Ithaca City School District -

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.

🌍 Now accepting applications!

The Ithaca City School District is proud to award the NYS Seal of Biliteracy for the eighth year to eligible seniors. The program continues to grow each year — with 11 more recipients and twice as many languages represented in 2025!

📅 Application deadline: November 1
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Information Night: Tuesday, October 21 at 7 p.m. in Lower York

Learn more and apply today ➡️ https://www.ithacacityschools.org/o/icsd/page/nys-seal-of-biliteracy

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. 💡✨

Our early childhood classrooms are filling quickly, but we still have four openings in Enfield’s Pre-K program for the 2025–26 school year. Our classrooms celebrate learning through play, a culture of belonging, and passionate, strength-based educators.

📍Apply today: ithacacityschools.org/prek

✨ No cost and open to all 4-year-olds—Enfield does not have to be your home school to enroll.

Welcome back, ICSD! 📚🌟

It’s been a great first week as we settle back into classrooms, reconnect with friends, and dive into new learning. We’re excited for all the opportunities and accomplishments this school year will bring!

This morning, the Class of 2026 gathered at Moresco Stadium for Senior Sunrise ☀️🎓

Students kicked off their final year together with music, snacks, games, and a sunrise to mark the start of senior year. A huge thank you to the Senior Class Officers for planning such a special event!

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!

We’re counting down the days until our students are back! 🎉

Throughout August, our schools are connecting with families to kick off the year strong. Check your school’s page on our website to find upcoming playground nights and welcome-back celebrations!

Don’t miss a moment—download the ICSD app to get event reminders and customize your notifications.

🎓 The full photo album from the LACS Graduation Ceremony is here! Download and save your favorite moments, and relive the joy of the day.

🎉 Congratulations to the Class of 2025—no matter where life takes you, you’ll always have a home in our ICSD family.

📸 LACS ceremony: https://photos.app.goo.gl/4tNqaSEQgLRMTxhB7

🎓 The full photo albums from the IHS Graduation Ceremonies are here! Download and save your favorite moments, and relive the joy of the day.

🎉 Congratulations to the Class of 2025—no matter where life takes you, you’ll always have a home in our ICSD family.

📸 IHS 2 p.m. ceremony: https://photos.app.goo.gl/UZkvcHXt4pM1JfUn9

📸 IHS 5 p.m. ceremony: https://photos.app.goo.gl/xdWDdjCPe2tYbEDHA

🎬 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).

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

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.

🎪 The Northeast PTA Carnival brought the school community together for an evening of fun, connection, and celebration. From games and face painting to dinner and raffle prizes, it was a great way to close out the year. Thank you to the volunteers, families, and staff who made the event possible. 📸 Take a look at some highlights from the night.

🥍 IHS Girls Lacrosse Makes Program History 🥍 The Ithaca High School Varsity Girls Lacrosse team has advanced to the New York State Class A Semifinals—marking the first time in program history they've reached this level. The team earned their spot with a 15–4 win over Valley Central in the Regional Final and now holds a 17–1 record for the season. 🗓 Next game: Friday, June 13 🕦 11:30 AM 📍 SUNY Cortland We're also sharing a few photos from Senior Night in May, when we recognized the seniors who’ve helped lead the team through a standout season. Wishing the team all the best in the semifinal!

📸 Earlier this week, BJM families gathered for the Millicent Clarke-Maynard Multicultural Dinner! The evening began with Shelby Chubb, PTA president, and her daughters Genevieve and Portia Garcia sharing the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address in English and Mohawk. 💫🌍

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! 📸🔥🚒💼🎨

🗳️ 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!

🚍 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

🎭 The LACS One Acts Festival 🎭 From a vacationing Grim Reaper to bedtime stories gone hilariously wrong, our student-directed plays brought big energy and even bigger laughs to the Black Box stage. 👏 Huge thanks to our amazing cast, crew, and supportive community! 📸 Check out the highlights!