Join us for BOTS!, performed by our talented fifth graders on Wednesday, March 18 at 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Students have been working hard to bring this fun and energetic musical to life, and we’re excited to share their performance with our school community. We hope you’ll tune in and support our young performers.
13 days ago, ICSD Communications
5th grade musical poster reads: BOTS! A New Children's Musical
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.
25 days 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.
about 1 month 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
about 1 month 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
about 1 month 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.
2 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.
3 months ago, ICSD Communications
Ithaca City Schools are Closed due to winter weather

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.

4 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.
4 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.
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.
5 months ago, ICSD Communications
Students sitting in class
Thank you for joining our first All School Monthly Celebration! 🎉

We are excited to continue this tradition throughout the school year. Our next celebration will be on October 17 from 8:00–8:30 a.m. in the gymnasium — families are always welcome!

All School Monthly Celebration Dates:
📅 November 21
📅 December 19
📅 January 23
📅 February 13
📅 March 27
📅 April 24
📅 May 22
📅 June 18 (Thursday)
5 months ago, ICSD Communications
All School Monthly Celebration
All School Monthly Celebration
All School Monthly Celebration
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our summer playground nights! We loved seeing our students and families come together to celebrate before the new school year begins.

See you tomorrow! 👋
6 months ago, ICSD Communications
CHES playground night
CHES playground night
CHES playground night
CHES playground night
CHES playground night
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!
6 months ago, ICSD Communications
Walk and Talk with the new athletic directors on the turf at IHS
Walk and Talk with the new athletic directors on the turf at IHS
Walk and Talk with the new athletic directors on the turf at IHS
Walk and Talk with the new athletic directors on the turf at IHS
Walk and Talk with the new athletic directors on the turf at IHS
Walk and Talk with the new athletic directors on the turf at IHS
Walk and Talk with the new athletic directors on the turf at IHS
Walk and Talk with the new athletic directors on the turf at IHS
Walk and Talk with the new athletic directors on the turf at IHS
Walk and Talk with the new athletic directors on the turf at IHS

Check out the latest CHES Summer Updates for information on our upcoming playground nights, NYS school cell phone legislation, and more! >> CHES Summer Updates 8/10/25 <<

7 months ago, ICSD Communications
CHES Updates - Bi-Weekly Newsletter
🎬 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).
7 months ago, ICSD Communications
Counted Out movie poster
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
8 months ago, ICSD Communications
Summer Meals for Kids 2025
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.
8 months ago, ICSD Communications
Ithaca City Schools are closed due to extreme heat
🗳️ 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!
10 months ago, ICSD Communications
Graphic Reads: Budget Vote & School Board Election Tuesday, May 20 Polls Open 12-9 p.m. Explore the propositions, school board candidates, polling locations, and more.
🚍 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
10 months ago, ICSD Communications
Graphic Reads: Now Hiring! Job Fair at ICSD We’re hiring bus aides and drivers! Join us on May 28 from 4-7 p.m. to explore current openings, meet our Transportation Services Specialist, get assistance with your application from an HR representative, and take part in on-the-spot interviews. No appointment needed—just walk in! Location: 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! 🗳️
10 months ago, ICSD Communications
Graphic Reads: Find your polling place 2025-26 District Budget Vote To view the school district polling location table to determine where you vote, visit: ithacacityschools.org/vote