At BJM's October celebration, the littlest Tigers performed five little pumpkins, staff and students celebrated Hispanic American heritage month, and the book talkers shared their recommendations for the month.
Last week was fire prevention week and students at BJM learned about fire safety from the Ithaca Fire Department! 🚒
Students learned about fire prevention at home and at school, how fire fighters respond to emergency calls, and had the opportunity to explore the fire truck and spray the hose.
Thank you to the Ithaca Fire Department for volunteering their time!
Students learned about fire prevention at home and at school, how fire fighters respond to emergency calls, and had the opportunity to explore the fire truck and spray the hose.
Thank you to the Ithaca Fire Department for volunteering their time!
Earlier this month students at BJM celebrated back to school with an open house and playground fun featuring the Physics Bus! 🚌 🛝📝
Thank you to everyone who joined us!
The first week of the 2026–27 school year is in the books!
Across the ICSD, students and staff have been settling into classrooms, reconnecting with friends and colleagues, and meeting new people.
We’re so glad you’re back ❤️💛
Across the ICSD, students and staff have been settling into classrooms, reconnecting with friends and colleagues, and meeting new people.
We’re so glad you’re back ❤️💛
Project Innovation wraps up today after six weeks of learning, creating, collaborating, and exploring.
Yesterday, students shared what they had been working on during a Celebration of Learning and Circus Culture performance. From inventions and games to ideas for improving their schools, students shared projects that reflected their interests, creativity, and problem-solving. They also took the stage for a circus performance, supporting and cheering one another on.
It was a great reflection of what Project Innovation is all about: giving students the opportunity to follow their interests, work together, and take an active role in their learning.
Thank you to our students and the Project Innovation staff for another great year. We hope you enjoy the rest of your summer!
Yesterday, students shared what they had been working on during a Celebration of Learning and Circus Culture performance. From inventions and games to ideas for improving their schools, students shared projects that reflected their interests, creativity, and problem-solving. They also took the stage for a circus performance, supporting and cheering one another on.
It was a great reflection of what Project Innovation is all about: giving students the opportunity to follow their interests, work together, and take an active role in their learning.
Thank you to our students and the Project Innovation staff for another great year. We hope you enjoy the rest of your summer!
Students across the ICSD wrapped up the school year with the annual Field Day tradition, enjoying games, teamwork, and time together outdoors. ☀️
Thank you to the staff, volunteers, and school communities who helped make these end-of-year celebrations possible.
Thank you to the staff, volunteers, and school communities who helped make these end-of-year celebrations possible.
Congratulations to Beverly J. Martin teachers Jenna Hallas and Chris Barley on being named recipients of the Raymond Van Houtte Teacher Award!
This prestigious award recognizes Tompkins County educators who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and impact in improving education. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!
This prestigious award recognizes Tompkins County educators who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and impact in improving education. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!
🎉 BJM's final Friday Morning Celebration of the school year was a special one! Students, staff, and families came together to recognize achievements, build community, and celebrate a successful year. We also welcomed Ithaca Mayor Robert Cantelmo as a guest for the celebration.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this year's Friday Morning Celebrations such a meaningful tradition.
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
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
BJM Playground Night last week was full of fun, laughter, and great community spirit. Thanks to everyone who joined us for a wonderful evening!
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!
Read more about where you can register today at ithacacityschools.org/vote!
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.
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.
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.
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.
📝 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!
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!
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
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
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
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