This morning, kindergartners from South Hill and Enfield Elementary visited the Tompkins County Public Library as part of Kids Discover the Trail! (KDT!) Ithaca, a program that has connected ICSD students to their community for more than 20 years.

What started in 2004 has grown into a defining part of the elementary experience, giving every student hands-on learning opportunities at Discovery Trail sites across Ithaca. A unique part of the program is the Buddy Up initiative, which pairs students with peers from another school, helping build connections that carry into middle school and beyond.

Learn more about KDT's 20-year impact: https://www.ithacacityschools.org/article/2869698
10 days ago, ICSD Communications
A group of children are sitting on a floor facing two adults. One adult holds a book while the other speaks.
Library with bookshelves. Children sit at a table drawing on paper. An adult stands behind them.
Children at a library create art; two girls hold up finished work while smiling. A woman stands behind them.
A group of children looking at books in a library. A large wall tapestry is behind them.
People in a library with shelves of books. A woman holds paper and a screen, and a man stands behind a digital device.
Library with children gathered around a desk, an adult in the background, and a sign above.
BJM Playground Night last week was full of fun, laughter, and great community spirit. Thanks to everyone who joined us for a wonderful evening!
12 days ago, ICSD Communications
Children play on playground equipment including climbing bars and slides. Trees and a building are in the background.
Four children playing on a playground, including a slide and swing. A building with colorful murals is in the background.
Two individuals in a playground, one person carrying another on a horse. Background includes a building, a swing set, and several people.
A child stands with a curved playground bar in a playground with wood chips on the ground.
Playground with climbing structures. Four children play on it. Graffiti on a brick wall.
The voter registration deadline is tomorrow, May 5! If a qualified voter has previously registered with the district or with the County Board of Elections and has voted within the last 4 calendar years, they are eligible to vote in the May 19th election.

Read more about where you can register today at ithacacityschools.org/vote!
12 days ago, ICSD Communications
Text and images promoting registration for the Budget and School Board Election vote. A person studies at a desk.
The candidates for three open seats on the School Board are (in order of position on the ballot):

1. Madeline Cardona
2. Sara Garner
3. Garrick Blalock
4. Jill K. Tripp

For candidate bios and details on the Annual Budget Vote and School Board Election, visit ithacacityschools.org/vote.
16 days ago, ICSD Communications
A bulletin board displays "School Board Candidates" and lists Madeline Cardona, Sara Garner, and Garrick Blalock.
Earlier this month, BJM welcomed Senator Lea Webb, who spoke with students about her role in the New York State Senate and how her work supports our community.

During her visit, she recognized the school’s Green Team for organizing a petition opposing a proposed data center, highlighting their leadership and advocacy.

We’re proud of our students for using their voices and appreciate Senator Webb taking the time to connect with our school community.
23 days ago, ICSD Communications
People on stage at an event with a banner behind them. A person stands out in a photo.
A group of children and adults hold certificates while seated and standing on a stage, with a tiger logo behind them.
Large group of people in a hall with rows of empty seats. Some hold signs. A long table with items in front.
📝 Our End-of-Year Survey is open now through May 8!

Each year, we invite families, students, and staff to share their experiences with support, school climate, leadership, and communication. Your feedback helps us understand what’s working and where we can grow.

📨 Surveys were shared via email and text or use one of the links below to take yours.

📬 Families: https://edu.sogolytics.com/r/25-26FamilyEOYSurvey
🎓 Students: https://edu.sogolytics.com/r/25-26StudentEOYSurvey
🧑‍🏫 Staff: https://edu.sogolytics.com/r/25-26StaffEOYSurvey

Thanks for taking a few minutes to share your voice!
25 days ago, ICSD Communications
A collage of photos shows students engaged in activities. Text reads "We'd love your feedback! Take our end-of-year survey Open April 21 - May 8."
Join the Conversation!

The Ithaca City School District (ICSD) invites community members to attend an upcoming Community Conversation to learn more about the proposed 2026 Capital Project and ask questions.

This long-range facilities plan would address key infrastructure, health and safety, accessibility, and sustainability needs across our schools. The proposed project would not exceed $43.9 million and would be funded through bonds with partial New York State aid.

🗳️ Community members will vote on the proposal during the Annual Budget Vote and School Board Election on Tuesday, May 19.

Learn more: ithacacityschools.org/o/icsd/page/2026-capital-project
2 months ago, ICSD Communications
Community Conversation Upcoming Events

Over February break, two new murals were unveiled in our gym honoring Diann Samms and Dr. James Turner.

We are proud to continue celebrating leaders whose dedication and legacy have made a lasting impact on our community. These murals visually tell a powerful story of excellence, advocacy, and community pride.

Learn more about the murals here: https://www.ithacamurals.com/bjm-legacy-mural.html

3 months ago, ICSD Communications
BJM Murals
BJM Murals
BJM Murals
BJM Murals
BJM Murals
BJM Murals
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.
3 months ago, ICSD Communications
Three bjm students dancing on stage in front of the BJM logo
Two bjm students in the gym holding up noodles with scarves on them
Two bjm students in the gym playing cornhole
Four bjm students in the gym sitting on mats posing for the photo.
BJM student in the cafeteria holding up rubber ducks posing for a photo.
Classroom at BJM with students sitting on the ground in a circle with a teacher leading a lesson.
BJM student sitting on a mat in the gym.
A BJM student in the gym holding a hockey stick, setting up to hit a ball.
Student in BJM gym holding two noodles.
BJM student in the gym holding up a noodle with a scarf on top posing for a photo.
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.
4 months ago, ICSD Communications
Elementary students smile and move together while learning West African dance in a school gymnasium with red padded walls.
Elementary students sit in a semicircle playing West African drums as an instructor leads the group during a cultural music workshop in the gym.
A visiting artist demonstrates West African dance movements while elementary students follow along in a gymnasium.
A diverse group of elementary-age children dance together in a school gymnasium with a wooden floor and red padded walls. The kids are mid-movement, smiling and stepping in rhythm, wearing casual winter clothes like hoodies, sweatpants, and sneakers.
A large group of children sit on the floor of a school gymnasium facing two performers standing at the front. The gym has red padded walls and colorful murals of people and books. Teachers and adults stand along the walls while the children watch attentively, suggesting a school assembly or cultural performance.
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.
4 months ago, ICSD Communications
Ithaca City Schools are CLOSED due to winter weather
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
4 months ago, ICSD Communications
A hallway display shows five smiling elementary-aged children standing in front of a tiled wall, each with their face placed on a life-size paper cutout body decorated with colorful tissue paper, buttons, and craft materials. The figures pose with raised arms and playful stances, creating a sense of movement. Above them hangs a large, handmade rainbow collage made from layered paper, leaves, and textured materials in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple.
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
4 months ago, ICSD Communications
Aerial view of a IHS athletic complex with a football field and red running track at center, bleachers on both sides, adjacent soccer fields and a baseball diamond, surrounded by trees and hills, with a large lake visible in the background.
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.
5 months ago, ICSD Communications
Wintry graphic reads Ithaca City Schools are closed due to winter weather
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.
5 months ago, ICSD Communications
A firefighter demonstrates putting on full protective gear, including an air tank, on a school auditorium stage while children watch from the floor and other firefighters stand nearby.
Children and adults sit on the floor of a school auditorium facing firefighters, who are standing near a large screen displaying a timer and the question, “How fast can a firefighter change into their gear?”
A fire truck is parked in a snowy schoolyard outside a brick school building while children and adults in winter coats stand nearby, watching and gathering around the truck.
In a school auditorium, firefighters demonstrate protective gear on stage while young children sit on the floor watching. A screen displays a timer for how fast a firefighter can change into gear, with international flags hanging behind the stage.
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.
6 months ago, ICSD Communications
Ithaca City Schools are Closed due to winter weather

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!

6 months ago, ICSD Communications
Students at tables outside the physics bus playing at different stations
Caregiver at BJM's STEAM night making a big bubble
Student in line to get pizza being handed a plate
Students working at stations at BJM's STEAM night
Physics Bus at BJM's STEAM night
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.
7 months ago, ICSD Communications
BJM Fall Festival
BJM Fall Festival
BJM Fall Festival
BJM Fall Festival
BJM Fall Festival
BJM Fall Festival
BJM Fall Festival

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.

7 months ago, ICSD Communications
The Prom stage production
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.
7 months ago, ICSD Communications
A basketball player wearing a maroon and gold uniform with the number 14 jumps toward the hoop for a layup during a game in a gymnasium. Other players and coaches are visible in the background near the benches.