iona University, Lacrosse
Peyton Hoblock – Dartmouth College, Basketball
Peyton Cerrone – Saint Anselm College, Lacrosse
Emma Davis – Newberry College, Lacrosse
Elisabeth Gialanella – Mercer University, Lacrosse
Sean Hurley – University of North Carolina, Baseball
Talyn Chernosky – Caldwell University, Softball
Jason Bailey – Stonehill College, Baseball
Another signing day will be held in May for seniors still finalizing their decisions.
5 days ago, North Colonie Communications
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.
5 days ago, North Colonie Communications
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!
6 days ago, North Colonie Communications
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
6 days ago, North Colonie Communications
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
7 days ago, North Colonie Communications
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.
8 days ago, North Colonie Communications
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!
10 days ago, North Colonie Communications
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!
10 days ago, North Colonie Communications
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.
11 days ago, North Colonie Communications
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
11 days ago, North Colonie Communications
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!
13 days ago, North Colonie Communications
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.
13 days ago, North Colonie Communications
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!
14 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Shaker High School freshman Sharvesh Srinivasan is being honored for some of the work he did as an eighth grader last school year! Sharvesh was named one of the Top 300 Junior Innovators in the 2025 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC). Additionally, his science fair project titled, “Reaction Time of Nickel-Titanium Artificial 'Muscles' from 0.5 Amperes to 5.0 Amperes,” won first place in the Junior Division at the Greater Capital Region Science and Engineering Fair in March and earned him an invitation to the STANYS State Science Congress. Congratulations Sharvesh! Go to the link in our bio for the full story.
17 days ago, North Colonie Communications
