Sights from Caroline Elementary's Curriculum Night! 📸📚
14 days ago, ICSD Communications
A group of children and adults in a classroom, seated around desks, engaging in activities.
A boy wearing glasses looks at a puzzle box while a woman watches
Classroom with students and adults sitting and standing listening to a teacher
A classroom with students and adults gathered around a table.
A girl in a blue shirt is painting a table inside a classroom.
Caroline Elementary welcomed families back to school with an ice cream social on the playground !🍦🛝

Thank you to the families, students, and staff who joined us to kickoff the school yea.
29 days ago, ICSD Communications
A group of children plays basketball on an outdoor court with trees in the background.
Four boys walk in a park area; one has a backpack. A traffic cone stands on the path.
Children playing on a playground with two red towers. Some sitting on benches. Trees and grass in the background.
Two girls eating on a lawn with a large crowd of people standing behind them.
A Caroline tradition worth celebrating! 🍦

A few weeks ago, students, families and staff gathered for the annual ice cream social, enjoying sweet treats, sunshine, and time together.

Here are a few favorite moments from the day.
about 1 month ago, ICSD Communications
A group of children and an adult stand atop a mound of dirt, with trees in the background.
Multiple children playing basketball on a court, others standing in the background on a grassy field.
Crowd of people outdoors near a basketball court and a green field with trees under a bright sun.
A playground with several swings and a small group of people standing and playing, with trees in the background.
Two girls sit on grass, eating food. A building and trees are in the background.
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 ❤️💛
about 1 month ago, ICSD Communications
A woman and five children walk on a sidewalk. Greenery and a yellow school bus are in the background.
Several children in casual clothes walking through an entrance of a brick building with glass doors.
A crowd of students wearing backpacks gathered outside a brick building with a blue sky.
A family walks on a sidewalk with a woman hugging a girl. A sign with an arrow is beside them.
A group of children stand in a grassy area, one smiling. The background features a tree and a person in a white shirt.
A classroom with children and adults. Some sit at a table and others stand and pose.
Various students in school attire, carrying backpacks, walk and converse in an outdoor area.
Five adults pose for a photo in front of a brick building. They smile and stand close together.
School buses in a parking lot. Some students walk past, some with backpacks. Greenery and trees in background.
Several children walking down the sidewalk, with yellow school buses parked on the side.
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!
2 months ago, ICSD Communications
A group of young people on a basketball court, performing a coordinated hula hoop routine.
A woman performs a handstand on a hula hoop while others watch in a gymnasium.
A child inside a yellow fabric hammock hanging from the ceiling, with red padded walls in the background.
Kids hold up colorful hoops and stand in a circle, facing an audience in a gymnasium.
A large group of people sit on a basketball court in various positions, with a large logo on the floor.
Many people, including a young child, walk in a school hallway with white walls and blue columns.
Colorful drawings of animals and farm scenes on white papers with green borders, displayed on a table.
Display of colorful charts with text and drawings about "Tari's Gliding Flippers" on a white board.
A colorful, hand-painted game board with a double-path layout, surrounded by game pieces and boxes on a wooden table.
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.
4 months ago, ICSD Communications
A grassy field with two colorful inflatables; one is a large slide. Children play near them, with an open building in the background.
Outdoor playground with two basketball hoops and two children playing basketball in a grassy field.
A young girl runs on a wet road, holding a yellow object and surrounded by a group.
Aerial view of a sports facility with a red track, green field, and red bleachers. Buildings and trees surround the area.
Woman in yellow shirt paints face art on a girl sitting on a lawn chair. Other people and items in background.
Two children pull on a rope with a traffic cone on the ground. Trees and a building are in the background.
Two women in blue shirts stand in a grassy field with a small object on the ground. Trees are visible in the background.
Children playing outside in grass. One child jumps over a hula hoop. Another child runs toward him.
On June 11, Caroline Elementary students proudly shared their learning with families and staff during the school's Celebration of Learning! The event highlighted the hard work, creativity, and growth of students throughout the year.
4 months ago, ICSD Communications
Children stand around a table with papers and pens, some signing. A tree trunk is visible in the background.
Kids and adults stand around a table with various crafts. A black board with artwork is behind them.
Two children look at artwork displayed on a table. One child holds a box with decorations. Behind them, orange fabric displays framed artwork.
Kids and adults look at a table with crafts. A woman in glasses smiles at a child.
Adults and children gathered, some sitting, others standing, around a table; a girl holding a book.
A group of people gathered in a park with tables and booths set up under trees.
Three children gather around a table with an object. The boy in blue and yellow checks interacts with it.
A group of people, some with hats, in a grassy field, some standing around tables with objects.
Children gather around a table, focusing on a cardboard craft. One child holds paper while another manipulates a colorful object.
Last week, Caroline fourth graders released the trout they raised in their classroom into Six Mile Creek! 🐟

As part of the Trout in the Classroom program, students across our elementary schools participate in this meaningful hands-on learning experience, caring for trout from fall through spring while building connections to science, ecosystems, and environmental stewardship.

Thank you to the 4th grade teams and our partners at @discovercayugalake for helping create learning experiences that bring classroom lessons to life.
5 months ago, ICSD Communications
Group of people in a river valley. Some are in the river while others sit on the bank.
Children walk along a sidewalk outside a building with a brick wall and trees. Some wear sneakers, others wear hats.
A person holding a bucket walks along a path with several children, greenery, and a building in the background.
Group of children outdoors on a playground, some wearing hats, near a basketball hoop and playground.
Several small fish with yellow fins swim in a green-tinted aquarium against a blurred background.
A group of children standing in a paved area with trees and a playground in the background.
Group of children standing around a woman with green jacket under a wooden gazebo with a grassy field and trees in the background.
A group of people on a riverbank, some near water, others near a fire pit, with trees and grass.
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
6 months 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.
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!
6 months 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.
6 months ago, ICSD Communications
A bulletin board displays "School Board Candidates" and lists Madeline Cardona, Sara Garner, and Garrick Blalock.
📝 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!
6 months 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."
A look at the Caroline Elementary Pre-K Art Show 🎨🖌

In Pre-K, art supports early skill development, from fine motor coordination to language and self-expression, while giving students opportunities to explore, create, and share their thinking.

Thank you to the staff and families who helped make the event possible.
7 months ago, ICSD Communications
A table displays aluminum foil sculptures with photos. A blue tablecloth covers the table, and several small pictures are arranged.
An orange bulletin board displays various colorful artwork on black backgrounds, with each piece labeled. The board is located in an indoor space.
A row of wooden geometric shapes arranged on a wooden surface with a gray curtain in the background.
Colorful artworks, including painted cards and clay figures, displayed on a purple table. Each piece has a label with names and ages.
Cardboard boxes stacked on top of one another with colorful construction paper glued to it.
Display of various animal silhouettes in blue and green on a green background. Several tables and chairs are visible in the background.
Figures made of aluminum foil attached to black bases with name tags. Displayed on a blue table.
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
7 months ago, ICSD Communications
Community Conversation Upcoming Events
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.
9 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.
9 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
9 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
9 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.
10 months ago, ICSD Communications
Wintry graphic reads Ithaca City Schools are closed due to winter weather
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.
11 months ago, ICSD Communications
Ithaca City Schools are Closed due to winter weather