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Resources for LGBTQIA+ Students

Please know that this webpage is a work in progress, and we need your feedback to help us expand on and improve it! If you have any comments, suggestions, or ideas, please complete our online feedback form.

Affirming and supporting our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual Plus (LGBTQIA+) youth and staff of the Ithaca City School District are vital. Put simply, we believe every child has the right to feel safe, welcomed, and affirmed in our community. This page provides specific information and resources for our young people who identify as LGBTQIA+, as well as for the caregivers and educators who support them.
 

Resources for All

 
Schools in Transition
This joint publication outlines many strategies and supports for students, staff, and families: Schools In Transition - A Guide for Supporting Transgender Students in K-12 Schools.
 
Dignity for All Students (DASA) Reporting Form
Use the form linked below to report alleged harassment, hazing, or bullying that occurred on school property, at a school-sponsored activity or event, on or off school property, on a school bus, or on the way to and/or from school. Completed forms can be returned to the principal, associate principal, or DASA Coordinator at the students' school.  For a list of ICSD Dignity Act Coordinators, an overview of the district's DASA protocol, and more, visit ithacacityschools.org/DASA.

Pronoun Stickers
 

Resources for Students


For students who are experiencing harassment or assault due to their gender identity, expression, sexual orientation: Please know there are places you can turn. Click here to visit our harassment and assault response and prevention page.

For students who are transgender, gender-expansive, non-binary: Support is available to all students who are transitioning. Reach out to your teacher, social worker, counselor, psychologist, or administrator (Educator for Inclusion, Principal, Associate Principal) to talk more or get connected to someone you feel most comfortable talking with. The staff directory for all schools can be found here, and a list of contacts is available below for your convenience.
 
ICSD Name and Gender Change Form
Use this form to officially change name and gender in our student information systemsPlease return this form to the district registrar or in-person at the registrar's office at the IHS welcome center. Please note: Changing one's name in SchoolTool can have broader ramifications for things like FAFSA or anything where school info is reported. The school will only post the child by their preferred name so if a legal name change has not happened the disconnect between the two can cause delays and confusion in some situations. 
 
Changing Name and Pronouns in Canvas
Follow these instructions to make shifts right in Canvas yourself.

Local and National Resources
 

Resources for Educators

 
NYSED Guidance for School Districts
In 2015, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) released guidance to assist school districts in fostering an educational environment for all students that is safe and free from discrimination - regardless of sex, gender identity, or expression - and to facilitate compliance with local, state and federal laws concerning bullying, harassment, discrimination, and student privacy: Guidance to School Districts for Creating a Safe and Supportive School Environment For Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students.
ICSD Anti-Marginalization Units of Study
Additional Educator Resources
 

Resources for Caregivers

 

District Contacts and Support


District Contact
Mary Grover, Inclusion Officer
mary.grover@icsd.k12.ny.us
607-342-8748
 
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Belle Sherman
Principal: Jeff Tomasik
Social Worker: Alex Scher
Educator of Inclusion: Erin Hammes
School Psychologist: Stephanie Baker
Beverly J. Martin
Principal: Jackie Richardson
Social Workers: Trisha LadleyLaura Syvertson
Educator of Inclusion: Bart Auble
School Psychologist: Thomas Titus
Caroline
Principal: Caren Arnold
Social Worker: Catherine Layton
Educator of Inclusion: Beth Snyder
School Psychologist: Patricia Foster
Cayuga Heights
Principal: Lisa Sahasrabudhe
Social Worker: Eva Beaver
Educator of Inclusion: Beth Snyder
School Psychologist: Laurie Willick
Enfield
Principal: Keith Harrington
Social Worker: Sheila Kissiloff
Educator of Inclusion: Jennifer Gondek
School Psychologist: Stephanie Colombo
Fall Creek
Principal: Caitlin Bram
Social Worker: Teresa Vossen
Educator of Inclusion: Bart Auble
Northeast
Interim Principal: Samantha Little
Social Workers: Rebecca BorrowsSara Egan
Educator of Inclusion: Lisa Rieger
School Psychologist: Mary O'Donnell
South Hill
Principal: Perry Gorgen
Social Worker: Melissa DePaolo
Educator of Inclusion: Erin Hammes
School Psychologist: Rachelle Walsh
 
SECONDARY SCHOOLS
Boynton Middle School
Principal: Lauren Wright
Associate Principal: Dan McGrath
Social Worker: Catherine Gee
Educator of Inclusion: Karen Rachetta
School Psychologist: Kayla Sweet
LGBTQIA+ Clubs: Rainbow Alliance
Advisor: Mary Mantelli
DeWitt Middle School
Principal: Carlan Gray
Associate Principal: Ramelle Liverpool
Social Workers: Melissa EnnsKristen Rothman
Educator of Inclusion: Tara Caiza
School Psychologist: Ilene Tyler
LGBTQIA+ Clubs: Queer Media Club
Advisor: Allison Kootsikas
To learn about additional initiatives, contact Tara Caiza
Ithaca High School
Principal: Jason Trumble
Associate Principals:
Martha HardestyCorey Mitchell, Patrick Hovey, Hilary Ewing
Social Workers: Lyn ReitenbachKatina Scavuzzo
Educator of Inclusion: Margie Shaw
School Psychologist: Shawn Goodman
LGBTQIA+ Clubs: SAGA (Sexuality and Gender Alliance); SWIS (Supporting Women, Impacting Society)
Lehman Alt Community School
Principal: Deborah Ptak
Social Worker: Meredith DePol
Educator of Inclusion: Lisa Rieger
School Psychologist: Beth Taplitz