Julia Gold (middle) stands with Director of Pupil Services, Dave Semo (immediate right), Crystal Collins of Northeast  Career Planning (far right) and members of NYSRA.

March 11, 2010 - Mrs. Julia Gold, Transition Coordinator at Shaker High School was awarded the 2010 School/Community Partnership Certificate – Quality Practice Recognition Award on Tuesday, March 9. The Partnership Award recognizes a school representative or teacher who works to meet the needs of students in the transition process.

“You have received this recognition because it is clear that you continue to foster a school culture of acceptance of school to work goals and transition services being provided to students with disabilities in Shaker High School,” NYSRA Partnerships for Youth Committee President and CEO, Jeff Wise said.

NYSRA is an association of over 130 agency and allied organizations from across the state of New York providing services to people with all kinds of abilities.

In 2008, North Colonie was one of sixty schools in New York State that received the Model Transition Grant. This competitive grant awarded to North Colonie was based on what the district does to prepare its students with disabilities for transition after they leave high school.

In 2008-09, 66 out of 70 seniors completed VESID applications (an agency that provides transitional services after graduation) and were accepted for VESID services. The North Colonie Pupil Services Department helped ensure that these students received opportunities for technology and adult services during their post-secondary lives.