Last month, the Neptune Room hosted a wonderful Country Expo! 🌍✨ Families joined in the morning to see the third graders showcase their projects, and later in the day, second, fourth, and fifth grade classes stopped by to celebrate their hard work. Thank you to the Belle Sherman community for supporting these students and making the event such a success! 💙
📢 Meet the Candidates for the ICSD School Board! 🗳️
There are four open seats on the Ithaca City School District Board of Education. The candidates, in the order they will appear on the ballot, are:
1. Scott Jahnke
2. Madeline Cardona
3. David McMurry
4. Erin Croyle
5. Jacob Shiffrin
6. Karen Yearwood
7. Jill K. Tripp
🔜 Candidate bios will be available soon!
For more information on the Annual Budget Vote and School Board Election, visit: ithacacityschools.org/vote
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!
To all our incredible ICSD educators — thank you for your dedication, passion, and the countless ways you inspire our students every day. You make a difference, and we are grateful for you! 💛📚🍎
🗳️ The voter registration deadline is Tuesday, May 6!
If you're a qualified voter who has previously registered with the district or the County Board of Elections and have voted within the last four calendar years, you're eligible to vote in the May 20 election.
Learn more and find out where you can register at ithacacityschools.org/vote!
On Tuesday, the ICSD Board of Education adopted a proposed budget of $169,031,619 for the 2025-26 school year. The 3.76% proposed tax levy increase is within the New York State tax cap.
🗳️The Budget Vote and School Board Election will take place on Tuesday, May 20, from 12 noon to 9 p.m.
For more information and to check your polling location, visit ithacacityschools.org/vote.
Have a question not addressed on our website or in the FAQs, please reach out through Let's Talk.
🎭 Project 4 Plays at Belle Sherman! 🎭
This week 4th graders at Belle Sherman showcased their incredible Project 4 plays! Thank you to everyone who came out to support our talented performers.
Since 1995, Project 4 has been using theatre as an educational tool in fourth grade classrooms across Tompkins County. With the help of Hangar Theatre's teaching artists, students collaborate with their teachers to explore a curriculum-based topic—then bring it to life through original plays and music they create themselves.
This week, our pre-k students had a special visit from John Simon and Cal Walker! They brought stories to life through song, sharing their love of books and music with our young learners.
Thank you, John and Cal, for such a fun and engaging experience! 📚🎶
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.
📅 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.
📅 Deadline: March 31, 2025
🔗 Apply here: https://forms.gle/NsJMm8DJqnLQSCYV6
🌟 Learn more: ithacacityschools.org/page/project-innovation
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.
📅 Deadline: March 31, 2025
🔗 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!
📅 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!
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.
Last Friday, our school community came together for an incredible assembly filled with energy, creativity, and talent! Thank you to all the performers for sharing your talents.✨
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.
📅 Deadline: March 31, 2025
🔗 Apply here: https://forms.gle/NsJMm8DJqnLQSCYV6
🌟 Learn more: ithacacityschools.org/page/project-innovation
Shoutout to the 5th grade students at Belle Sherman for their work on the annual Human Rights Wax Museum. Students 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.
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.
Our 4th and 5th graders at Belle Sherman took the stage yesterday morning for a wonderful strings concert! Bravo to our young musicians. 🎻👏
🎶❄️ Belle Sherman Band Concert TONIGHT! ❄️🎶
The morning concert was a hit! 🌟 Join us for the evening performance:
📅 Date: January 23
🕕 Time: 6:15 p.m.
📍 Location: Southside Community Center
The students have been working very hard under the guidance of Mr. Aldave to prepare for this special event. See you there! 🎶
