South Hill Elementary recently hosted its annual STEAM Night, an engaging evening highlighting science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.

Thank you to the community partners and volunteers whose collaboration and support helped make this event a success. 💡✨
5 days ago, ICSD Communications
Children gather around an outdoor science table labeled “BRAINS,” where volunteers in white lab coats lead hands-on activities. The table displays colorful brain diagrams and jars with science materials, with a school building in the background.
Students explore a science exhibit inside a brightly decorated bus filled with interactive displays and equipment, illuminated by sunlight streaming through the windows.
Three young children play outdoors near a playground. Two girls are smiling and drumming together on a hand drum while a boy stands nearby. Blue and yellow climbing equipment is visible in the background.
Children and adults explore science exhibits outside the purple Physics Bus. Tables covered with purple cloth display colorful hands-on experiments and recycled materials. A boy speaks into a retro phone while others look on.
Two boys interact with a bright, neon-colored science display made of plastic bottles and tubes at an outdoor exhibit. Other children and adults engage with nearby tables and materials from the Physics Bus.
Children and adults gather around a purple “Physics Bus” parked on a playground. Tables are set up with hands-on science activities, and the scene is bright and sunny with fall foliage in the background.
A group of children sit and stand in a semicircle outdoors, playing drums of various sizes with an instructor. The drumming circle takes place on a fenced playground area surrounded by trees with autumn leaves.A group of children sit and stand in a semicircle outdoors, playing drums of various sizes with an instructor. The drumming circle takes place on a fenced playground area surrounded by trees with autumn leaves.
Families and children explore the purple “Physics Bus” and nearby activity tables on a sunny afternoon. The scene is viewed from a distance, with picnic tables and trees with colorful fall leaves in the foreground.
ICSD/ITA Contract Negotiations to Resume

After a pause over the summer break, negotiations between the Ithaca Teachers Association (ITA) and the Ithaca City School District (ICSD) will resume this evening, Thursday, October 9, from 4–8 p.m.

💻 Join the negotiations remotely via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84920319839

▶️ Watch recordings of each session on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-l3SqgD0byJiZi6Lq05A9FjWlitC2uY5

The ICSD and ITA encourage everyone to stay engaged as we work toward an agreement that supports our educators, students, and community.

Schedule of Upcoming Negotiations:

Thursday, October 9 | 4–8 p.m.

Thursday, October 16 | 4–8 p.m.

Thursday, October 30 | 4–8 p.m.

Thursday, November 6 | 4–8 p.m.

Thursday, November 20 | 4–8 p.m.

Please note: ICSD employees may attend in person, but these meetings are not open to the general public.
11 days ago, ICSD Communications
Students sitting in class
✨ First graders in Mrs. Buhr’s class have launched their “Everyone Has a Story” case study! Students are exploring their identities by creating Me Museums—sharing artifacts that represent their families, where they’re from, special traditions, and things that are meaningful to them. Through research, creativity, and storytelling, these young learners are helping us all celebrate what makes each of us unique!
12 days ago, ICSD Communications
Collage of students presenting their identities
Thank you all our families who joined us for playground night last week! We can’t wait to welcome our students back to school tomorrow! 🎉
about 2 months ago, ICSD Communications
South Hill playground night
South Hill playground night
South Hill playground night
South Hill playground night
South Hill playground night
From celebrating Reading Month in March 📚✨ to gearing up for a brand-new year, the South Hill community can’t wait to welcome our students back!
2 months ago, ICSD Communications
A group of elementary school students and four adults stand in front of a bulletin board decorated with a book-themed tournament bracket. The children are dressed in costumes, including princess dresses and superhero outfits, while two of the adults wear costumes shaped like book characters and one holds a picture book. Everyone is smiling and posing together in a cheerful classroom setting.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Walk and Talk with the new athletic directors! We’re excited for the year ahead—Go Little Red!
2 months ago, ICSD Communications
Walk and Talk with the new athletic directors on the turf at IHS
Walk and Talk with the new athletic directors on the turf at IHS
Walk and Talk with the new athletic directors on the turf at IHS
Walk and Talk with the new athletic directors on the turf at IHS
Walk and Talk with the new athletic directors on the turf at IHS
Walk and Talk with the new athletic directors on the turf at IHS
Walk and Talk with the new athletic directors on the turf at IHS
Walk and Talk with the new athletic directors on the turf at IHS
Walk and Talk with the new athletic directors on the turf at IHS
Walk and Talk with the new athletic directors on the turf at IHS
📅 Save the Date!
Playground Night at South Hill
Wednesday, August 27 | 6:30–7:30 p.m.

Kick off the 2025–26 school year with a big play date hosted by the South Hill PTA! This outdoor-only event is a great way to connect with friends and welcome new families. We hope to see you there!
2 months ago, ICSD Communications
South Hill Elementary
🎬 Free Film Screening – Counted Out
📍 Cinemapolis, Downtown Ithaca
🗓 August 2 | 🕕 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Join us for the premiere of Counted Out — a bold new documentary exploring how math impacts equity, democracy, and opportunity in America.

🧮 Math isn’t just about numbers — it’s about power, access, and shaping our future. Don’t miss this powerful conversation-starter.

🎟 Open to all! Let us know you're coming: https://tinyurl.com/98nxj328.
📚 ICSD staff: Register on Frontline for in-service or PD credit.

👧 Kids welcome! The Bad Guys 2 will be showing for children ages 5+ during the film ($5 tickets).
3 months ago, ICSD Communications
Counted Out movie poster
Free Summer Meals for Kids! 🍎 🍽️

This summer, the ICSD is offering free breakfast and lunch for all students 18 and under — no application needed.

📅 Monday–Friday
📍 Meals must be enjoyed on-site
❗️ Sites will be closed on July 4
👉 For more details visit ithacacityschools.org/page/summer-meals-for-kids
4 months ago, ICSD Communications
Summer Meals for Kids 2025
The Ithaca City School District (ICSD) will be closed on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, due to continued extreme heat. While schools will be closed, the following events will continue as planned: - Chemistry and Physics Regents exams -DeWitt Middle School Graduation - 6 p.m. in Kulp Auditorium - Lehman Alternative Community School (LACS) Middle School Graduation - 6 p.m. at LACS - ICSD Board of Education Special Voting Meeting - 5 p.m. in York Hall, Ithaca High School - Primary Election Voting - School buildings that serve as polling locations will remain open for voting Families with graduations or other school events scheduled for June 24 will hear directly from their building regarding rescheduling. For more information on emergency closings, please visit our website: ithacacityschools.org/closings.
4 months ago, ICSD Communications
Ithaca City Schools are closed due to extreme heat
Thank you to everyone who helped make South Hill’s first Career Day a success! 🎉 From firefighters to artists to tech professionals, our students had the chance to explore a wide range of careers and ask thoughtful questions. Special thanks to all of our presenters and volunteers who made this meaningful day possible. Swipe through some highlights from the day! 📸🔥🚒💼🎨
5 months ago, ICSD Communications
South Hill Career Day
South Hill Career Day
South Hill Career Day
South Hill Career Day
South Hill Career Day
South Hill Career Day
South Hill Career Day
South Hill Career Day
South Hill Career Day
🗳️ ICSD Budget Vote & School Board Election – May 20, 2025 The annual Budget Vote and School Board Election is coming up on Tuesday, May 20, from 12:00–9:00 p.m. Be sure to make your voice heard! Find everything you need — including polling locations, voter eligibility, absentee and early voting info, and candidate profiles using the link in our bio. 🎓 Attention ICSD Seniors! Will you be away on the senior trip during the vote? If you're 18 and eligible to vote, take advantage of early voting at the ICSD District Office!
5 months ago, ICSD Communications
Graphic Reads: Budget Vote & School Board Election Tuesday, May 20 Polls Open 12-9 p.m. Explore the propositions, school board candidates, polling locations, and more.
🚍 ICSD Job Fair – May 28 We’re hiring bus aides and drivers! Stop by on Wednesday, May 28 from 4–7 p.m. to: ✅ Explore current job openings ✅ Meet our Transportation Services Specialist ✅ Get help with your application from an HR rep ✅ Take part in on-the-spot interviews No appointment needed—just walk in! 📍 602 Hancock Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
5 months ago, ICSD Communications
Graphic Reads: Now Hiring! Job Fair at ICSD We’re hiring bus aides and drivers! Join us on May 28 from 4-7 p.m. to explore current openings, meet our Transportation Services Specialist, get assistance with your application from an HR representative, and take part in on-the-spot interviews. No appointment needed—just walk in! Location: 602 Hancock Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
🗳️ ICSD Annual Budget Vote and School Board Election is Tuesday, May 20! 🏫 📍 To find your polling place, visit: ithacacityschools.org/vote 📬 Still need an early mail ballot? You can apply in person at the District Office (400 Lake Street) until Monday, May 19. 📮 Return your completed ballot to the ICSD Board Clerk by 5 p.m. on Election Day (May 20) for it to count! 📌 Drop off or mail applications/ballots to: ICSD Board Clerk 400 Lake Street Ithaca, NY 14850 Let your voice be heard—make a plan to vote! 🗳️
5 months ago, ICSD Communications
Graphic Reads: Find your polling place 2025-26 District Budget Vote To view the school district polling location table to determine where you vote, visit: ithacacityschools.org/vote
The ICSD Board of Education will hold a public budget hearing on Tuesday, May 13, at 5:30 p.m. in York Hall at IHS. The hearing will also be streamed via Zoom. Visit ithacacityschools.org/vote for details.
5 months ago, ICSD Communications
Graphic Reads: 2025 Budget Vote and School Board Election Budget Hearing Tuesday, May 13 5:30 p.m. For more details, visit: ithacacityschools.org/vote The public may join in person at IHS York Hall (400 Lake St) or virtually, via Zoom.
📢 Meet the Candidates for the ICSD School Board! 🗳️ There are four open seats on the Ithaca City School District Board of Education. The candidates, in the order they will appear on the ballot, are: 1. Scott Jahnke 2. Madeline Cardona 3. David McMurry 4. Erin Croyle 5. Jacob Shiffrin 6. Karen Yearwood 7. Jill K. Tripp 🔜 Candidate bios will be available soon! For more information on the Annual Budget Vote and School Board Election, visit: ithacacityschools.org/vote
6 months ago, ICSD Communications
Graphic reads: School Board Candidates - The candidates for four open seats on the School Board are (in order of position on the ballot): Scott Jahnke Madeline Cardona David McMurry Erin Croyle Jacob Shiffrin Karen Yearwood Jill K. Tripp
Last week, Ms. Budetti’s first graders from South Hill Elementary visited Oak Hill Manor as part of their service learning project. 🌸🧤 The students brought big smiles and helping hands as they spring-cleaned the flower garden and pond area. The residents loved spending time with our young volunteers! 💛🌿
6 months ago, ICSD Communications
Oak Hill visit
Oak Hill visit
Oak Hill visit
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! To all our incredible ICSD educators — thank you for your dedication, passion, and the countless ways you inspire our students every day. You make a difference, and we are grateful for you! 💛📚🍎
6 months ago, ICSD Communications
Graphic Reads: Happy teacher appreciation week! May 5-9
🗳️ The voter registration deadline is Tuesday, May 6! If you're a qualified voter who has previously registered with the district or the County Board of Elections and have voted within the last four calendar years, you're eligible to vote in the May 20 election. Learn more and find out where you can register at ithacacityschools.org/vote!
6 months ago, ICSD Communications
Graphic Reads: May 6 is the last day to register to vote. The budget and school board election vote will take place on Tuesday, May 20. Are you registered? For more information visit: ithacacityschools.org/vote
On Tuesday, the ICSD Board of Education adopted a proposed budget of $169,031,619 for the 2025-26 school year. The 3.76% proposed tax levy increase is within the New York State tax cap. 🗳️The Budget Vote and School Board Election will take place on Tuesday, May 20, from 12 noon to 9 p.m. For more information and to check your polling location, visit ithacacityschools.org/vote. Have a question not addressed on our website or in the FAQs, please reach out through Let's Talk.
6 months ago, ICSD Communications
Graphic Reads: Adopted budget 2025-26 $169,031,619 - the adopted budget includes a tax levy increase of 3.76%, which is within the New York State tax cap.