After years of caring for patients in a hospital setting and serving in the Air Force, Amy Ryman wanted to find a way to make an impact as part of the North Colonie community. Nursing has always been about more than providing care, it’s about building trust, creating connections, and being there for people when they need it most. At Loudonville Elementary, she has become a familiar and comforting presence, celebrating students’ milestones, supporting them through challenges, and appreciating the small moments that make her work so meaningful.
“It’s rewarding when the kids tell me that they enjoy seeing me,” Mrs. Ryman said. “And being able to watch them grow through the different years and see them mature.”
Read more about Mrs. Ryman on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/staffspotlight
Before becoming a Shaker High School Global History teacher, Marc Jackson served nine years in the United States Air Force, built a career outside of education, and eventually found his way back to the role of instructor. For Mr. Jackson, the path to the classroom was shaped by service, resilience, and a lifelong desire to make a difference. Twenty-four years later, he continues to bring the same sense of purpose, dedication, and connection to his students that has guided him throughout his life.
“It’s people like Dr. (James) Jackson, like Mr. (Joseph) Corr and of course the fine teachers throughout my 24 years of teaching. It’s the people. And then of course there’s always the kids. They come into class. They’re smiling, they’re happy, keeping that momentum going.”
Read more about Mr. Jackson on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/staffspotlight
Continuing Education is back this fall with a wide range of courses! Visit northcolonie.org/ce to view available classes, learn how to register, or find out how to become an instructor next semester!
In-person Continuing Education registration is Wednesday, Sept. 9 from 2 to 4 p.m., checks will be the only form of payment accepted.
In-person Continuing Education registration is Wednesday, Sept. 9 from 2 to 4 p.m., checks will be the only form of payment accepted.
Art has always been about more than what hangs on a wall or what’s created from a piece of clay for John Doolittle. For more than 20 years at Shaker High School, he has used the classroom as a place to inspire creativity, build confidence, and remind students that one person’s encouragement can change the course of someone’s life. From sharing personal stories during “storytime” to guiding students through important moments, Mr. Doolittle has created a lasting legacy rooted in connection, compassion, and purpose.
“The ceramics class and teacher in high school really changed my whole outlook on school and life,” Mr. Doolittle said. “It gave me focus and direction.”
Read more about Mr. Doolittle on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/staffspotlight
For 15 years, Vedrana Kalas has helped North Colonie students find their voice, build confidence, and feel at home while learning English. As an English as a New Language teacher at Boght Hills Elementary, Mrs. Kalas draws from her own experience as an ENL student to provide the same support, encouragement, and sense of belonging that shaped her own journey. Through her compassion and dedication, she continues to create meaningful connections with students and families from around the world.
“It doesn’t feel like work most of the time, because I have so much devotion and passion for doing this,” Mrs. Kalas said. “For many of my students, I see myself as the role my teacher had been for me.”
Read more about Mrs. Kalas on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/staffspotlight
“It doesn’t feel like work most of the time, because I have so much devotion and passion for doing this,” Mrs. Kalas said. “For many of my students, I see myself as the role my teacher had been for me.”
Read more about Mrs. Kalas on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/staffspotlight
Shaker High School student Doaa Abdelmeged has had a busy summer! Doaa, who will be entering her senior year, was one of 20 students from across the country selected to participate in Summer Enrichment Program at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. The camp featured lab activities based on biology, biotechnology, nursing, clinical lab sciences, microbiology, and cytology. With this new knowledge of the next generation of health care, Doaa is ready for senior year!
For 34 years, Aileen Dirtadian has been a dedicated member of the Shaker High School mathematics department, inspiring students through her love of math and building lasting connections with colleagues along the way. From teaching nearly every level of mathematics to supporting educators through her longtime role with the North Colonie Teachers’ Association, Mrs. Dirtadian’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. After more than three decades at SHS, she reflects most fondly on the people who have made North Colonie feel like family.
“It’s the people. It is really the people,” Mrs. Dirtadian said. “The students, of course too, but the connections. When I started here, I found a family immediately and it was amazing.”
Read more about Mrs. Dirtadian on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/staffspotlight
“It’s the people. It is really the people,” Mrs. Dirtadian said. “The students, of course too, but the connections. When I started here, I found a family immediately and it was amazing.”
Read more about Mrs. Dirtadian on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/staffspotlight
For Sarah Vatalaro, returning to North Colonie felt like coming back to a place that helped shape who she is today. A 2020 Shaker High School graduate, Ms. Vatalaro has brought her passion for communication, collaboration, and helping others to her role as Main Office Secretary at Shaker Middle School. After gaining professional experience outside of education, she was drawn back to a community where relationships and teamwork are at the heart of everything they do.
“The community has always just been so kind and welcoming,” Ms. Vatalaro said. “It has really helped me grow, and not just as an empathetic person. There were, and still are, so many people who were willing to sit down, listen, and chat with me and help me figure out different solutions for my problems.”
Read more about Ms. Vatalaro on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/staffspotlight
“The community has always just been so kind and welcoming,” Ms. Vatalaro said. “It has really helped me grow, and not just as an empathetic person. There were, and still are, so many people who were willing to sit down, listen, and chat with me and help me figure out different solutions for my problems.”
Read more about Ms. Vatalaro on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/staffspotlight
Shaker High School has a new principal - and the first female to hold the position. Crystal Fox has been named the next principal of Shaker High School. She will take over the role on Wednesday, Aug. 12. Read more here: https://www.northcolonie.org/article/3051784
Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Fox to this new role!
Susan Deierlein and Christina Biviano have been helping students at Shaker Middle School discover what’s possible through compassion, teamwork, and high expectations. Guided by their motto, “Actually, they can,” the special education teachers have created meaningful opportunities for students to build confidence and independence, including through the school’s beloved Bison Brew coffee cart. Together, they continue to show that with the right support, every student can thrive.
“When everybody works together for the same reason, it just impacts the day, the child's life, immensely,” Mrs. Biviano said. Mrs. Deierlein agrees, adding, “The community is fantastic.”
Read more about Mrs. Deierlein and Mrs. Biviano on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/staffspotlight
Just in time for the rainy weather, WNYT @NewsChannel13 Meteorologist Paul Caiano stopped by Forts Ferry on Tuesday, July 28 to talk to fourth and fifth grade students about extreme weather, some of which can happen in the Capital Region. His presentation covered events such as hurricanes, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and more, while sharing some of his own personal experiences reporting on these events. Caiano then talked about his own path to becoming a meteorologist, telling students, “Whatever it is that you really enjoy and think about a lot, it’s really important to not let things stop you from achieving that goal and being whatever you want.”
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your insights, @PaulCaianoWeather!
Elizabeth Pomerville has supported students and families across North Colonie, bringing compassion, advocacy, and a lifelong connection to the district she proudly calls home. A Shaker High School graduate whose parents also dedicated their careers to North Colonie, Mrs. Pomerville has come full circle, helping students thrive while building strong partnerships with families and staff. As she looks ahead to retirement, she's excited for more travel, time with family, and new adventures, while reflecting on the place that has always felt like home.
“I’m so happy that I got to end my career here,” she said. “It feels like another full-circle moment.”
Read more about Mrs. Pomerville on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/staffspotlight
Hear firsthand what our North Colonie employees love about working in our district, then come see what makes our team so special at our Summer Job Fair on August 6 from 10 A.M. to 2 P.M. at 91 Fiddlers Lane, Latham! We're hiring for multiple positions and looking for excited individuals ready to make a difference. Meet our staff, learn about our opportunities, and interview on the spot (first come, first served). RSVP using the link in our bio, we can't wait to meet you!
Ready for Week Two? We sure are!
There are plenty of fresh produce items from the district gardens, along with pantry staples, available at Friday's Summer Garden Market. Stop by in front of Shaker Middle School every Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to see what's available. As always, all items are free of charge. If you'd like to contribute, donations go directly back into supporting the district gardens. We hope to see you there!
There are plenty of fresh produce items from the district gardens, along with pantry staples, available at Friday's Summer Garden Market. Stop by in front of Shaker Middle School every Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to see what's available. As always, all items are free of charge. If you'd like to contribute, donations go directly back into supporting the district gardens. We hope to see you there!
For 22 years, Bob Pollaro has helped shape social studies education across North Colonie, combining his passion for history, leadership, and lifelong learning to support students and teachers throughout the district. As he prepares for retirement, he's looking forward to new adventures, including an Alaskan cruise, more time spent camping and fishing, and even learning to play the electric guitar. After more than two decades of service, Mr. Pollaro reflects most proudly on the opportunity to work alongside dedicated educators and help make a difference for students every day.
“The favorite part that I have in the role is being able to blend all of the different administrative roles from my love of history to working with kids and also working with teachers,” he said.
Read more about Mr. Pollaro on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/staffspotlight
“The favorite part that I have in the role is being able to blend all of the different administrative roles from my love of history to working with kids and also working with teachers,” he said.
Read more about Mr. Pollaro on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/staffspotlight
**Staff Spotlight: Kimberly Jeram**
For 30 years, Kimberly Jeram has been a steady, compassionate presence at North Colonie, helping students discover that success is possible with the right support, patience, and encouragement. This June, she retired from the district and is looking ahead to new adventures, including a European trip planned for 2027 and plenty of future travel opportunities. Still, after three decades at North Colonie, she reflects most fondly on the people and relationships built along the way.
“I loved being here for 30 years,” she said. “It’s been a great place to work, and I’ve met some of the best people in my life. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Read more about Mrs. Jeram on our website: https://www.northcolonie.org/staffspotlight
This Friday, July 10, the North Colonie Annual Summer Garden Market will open! In addition to plenty of fresh vegetables from the district garden, pantry items will also be available for pickup. The market will run every Friday from July 10 through August 14, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Be sure to stop by Shaker Middle School to check out all that our gardens have to offer, each week will feature different items. As always, items are free of charge; however, if you would like to contribute, all donations will go directly back into the district gardens. We hope to see you there!
Our Summer Garden Market is making its return this summer! Every Friday, from July 10-August 14 from 10am to 12pm, stop by Shaker Middle School to check out the freshest produce from our district gardens! Every week will feature some different items. As always, items are free of charge. Any donations made will go directly back into the district gardens. We hope to see you on July 10!
When school lets out, grocery bills go up for families who relied on free school meals. Resources in our community, like summer meals, Summer EBT, SNAP, and WIC, can help families put food on the table. Visit hungersolutionsny.org/find-food-help to learn more.
Shaker High School just welcomed around 500 new freshmen! On Thursday, June 25, Shaker Middle School eighth graders, along with their families, friends, and teachers, filled the Shaker High H-Gym to celebrate as these students graduated and took the next step in their journey. They have all worked incredibly hard to reach this milestone and we are excited to see what they do next. Congratulations Shaker High Class of 2030, see you in the fall!
