South Hill Elementary hosted its annual STEAM night last week! Students, families, and staff joined the fun and learned about science, technology, engineering, art and math. 🧪🎨➗

Thank you to the local volunteers and PTA for organizing the event!
3 days ago, ICSD Communications
Bright balloons in red, yellow, blue, green, and purple with a smiley face. A glass circle displays the text "SOUTH HILL STEAM NIGHT".
Five people stand behind a table with a tower of cups, one holding a pen, near a fence and trees.
A group of students at tables with various fossils. A man uses a tool on an item.
A group of children and a woman are gathered around the physics bus playing with science toys
Two adults and a child look at various objects on a table outside a brick building.
Two children stand by a large balloon sculpture while others walk around a parking lot.
Kids play near balloon figures and a food truck on a basketball court, with trees and a fence in the background.

South Hill hosted the first South Hill SHINES of the year last Friday! 💫

Students gathered to hear from brave second graders who shared their identity projects and read facts about themselves. Older students also gave recommendations for books to check out from the South Hill Library.

6 days ago, ICSD Communications
Child holds poster at microphone as adult stands behind; audience of children sit before them.
A young girl speaks into a microphone.
Child standing at microphone, holding paper, with several children sitting behind her and a woman standing.
A boy in a yellow and red shirt reads from a piece of paper into a microphone.
Two students in front of a microphone, one holding a book, near a speaker and a television.
Students stand in a row, holding books, next to a red wall with numbers and letters on the floor.

South Hill Elementary students participated in the annual fun run on Friday afternoon!

Students ran, walk, skipped and jumped nearly 1.2 miles down the South Hill Rec Trail and were awarded with bubbles and medals at the finish line. 👟🌳

27 days ago, ICSD Communications
A group of children standing on the trail together holding up their fun run medals
A group of students high five Mr. Brown at the finish line of the fun run
A boy runs on a gravel path with a man in a helmet on a bicycle behind him.
A young child runs on a gravel path in a forest with sunlight and shadows.
Three children run on the rec trail
Several children with medals pose around bubbles on the rec trail
The first week of the 2026–27 school year is in the books!

Across the ICSD, students and staff have been settling into classrooms, reconnecting with friends and colleagues, and meeting new people.

We’re so glad you’re back ❤️💛
about 1 month ago, ICSD Communications
A woman and five children walk on a sidewalk. Greenery and a yellow school bus are in the background.
Several children in casual clothes walking through an entrance of a brick building with glass doors.
A crowd of students wearing backpacks gathered outside a brick building with a blue sky.
A family walks on a sidewalk with a woman hugging a girl. A sign with an arrow is beside them.
A group of children stand in a grassy area, one smiling. The background features a tree and a person in a white shirt.
A classroom with children and adults. Some sit at a table and others stand and pose.
Various students in school attire, carrying backpacks, walk and converse in an outdoor area.
Five adults pose for a photo in front of a brick building. They smile and stand close together.
School buses in a parking lot. Some students walk past, some with backpacks. Greenery and trees in background.
Several children walking down the sidewalk, with yellow school buses parked on the side.
Project Innovation wraps up today after six weeks of learning, creating, collaborating, and exploring.

Yesterday, students shared what they had been working on during a Celebration of Learning and Circus Culture performance. From inventions and games to ideas for improving their schools, students shared projects that reflected their interests, creativity, and problem-solving. They also took the stage for a circus performance, supporting and cheering one another on.

It was a great reflection of what Project Innovation is all about: giving students the opportunity to follow their interests, work together, and take an active role in their learning.

Thank you to our students and the Project Innovation staff for another great year. We hope you enjoy the rest of your summer!
2 months ago, ICSD Communications
A group of young people on a basketball court, performing a coordinated hula hoop routine.
A woman performs a handstand on a hula hoop while others watch in a gymnasium.
A child inside a yellow fabric hammock hanging from the ceiling, with red padded walls in the background.
Kids hold up colorful hoops and stand in a circle, facing an audience in a gymnasium.
A large group of people sit on a basketball court in various positions, with a large logo on the floor.
Many people, including a young child, walk in a school hallway with white walls and blue columns.
Colorful drawings of animals and farm scenes on white papers with green borders, displayed on a table.
Display of colorful charts with text and drawings about "Tari's Gliding Flippers" on a white board.
A colorful, hand-painted game board with a double-path layout, surrounded by game pieces and boxes on a wooden table.
Students across the ICSD wrapped up the school year with the annual Field Day tradition, enjoying games, teamwork, and time together outdoors. ☀️

Thank you to the staff, volunteers, and school communities who helped make these end-of-year celebrations possible.
4 months ago, ICSD Communications
A grassy field with two colorful inflatables; one is a large slide. Children play near them, with an open building in the background.
Outdoor playground with two basketball hoops and two children playing basketball in a grassy field.
A young girl runs on a wet road, holding a yellow object and surrounded by a group.
Aerial view of a sports facility with a red track, green field, and red bleachers. Buildings and trees surround the area.
Woman in yellow shirt paints face art on a girl sitting on a lawn chair. Other people and items in background.
Two children pull on a rope with a traffic cone on the ground. Trees and a building are in the background.
Two women in blue shirts stand in a grassy field with a small object on the ground. Trees are visible in the background.
Children playing outside in grass. One child jumps over a hula hoop. Another child runs toward him.
Last month, South Hill students enjoyed Activity Day, exploring a variety of hands-on experiences led by staff, community partners, and special guests. From games and creative activities to learning new skills, it was a day filled with fun, discovery, and school spirit!
5 months ago, ICSD Communications
A classroom with students seated at desks. A boy stands by a microphone. The room features desks, chairs, a bulletin board, and a clock.
Several children in a gymnasium, some performing exercises, some standing, in a circle with blue markings.
A woman and children are running on a grassy field, playing a game. Some children have frisbees.
Two young girls in purple shirts work at a table with craft supplies, paper plates, and cans.
Four children work on crafts at tables in a classroom, with a colorful rug on the floor.
Two children in a classroom, one with a red shirt writing on paper with a pencil.
A white board pinned to a brick wall with arrows pointing to various activities like Sports Spectacular, Karaoke, and Outside Games.
South Hill Elementary students explored exciting career paths during this week’s Career Day! Students rotated through presentations in small groups, asked questions, and learned from community volunteers about a variety of professions.

Thank you to all of our presenters, including the Fire Department and local dance instructors, for volunteering your time to inspire our Hawk students and help make the day a success!
5 months ago, ICSD Communications
Fire extinguisher demonstration with a fire truck and open hood in a wet area with onlookers.
Several children play a game with a ball on a playground, near a basketball goal.
A woman and a girl sit on a floor with toys and a circle. Behind them is a table with toys and a red wall.
A child in a red T-shirt holds a baseball, making a peace sign in a gymnasium.
A woman with a green top stands behind a table with others. A banner hangs on a wall.
Thank you to all of the South Hill families who came out earlier this month to help with the PTA Spring Clean! Your time, energy, and teamwork made a real difference. We truly appreciate your support in helping make our school grounds look their best for students and staff.
5 months ago, ICSD Communications
People in a garden wearing hats and gloves, two planting in soil, one examining plants, with others observing.
A mother and child walk down a sidewalk in front of a brick building with green foliage.
Two individuals, one wearing a white hat, work on assembling white poles on a grassy area.
Three posters taped to a glass door, one with pink hearts, one with green text, and one with blue tape.
Sidewalk with chalk writing "SOUTH HILL ROCKS" in various colors. A shadow is cast on the left.
This morning, kindergartners from South Hill and Enfield Elementary visited the Tompkins County Public Library as part of Kids Discover the Trail! (KDT!) Ithaca, a program that has connected ICSD students to their community for more than 20 years.

What started in 2004 has grown into a defining part of the elementary experience, giving every student hands-on learning opportunities at Discovery Trail sites across Ithaca. A unique part of the program is the Buddy Up initiative, which pairs students with peers from another school, helping build connections that carry into middle school and beyond.

Learn more about KDT's 20-year impact: https://www.ithacacityschools.org/article/2869698
6 months ago, ICSD Communications
A group of children are sitting on a floor facing two adults. One adult holds a book while the other speaks.
Library with bookshelves. Children sit at a table drawing on paper. An adult stands behind them.
Children at a library create art; two girls hold up finished work while smiling. A woman stands behind them.
A group of children looking at books in a library. A large wall tapestry is behind them.
People in a library with shelves of books. A woman holds paper and a screen, and a man stands behind a digital device.
Library with children gathered around a desk, an adult in the background, and a sign above.
Mrs. Vorhis’s class has been busy exploring the world of plants and insects—observing, asking questions, and learning through hands-on discovery 🌱🐞
6 months ago, ICSD Communications
Nine children in a classroom pose for a picture, holding books, some with glasses, against a green wall with posters.
The voter registration deadline is tomorrow, May 5! If a qualified voter has previously registered with the district or with the County Board of Elections and has voted within the last 4 calendar years, they are eligible to vote in the May 19th election.

Read more about where you can register today at ithacacityschools.org/vote!
6 months ago, ICSD Communications
Text and images promoting registration for the Budget and School Board Election vote. A person studies at a desk.
The candidates for three open seats on the School Board are (in order of position on the ballot):

1. Madeline Cardona
2. Sara Garner
3. Garrick Blalock
4. Jill K. Tripp

For candidate bios and details on the Annual Budget Vote and School Board Election, visit ithacacityschools.org/vote.
6 months ago, ICSD Communications
A bulletin board displays "School Board Candidates" and lists Madeline Cardona, Sara Garner, and Garrick Blalock.
Our first grade mathematicians in Mrs. Buhr’s class are hard at work! 📚✨ Students collaborated to play a fun place value matching game, building their number sense while practicing teamwork. Check out these great moments of learning in action!
6 months ago, ICSD Communications
Two children at a table with educational materials, one leaning over the table and the other looking at cards.
Three kids sit on the floor in a classroom. They hold up cards with numbers and smile.
📝 Our End-of-Year Survey is open now through May 8!

Each year, we invite families, students, and staff to share their experiences with support, school climate, leadership, and communication. Your feedback helps us understand what’s working and where we can grow.

📨 Surveys were shared via email and text or use one of the links below to take yours.

📬 Families: https://edu.sogolytics.com/r/25-26FamilyEOYSurvey
🎓 Students: https://edu.sogolytics.com/r/25-26StudentEOYSurvey
🧑‍🏫 Staff: https://edu.sogolytics.com/r/25-26StaffEOYSurvey

Thanks for taking a few minutes to share your voice!
6 months ago, ICSD Communications
A collage of photos shows students engaged in activities. Text reads "We'd love your feedback! Take our end-of-year survey Open April 21 - May 8."
We celebrated the end of Reading Month with a fun-filled SHINES Assembly! Our community surpassed its goal of 18,000 minutes by reading an amazing 18,260 minutes. Led by Ms. Chantelle Daniel, Mr. Ross Mizrahi, and student council members, the assembly featured a lively tongue twister contest, a special appearance from our hawk, and was enjoyed by 77 caregivers who joined the celebration.
7 months ago, ICSD Communications
South Hill SHINES Assembly on March 27
South Hill SHINES Assembly on March 27
South Hill SHINES Assembly on March 27
South Hill SHINES Assembly on March 27
South Hill SHINES Assembly on March 27
Join the Conversation!

The Ithaca City School District (ICSD) invites community members to attend an upcoming Community Conversation to learn more about the proposed 2026 Capital Project and ask questions.

This long-range facilities plan would address key infrastructure, health and safety, accessibility, and sustainability needs across our schools. The proposed project would not exceed $43.9 million and would be funded through bonds with partial New York State aid.

🗳️ Community members will vote on the proposal during the Annual Budget Vote and School Board Election on Tuesday, May 19.

Learn more: ithacacityschools.org/o/icsd/page/2026-capital-project
7 months ago, ICSD Communications
Community Conversation Upcoming Events

Last week, our first graders teamed up with their writing buddies to peer review their personal narratives! Using checklists, they looked closely for linking words, clear characters, detailed settings, strong plots, and correct conventions.

Our young authors practiced giving kind, specific, and helpful feedback to help each other grow. We are so proud of the thoughtful collaboration and hard work happening in first grade! 🌟📝

8 months ago, ICSD Communications
South Hill students peer reviewing their personal narratives with writing buddies.
South Hill students peer reviewing their personal narratives with writing buddies.
During the first half of January, ICSD elementary students experienced West African music and dance through a visit from the Mbangba Cultural Troupe. Artists Nani Agbeli, Logan Amaral, and Dr. Baruch Whitehead visited all eight elementary schools, leading hands-on drumming and dance workshops for upper elementary students and a schoolwide performance.

Students learned about West African culture, identified Ghana on a map, explored hand drums, and performed the Kpanlogo rhythm and dance. The tour was made possible through the collaboration of ICSD music educators and offered a joyful, engaging cultural experience for students and staff.
9 months ago, ICSD Communications
Elementary students smile and move together while learning West African dance in a school gymnasium with red padded walls.
Elementary students sit in a semicircle playing West African drums as an instructor leads the group during a cultural music workshop in the gym.
A visiting artist demonstrates West African dance movements while elementary students follow along in a gymnasium.
A diverse group of elementary-age children dance together in a school gymnasium with a wooden floor and red padded walls. The kids are mid-movement, smiling and stepping in rhythm, wearing casual winter clothes like hoodies, sweatpants, and sneakers.
A large group of children sit on the floor of a school gymnasium facing two performers standing at the front. The gym has red padded walls and colorful murals of people and books. Teachers and adults stand along the walls while the children watch attentively, suggesting a school assembly or cultural performance.
The Ithaca City School District will be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026, due to the expected winter storm. All school-sponsored after-school and evening activities are also canceled.

For more information on emergency closings, please visit our website: ithacacityschools.org/closings.
9 months ago, ICSD Communications
Ithaca City Schools are CLOSED due to winter weather