SHS May 2019 Newsletter

From the Desk of Richard W. Murphy

The End of the 2018-2019 School Year

We are now in the 4th quarter of our academic year. Our students and faculty are balancing the challenges of completing their courses of study while they prepare for end-of-the-year final exams and State assessments. This quarter is a critical one by which students can maintain their knowledge and close out their course work with success, or improve upon their grades in areas where they have not performed well. It is important that students, besides applying themselves to their studies, also reflect upon their progress in each of their classes. This time for reflection will enable them to organize themselves and develop their academic plan leading to final grades reflective of their knowledge. Many students may be satisfied with their efforts, while others may not. A quick review of the third quarter report card is an easy method to determine a plan of action for the fourth quarter and finals.

If your children are struggling in classes, or their grades have dropped from earlier this year, please encourage them to seek extra help. Teachers are available after school on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Contact your child’s school counselor if you have any concerns. A plan for improvement is an important part of students’ study time.

The last quarter is a busy time. Please be aware of information coming into your home from Shaker High School. Much of the information involves deadlines. If you have questions, always feel free to contact us at  (518) 785-5511.

Program changes for 2019/2020 schedule

Students requesting any program changes for their 2019-2020 schedule will be asked to follow the normal special program request. It is, therefore, imperative that parents and students carefully review their school program choices between now and the June 1 deadline. After this deadline, schedule changes can only be done through the special program process.

NOTE: IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING FINAL EXAM

Students enrolled in courses for which there are mid-term or final examinations are responsible for taking tests on given dates and times.  Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each exam period and phone calls will be made to verify each absence. The scheduling of personal appointments, vacations, or meeting obligations other than those of an emergency nature shall not constitute a valid reason for missing an exam and will result in a grade of zero. Valid reasons include illness or injury confirmed by a physician’s note; death in family; court appearance confirmed by court documentation; or placement in a facility. Notification to hall principal and/or department supervisor is mandatory. Students and parents must make every effort to schedule mandatory college orientation/placement exams during non-testing periods. If a student is going to attend a mandatory college orientation/placement exam during a testing  period, the parents and college must provide documentation explaining the reason(s) for this request. Eligibility for make-up exams will be determined by the hall principal and department supervisor. Once the absence has been approved, the Department Supervisor, or designee will contact the student to reschedule the exam. If arrangements for make-up exams have not been made prior to the conclusion of the exam schedule, those unscheduled students shall receive an exam grade of zero. Regents exams distributed by the State cannot be rescheduled. These exams must be given at the designated times. Students who arrive late to an exam should report to their scheduled exam room. Their exam will end at the normally scheduled ending time. No additional time will be allowed.

JUNE 2019 FINAL EXAM & REGENTS SCHEDULE

Monday, 6/3

• 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. – Global History & Geography II Regents (New Framework)

Monday, 6/17

• 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. – Global 9 Final
• 10:30-12:30 a.m. – English 9 Final, Advanced Art & Design 1 Final
• 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. – English 10 Final, Precalc, Precalc H Final

Tuesday, 6/18

• 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. – US History Regents
• 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Living Environment Regents
• 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. – College Accounting Final, Advanced Art & Design 1 (2) Final

Wednesday, 6/19

• 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. – ELA Regents
• 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Algebra 1 Regents
• 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. – Business Law Final

Thursday, 6/20

• 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. – Global History & Geography Transition Regents
• 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. – Film/Video Final
• 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Earth Science Regents
• 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Advanced Art & Design 3 Final

Friday, 6/21

• 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. – Geometry Regents, Advanced Art & Design 2 Final
• 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Algebra 2 Regents

Monday, 6/24

• 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. – Advanced Art & Design 2 (2) Final
• 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. – Film/Video (2) Final
• 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. – FLACS State Exams

Tuesday, 6/25

• 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. – Chemistry Regents
• 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. – Physics Regents

Global History & Geography Review Classes 2019

Time of Review Classes begin @2:30 p.m. *If you cannot attend please visit Mrs. Martino’s website to see videos on the topics.  Go to: martinoland.pbworks.com and click on GLOBAL 10 REGENTS REVIEW and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Mathematics Department Review 2019

The Math Department at SHS will be offering review classes for students to prepare for the CC Algebra, CC Geometry, and CC Algebra 2 NYS Regents exams.

Review classes will be instructed by your child’s math teacher.  Teachers will be distributing their review class schedule to students in their math class. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s math teacher. Please encourage your son or daughter to attend these important review sessions. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the department supervisor, Mr. Verdile, at x 3367. Thank you.

English (ELA) Regents Review Classes 2019

All students enrolled in English 11 Honors, and AP Language and Composition, as well as students enrolled in other 11th and 12th grade English courses who still need to pass the exam, will take the Common Core ELA Regents exam June 19, 2019. Earning a passing score on the English Regents is a graduation requirement.

Shaker High School Graduation

This year the Shaker High School graduation will be held on June 29 at 10:00 a.m. at the Times Union Center. This is a very special day for our students, parents, and faculty. We anticipate a high number of people will be in attendance. Each year we plan a graduation that will honor our students and celebrate their success. I know there is much celebration leading up to and following the graduation ceremony for our students. I am encouraging all of those who participate in and attend the graduation to hold this ceremony as a time of reflection and acknowledgement of our students’ incredible success, culminating with the awarding of their high school diplomas. 

Our expectations for student conduct at graduation are consistent with our expectations at any school sponsored event on or off of the Shaker High School campus. We expect that students will be respectful of the occasion and ceremony and not disrupt the ceremony in a manner that will reflect poorly on themselves or our school. As such, the graduation ceremony is designed to honor all of our students and give them their moment to share with others.

We appreciate your support (in speaking with your students) to reinforce our behavioral expectations to ensure that graduation may be enjoyed and remembered fondly by all.

I look forward to this year’s graduation and celebrating this wonderful accomplishment with each of you.

NCCSD BUDGET VOTE

On Tuesday, May 21, 2019, residents will vote on a $116.3 million budget proposal, elect two of four candidates to the Board of Education. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Goodrich Building, 91 Fiddlers Lane in Latham.

National Merit Scholarship

CONGRATULATIONS! Anna Asch has been selected as a winner of a National Merit Scholarship!

Summer 2019 Driver Education Course

The 2019 Shaker High School Summer School will be held in partnership with the Watervliet School District and all classes will be held at Watervliet Jr./Sr. High School this summer. Students will be responsible for their own transportation to and from summer school. To attend summer school, a student must have attended 60% of the classes during the school year.

Key Dates for 2019 Summer School

Registration: Thursday, June 27th 8 AM – 3PM in the SHS Media Center

First day of Classes: Monday, July 8th

Walk-in Regents registration ends: Friday, June 28th at 12 PM

Local examinations: Friday and Monday – August 9th and 12th

NYS Regents Exams: Tuesday and Wednesday – August 13th and August 14th

Class Times:

• Period #1= 7:30 – 9:20 AM
• Period #2= 9:25 – 11:15 AM
• Period #3= 11:20 – 1:10 PM

If your child needs to attend summer school, please plan vacations before July 8th or after August 14th. Students who miss more than 3 days will lose credit for the course and not be eligible to take the exam. For additional information, please contact Mr. Phillips. ephillips@ncolonie.org  or 518-785-5511 x3313

Tutorial Study

Tutorial study is a remedial option for courses NOT offered during the summer session either at Shaker High School or at a neighboring district’s session.

Summer Reading

The updated summer reading list will be posted on the district website in early June 2019. The list will include required as well as recommended titles for all grade levels. We encourage all students to explore a variety of books during the summer months. Please visit our website at: https://www.northcolonie.org

Athletic Department

Annual Athletic Awards Night: June 4, 2019 at 7:00 pm in the SHS Auditorium

Free Fall Sports Physical Day: June 5th at Capital Region Health Park,  711 Troy-Schenectady Rd., Latham. Physicals at 5:30 p.m. Please take advantage of this free physical if you plan to try out for a fall 2019 sport.

Winter Recognitions: Scholar-Athlete Teams: Girls Indoor Track & Field, Gymnastics, Girls Basketball, Boys Swimming and Diving, and Boys Indoor Track & Field, Cheerleading Section 2 Champions.

The following athletes participated in state-level competitions: Wrestling: Jashon Holmes. Indoor Track and Field: TJ Randall and Leonni Griffin.

Scholars’ Recognition

The Scholars’ Recognition Program honors outstanding scholastic achievement by members of the graduating classes of the public, private, parochial and BOCES secondary schools in Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren and Washington Counties.  The high schools selected these students to recognize scholarship, leadership and service to their schools and communities. After the student scholars are chosen, they are asked to nominate a teacher who has influenced their lives in a significant way.

Student/Teacher Honorees:

• Anna Asch………………….…………. Pamela Rosi

• Brianna Morris ……………….…… Aileen Dirtadian                

• Kevin Zhai………………………………Nate Covert

Eagle Scout Award

Victor Petitti, William Pipe, and Daniel Schneider have each achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. CONGRATULATIONS to each of you on this wonderful accomplishment!

MUSIC NEWS

Congratulations to students in the Shaker High School music department who were inducted into the Tri-M Music Honor Society on May 13, 2019. Tri-M also inducted longtime accompanist for North Colonie students and ensembles, Susan Guba, as its newest honorary member in recognition of her exceptional service to the North Colonie Music program.

SHS Spring Concerts

Following is a list of Shaker High School concerts for the remainder of the 2018-2019 school year.

• Thursday, May 30: Jazz Ensemble, Bella Voce, 8VA, Blue Symphonic Band
• Monday, June 3: White Symphonic Band, Shaker Select, 11-12 Orchestra
• Wednesday, June 5: World Percussion, Counterpoint Strings, Wind Ensemble, 11-12 Chorus
• Monday, June 10: Dixieland Jazz, 9-10 Chorus, 9-10 Orchestra

Thank you for your support throughout the year!

Art News

Spring is an exciting season in the HS Art Department. MAY is Music and Art for Youth month in North Colonie! To celebrate, we hold a district opening reception of student artwork at the NYSUT headquarters building on Route 7. This year the reception is on May 14th. The display is open to the public during regular business hours and runs through May 17th.

Many art students will be honored at our annual Recognition Ceremony which is scheduled for Wednesday, May 22nd at 5:00pm in the Auditorium and Gallery at the high school. We are proud to induct the first group of students into the new National Art Honor Society. We will also feature events this spring showcasing the work of our most advanced studio seniors and digital media arts students on June 3rd and June 11th in the Upstairs Gallery.

Congratulations to several of our high school students who have won recent art awards!

Students were honored with work selected at the Fulton Montgomery Community College High School Juried Regional Exhibit.  Congratulations to Aaliyah Hussain, Alexa Hallock, Helen Park, Amber Alexander, Sean Carroll, Saliha Nazir, Janie Morrison, and AJ Lamborn, and award winners, Skyler Heiser and Shantala Mehta.

Several SHS students competed in the Regional Juried Media Arts Festival at Niskayuna in the areas of film, animation, digital photography and
graphic design.

Congratulations to Brady Demarest, Amber Alexander, Liv Koehler, Kevin Kim, and Sean Carroll, who were presented awards in the competition.

The Albany Regional Juried Exhibit held at the Albany Center Gallery recognized artwork of Shaker students Riley Borst, Savannah Sidoti, Hannah Schaffer, Yewon Park, Lily Jenkins, Olivia Ames, and Helen Park.  This is the premier HS Juried Show in our area.

At the annual OLYMPICS of the VISUAL ARTS Shaker HS had a third place win in the architecture category by Hannah Wang, Shantala Mehta, Chloe Baldwin, Yewon Park, and Marie Miller.

Art & Design Senior Awards this year are presented to: Skyler Heiser for the Colonie Art League Scholarship Award; Emma Kowalczyk for the National Honor Society Art & Design Award; Lauren Halek for the Advanced Art & Design Award; Brady Demarest for the Harrison Carnevale Scholarship Award; Portia Kitner for the NYS Art Teachers Association Award; and Rachel Gee for the Frame of Mind Award.

Congratulations to all of our young artists and Happy Music and Art for Youth Month!

Shaker High School Calendar of Events

May

• 21 – Annual Election/Budget Vote 6:00 am-9:00pm
• 22 – Art Recognition Ceremony 5:00 pm
• 23 – Senior Academic Awards Night 7:00 pm
• 24 – SHS Senior Picnic 9:30 am
• 24 – SHS Senior Prom 7:00 pm
• 27 – Memorial Day—School not in Session
• 28 – Intensive Review Begins
• 30 – SHS Art & Design Reception 6:30 pm
• 30 – SHS Concert 7:30pm

June

• 1 – SHS Junior Prom
• 3 – SHS Global History Exam 8:00 am              
• 3 – SHS Concert 7:30 pm
• 4 – SHS Athletic Awards 7:00 pm
• 5 – SHS Concert 7:30 pm
• 10 – SHS Junior Awards 2:30 pm
• 10 – SHS Concert 7:30 pm
• 11 – Carnevale Media Arts Fest. 6:00 pm
• 12 – SHS Friends of Music 7:00 pm
• 26 – Graduation Rehearsal 9:00 am 
• 29 – Graduation 10:00 am

June 2019 End-of-Year Exams

• June 6 – 14 In-Class Exams
• June 3 Global Hist / Geo Regents
• June 17 – 26 NYS Regents / Formal Final Exams

Board of Education Meetings

• May 20   SHS Media Center 7:15 p.m.
• June 24  Central Office Mtg. Room 7:15 p.m.

SHS PTSA

On behalf of the PTSA, we would like to thank all parents, teachers, staff, and students for helping at our events and supporting us throughout the school year. We especially thank the officers, students, and parents who have served our school this school year and continue to support our programs. We have begun planning the celebration events for Shaker High School students and we would like to thank all who made generous donations.

Our upcoming functions include: May 23rd, we will hold our traditional Ice Cream Social for the Senior Class during the awards ceremony; May 24th, we will hold the 9th, 10th, and 11th grade celebrations, where students can enjoy ice cream bars during lunch. The senior after-prom activity will be held on May 24th. This is a safe, alcohol free environment where students can come to be with their friends.

The Shaker High School PTSA will hold its last scheduled meeting of the school year on May 14th at 7:15 in Room D211. The agenda will center on the future of the PTSA in the 2019-20 school year, as all Officer positions (President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary) are vacant or available and no candidates have officially announced their interest in running. In order for the PTSA to continue its activities, we will need a full committee of Officers, as well as members willing to undertake fundraising and organizing activities to support our annual Staff Appreciation Luncheon. In addition to the Staff Appreciation Luncheon, the PTSA assists with chaperoning school dances, holds an ice cream social for seniors and their parents at Senior Awards Night, and provides a venue during meetings for parents to hear from members of various SHS departments about the resources and programs available at Shaker High School. Meetings are held monthly or bi-monthly as necessary, and with enough active members the time commitment is minimal.

If there is not enough interest in filling the Officer positions at our May 14th meeting, we will begin the process of closing the Shaker High School PTSA chapter.

We encourage all parents, teachers, staff and students to consider joining the PTSA for the upcoming 2019-20 school year; your nominal investment of $10 allows us to support several large events here at Shaker High School.  Please consider becoming an officer or member next year. Your support allows us to continue to serve the Shaker Community. Thank you.

Avi Sadaghiani, SHS PTSA President

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