Budget voting day is here! Our annual North Colonie CSD school budget and Board of Education election vote will take place today, Tuesday, May 19, until 9 p.m. Voting will take place at Central Office (91 Fiddlers Lane, Latham, NY 12110).
Please note that all mail-in ballots must be received by the school district clerk by 5 p.m. today in order to be canvassed.
The Shaker Chess Club, led by Advisor Mr. Rodriguez and President Nirvana Monsur, hosted the Inaugural Shaker High School Chess Tournament in collaboration with The Right Move on Saturday, May 9. Nearly 100 players from across the Capital Region joined us for a full day of strategy, competition, and community.
Congratulations to freshman Ethan Chen, who achieved a perfect 4–0 score to win 1st place in the Knight (K–12) Section, and to sophomore Jiashen Li, who secured 2nd place. Junior Jiayi Chen also represented Shaker as a competitor, while junior Nirvana Monsur served as the Chief Assistant Tournament Director and Event Organizer.
Congratulations to freshman Ethan Chen, who achieved a perfect 4–0 score to win 1st place in the Knight (K–12) Section, and to sophomore Jiashen Li, who secured 2nd place. Junior Jiayi Chen also represented Shaker as a competitor, while junior Nirvana Monsur served as the Chief Assistant Tournament Director and Event Organizer.
We have some amazing artists here at North Colonie CSD! From the art show at the Town of Colonie Library to our Advanced Senior Art Reception and Secondary Art Reception at NYSUT, North Colonie student artwork has been on display across the town! Thank you to Omar Williams and the Shaker Middle School Jazz Ensemble for their performance during the NYSUT event. For more photos and student artwork, visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NorthColonieCSD
This month, Shaker High School junior Shreya Sharath is being recognized as the May North Colonie Kids Care recipient. Shreya was nominated by Shaker High School Student Assistance Counselor, Mrs. Stacey Angell, for her work as the founder of GleeBoxx.
Gleebox is a youth-led nonprofit initiative, grounded in the belief that small acts of kindness can create powerful change. Guided by the idea that no individual should feel defined or diminished by their circumstances, GleeBoxx creates thoughtfully curated care packages that combine essential items with personalized touches such as handwritten notes and small, joyful additions. Through this work, Shreya not only addresses immediate needs, but also fosters a sense of dignity, connection, and belonging among recipients. Shreya is currently organizing a large-scale drive to distribute 240 GleeBoxx care packages to elementary school children here in North Colonie. It’s an effort that reflects both her organizational skills and her unwavering dedication to serving others.
Shreya’s work through GleeBoxx is not only changing lives in our school community, but also reshaping how people think about giving—emphasizing empathy, dignity, and human connection. We are proud and honored to call Shreya one of our own here in North Colonie. Congratulations Shreya, you are so very deserving of this honor as a North Colonie Kids Care recipient.
Gleebox is a youth-led nonprofit initiative, grounded in the belief that small acts of kindness can create powerful change. Guided by the idea that no individual should feel defined or diminished by their circumstances, GleeBoxx creates thoughtfully curated care packages that combine essential items with personalized touches such as handwritten notes and small, joyful additions. Through this work, Shreya not only addresses immediate needs, but also fosters a sense of dignity, connection, and belonging among recipients. Shreya is currently organizing a large-scale drive to distribute 240 GleeBoxx care packages to elementary school children here in North Colonie. It’s an effort that reflects both her organizational skills and her unwavering dedication to serving others.
Shreya’s work through GleeBoxx is not only changing lives in our school community, but also reshaping how people think about giving—emphasizing empathy, dignity, and human connection. We are proud and honored to call Shreya one of our own here in North Colonie. Congratulations Shreya, you are so very deserving of this honor as a North Colonie Kids Care recipient.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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 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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
Have a fun story or photo of a North Colonie teacher to share? Email us at communications@nccsk12.org!
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!
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!
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
Interested in participating?
Visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSesBt9zycYr-os5dMQx8G5DN7qADkjNA38V2EqQsT3isGNbXw/viewform
or email molly.jennes@nccsk12.org
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.
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.
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.
