On Wednesday, April 22, Shaker HIgh School students participated in a Mock Trial experience in collaboration with the New York State Unified Court System at Shaker Middle School. The Honorable Michael C. Howard of Columbia County Court presided over the proceedings, while representatives from the NYS Unified Court System provided additional support and guidance. The event offered students a valuable, hands-on look at the judicial process.
Only two weeks to go until the Bison Birthday Bash and North Colonie’s 75th Anniversary. Join us on Saturday, May 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Arthur Walker Field for an action-packed celebration with food, music, games, a dance party, and the exciting moment we officially name our Bison!
What an incredible way to wrap up the week! On Friday, April 24, our Unified Basketball team took the court for the second annual Blue vs. White game, and it did not disappoint! The celebration kicked off as all four unified teams were welcomed into H Gym, followed by a special moment as Leigh Howard from Special Olympics New York unveiled our brand new National Unified Champion School banner alongside unified athlete Kiki Growick. Both teams played their hearts out, showcasing not only their skills but the true spirit of unified sports, teamwork, inclusion, and sportsmanship. The energy in the gym was electric from start to finish, with players and fans bringing the hype on and off the court! At halftime, the unified cheer team wowed the crowd with a fantastic performance, adding even more excitement to an already unforgettable event. A huge thank you to everyone who came out to support, your energy made all the difference!
For more pictures go to our Facebook page!
For more pictures go to our Facebook page!
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!
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
- 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
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.
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.
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!
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!
- 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!
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.
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. 💙
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
