There was plenty of sunshine and lots of smiles at Unified Field Day last week! Unified athletes from Shaker High School visited the @ShenendehowaCSD campus for a day filled with games, friendly competition, and lots of cheers.
about 21 hours ago, North Colonie Communications
students playing in unified field day
students playing in unified field day
students playing in unified field day
students playing in unified field day
students playing in unified field day
students playing in unified field day
students playing in unified field day
students playing in unified field day
students playing in unified field day
students playing in unified field day
Please join us in congratulating North Colonie CSD Board Member Mary Nardolillo and Shaker High School Hall Monitor Mary Kay Smollin on receiving awards from the Capital Area School Development Association (CASDA)! On April 30, the two were among those honored at the CASDA Annual Awards and Friends of Education Dinner.

Nardolillo was given the Excellence in School Board Service Award for her time on the North Colonie Board of Education and her dedication to creating opportunities and positive outcomes for students. Smollin was given the Friends of Education award for her unwavering commitment to enriching the lives of students and strengthening the North Colonie community.

During the evening, it was noted that both Nardolillo and Smollin have worked tirelessly - often behind the scenes - to support our district and ensure our students thrive. Congratulations Ms. Nardolillo and Ms. Smollin! North Colonie is lucky to have you!
1 day ago, North Colonie Communications
Mary Kay Smollin and Mary Nardolillo standing next to each other
Brian Carey, Morgan Flynn, Crystal Fox, Mary Kay Smollin, Matt Stein
Matt Stein, Linda Harrison, Mary Nardolillo and Brian Carey standing next to each other
Matt Stein, Mary Nardolillo and Brian Carey standing next to each other
Matt Stein, Mary Nardolillo, Mary Kay Smollin, and Brian Carey standing next to each other
Mary Kay and Mary Nardolillo hugging
Our new bison has found its permanent home! Thank you to the Class of 2026 for this incredible gift which you can now see as you walk up the center sidewalk at Shaker High School. Huge thanks to Mr. Jim Perry and several of our art teachers who spent time making Bryson's new best friend look so lifelike. Stop by and see it!
2 days ago, North Colonie Communications
An image of a large blue bison on a slab of concrete.
An image of a large blue bison from the side on a concrete slab.

Monday, May 11 was an evening of celebration, as North Colonie CSD awarded tenure to 43 employees. The evening also celebrated over 80 faculty and staff members who reached milestone anniversaries of 20, 25, 30, 35, and 41 years of service. Surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues, honorees were recognized during a ceremony featuring remarks from Board of Education President Linda Harrison and Superintendent of Schools Kathleen Skeals. Please join us in celebrating these remarkable educators and staff members for their commitment and contributions to the district!

3 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Superintendent Skeals with a milestone recipient's daughter
35 years group
Athletic team
Food service team
25 years group
Achieved Tenure group
Achieved Tenure group
Transportation team
30 years group
20 years group
Due to anticipated weather conditions, the Bison Birthday Bash and 75th Anniversary Celebration will now be held indoors at Shaker High School's H-Gym.

We are pleased to share that all planned activities will continue as scheduled. Guests can look forward to booths, food, Kona Ice, the official Bison name reveal, student performances, games, and plenty of exciting surprises throughout the event. We hope to see everyone tomorrow (Saturday, May 9), from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

For entry, please use either the H-Gym entrance or the Main Office entrance at Shaker High School. Student and staff volunteers will be available throughout the event to assist and provide directions to help ensure a smooth and welcoming experience for all attendees.

Thank you for your understanding and flexibility. We look forward to celebrating this special milestone together indoors and making it a memorable day for the entire North Colonie community.
7 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Due to anticipated weather conditions, the Bison Birthday Bash and 75th Anniversary Celebration will now be held indoors at Shaker High School's H-Gym.  We are pleased to share that all planned activities will continue as scheduled. Guests can look forward to booths, food, Kona Ice, the official Bison name reveal, student performances, games, and plenty of exciting surprises throughout the event. We hope to see everyone tomorrow (Saturday, May 9), from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  For entry, please use either the H-Gym entrance or the Main Office entrance at Shaker High School. Student and staff volunteers will be available throughout the event to assist and provide directions to help ensure a smooth and welcoming experience for all attendees.  Thank you for your understanding and flexibility. We look forward to celebrating this special milestone together indoors and making it a memorable day for the entire North Colonie community.
We are excited to announce the opening of North Colonie's 75th Anniversary branded apparel webstore! The webstore will be open until Tuesday, May 19. The store can be found through the QR code or through the link in our bio! Items may be shipped to your address or picked up at Central Office or your school by selecting third party pick up. Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you at the 75th Anniversary and Bison Birthday Bash!
8 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Get limited edition North Colonie's 75th Anniversary Celebration merch!
The Shaker Middle School Jazz Ensemble performed at Shen Jazz Fest, held at Shenendehowa HS East on Friday, April 24. The guest artist was Jeff Coffin, saxophonist for the Dave Matthews Band and three-time Grammy Award winner as a member of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones.

Jeff Coffin told SMS band director Omar Williams that the group was his favorite band he heard all day. SMS 7th grader Elise Sanderl won "Outstanding MS Musician" and was awarded a $50 gift card to John Keal Music.
9 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Members of the SMS Jazz Ensemble perform on stage.
SMS seventh grader Elise Sanderl poses with festival coordinator Brian Carucci after winning "Outstanding MS Musician."
Members of the SMS Jazz Ensemble perform on stage.
It’s National School Nurse Day! Join us in celebrating our incredible school nurses, we are so grateful for each and every one of you. Thank you for your care, compassion, and dedication to keeping our students healthy and supported every day!
9 days ago, North Colonie Communications
It’s National School Nurse Day!
It’s time to celebrate! We’re counting down to the North Colonie Bison Birthday Bash & 75th Anniversary Celebration this Saturday, May 9. We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone, and neither can the Bison! The day will be packed with games, performances, food, and plenty of special surprises, including the Bison’s name reveal. And of course, there will be cupcakes, because it wouldn’t be a birthday party without them!

The first cupcake design was painted by Shaker High School art teacher Genevieve Chornyak, followed by eight additional creations from her talented students: Qwin Liquigan, William Powell, Anu Thennarasu, Tessa Travers, Zariya Ahmed, Maya Aguirre Mucia, and Raegan Murphy.
10 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Cupcake with 75 candle
Cupcake with the Very Hungry Caterpillar coming out of it
Cupcake with a flower and firework background
Blueberry cupcake with blueberries around it
Cupcake with someone eyeing it
Cupcake
Someone piping icing on a cupcake with a bunch of little cupcakes around it
Cupcake with a turtle, elephant and bird running around it
Teacher Appreciation Week continues! Today, we’re celebrating the heart, patience, and creativity our teachers bring to their classrooms each day. Thank you for the little moments that make a big difference. Your impact matters more than words can say!

Pictured are our elementary art teachers preparing for the recent art show at the William K Sanford Town Library in Colonie. Have a fun story or photo of a North Colonie teacher to share? Email us at communications@nccsk12.org!
10 days ago, North Colonie Communications
teachers posing after putting artwork together
This week, we celebrate the incredible educators who make a difference at North Colonie every single day. During Teacher Appreciation Week, we thank our teachers for their passion, dedication, and the countless ways they support, inspire, and uplift our students. Please join us in showing gratitude to the amazing teachers who help shape our future, one student at a time.

Have a fun story or photo of a North Colonie teacher to share? Email us at communications@nccsk12.org!
11 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week
garrett and marc jackson singing and playing guitar
teachers looking at the board
mr carpenters running club class
sms art teachers at show
teacher trivia winners
teacher pointing to the board
teacher appreciation with two students and the bison
teacher in front of classroom
They may trade capes for aprons, but our lunch staff are everyday superheroes all the same. Friday, May 1, is School Lunch Heroes Day, and we’re excited to celebrate our incredible food and nutrition team. Thank you for serving up not just meals, but kindness, energy, and a smile with every tray!
14 days ago, North Colonie Communications
School Lunch Heroes Week!

Krrisha Agrawal is headed to the big show! Congratulations to the Shaker Middle School sixth grader who is going back to the Scripps National Spelling Bee for the second consecutive year. Krrisha won a regional qualifier locally at the end of the March which punched her ticket to the national competition in Washington, D.C. You will hear more from Krrisha in the weeks leading up to that competition!

16 days ago, North Colonie Communications
A photo of Krrisha Agrawal surrounded by graphics of honeycombs and bees.
Shaker 8th graders are exploring careers in their Family & Consumer Sciences (FACS) classes and we’d love your help bringing those careers to life! We’re inviting community members to share their career journeys and inspire students as they explore future possibilities. Every experience matters and can make a lasting impact.

Interested in participating?
Visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSesBt9zycYr-os5dMQx8G5DN7qADkjNA38V2EqQsT3isGNbXw/viewform
or email molly.jennes@nccsk12.org
16 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Shaker 8th graders are exploring the world of work through their Family & Consumer Sciences (FACS) classes, and we need you to bring careers to life! We’re inviting community members to share their career journeys and help students discover the many paths their futures can take. Every job plays an important role, and your experience can inspire the next generation.
It's School Bus Driver Appreciation Day! Let’s give a big thank you to the drivers who keep our school days running safely and smoothly. They are the first friendly face in the morning and the last one in the afternoon, making every ride a safe, welcoming, and dependable part of the day. Thank you bus drivers!

Join us in celebrating their hard work, care, and dedication on every route. Ready to make a difference in your community? Be a hero, drive a school bus.
17 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Happy school bus driver appreciation day! | April 27, 2026

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.

19 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Student prepared to ask the witness questions
Witness and bailiff
Honorable Michael C. Howard of Columbia County Court Judge presides over the Mock Trial.
Witness
Student questions witness
Social Studies Teacher Mr. Krakat
Jury
New York Unified Courts System | Civic Engagement bag
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!
20 days ago, North Colonie Communications
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!
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!
21 days 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
On Monday, April 20, Shaker Middle School hosted its annual Taste of the World event. The celebration has grown since past years thanks to a collaboration with the English as a New Language team, whose students helped make the experience more meaningful and diverse. Families enjoyed sampling foods from more than 20 countries, listening to live music from SMS Chamber Strings, and exploring student projects and international cuisine highlights. ENL displays were featured, along with a digital cookbook available through the link in our bio, and opportunities to connect with community partners.
23 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Families enjoy Taste of the World event
SMS teacher with family
Students taking goodies from the table
SMS Chamber Strings perform
Representative from Colonie Library
SMS family enjoys event
Spinach Pie from Greece
SMS family enjoys event
One of the tables lined with food at event
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!
23 days ago, North Colonie Communications
Admin Professionals Day