It's the Season of Giving, and your donations could provide meals during this winter or clothing throughout the school year! 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. Your support allows us to give back to our own students and families in need in our district. We appreciate your support and are grateful for any and all donations!
Donate here today: https://ignite.stratuslive.com/uwgcr/get-involved/fundraise/25NCCSDgiving
Donate here today: https://ignite.stratuslive.com/uwgcr/get-involved/fundraise/25NCCSDgiving
The French Department has been busy this December! The annual French Café was just one among a full calendar of activities prior to the holiday break. Thank you to everyone who helped organize and participate in making these events a success!
For the eighth consecutive year, Shaker High School students in Dr. Bell’s English had the chance to meet their pen pals at Avila Retirement Community. The students began exchanging letters with their resident pen pals back in September, but today they were finally able to meet face to face. There was no shortage of topics to cover for the annual event, as discussions ranged how school is different for students now compared to when their pen pals went to school, the activities everyone enjoys in their respective community, and more. Among the smiling faces, dozens of unlikely friendships were also forged, which will hopefully last well into the future.
Mamma Mia, here we go again! The cast of last year’s Shaker High School production of "Mamma Mia" traveled to NYC earlier this week to see the Broadway version. Students also got an opportunity to see the tree at Rockefeller Center on the way. Bravo all around!
Congratulations to Boght Hills fifth grader James Nagle, who is being recognized as the December North Colonie Kids Care recipient. James was nominated by Ms. Cristi Davis, Ms. Carrie Trimarci, Ms. Heather Garcia and Ms. Dawn Scott, for what he does on a daily basis at school. Not only does James show kindness to his peers, but he encourages classmates both academically and socially. He helps other students feel included during recess by inviting them into games they might not have joined without his encouragement.
His teachers say James acts as a role model of empathy, often checking in on his peers who are upset or hesitant. He also served as a Bus Buddy for the first few months of school, helping kindergartners get on the bus and teaching them how to ride it safely. James truly a wonderful representative of what it means to be a leader. Thank you, James, for your kindness toward others and for always going the extra mile to make sure your classmates feel included and welcome.
His teachers say James acts as a role model of empathy, often checking in on his peers who are upset or hesitant. He also served as a Bus Buddy for the first few months of school, helping kindergartners get on the bus and teaching them how to ride it safely. James truly a wonderful representative of what it means to be a leader. Thank you, James, for your kindness toward others and for always going the extra mile to make sure your classmates feel included and welcome.
If you see Mrs. Jeanne Meddleton, please wish her a very happy retirement! It is Mrs. Meddleton's last day after 19 years in the North Colonie Central School District. Mrs. Meddleton is a legend at Latham Ridge, where she has spent the last 14 years of her career in the main office. Thank you for your dedication to the students and families in North Colonie. You will be missed!
Part of being a librarian is the willingness to share knowledge, and that's just what happened recently for Shaker High School Librarian Rebecca Byrne, who presented at the 36th Annual Regional Technology Awareness Day on Friday, Dec. 12. The title of Byrne's session was, "Algorithms in Action: A Hands-On Introduction to AI for Students." After the session, Byrne shared the lesson she does at SHS for the Freshman Seminar class, allowing for attendees to experience the lesson as if they were the students themselves. The exceptional lesson featured discussion, lecture, hands-on activities, and even a digital bias activity. With the ultimate goal of students understanding how AI uses algorithms to learn their habits, attendees left with several resources on tools to help them implement the lesson themselves. Great job representing North Colonie and sharing your knowledge, Rebecca!
Shaker High School recently offered the North Colonie community a chance to learn all about the “Holidays Around the World!” The event took place on Friday, Dec. 12 and offered a chance for SHS students to share their cultural holidays. Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in making this event a success!
Spotted: Shaker students doing great things! On Thursday, Dec. 4, a SHS violin/cello quartet performed by invitation at the New York State Education Department's annual Employee Service Awards reception. SHS Orchestra Teacher Sara Tribou and three SHS students not only performed for the attendees, but they were also recognized by the administration of NYSED for their efforts. Great job to Ms. Tribou and our students!
A group of 63 students from Shaker High School recently spent the day in training to become student ambassadors for the Sources of Strength program. Sources of Strength is a fun and positive program where students work together to spread hope, help, and strength throughout our school. The program, which was established through the University of Rochester, aims to help everyone know that they have people and things in their life that make them strong—even when things get tough. Thank you to our 63 new student ambassadors who spent the day learning, supporting their peers, and showing us just what it means to be a Bison! Read more on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/article/2590714
As Shaker High School marked the end of the first quarter, a group of 31 students were named the newest recipients of the Shaker Strong character award. The award celebrates students who show important character traits in how they act and treat others, including bravery in tough moments, treating others with respect, and making a positive impact on our school community. For the first quarter, the group was honored for social and ethical behavior: building respectful, inclusive communities. The 31 recipients received their award along with a celebratory bagel breakfast. Congratulations to the newest recipients of the Shaker Strong award!
It's almost here! The first “Holidays Around the World” event takes place this Friday, Dec. 12 from 5-7 p.m. at Shaker High School. The North Colonie community is invited to attend this event, which will celebrate diversity and culture by allowing SHS students a chance to share their cultural holidays. Read more about the event on our website at https://www.northcolonie.org/article/2578704. We hope to see you there!
On December 6th, the Shaker Speech and Debate won 1st Place in team sweeps at the Snowball Invitational at Mt. Markham High School. Leading the team to their success were the following competitors:
Original Oratory Speech:
1st Place – Ella Bagchi
2nd Place – Pragna Obiddi
3rd Place – Aven Kilmer
Extemporaneous Speaking:
1st Place – Renee Bates
Oral Interpretation:
1st Place – Aven Kilmer
Novice Lincoln Douglas Debate:
1st Place – Victoria Chung
2nd Place – Sima Amiri
Intermediate Lincoln Douglas Debate:
1st Place – Gianna Zhang
Congratulations everyone on a job well done!
Original Oratory Speech:
1st Place – Ella Bagchi
2nd Place – Pragna Obiddi
3rd Place – Aven Kilmer
Extemporaneous Speaking:
1st Place – Renee Bates
Oral Interpretation:
1st Place – Aven Kilmer
Novice Lincoln Douglas Debate:
1st Place – Victoria Chung
2nd Place – Sima Amiri
Intermediate Lincoln Douglas Debate:
1st Place – Gianna Zhang
Congratulations everyone on a job well done!
The North Colonie community is invited to attend the first “Holidays Around the World” event on Friday, Dec. 12 from 5-7 p.m. at Shaker High School. The event, hosted by the Cooking & Culture Club, celebrates celebrate diversity and culture by allowing SHS students a chance to share their cultural holidays. Read more about the event here: https://www.northcolonie.org/article/2578704
Please join us in wishing 13 Shaker High School students good luck this weekend as they head to the NYSSMA All-State Music Festival in Rochester. The students have gone through a complex process to be chosen as a performer or alternate in the 2025 NYSSMA All-State Festival. Congratulations and best of luck to the following students:
Bathala Bernardo 12 Drumset in the Modern Band
Surya Bommasani 12 Bass in the Mixed Chorus
Jenna Cannistraci 11 Alto in the Treble Chorus
Nafiza Ilma 11 Alto in the Mixed Chorus
Adam Judson 11 Oboe in the Symphonic Band
Lauren Lee-Chung 11 Violin in the Symphony Orchestra
Jackson Majewski 12 Tenor in the Mixed Chorus
Lily Maynard 12 Soprano 1 in the Treble Chorus
Avery Subik 11 Bass in the String Orchestra
Isabel Yang 12 Alto in the Treble Chorus
Sophie Freed 11 Alternate on Percussion
Gio Ok 11 Alternate on Cello
Chaz Siegfeld 12 Alternate on Tenor
Bathala Bernardo 12 Drumset in the Modern Band
Surya Bommasani 12 Bass in the Mixed Chorus
Jenna Cannistraci 11 Alto in the Treble Chorus
Nafiza Ilma 11 Alto in the Mixed Chorus
Adam Judson 11 Oboe in the Symphonic Band
Lauren Lee-Chung 11 Violin in the Symphony Orchestra
Jackson Majewski 12 Tenor in the Mixed Chorus
Lily Maynard 12 Soprano 1 in the Treble Chorus
Avery Subik 11 Bass in the String Orchestra
Isabel Yang 12 Alto in the Treble Chorus
Sophie Freed 11 Alternate on Percussion
Gio Ok 11 Alternate on Cello
Chaz Siegfeld 12 Alternate on Tenor
Happy Giving Tuesday! The North Colonie @unitedwaygcr Season of Giving campaign continues as we look to provide a happy holiday season for all of our families in need. If you would like to contribute, use the QR code on your screen or by visiting https://ignite.stratuslive.com/uwgcr/get-involved/fundraise/25NCCSDgiving.
100% of the proceeds go directly back to North Colonie to assist our families. Thank you for your support! #givingtuesday
100% of the proceeds go directly back to North Colonie to assist our families. Thank you for your support! #givingtuesday
The North Colonie Central School District is closed today, Tuesday, Dec. 2, due to inclement weather. Only snow removal employees are to report.
On Friday, Nov. 21, Communications and SHS students gathered in the Taft Cafeteria for the Gratitude Gathering, enjoying an hour filled with food, fun, and laughter. It was a warm and welcome chance for students to unwind, spend time with friends and teachers, and celebrate the spirit of appreciation together.
Look at the Boght Hills Food Pantry! With the help of the Community Food Drive a couple of weeks ago, the pantry is stocked and ready to serve our students and families in need through the Backpack Program. Thank you to everyone who donated food and personal hygiene items to help fill all of our eight school pantries! If you would still like to help our students, you can use the QR code for the United Way Season of Giving campaign which directly benefits our district families.
Happy Thankful Thursday and Happy Thanksgiving. Each Thursday in November, we have been sharing our gratitude for the people who have helped make North Colonie CSD the community it is today.
This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate our district’s 75th anniversary. For seven and a half decades, our community has stood alongside our schools, supporting our students, educators, and programs and helping shape a strong and caring district. Families, alumni, partners, volunteers, and neighbors: your support, collaboration, and commitment continue to make a lasting difference.
Thank you for believing in our mission and being an essential part of North Colonie. Wishing you a warm and meaningful Thanksgiving from our North Colonie family to yours.
#ThankfulThursday #thankyounorthcolonie #nccsd75 #throwbackthursday
This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate our district’s 75th anniversary. For seven and a half decades, our community has stood alongside our schools, supporting our students, educators, and programs and helping shape a strong and caring district. Families, alumni, partners, volunteers, and neighbors: your support, collaboration, and commitment continue to make a lasting difference.
Thank you for believing in our mission and being an essential part of North Colonie. Wishing you a warm and meaningful Thanksgiving from our North Colonie family to yours.
#ThankfulThursday #thankyounorthcolonie #nccsd75 #throwbackthursday
