☀️ ICSD Summer Spotlight

In June, Ithaca High School celebrated the accomplishments of many graduating seniors at the Senior Awards Ceremony. More than 90 seniors were recognized for their academic achievements, athletic accomplishments, community service, leadership, and more.

With more than 100 awards presented, this celebration would not have been possible without the generous support of community partners, the PTA, IHS alumni, and families. Thank you to everyone who continues to support and celebrate students.

Check out the complete album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/BLS53hY2xZNuiLQ7A
about 9 hours ago, ICSD Communications
Seven people on a stage with a large screen behind them displaying "Visual & Performing Arts." A table holds red flowers.
Five people on a stage. One holds a large screen. A banner behind them says "Ithaca Little Red".
Two people embrace on a stage in front of a screen. A table with a red tablecloth is in front of them.
Two women stand on stage with an award; a large screen behind them displays "The Jeff Dobbin Distinguished Community Service Award".
An auditorium with red seats, where several people sit while a person stands in the middle, possibly during an event.
Two individuals, one holding a yellow folder, stand on a stage with a screen behind them displaying the word Awards.
Four people stand on stage in front of a screen displaying a woman's portrait. They hold certificates and stand beside a table with a red tablecloth.
Teacher stands on stage presenting an award to two students.
Five people on a stage, one with a microphone. Behind them is a screen with text. An I sign and table nearby.
Three people stand on stage holding awards. A presentation screen is behind them. A table with a red cover is in front of them.
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!
4 days 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.

Fall sports registration is now open for ICSD Athletics!

🏈 JV & Varsity Football

• Registration: Open Now
• First Practice: August 17

🏃 All Other JV & Varsity Fall Sports

• Registration: Open Now
• First Practice: August 24

🏐 Modified Fall Sports
• Registration Opens: August 9
• First Practice: September 8

Learn more and register at: ithacacityschools.org/o/icsd/page/icsd-sports-registration

20 days ago, ICSD Communications
Two women in matching sports uniforms, one with a volleyball in the air. Red background.
A young man in a white shirt with the letters HACA plays tennis, standing before a red wall.
Person in blue long-sleeve shirt, black shorts, and white gloves jumps to catch a soccer ball.
Person in red, yellow, and white cheerleading uniform holding a basketball and a pom-pom.
Five cheerleaders stand in a line. They wear red and white uniforms and hold pom-poms. They are on a red background.
Two football players jump in air on red background. One wears red and white uniform, other red, white, and yellow.
A woman in a maroon tank top and black shorts stands on a red background, holding a baseball bat.
A volleyball player in a white uniform holds a ball. The player wears a shirt with "THACA" and the number 8.
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.
about 1 month 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.
On June 11, Caroline Elementary students proudly shared their learning with families and staff during the school's Celebration of Learning! The event highlighted the hard work, creativity, and growth of students throughout the year.
about 2 months ago, ICSD Communications
Children stand around a table with papers and pens, some signing. A tree trunk is visible in the background.
Kids and adults stand around a table with various crafts. A black board with artwork is behind them.
Two children look at artwork displayed on a table. One child holds a box with decorations. Behind them, orange fabric displays framed artwork.
Kids and adults look at a table with crafts. A woman in glasses smiles at a child.
Adults and children gathered, some sitting, others standing, around a table; a girl holding a book.
A group of people gathered in a park with tables and booths set up under trees.
Three children gather around a table with an object. The boy in blue and yellow checks interacts with it.
A group of people, some with hats, in a grassy field, some standing around tables with objects.
Children gather around a table, focusing on a cardboard craft. One child holds paper while another manipulates a colorful object.
Belle Sherman's annual Spring Fair brought families, students, and staff together for an evening filled with games, food, face painting, books, balloons, and plenty of fun. Thank you to the PTA, volunteers, and everyone who helped make this beloved community tradition another great success!
about 2 months ago, ICSD Communications
People, including children, gather near a building. A woman stands behind a table with a blue machine, and several children are waiting.
An outdoor area with people walking, a building with a tent, a playground, trees, and chalk drawings on the ground.
Children run and play in a park. Some wear red shirts, and others wear green. A gazebo and market area are in the background.
Tables with a variety of potted plants for sale outdoors. A banner says "Plant Sale!" A man walks behind the tables.
A brick building with a sign and a mural. People shop at an outdoor clothing sale.
Kids and adults gather in a playground with trees in the background and a slide visible.

🎉 BJM's final Friday Morning Celebration of the school year was a special one! Students, staff, and families came together to recognize achievements, build community, and celebrate a successful year. We also welcomed Ithaca Mayor Robert Cantelmo as a guest for the celebration.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year's Friday Morning Celebrations such a meaningful tradition.

2 months ago, ICSD Communications
Group of children on a stage performing with pom-poms in front of a sign.
Children in red and black uniforms hold silver and red pompoms, performing on a stage.
Children wearing red shirts and red hats perform on a stage. A banner with a tiger logo is behind them.
Four kids stand on stage, holding a large Earth poster and signs. A person stands behind them.
Four people wearing matching shirts with tiger logos, standing together in front of a colorful building.
A group of students stands on a stage with one holding a microphone. They are wearing casual clothes and standing before a backdrop with the Martin Elementary logo.
Woman with orange cap and orange top speaks into microphone, standing beside a girl holding papers.
Students at Northeast recently enjoyed a visit from Daisy Hollow Farm! From meeting friendly farm animals to learning more about agriculture and animal care, the experience brought hands-on learning and plenty of smiles. Thank you to Daisy Hollow Farm for sharing this memorable experience with our students.
2 months ago, ICSD Communications
A girl holds a small chicken with people around, some blurred, on a sunny day.
Woman with curly hair crouches to pet a small black and white goat on grass.
A group of children seated in a circle with a goat, a woman stands nearby. Green grass.
Kids in a park with green grass, trees, and cars in the background, some holding balls.
Two white rabbits are on grass in a fenced area with a girl and boy nearby.
A child in red and gray clothing pets a white rabbit in a wooden enclosure with a fence.
A boy kneels on green grass, petting a small grey dog behind a wire fence.
Kids sit on green grass, watching a small goat walk past them with a leash.
Girl in floral dress holding leashes for two sheep in a grassy park with vehicles parked in the background.
QUAD GOALS ❤️💛

Red and Gold spirit was on full display at our recent pep rally! IHS students showed off their class pride with creative quad decorations, school spirit, and plenty of energy as we celebrated together.

📸 credit: Anna Agrawal
2 months ago, ICSD Communications
A group of people on a lawn with inflatables and orange cones. Some wear maroon and white shirts.
A group of people outdoors. One person is carried on another's shoulders. Some wear maroon shirts.
A group of people in sports gear stand around a building with red ribbons. Trees and grass are visible.
A person with a microphone in a maroon jersey performs in front of a group of children wearing numbered shirts.
Group of people running across a grassy field with numbered jerseys, spectators standing behind them in front of a building.
Many people in casual clothing stand on a grassy area, some raising hands, in front of a colorful building.
Four women pose together in front of a wall with logos and lettering reading "ITHACA" and "ATHLETICS".
A runner with the number 32 on his shirt runs through a crowd of people on a sidewalk.
Fall Creek families came together last week for a Playground Party to celebrate the beloved wooden playground before its summer renovation. The event honored years of memories while helping raise funds for a future mural that will commemorate this special part of Fall Creek history.

Thank you to everyone who joined the celebration and helped give this community landmark a memorable sendoff!
2 months ago, ICSD Communications
A wooden bridge leads to a wooden play area with a green slide, surrounded by trees.
A group of adults and children standing around a mural on a wall, with one person painting.
Several people stand in an open, paved area with a basketball court. A tree stands in the center.
A children's play area with wooden structures, a swing, and a small fence, set in a grassy area with trees in the background.
A group of people stands in an outdoor area. Some are wearing hats, sneakers, and sandals. One person rides a bicycle.
A food truck labeled Babe's Burger. A woman and child stand in front of it. A pickup truck is parked to the right.
A children's outdoor play area featuring a wooden structure, dolphin figures, and a slide, with a building in the background.

This spring, students across the district participated in a range of performances that highlighted creativity, collaboration, and student voice. Ithaca High School presented 9 to 5; Lehman Alternative Community School shared the original climate-focused performance Above, Below, In, and of Cayuga's Waters, written by Annemarie Zwack in collaboration with LACS students; DeWitt Middle School performed My Fellow Students; and Boynton Middle School brought No Substitutes to the stage.

3 months ago, ICSD Communications
Performers on a stage with one in a green dress with leaves around her head.
Two people on a stage. One in a lab coat looks down at a clipboard. The other wears a beret.
A man wearing a hat plays a clarinet while a woman stands nearby, watching. The setting is dimly lit.
A group of performers on stage, one in a wig, others in work attire, raising their arms.
A group of seven children, some wearing jeans, stand on stage with arms raised in the air.
Six young people stand on a stage under a black backdrop. Four stand in line, one sits, and one stands slightly behind.
Two children on a stage. One holds a folder, another sits at a desk with a laptop. A banner reads "Congress President Janie."
A group of people on a stage, some with hands raised. One woman wears a red dress, another a white blouse, and others wear various outfits.
Performers on a stage, one wearing a hat and holding a prop, dancing with others in colorful costumes.
Several people on a stage, likely performing a play. Five women, one in a floral skirt, one in a blue jacket.
Last week, Caroline fourth graders released the trout they raised in their classroom into Six Mile Creek! 🐟

As part of the Trout in the Classroom program, students across our elementary schools participate in this meaningful hands-on learning experience, caring for trout from fall through spring while building connections to science, ecosystems, and environmental stewardship.

Thank you to the 4th grade teams and our partners at @discovercayugalake for helping create learning experiences that bring classroom lessons to life.
3 months ago, ICSD Communications
Group of people in a river valley. Some are in the river while others sit on the bank.
Children walk along a sidewalk outside a building with a brick wall and trees. Some wear sneakers, others wear hats.
A person holding a bucket walks along a path with several children, greenery, and a building in the background.
Group of children outdoors on a playground, some wearing hats, near a basketball hoop and playground.
Several small fish with yellow fins swim in a green-tinted aquarium against a blurred background.
A group of children standing in a paved area with trees and a playground in the background.
Group of children standing around a woman with green jacket under a wooden gazebo with a grassy field and trees in the background.
A group of people on a riverbank, some near water, others near a fire pit, with trees and grass.
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!
3 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.
Last month, Ithaca High School students took the stage for 9 to 5: The Musical, showcasing months of hard work, creativity, and collaboration. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our students!
3 months ago, ICSD Communications
On a stage, several people perform a dance. Some wear dresses, skirts, and suits. A yellow wall is behind them.
Group of women in vintage clothing on a stage. Some are dancing, others are standing. Background includes a backdrop and a set.
Two individuals sit on a stage; one reads a book and the other converses, with a wooden ladder and bookshelf in the background.
Person resting head on desk in an indoor setting with a yellow wall, window, and staircase.
Three women stand on a stage in front of a white backdrop and audience; two perform; one watches.
Two women perform on a stage with a yellow backdrop. One stands by a desk, while the other sits at a typewriter.
Performers on a stage with a pink backdrop, wearing various costumes, one person in a dark suit and glasses.
Two people perform on a stage, one wearing a suit and the other a dress, with a pink backdrop and a bookshelf behind.
Congratulations to the Ithaca High School student-athletes who recently signed to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level! We are proud to celebrate their hard work, dedication, and achievements both on and off the field. Best of luck in this exciting next chapter!

Read more: ithacacityschools.org/o/icsd/page/press-releases#signing
3 months ago, ICSD Communications
People seated at tables in a gymnasium with banners on the walls and bleachers in the background.
Indoor court with a monitor, a person standing at a podium, and a table with seated people.
A woman speaks at a podium in a gymnasium, facing an audience. Behind her, maroon and yellow bleachers are visible.
Five women holding certificates stand on a basketball court, smiling. One wears green, two in white, one in black.
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
3 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.
Congratulations to 11th grader Emma Beer, winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for New York’s 19th District. Congressman Josh Riley surprised her with the news during a visit on May 1.
4 months ago, ICSD Communications
A man and a woman stand outside Ithaca High School, holding framed certificates, with a cloudy sky in the background.
Three individuals stand before a building entrance, holding certificates. One holds a framed picture. The archway reads "ITHACA HIGH SCHOOL."
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!
4 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.
4 months ago, ICSD Communications
A bulletin board displays "School Board Candidates" and lists Madeline Cardona, Sara Garner, and Garrick Blalock.
Earlier this month, BJM welcomed Senator Lea Webb, who spoke with students about her role in the New York State Senate and how her work supports our community.

During her visit, she recognized the school’s Green Team for organizing a petition opposing a proposed data center, highlighting their leadership and advocacy.

We’re proud of our students for using their voices and appreciate Senator Webb taking the time to connect with our school community.
4 months ago, ICSD Communications
People on stage at an event with a banner behind them. A person stands out in a photo.
A group of children and adults hold certificates while seated and standing on a stage, with a tiger logo behind them.
Large group of people in a hall with rows of empty seats. Some hold signs. A long table with items in front.