REMINDER for Elementary Families - Thursday, Oct. 22 and Wednesday, Oct. 28 will both be half days for all K-5 students for parent-teacher conferences.
Last week, we introduced you to our Commended Students, this week we want to congratulate our National Merit Semifinalists! Nine Shaker High School seniors are among 16,000 students advancing in the National Merit Scholarship Program. The following students will compete for about 6,700 National Merit Scholarships and those finalists will be announced in the spring. Congratulations to:
Rayna Chowdhury
Ahana Gandhi
Tavish Gupta
Rikhil Katpally
Gaven Li
Samuel Lin
Evelyn Lu
William Mao
Darshni Ramesh
Rayna Chowdhury
Ahana Gandhi
Tavish Gupta
Rikhil Katpally
Gaven Li
Samuel Lin
Evelyn Lu
William Mao
Darshni Ramesh
"Register to vote so the decisions being made today reflect the generation that will live with them tomorrow!" The slogan was the theme of the day on Thursday, Oct. 15, as students from the Shaker High School Civic Engagement and Leadership class coordinated with the League of Women Voters to organize a voter registration drive. The drive was an immense success, with over 125 SHS students registered and pre-registered to vote. Students and community members can check their voter registration or their polling place by going to the League of Women Voters nonpartisan website Vote411.org. Great job to our Civic Engagement and Leadership class!
Ready? Set? Read!
Shaker High School junior Michael Banson brought his self-published debut book, The Panda, the Lion, and the Magic Kazoo, to life for a second grade class at Latham Ridge Elementary School on Monday!
Michael first wrote the story in eighth grade and recently revamped it with a rhyming pattern and refined illustrations. Now, he’s sharing his love of writing with the next generation, working alongside his former eighth grade English teacher, Christina Froehlich, and middle school students through a Young Authors Club. His book is also available on Amazon. His next stop is Loudonville Elementary School in November.
Shaker High School junior Michael Banson brought his self-published debut book, The Panda, the Lion, and the Magic Kazoo, to life for a second grade class at Latham Ridge Elementary School on Monday!
Michael first wrote the story in eighth grade and recently revamped it with a rhyming pattern and refined illustrations. Now, he’s sharing his love of writing with the next generation, working alongside his former eighth grade English teacher, Christina Froehlich, and middle school students through a Young Authors Club. His book is also available on Amazon. His next stop is Loudonville Elementary School in November.
Shaker High School senior Tyler Jourdanais recently attended a different kind of open house with his parents, Theresa and Floyd Jourdanais, at the the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center - Albany Campus. Instead of hearing from just his teacher, Tyler was given the chance to show his parents what he has learned at the Welding and Metal Fabrication program at BOCES. The CTE Open House was well attended, with hundreds of family and friends learning more about BOCES CTE programs, viewing equipment demonstrations, and showcasing skills.
October is here, which means it's time for SHS German club to celebrated its annual Oktoberfest! On Wednesday, Oct. 14, club members and their friends gathered to play traditional German party games and dance the Schuhplattler. Tanz mit mir in Lederhosen!
On Friday, October 23, we’re going PINK! In partnership with Real Kids Wear Pink and the American Cancer Society, we’re coming together as a school community to support Breast Cancer Awareness. Show your support, spread awareness and help us turn the school PINK by wearing pink on October 23!
Congratulations to these 19 Shaker High School students who have been named Commended Students in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program! They are among 34,000 students nationwide to be honored for their outstanding performance on the 2025 PSAT. The following students placed in the top 5 percent of more than 1.5 million programs entrants. Congratulations to:
Bhavya Adhyaksham Venkata
Daneah Ahmad
Ava Bachta
Ella Bagchi
Isaac Deyoe
Alice Elanagwe
Kalvin George
Adam Judson
Chaemin Lee
Lauren Lee-Chung
Aditya Milukuri
Nirvana Monsur
Mustaeen Morshed
Khrishnav Parasuraman
Shreya Sharath
Adithya Thumilan
Aarit Thusu
Amy Wu
It's School Board Recognition Week and we want to say THANK YOU to our board for all they do to support our students! Thank you to our dedicated board members - Linda Harrison (President), Matthew Cannon (Vice President), Mary Alber, Janet Appe, Dr. Nicholas Comproski, Michelle Dischiavo, Ayesha Geter, Samuel Johnson, and Dr. Melissa Veino - for their leadership, commitment, and continued support of our students, staff, and community.
We’re partnering with Hatsgiving once again to spread warmth and kindness to children battling cancer and survivors!
Founded 14 years ago by North Colonie alum Jeremy Wernick, Hatsgiving collects thousands of winter hats each year and distributes them to children’s hospitals across the country, including right here in our local community.
Help us make a difference by donating new winter hats at collection boxes located in our school buildings. Every hat helps bring a little extra warmth and comfort to a child in need.
The final day to donate is Thursday, November 12!
Happy Tuesday! Look at these smiling faces! Arjun and Devon are two of our students in the Shaker-Siena Transition Program. Not only are they enjoying their time on campus, but they are spreading joy everywhere they go, including when they pick up and deliver mail around campus every day. Here, Arjun and Devon are seen with former NCCSD employee Mrs. Hunter and Siena student Danny Tyrel, a dual secondary education and history major who is doing fieldwork hours for one of his classes. It is great to see our students thriving in their new program!
Congratulations to the two Shaker High School freshmen that were recognized at the 25th Annual Capital District Council for Young Musicians (CDCYM) Chopin Piano Competition!
Charles Zhang earned first place in the Master division, the highest level of the competition. Charles has played piano for more than seven years and also plays clarinet in the SHS 9-10 Band. Louis Jin earned second place in the Apprentice division.
The CDCYM Chopin Piano Competition is modeled after the international Chopin Competition and is considered the most competitive piano competition in the Capital Region. This is an outstanding accomplishment for both of these talented young musicians. Congratulations, Charles and Louis!
Charles Zhang earned first place in the Master division, the highest level of the competition. Charles has played piano for more than seven years and also plays clarinet in the SHS 9-10 Band. Louis Jin earned second place in the Apprentice division.
The CDCYM Chopin Piano Competition is modeled after the international Chopin Competition and is considered the most competitive piano competition in the Capital Region. This is an outstanding accomplishment for both of these talented young musicians. Congratulations, Charles and Louis!
Reminder: No school on Monday, Oct. 12 in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day and Columbus Day.
Congratulations to Shaker High School junior David Terrell, who was selected to represent North Colonie at the New York State Education Department's National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebration on Thursday, October 8. David read an official proclamation from Governor Kathy Hochul, but before that, he brought the audience to its feet by telling them about his own story. A math and sports enthusiast, David told the audience about his experience as a Shaker Unified Basketball and Bocce athlete. One of his favorite moments was the Unified Basketball team's back to back sectional championship wins the past two years! NYSED Commissioner Betty Rosa was the first to initiate that standing ovation after David's moving speech.
On Tuesday, Oct. 6, Shaker High’s Global History and Geography students welcomed a delegation from Vietnam as part of the Congressional Office for International Leadership’s Open World program. Hosted by the International Center of the Capital Region, the delegation included five members of the National Assembly of Vietnam: Thi Tu Anh Trinh, Bui Thi Quynh Tho, An Xuan Trinh, Duong A Trang and Anh The Tran, accompanied by a translator and Manh Tu Vu, a Political Specialist from the U.S. Embassy Hanoi. The delegates spoke with students about Vietnamese society, culture and contemporary issues, giving students the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about life in Vietnam. Following the presentation, the delegates gifted students traditional Vietnamese candy and presented the school with a plaque depicting the National Assembly of Vietnam. Thank you to our guests for sharing their knowledge and experiences with our students!
If you’re in the area of the Colonie Town Library this October, stop in to view artwork created by Shaker High’s Advanced Art & Design 1 students! As part of their summer work, students created personal artwork illustrating something important to them, using hands as the main subject matter. Working in colored pencil, students challenged themselves to layer colors and build undertones without using black. Each piece is accompanied by an artist statement explaining the student’s artistic choices, including camera angle, symbolism, color and technical approach, as well as why the subject is meaningful to them. The student artwork will be on display throughout the month of October. Be sure to stop by and check it out!
Records are made to be broken! This year, Shaker High School is honored to have 15 students chosen as a performer or alternate in the 2026 NYSSMA All-State Festival. This is a new record for North Colonie CSD! Additionally, this is the highest number of students accepted from any Suburban Council district. Congratulations to the following students:
Luqman Ahmed (11) - Trombone in Symphonic Band
Manna Alemu (12) - Alto in Treble Chorus
Jenna Cannistraci (12) - Alto in Mixed Chorus
Mykael Corniel (11) - Bass in Mixed Chorus
Miltiadis (Miltos) Hamilton (11) - Clarinet in Wind Ensemble
Nafiza Ilma (12) - Alto in Treble Chorus
Adam Judson (12) - Oboe in Symphony Orchestra
Lauren Lee-Chung (12) - Viola in String Orchestra
Isabella Monaco (12) - Alto in Treble Chorus
Giuliana Palmieri (12) - Alto in Treble Chorus
Bella Pelton (12) - Soprano in Mixed Chorus
Emily Tribou (11) - Violin in String Orchestra
Alexander King (11) - Alternate on Bass
Gio Ok (12) - Alternate on Cello
Christina Zhang (11) - Alternate on Flute and Piccolo
The NYSSMA All-State Festival will be held in Rochester, NY from December 3-6, 2026.
Luqman Ahmed (11) - Trombone in Symphonic Band
Manna Alemu (12) - Alto in Treble Chorus
Jenna Cannistraci (12) - Alto in Mixed Chorus
Mykael Corniel (11) - Bass in Mixed Chorus
Miltiadis (Miltos) Hamilton (11) - Clarinet in Wind Ensemble
Nafiza Ilma (12) - Alto in Treble Chorus
Adam Judson (12) - Oboe in Symphony Orchestra
Lauren Lee-Chung (12) - Viola in String Orchestra
Isabella Monaco (12) - Alto in Treble Chorus
Giuliana Palmieri (12) - Alto in Treble Chorus
Bella Pelton (12) - Soprano in Mixed Chorus
Emily Tribou (11) - Violin in String Orchestra
Alexander King (11) - Alternate on Bass
Gio Ok (12) - Alternate on Cello
Christina Zhang (11) - Alternate on Flute and Piccolo
The NYSSMA All-State Festival will be held in Rochester, NY from December 3-6, 2026.
On Sept. 30, over 25 vendors stopped by the 2026-2027 Transition Fair at Shaker High School. The fair offered a chance for community members to learn about college, day programs, research employment options, independent living, and more. Thank you to everyone who attended the event!
Stop and smell the kale! Loudonville now has a "Mobile Sensory Garden," allowing students to take a break and touch and smell a small variety of plants. The cart also has a feelings chart, utilizing fruits and vegetables, to help students identify how they are feeling. The mobile garden has been a success in the school so far, with hopes to expand to other schools across the district soon.
What a way to welcome October! On October 1, the North Colonie community came together for our 4th Annual Fall Family Fest! From henna by the Indian Student Organization to pickle making with Forts Ferry Innovation Teacher Amy Parks and pumpkin painting with the Art Honor Society, there was truly something for everyone. Students and staff provided entertainment, while community partners including Daisy Cafe, Garelick Farms, El Mariachi, and more supplied delicious food and drinks. After days of gloomy weather, the sun even came out to make the evening extra special! Thank you to all our community partners, clubs and organizations, and student volunteers for making it a night to remember!
