This week, Haystack Hall sixth graders are participating in mock Congressional Hearings as part of their social studies curriculum. Students presented prepared testimony as expert witnesses, comparing the structure and principles of the United States government with those of ancient Athens and the Roman Republic. They delivered their testimonies to a panel that included Mrs. Ackerly (Social Studies teacher), Ms. Phillips (Librarian), Mrs. French (Haystack Principal), and Mr. Pollaro (Social Studies Supervisor). The panel provided feedback and asked questions to help students improve their public speaking skills and build confidence.
Shaker Middle School is celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month! Charles Rice from the New York State Office of Mental Health came in during lunches on Wednesday to share information on the 988 Lifeline and help spread awareness about mental health. Students and faculty members were encouraged to connect with their feelings. Students could grab stickers from a table and volunteers handed out fidget spinners, pens, bracelets, and other support goodies. Staff even received a special treat, a "You Matter" hat! #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #YouMatter #988Lifeline
Thank you to the North Colonie community for supporting the 2025-26 budget! North Colonie residents voted to approve the budget, 937 yes votes to 267 no votes. Linda Harrison and Samuel Johnson were both reelected to their seats on the Board of Education. Learn more on our website at northcolonie.org/news.
On Sunday, May 18, the Shaker Middle School Select Chorus took the field to sing the national anthem ahead of the Tri-City ValleyCats baseball game. Southpaw loved hanging out with our singing stars and some students even had the chance to participate in the games on the field in between innings. Everyone had a great time!
Shaker Middle School held its Day of Service on Saturday too! Students, parents and staff members helped install a new pollinator garden and cleaned up the current garden beds which will be planted later this spring.
North Colonie is once again teaming up with the United Way of the Greater Capital Region... this time for our Season of Service! Throughout the month of May, students from buildings around the district are holding days of service to give back to the community. While they're doing that, we want to help our own students in need. The money raised in this campaign will help provide students with food and other items during summer break and beyond. We are grateful for any and all donations!
Putting FACS skills to the test! Francis Estrella, a student from Morgan Armstrong's Textile & Design class, took what he learned in class and transformed it an official brand.
For the class, students were tasked with creating a clothing company logo and one clothing item. Francis made a beanie hat lined with silk to accommodate people that struggle with frizzy hair. He then took the project a step further, pitching his brand, which he named "Director," to a clothing manufacturer. The slogan for Director is "Your Life Is Your Movie," which Francis says reminds us that we are the boss of our lives - no one but yourself can direct this movie, also known as your life.
"I am beyond proud of him," said Armstrong. "This is exactly what it's all about!"
We have changemakers here in North Colonie! Thursday night, three of those educators were recognized at the Capital Area School Development Association's (CASDA) Annual Awards & Friends of Education Celebration.
Board of Education President Linda Harrison was recognized for Excellence in School Board Service. She is currently serving in her twelfth year as President of the Board. Mrs. Harrison was a social studies teacher at Shaker for 34 years.
Former North Colonie Superintendent Joe Corr was honored with the Friends of Education Award for his service as a social studies teacher, department supervisor and superintendent here in North Colonie. He can still be seen on the sidelines at football games and is very involved in the school community.
Farm to School Facilitator Amber Cost was also honored with the Friends of Education Award. Starting in her new position this school year, Amber will have helped to start gardens at all eight school buildings by the end of the school year. She has worked with Food Services to incorporate produce into the cafeterias and has incorporated lessons on agriculture and sustainability into the curriculum around the district.
Congratulations to all!
Tiny hands, big imaginations! The William K. Sanford Town Library hosted the North Colonie Art Exhibit Reception on Tuesday, April 29. Students in grades K-5 from all six of our elementary schools were in attendance, showing off their work to friends and family. The display was filled with color and creativity, as every piece told a story — great job to our elementary artists!
Earlier this month, the Shaker Middle School select performing groups (Select Band, Select Chorus, Cadenza, Scherzo, Syncopella, Jazz Ensemble, and Treble Makers) - all 180 students - attended The Addams Family musical at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady. The students were buzzing with excitement, and loved the show. Audience members and Proctors staff were full of praise for their behavior and energy. It was a great night!
Thursday night was the annual NCCSD Physical Education Leadership Awards! PE Faculty members selected representatives from grades 5-12 who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and effort in PE classes. 48 students in total were honored in front of family and friends in the Shaker Middle School auditorium. Congratulations to all! For a full list of student winners, click on the link in our bio.
Shaker Middle School sixth grader Natalie Cehowski is being recognized as the April North Colonie Kids Care recipient for her kindness and inclusivity. Natalie was nominated by Ms. Brook Greco, a Shaker Middle School music teacher, who was also one of the directors of the SMS musical “Willy Wonka” this spring. Natalie was a member of the cast and emailed Ms. Greco to ask if they could do a performance for the five communications classes which is made up of about 35 special education students. Natalie didn’t stop there. She continued to follow up with emails and in person conversations with Ms. Greco until they could make a concrete plan to perform for her classmates. Ms. Greco says it was truly Natalie’s suggestions and perseverance that made this special performance possible. Congratulations Natalie!
It's Transportation Staff Appreciation Day! All of our transportation staff members were celebrated Monday with a breakfast with Superintendent Kathleen Skeals. Today, there was a luncheon held at the bus garage for all bus drivers, bus aides, mechanics and other transportation staff members. Thank you for everything you do for the students and staff in our district!
Applications to request a mail-in ballot for the upcoming school budget vote are now open! The deadline to request a mail-in ballot online is May 12 at 4 p.m. Any requests after that time must be made in person at the NCCSD Central Office at 91 Fiddlers Lane. Ballots must be received by the district clerk by 5 p.m. on the day of the election (May 20, 2025).
We’re still celebrating National Library Week! Today we are checking in at Shaker Middle School and Loudonville. Our middle school students are lucky to have the trio of Library Media Specialist Ms. Nicole Weimer, Library Media Specialist Ms. Chelsea Phillips and Library TA Ms. Michelle Rought! Across town at Loudonville, the Lions are led by Library Media Specialist Substitute Ms. Jaclyn Paquette and Library Clerk Ms. Samantha Haydock. Thank you for everything you do for our students! #nationallibraryweek
The World Language Department would like to congratulate this year's winners of the annual poster contest to celebrate World Language Month at Shaker Middle School. The theme this year is "Languages Take You Places." With more than 40 poster submissions, the following students were selected as winners:
First place: Tanvi Terugu
Second place: Mia Smith
Third place: Annika Golyalla and Razin Raisha
Shaker Middle School's 8th grade performance groups took their show on the road to the Empire State Plaza! 8th Grade Chorus, Band and Orchestra all performed on the concourse on Wednesday, March 26, as part of the New York State Music Association's Music in Our Schools Month performances. About 175 SMS students sang and played for family in attendance as well as some legislators and state workers!
Winter Break will run from Feb. 17 to Feb. 21. See you again Monday, Feb. 24.
NCCSD alumna Dr. Kainat Akhtar visited Shaker Middle School science classes to speak about her research on Parkinson’s Disease.
