Yesterday, BJM hosted another fantastic Tiger Pride and Community Building Day to help scholars transition back from break. Students put their knowledge of Tiger Pride and community expectations to the test with Jeopardy-style trivia, participated in cooperative games, and strengthened their teamwork skills during a duck-themed scavenger hunt.
More than just a fun return to routine, these activities reinforced our shared commitment to Tiger Pride and what it truly means to be a supportive, connected community.
More than just a fun return to routine, these activities reinforced our shared commitment to Tiger Pride and what it truly means to be a supportive, connected community.
During the first half of January, ICSD elementary students experienced West African music and dance through a visit from the Mbangba Cultural Troupe. Artists Nani Agbeli, Logan Amaral, and Dr. Baruch Whitehead visited all eight elementary schools, leading hands-on drumming and dance workshops for upper elementary students and a schoolwide performance.
Students learned about West African culture, identified Ghana on a map, explored hand drums, and performed the Kpanlogo rhythm and dance. The tour was made possible through the collaboration of ICSD music educators and offered a joyful, engaging cultural experience for students and staff.
Students learned about West African culture, identified Ghana on a map, explored hand drums, and performed the Kpanlogo rhythm and dance. The tour was made possible through the collaboration of ICSD music educators and offered a joyful, engaging cultural experience for students and staff.
The Ithaca City School District will be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026, due to the expected winter storm. All school-sponsored after-school and evening activities are also canceled.
For more information on emergency closings, please visit our website: ithacacityschools.org/closings.
For more information on emergency closings, please visit our website: ithacacityschools.org/closings.
Pre-K Applications Now Open for 2026-27 School Year!
The ICSD Early Childhood Program is now accepting applications for the 2026–27 school year.
Caregivers must complete the pre-K application by April 1. If spaces remain, applications received after April 1 will be considered. Placement in the Universal Pre-K (UPK) program is determined annually by a random lottery, which will be held during the second week of April.
All children who will be four years old on or before December 1, 2026, and who live within the ICSD boundaries are eligible to apply for pre-K.
For more information, please visit our website: ithacacityschools.org/prek
The ICSD Early Childhood Program is now accepting applications for the 2026–27 school year.
Caregivers must complete the pre-K application by April 1. If spaces remain, applications received after April 1 will be considered. Placement in the Universal Pre-K (UPK) program is determined annually by a random lottery, which will be held during the second week of April.
All children who will be four years old on or before December 1, 2026, and who live within the ICSD boundaries are eligible to apply for pre-K.
For more information, please visit our website: ithacacityschools.org/prek
We’re proud to share that the Ithaca City School District has been recognized with the 2025 cashVest 90+ Award for excellence in financial stewardship, liquidity management, and responsible use of public resources. This honor reflects our commitment to transparency, accountability, and investing every public dollar wisely for our students.
🔗 Read the full press release: ithacacityschools.org/o/icsd/page/press-releases
🔗 Read the full press release: ithacacityschools.org/o/icsd/page/press-releases
The Ithaca City School District will be closed today, December 23, 2025, due to inclement weather. All school-sponsored after-school and evening activities are also canceled.
Winter Recess will take place from December 24 through January 2, and schools will remain closed during this time.
For more information on emergency closings, please visit our website: ithacacityschools.org/closings.
Winter Recess will take place from December 24 through January 2, and schools will remain closed during this time.
For more information on emergency closings, please visit our website: ithacacityschools.org/closings.
Students at BJM Elementary had the opportunity to meet members of the Ithaca Fire Department and learn important lessons about fire prevention and safety.
Thank you to the Ithaca Fire Department for taking the time to engage our students and for their continued partnership in supporting safety education in our community.
Thank you to the Ithaca Fire Department for taking the time to engage our students and for their continued partnership in supporting safety education in our community.
The Ithaca City School District will be closed today, December 2, 2025, due to inclement weather. All school-sponsored after-school and evening activities, including the scheduled Board of Education meetings, are also canceled.
For more information on emergency closings, please visit our website: ithacacityschools.org/closings.
For more information on emergency closings, please visit our website: ithacacityschools.org/closings.
BJM held its first event celebrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students engaged with hands-on activities, including a visit from the Physics Bus on the playground. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this inaugural event!
Students and families at BJM celebrated the season at the Fall Festival! The event featured games, activities, and opportunities for the school community to come together and enjoy the fall spirit.
A special thank you to the BJM PTA for organizing and supporting this event, helping make it a fun and memorable experience for our students.
A special thank you to the BJM PTA for organizing and supporting this event, helping make it a fun and memorable experience for our students.
An anonymous donor has generously contributed $25,000 to the Fine Arts Booster Group (FABG) to fund teacher grants that further Arts for All.
Inspired by the recent donations establishing the Steve Brookhouse Technical Theater Fund, the donor shared that they “wanted to ensure the Fine and Performing Arts teachers are able to continue to do their wonderful work and allow funds so that they can develop and continue special programs, as well as have the opportunity to get the training and professional development they want and need.”
This gift will help FABG continue its mission to enhance and celebrate arts education throughout the Ithaca City School District.
About FABG
The Fine Arts Booster Group (FABG), an affiliate of the Ithaca Public Education Initiative (IPEI), partners with the Ithaca City School District to support and celebrate the arts for all students. FABG advocates for district arts programs and staff while expanding student access and participation in the arts.
To volunteer or get involved, contact Alice Wu and Julie Hughes at president@fabgithaca.org.
Winter Sports Registration is Open! 🏒🏀
JV and Varsity registration is now open for all students in grades 9–12 — be sure to register on FamilyID (http://ithacacityschools.org/.../icsd-sports-registration) by November 8. Tryouts begin Monday, November 17.
Modified sports (grades 7–8) registration opens Saturday, November 1.
Winter sports include:
- Boys and Girls Basketball
- Cheerleading
- Boys and Girls Ice Hockey
- Boys Swim and Dive
- Wrestling
- Boys and Girls Indoor Track & Field
- Unified Bowling
Questions? Contact the ICSD Athletic Department at icsdathletics@icsd.k12.ny.us or (607) 274-2155.
JV and Varsity registration is now open for all students in grades 9–12 — be sure to register on FamilyID (http://ithacacityschools.org/.../icsd-sports-registration) by November 8. Tryouts begin Monday, November 17.
Modified sports (grades 7–8) registration opens Saturday, November 1.
Winter sports include:
- Boys and Girls Basketball
- Cheerleading
- Boys and Girls Ice Hockey
- Boys Swim and Dive
- Wrestling
- Boys and Girls Indoor Track & Field
- Unified Bowling
Questions? Contact the ICSD Athletic Department at icsdathletics@icsd.k12.ny.us or (607) 274-2155.
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.
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.
🐯🌈 First Friday Celebration at BJM!
Our Tigers closed out September with our Friday Celebration! Scholars and staff showed their Tiger Pride by wearing colors of the rainbow and celebrating our school community together.
Thank you to everyone who joined in the fun while keeping our focus on learning and growing together. Go Tigers!
Our Tigers closed out September with our Friday Celebration! Scholars and staff showed their Tiger Pride by wearing colors of the rainbow and celebrating our school community together.
Thank you to everyone who joined in the fun while keeping our focus on learning and growing together. Go Tigers!
A big thank you to all of our scholars, families, and staff for a fantastic Curriculum Night! We loved seeing everyone come together to celebrate learning and connection.
Welcome back, BJM Tigers! 🐯 Our hallways are once again filled with smiles, laughter, and joy. Here’s to a year of learning, growth, and Tiger Pride!
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!
☀️ Some of our awesome staff at BJM! We can’t wait to welcome our students back soon — it’s going to be a great year. 📸💛
🎬 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).
📍 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).
Closing out another amazing year! Wishing everyone a joyful, restful summer. See you in September! ☀️🎒
