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!
about 14 hours ago, North Colonie Communications
Blue Creek P.E. Teachers hand awards to students
SMS P.E. Teachers hand award to student
Shaker Middle School Jazz Band, conducted by Omar Williams
Chris Landers, SHS Class of 2013 gives opening remarks
Dave Stadtlander, Supervisor of Secondary Health, P.E., and Athletics, shakes Boght Hills recipients' hand
Loudonville P.E. Teacher with students
Dave Stadtlander, Supervisor of Secondary Health, P.E., and Athletics, congratulates SMS Jazz band on a good job
10th grade recipients
Senior recipients and student speaker, Gavin Bailie
Senior recipients and student speaker, Joelle Hannoush
Congratulations to our SHS Capstone Engineering class students! Three groups from the class took home prizes in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Competition. The class, which consists of SHS seniors, were tasked with coming up with their own real world problem and designing a viable solution to solve the problem. The three groups who came back with prizes were:

- NYS Semi-Finalists - Dev Bhatia, Collin Fisk, Prathik Gullapalli - Multi-Directional Microphone to Detect Victims in Disaster Situations
*This team also won the Your AI Horizons Challenge award from the CTE Momentum AI Challenge.
- STEM Innovation Award - Joanna Kang and Shayla Mieu and Sirihamsika Kothagundla - Adaptive Aromatherapy Device to Reduce Agitation and Support Emotional Well-Being in Dementia Patients
- STEM Innovation Award - Fahim Fida, Sanjana Kolli, and Caleb Meade - Interactive Bilateral-Stimulation Mattress Topper For PTSD

Read more about their projects on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/article/2839056
about 18 hours ago, North Colonie Communications
SHS Engineering Capstone Students
SHS Engineering Capstone Students
SHS Engineering Capstone Students
Students in Ms. Gauthier’s AP Spanish class recently brought their learning to life with a visit to The Metropolitan Museum of Art to explore the Art of the Ancient Americas exhibit.

As part of Shaker High School’s advanced Spanish program, students regularly engage with authentic cultural materials and real-world interactions that deepen both their language proficiency and cultural understanding. During the visit, students examined artifacts from across Latin America, experiencing firsthand the richness and diversity of the cultures they study in class.

The trip encouraged students to think critically about the connections between past and present, and how art reflects identity, values, and history which are key themes of the AP Spanish Language and Culture curriculum. Experiences like this help bring language and culture to life beyond the classroom, giving students a deeper appreciation for the perspectives and traditions of the Spanish-speaking world.
1 day ago, North Colonie Communications
Students look at ancient artifacts.
Students pose in front of ancient artifacts at the Met.
A student looks at a large sphere on a platform at the Met.
A student takes notes as she looks at an ancient artifact.
A group of students pose inside the Met museum in NYC.
A group of students take notes inside the museum.
Students take notes inside a museum.
Students take notes as they look at an ancient artifact.
A student takes notes as he looks at ancient artifacts behind glass.
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!
3 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Admin Professionals Day
Best wishes to our students representing North Colonie at the State SkillsUSA Competition! The competition is being conducted at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse from April 22-24. Students from Shaker High School attending are:
- Emmalina Coluccio for the Barbering competition in the BOCES Cosmetology
- Tessla Murray for the Cosmetology Senior competition in the BOCES Cosmetology program
- Bolaji Owodunni for the Prepared Speech competition in the BOCES Game Design and Implementation program
- Jalal-Taha Selcuk for the Job Skill Demo competition in the BOCES Automotive Trades Technology program
- Elena Hymes as a House of Delegate representative in the Criminal Justice program
Please join us in wishing good luck to these students!
3 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Tessla Murray, Cosmetology Senior, Cosmetology, North Colonie
Elena Hymes
Emmalina Coluccio
Over April break, a group of 28 French 4, 5, and AP students from Shaker High School participated in a trip to Paris and the Loire Valley. During the trip, students saw famous monuments, toured several castles, and spent a day visiting the American cemetery and D-Day beaches in Normandy.
4 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Two people stand in front to take a selfie with a large group of students behind them.
A large castle like building in France sits on a body of water.
A group of students walk toward a building in France.
A large group of students stand with a beautiful building and a body of water behind them.
A building sits on a body of water with passageways built to pass through it.
A cemetery in Normandy with headstones in rows.
A large group of students pose in front of castle like buildings.
A large group of students pose in front of a beautiful building in France.
The Eiffel tower lit up at night.
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. 💙
4 days ago, North Colonie Communications
April is Autism Awareness/ Acceptance Month!

Shaker High School's Freshman Seminar students all had the opportunity to visit UAlbany's ETEC building as part of a class-wide field trip between April 13-17. Mrs. Kim Murray and Mrs. Hope Dils' students took part in three programs sessions in small groups. Those sessions included sustainability, atmospheric science, AI, green design and STEM careers among other topics. After those sessions, students walked across campus to eat lunch in the campus dining hall. It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to experience campus life and learn more about future career opportunities!

5 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Students sit around a conference table and listen to two UAlbany professors speak about sustainability.
Students stand in a computer/technology classroom at UAlbany.
Two students discuss sustainability as a small group while seated at a conference table.
A large group of students pose around a water fountain at UAlbany.
A UAlbany student speaks to high schoolers about atmospheric science, utilizing a large suspended globe to show trends.
Shaker students take in the view on the observation deck at UAlbany.
UAlbany professors speak to high schoolers from a computer lab.
A representative from UAlbany speaks to Shaker students, using questions on two screens as prompts.
A sign that says ETEC on the UAlbany campus.
A wide photograph of a large group of Shaker freshmen posing around the UAlbany fountain.
On Thursday, April 16, Shaker senior Nawaf Kassem was selected to take part in the New York State Education Department's Arab American Heritage Month Celebration. Nawaf read Governor Kathy Hochul's proclamation to those in attendance, declaring April 2026 as Arab American Heritage Month in New York State. The ceremony also included moving messages from keynote speaker Dina Refki, the Executive Director for the Center for Women in Government and Civil Society, and emcee Malik Eljallad, the Program Manager for the NYS Department of Health.
6 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Shaker High School senior Nawaf Kassem stands at a podium, reading a proclamation.
Shaker High School senior Nawaf Kassem stands at a podium, reading a proclamation in front of a room full of people.
Three people stand in front of a colorful backdrop at the Arab American Heritage Month celebration for NYSED.
Oh what a night! On Friday, April 17, Shaker High School celebrated its recognition as a newly minted Unified Champion National Banner School. The district hosted a celebration of all current and former Unified athletes, partners, coaches and aides during a ceremony in the H-gym. Senator Jake Ashby was on hand, as well as representatives from Special Olympics New York to celebrate the achievement. The distinction marks the highest achievement for Unified Champion Schools in the United States. Congratulations Blue Bison!
6 days ago, North Colonie Communications
A group of students sit together around a table in the gymnasium.
People sit at tables all over a decorated high school gymnasium as a speaker stands at the podium.
A teacher hands a student a certificate.
A smiling student gives a thumbs up after receiving his certificate.
A coach shakes a student's hand as he hands him a certificate.
A coach hands a student a certificate.
Unified coaches, athletes and partners pose together on stage in front of the banner.
Unified coaches join administrators and representatives on stage to pose in front of the new banner.
Superintendent Kathleen Skeals holds a recognition while posing with Senator Jake Ashby.
A group of students smile while seated at a table in the gymnasium.

On Tuesday, April 14, Mrs. Shipley’s Business and Personal Law classes took a field trip to the Albany Criminal Court to see the justice system in action. Students observed an active criminal trial, including opening statements and witness examinations, and had the opportunity to ask County Court Judge, Honorable Andra Ackerman, questions. The group also toured New York State’s highest court, the Court of Appeals, making for a truly immersive day of real-world learning. Thank you to Jeff Hoffman, a student’s father who works in the court system and helped facilitate the trip, as well as to the court system for providing this valuable educational experience.

7 days ago, North Colonie Communications
business & personal law classes at the Albany Courts
Students learn about law at Albany Court
Students look around the historic Albany Criminal Court
Students look around the historic Albany Criminal Court
Students look around the historic Albany Criminal Court

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.

8 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Eight North Colonie CSD mechanics stand together in front of a school bus.

Shaker High School Latin teacher Edythe Malara-Lutjen has been named a WNYT News Channel 13 Top Teacher! This recognition reflects her lasting impact on generations of students. For years, she has inspired learners through her engaging Latin classes and club, bringing language and history to life while fostering curiosity beyond the classroom. Her dedication extends to travel and enrichment opportunities, from museum visits and trips to Union College, her alma mater, to unforgettable experiences in Italy that deepen students’ understanding of Roman culture. Congratulations to Mrs. Malara-Lutjen on this well-deserved honor and for the passion and excellence she brings to North Colonie every day. To see the story, click the link in our bio.

9 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Shaker High School Latin Teacher Edythe Malara-Lutjen holds her WNYT Top Teacher Award

On Wednesday, April 15, Shaker Middle School proudly hosted a naturalization ceremony for the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York, welcoming fifteen new citizens from countries including India, Moldova, Albania, and China in a powerful celebration of unity and opportunity. The event was made especially meaningful by members of the North Colonie community, as Director of Instructional Technology and Innovation Renata Relyea shared her journey to citizenship as a guest speaker. Shaker High School food service employee Mariana Zahopoulos, a recently naturalized citizen, led the group of new citizens the Pledge of Allegiance. With remarks from Superintendent Kathleen Skeals and New York State Senator Jacob Ashby, a stirring National Anthem by eighth grader Arya Parikh, and patriotic performances by the Shaker High School 11th-12th grade band, the ceremony reflected the pride, diversity, and shared promise that define our community. Congratulations to our newest citizens on this inspiring milestone.

10 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Someone holding up an American Flag
Superintendent Skeals with Welcoming Remarks
North Colonie Director of Instructional Technology & Innovation Renata Relyea with United States District Court for the Northern District of New York Judge Anne M. Nardacci
New York State Senator Jacob Ashby gives a quick remark
Eighth grader Arya Parikh sings the National Anthem
Shaker High School 11th-12th Grade Band
Naturalized Citizens getting sworn in
North Colonie Food Service Employee and recently Naturalized citizen, Mariana Zahopoulos leads the Pledge of Allegiance
Newly Naturalized Citizen with his family
Newly Naturalized Citizen celebrates
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
10 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Nominate someone for the Shaker Alumni Hall of Fame!
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.
10 days ago, North Colonie Communications
An image of Coach Ed Springstead along with one of his cross country teams from 2010.
Congratulations to Elijah Goldberg and Bolaji Owodunni! The two were among 45 students from across the Capital Region to place at the regional SkillsUSA competition last month. Elijah (pictured right on the podium) won third place in the Employment Application Process Basic competition. This is Elijah's second year competing and placing at SkillsUSA. Bolaji also won third place for the Prepared Speech competition. Bolaji currently attends the Game Design and Implementation with Capital Region BOCES. Great job, Elijah and Bolaji!
11 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Elijah Goldberg with Bronze Medal
Group of Skills USA students
Congratulations to Shaker High School sophomore Akshita Bandari! Akshita was honored with the Young Excellence Award by the YWCA at the 43rd Annual Empowerment Awards Gala. This award recognizes young leaders who demonstrate outstanding commitment to community service, leadership, and academic excellence. Akshita was recognized for her work as co-founder of EmpowerMed, a youth-led health education initiative, her advocacy in public health campaigns, leadership in the Free Healthcare Initiative, and her active participation in school clubs and academic pursuits. Her accomplishments reflect a strong dedication to service, learning, and positively impacting her community. Thank you for all you have done for the Shaker community, Akshita!
15 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Akshita Bandari
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/
15 days ago, North Colonie Communications
An image of a student leaning on books and folders and smiling. The graphic says "SNAP fuels learning."
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
18 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Assistant Principals Week