
Call for Candidates: ICSD Board of Education
The Ithaca City School District is seeking candidates for four open seats on the Board of Education. Those interested in running can find candidate information and nominating petitions here: https://www.ithacacityschools.org/page/budget-vote-election or pick them up from District Clerk Tricia Beresford at 400 Lake Street.
đź“… Petition Deadline: April 30, 2025
🗳️ Election Date: May 20, 2025
Serving on the Board is a meaningful way to contribute to the future of our schools and community. Learn more and get involved today!


The Ithaca City School District is closed today, Monday, March 31, for a recess day.


Deadline Approaching! Apply Now for Project Innovation! 🎉
Spots are filling up fast—don’t miss out on this exciting summer program for ICSD students in pre-K through 8th grade! Apply before the March 31 deadline to secure your spot.
đź“… Deadline: March 31, 2025
đź”— Apply here: https://forms.gle/NsJMm8DJqnLQSCYV6
🌟 Learn more: ithacacityschools.org/page/project-innovation


✨ Discover LACS! ✨
Join us for Information Night at Lehman Alternative Community School!
đź“… Thursday, March 27
🕕 6:00–7:00 p.m.
📍 LACS Library
This event is for families of students in grades 5–10 who are interested in learning more about our unique and vibrant school community.
We can't wait to welcome you!





🌵🎶 CHES 5th graders took the stage for Could You Hug A Cactus?, bringing humor, heart, and music to our community! Their performances showcased friendship, acceptance, and plenty of talent.
A huge thank you to the students, staff, and families who made this production possible! Check out some highlights from the show.

🌍💪 On March 5, 27 students from IHS and LACS traveled to Albany to join over 600 students from across New York State for the 4th Annual TreeAge Youth Climate Day of Action!
Our students took action—participating in rallies, meeting with legislators, and advocating for critical climate legislation, including the New York HEAT Act, the Solar for Schools Act, and the FUND Act.
We’re proud of their dedication to a sustainable future! 🌱




Happy National Preschool Teachers Appreciation Day! 🌟🍎
Today, we celebrate the incredible preschool educators in the Ithaca City School District who nurture curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning in our youngest students.
One example of their impact is the annual field experience at Cornell University's Johnson Museum of Art, where preschoolers take part in “Learning to Look, Looking to Learn.” Before the trip, museum docents visit classrooms to introduce students to the concept of a museum, and teachers lead hands-on activities to prepare them. Once at the museum, students explore artwork in small groups, engaging with interactive stations designed just for them. Each year, the experience evolves through collaboration between educators and museum staff—ensuring a rich and exciting learning opportunity for every child.




Congratulations to our ICSD Winter Sport Seniors! 🏅❄️
Thank you for your dedication, hard work, and sportsmanship throughout the season. Your commitment has not only led to incredible achievements but has also left a lasting impact on your teams and our school community. We are so proud of you!








Bravo to LACS Theatre! 🎠Congratulations to the cast and crew of Hadestown: Teen Edition on an outstanding production. Your talent and hard work brought this powerful story to life — thank you for sharing it with our community!







On February 28, BJM closed out Black History Month with an incredible celebration featuring Dr. Nia Nunn and many student performances and presentations. From Pre-K to fifth grade, Book Talks, and a Garden Club highlight, it was a memorable event shared by all. Thank you to everyone who made this celebration meaningful! 🌿📚✨

Way to go, LACS Middle School Science Olympiad Team! 🚀🎉
LACS students took 2nd place at Regionals and are headed to the State Tournament! 🏆💪 They crushed it in events like Roller Coaster (1st place!), Crime Busters, and Meteorology, showing off their creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. We are proud of their hard work and can’t wait to see them take on the best in New York!



It's National School Breakfast Week! 🥞🎉
Did you know that breakfast is FREE for all students in our district? It provides a healthy, nutritious start to the day, helping to fuel learning and set the tone for success. 📚✨ Students who eat breakfast at school often have better attendance, improved behavior, and stronger academic performance.
So, who's grabbing a fruit smoothie and benefit bar tomorrow? 🍓🥤


Now Accepting Applications: Project Innovation! 🎉
Our inclusive summer program is open to all ICSD students currently in pre-K through 8th grade! Apply now to secure your spot.
đź“… Deadline: March 31, 2025
đź”— Apply here: https://forms.gle/NsJMm8DJqnLQSCYV6
🌟 Learn more: ithacacityschools.org/page/project-innovation


During the month of February, students at Belle Sherman researched both locally and internationally known human rights heroes, exploring their lives and impact. Last week, they shared their learning with students and families, highlighting not only the accomplishments of these figures but also their connections to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.






School’s out, but we’re looking back at some favorite February moments! đźŽ
First up: Boynton Middle School's How to Survive Being in a Shakespeare Play! Bravo to the cast and crew for an amazing show! 👏






A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2nd grade island party yesterday! 🎉
Our students from room 102, 103, and 104 had a fantastic time showcasing their hard work from our science unit on landforms and bodies of water. It was such a joy to see their awesome island projects and writing samples come to life and to celebrate all their achievements with our wonderful community. 📸✨

Ithaca High School is searching for a dynamic and passionate Orchestra Director to lead our vibrant orchestral program! If you’re a dedicated music educator with exceptional skills in teaching and performing violin, viola, cello, and bass, this could be your next great opportunity.
If you or someone you know would be a great fit, apply today or share this opportunity with your network! 🎵✨ https://ithacacityschools.recruitfront.com
#MusicEducation #OrchestraDirector #TeachingOpportunity #IthacaHighSchool #OrchestralMusic

The Ithaca City School District will be closed today, Thursday, February 6, 2025, due to inclement weather. All school-sponsored after-school and evening activities are also canceled.
For more information on emergency closings, please visit our website: ithacacityschools.org/closings.


✨ It's National School Counseling Week, and we're celebrating the incredible impact of our school counselors! 🎉
Every day, they help students thrive—academically, socially, and as engaged members of our school community. By working alongside teachers, families, and community partners, our counselors create a supportive environment that helps every student succeed. 💙📚🌟


🌿♻️ This morning, students from the Northeast Green Team took the stage at Northeast’s Morning Program to teach their classmates how to properly sort compost, recycling, and garbage at school!
The NE Green Team, made up of 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders, meets every Friday during recess. In the fall, they worked in the school’s vegetable garden and created a new pollinator bed. This winter, they’ve been focused on reducing and sorting school waste, and in the spring, they’ll lead Earth Day celebrations and activities! 🌎💚