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!
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!
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/
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
The Bison is wishing everyone a great Spring Break! Don’t forget we are one month away from the Bison getting a name, and celebrating the 75th anniversary together!
Congratulations to our Principles of Engineering classes! The classes attended the Capital District E-Week Model Bridge Competition at HVCC on Friday, March 27. Our students competed against other Capital Region schools, designing and building bridges that were evaluated and tested for aesthetics, max load held, and efficiency. Shaker High School students had an amazing showing, sweeping first, second, and third place in all categories! Great job to these talented students!
You're Invited to Shaker Unified National Banner School Celebration on Friday, April 17 at 6 p.m. in the H-Gym at SHS. This celebration is to recognize our recent recognition as a National Unified Banner School. We would love to have the North Colonie community there to celebrate this milestone!
The Shaker High School Art Department proved to be one of the top in the Capital Region once again, bringing home seven awards at the 27th Annual High School Regional Juried Exhibition at the Albany Center Gallery. Shaker artists had 16 works selected out of 25 submitted and seven of those won awards. Those works, created by four students, are listed below.
Jurors' Choice Award: Kayra Etienne Maître, Almost Like Home
Jurors' Choice Award: Anya Vedhathiri, Oneirism
The Joe Faul Memorial Award: Riley Luczak, Just the Three of Us
The Patricia Clahassey Memorial Award: Trinity Pitts, Clarity
Kevin & Cindi Dubner Showcase Award: Trinity Pitts, Handle with Care
Lory Tansky 3D Award: Riley Luczak, From the Depths
The Opalka Gallery at Russell Sage College Award: Kayra Etienne Maître, Almost Like Home
More than 126 works were selected from 109 students from 27 schools around the Capital Region by jurors D. Colin, Tony Iadicicco, and Alicia Lea. The exhibition will remain on display at Albany Center Gallery until April 24, 2026. There is a public reception on Friday, April 3, from 5-8 p.m. at the gallery located at 48 North Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12207.
Congratulations to all of the Shaker artists and their teachers for such an outstanding performance at the High School Regional Juried Art Exhibition! We’re proud to see your work recognized by the larger art community.
Jurors' Choice Award: Kayra Etienne Maître, Almost Like Home
Jurors' Choice Award: Anya Vedhathiri, Oneirism
The Joe Faul Memorial Award: Riley Luczak, Just the Three of Us
The Patricia Clahassey Memorial Award: Trinity Pitts, Clarity
Kevin & Cindi Dubner Showcase Award: Trinity Pitts, Handle with Care
Lory Tansky 3D Award: Riley Luczak, From the Depths
The Opalka Gallery at Russell Sage College Award: Kayra Etienne Maître, Almost Like Home
More than 126 works were selected from 109 students from 27 schools around the Capital Region by jurors D. Colin, Tony Iadicicco, and Alicia Lea. The exhibition will remain on display at Albany Center Gallery until April 24, 2026. There is a public reception on Friday, April 3, from 5-8 p.m. at the gallery located at 48 North Pearl Street, Albany, NY 12207.
Congratulations to all of the Shaker artists and their teachers for such an outstanding performance at the High School Regional Juried Art Exhibition! We’re proud to see your work recognized by the larger art community.
Prom season is almost here, and we’re excited to support our students once again. On Monday, 4/6 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, NCCSD is hosting our annual Free Prom Attire Giveaway. All students are invited to browse our collection in G103 (Chorus Room), entering through the Auditorium Entrance. We’ll have over 100 dresses and some men’s formalwear available, all in great condition, with some brand new and never worn items. Everything is completely free and yours to keep. We had a great turnout last year and hope to see even more students this time!
We are also accepting donations, so if you have gently used formalwear to share, please drop it off at the Shaker High School main office.
For the past few weeks, Mrs. Hoffman, Mrs. Nolett and Mr. Zitolo’s physics students spent time engineering cardboard boats that finally hit the water on Monday, March 23 and Tuesday, March 24. Students competed across three categories including Best Theme, Most Buoyant, and Fastest Race Times. Huge shoutout to all participants for their creativity, teamwork, and determination, great job!
Congratulations to SMS student Livia Lu SHS student Gianna Zhang for their winning submissions in the Albany County Legislature essay contest! The contest, a part of the commemoration of Women’s History Month, invited students across all grade levels to reflect on what a sustainable future looks like to them. Congratulations Livia and Gianna!
The SHS Shaker Character Award for Quarter 2 honors students who exemplify self-awareness, self-advocacy, and emotional resilience each and every day. These outstanding students were nominated by their teachers for the positive choices they make, the way they support others, and their commitment to personal growth. Their actions truly make a difference in our school community! Join us in celebrating our Shaker Strong Character Award winners for Quarter 2. We are incredibly proud of all they’ve accomplished!
Oliver Aiossa
Arek Bardakjian
Sam Behrens
Faith Brate
Mikayla Brice
Noli Ceccucci
Nealy DeBiccari
Makayla Jackson
Nana Kyiretwie
Gaven Li
Yanitcia Pino-Mercado
Anthony Walls
Javeria Zahid
Gianna Zhang
Help us celebrate the amazing accomplishments of Shaker alumni! Nominations are officially open for the 2026 Shaker High School Alumni Hall of Fame. If you know a graduate who is leading, inspiring, or making a meaningful impact in their field or community, we want to hear about them. Submit your nomination by Wednesday, April 15 using the form linked in our bio. #alumnihalloffame
Have you seen the latest district newsletter? Featuring staff spotlights, Capital Project updates, district news, and more, find the digital version here: https://www.northcolonie.org/o/nccs/page/district-newsletters.
Stay tuned for more information about the Bison Birthday Bash on May 9, 2026!
Stay tuned for more information about the Bison Birthday Bash on May 9, 2026!
