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! ☀️🎒
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
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.
📸 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. 💫🌍
🗳️ 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
🗳️ ICSD Annual Budget Vote and School Board Election is Tuesday, May 20! 🏫
📍 To find your polling place, visit: ithacacityschools.org/vote
📬 Still need an early mail ballot?
You can apply in person at the District Office (400 Lake Street) until Monday, May 19.
📮 Return your completed ballot to the ICSD Board Clerk by 5 p.m. on Election Day (May 20) for it to count!
📌 Drop off or mail applications/ballots to:
ICSD Board Clerk
400 Lake Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
Let your voice be heard—make a plan to vote! 🗳️
The ICSD Board of Education will hold a public budget hearing on Tuesday, May 13, at 5:30 p.m. in York Hall at IHS. The hearing will also be streamed via Zoom. Visit ithacacityschools.org/vote for details.
📢 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
BJM kicked off Teacher Appreciation Week this morning with colorful chalk messages from our students! 🎉💛 Thank you to our amazing teachers for all you do! 🍎🚌
