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 ❤️💛
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!
Fall sports registration is now open for ICSD Athletics!
🏈 JV & Varsity Football
• Registration: Open Now
• First Practice: August 17
🏃 All Other JV & Varsity Fall Sports
• Registration: Open Now
• First Practice: August 24
🏐 Modified Fall Sports
• Registration Opens: August 9
• First Practice: September 8
Learn more and register at: ithacacityschools.org/o/icsd/page/icsd-sports-registration
Thank you to the staff, volunteers, and school communities who helped make these end-of-year celebrations possible.
The award is presented to the highest-scoring junior high/middle school choral ensemble among all participating Hersheypark Music Showcase Festivals, making it the program's top honor for middle school choirs.
Boynton's choir earned an impressive overall score of 99 this year, following a perfect score of 100 in 2025. This marks the second consecutive year, and the third time in the past four years, that the choir has received the Sweepstakes Award. Congratulations!
This spring, students across the district participated in a range of performances that highlighted creativity, collaboration, and student voice. Ithaca High School presented 9 to 5; Lehman Alternative Community School shared the original climate-focused performance Above, Below, In, and of Cayuga's Waters, written by Annemarie Zwack in collaboration with LACS students; DeWitt Middle School performed My Fellow Students; and Boynton Middle School brought No Substitutes to the stage.
Read more about where you can register today at 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.
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!
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
For more information on emergency closings, please visit our website: ithacacityschools.org/closings.
🔗 Read the full press release: ithacacityschools.org/o/icsd/page/press-releases
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.
For more information on emergency closings, please visit our website: ithacacityschools.org/closings.
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 (ithacacityschools.org/o/icsd/page/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.
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.
It’s been a great first week as we settle back into classrooms, reconnect with friends, and dive into new learning. We’re excited for all the opportunities and accomplishments this school year will bring!