The ICSD Board of Education will hold a public budget hearing on Tuesday, May 13, at 5:30 p.m. in York Hall at IHS. The hearing will also be streamed via Zoom. Visit ithacacityschools.org/vote for details.
🏃♀️🌸 The 2025 CHES 5K & Fun Run brought together students, families, and community members this past Sunday for a morning of movement and connection.
Hosted by Cayuga Heights Elementary and presented by Ithaca Psychological Testing, the event featured a K–3 Fun Run on school grounds and a USATF-sanctioned 5K through the neighborhood.
Thanks to everyone who participated, volunteered, and supported the CHES PTA—your involvement helps fund programs and events for students throughout the year.
📢 Meet the Candidates for the ICSD School Board! 🗳️
There are four open seats on the Ithaca City School District Board of Education. The candidates, in the order they will appear on the ballot, are:
1. Scott Jahnke
2. Madeline Cardona
3. David McMurry
4. Erin Croyle
5. Jacob Shiffrin
6. Karen Yearwood
7. Jill K. Tripp
🔜 Candidate bios will be available soon!
For more information on the Annual Budget Vote and School Board Election, visit: ithacacityschools.org/vote
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!
To all our incredible ICSD educators — thank you for your dedication, passion, and the countless ways you inspire our students every day. You make a difference, and we are grateful for you! 💛📚🍎
🗳️ The voter registration deadline is Tuesday, May 6!
If you're a qualified voter who has previously registered with the district or the County Board of Elections and have voted within the last four calendar years, you're eligible to vote in the May 20 election.
Learn more and find out where you can register at ithacacityschools.org/vote!
On Tuesday, the ICSD Board of Education adopted a proposed budget of $169,031,619 for the 2025-26 school year. The 3.76% proposed tax levy increase is within the New York State tax cap.
🗳️The Budget Vote and School Board Election will take place on Tuesday, May 20, from 12 noon to 9 p.m.
For more information and to check your polling location, visit ithacacityschools.org/vote.
Have a question not addressed on our website or in the FAQs, please reach out through Let's Talk.
This week, our pre-k students had a special visit from John Simon and Cal Walker! They brought stories to life through song, sharing their love of books and music with our young learners.
Thank you, John and Cal, for such a fun and engaging experience! 📚🎶
Call for Candidates: ICSD Board of Education
The Ithaca City School District is seeking candidates for four open seats on the Board of Education. Those interested in running can find candidate information and nominating petitions here: https://www.ithacacityschools.org/page/budget-vote-election or pick them up from District Clerk Tricia Beresford at 400 Lake Street.
📅 Petition Deadline: April 30, 2025
🗳️ Election Date: May 20, 2025
Serving on the Board is a meaningful way to contribute to the future of our schools and community. Learn more and get involved today!
The Ithaca City School District is closed today, Monday, March 31, for a recess day.
Deadline Approaching! Apply Now for Project Innovation! 🎉
Spots are filling up fast—don’t miss out on this exciting summer program for ICSD students in pre-K through 8th grade! Apply before the March 31 deadline to secure your spot.
📅 Deadline: March 31, 2025
🔗 Apply here: https://forms.gle/NsJMm8DJqnLQSCYV6
🌟 Learn more: ithacacityschools.org/page/project-innovation
Deadline Approaching! Apply Now for Project Innovation! 🎉
Spots are filling up fast—don’t miss out on this exciting summer program for ICSD students in pre-K through 8th grade! Apply before the March 31 deadline to secure your spot.
📅 Deadline: March 31, 2025
🔗 Apply here: https://forms.gle/NsJMm8DJqnLQSCYV6
🌟 Learn more: ithacacityschools.org/page/project-innovation
✨ Discover LACS! ✨
Join us for Information Night at Lehman Alternative Community School!
📅 Thursday, March 27
🕕 6:00–7:00 p.m.
📍 LACS Library
This event is for families of students in grades 5–10 who are interested in learning more about our unique and vibrant school community.
We can't wait to welcome you!
🌵🎶 CHES 5th graders took the stage for Could You Hug A Cactus?, bringing humor, heart, and music to our community! Their performances showcased friendship, acceptance, and plenty of talent.
A huge thank you to the students, staff, and families who made this production possible! Check out some highlights from the show.
Happy National Preschool Teachers Appreciation Day! 🌟🍎
Today, we celebrate the incredible preschool educators in the Ithaca City School District who nurture curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning in our youngest students.
One example of their impact is the annual field experience at Cornell University's Johnson Museum of Art, where preschoolers take part in “Learning to Look, Looking to Learn.” Before the trip, museum docents visit classrooms to introduce students to the concept of a museum, and teachers lead hands-on activities to prepare them. Once at the museum, students explore artwork in small groups, engaging with interactive stations designed just for them. Each year, the experience evolves through collaboration between educators and museum staff—ensuring a rich and exciting learning opportunity for every child.
It's National School Breakfast Week! 🥞🎉
Did you know that breakfast is FREE for all students in our district? It provides a healthy, nutritious start to the day, helping to fuel learning and set the tone for success. 📚✨ Students who eat breakfast at school often have better attendance, improved behavior, and stronger academic performance.
So, who's grabbing a fruit smoothie and benefit bar tomorrow? 🍓🥤
Now Accepting Applications: Project Innovation! 🎉
Our inclusive summer program is open to all ICSD students currently in pre-K through 8th grade! Apply now to secure your spot.
📅 Deadline: March 31, 2025
🔗 Apply here: https://forms.gle/NsJMm8DJqnLQSCYV6
🌟 Learn more: ithacacityschools.org/page/project-innovation
✨What a fantastic time at the CHES "Heart-y Party" family dance! 💃🕺🎶
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the LACS gymnasium for an evening filled with music, laughter, and community spirit.
Thank you to all the families, volunteers, and staff who made this event so special. We can’t wait for more celebrations like this in the future! 🎉
The Ithaca City School District will be closed today, Thursday, February 6, 2025, due to inclement weather. All school-sponsored after-school and evening activities are also canceled.
For more information on emergency closings, please visit our website: ithacacityschools.org/closings.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this month's All School Celebration. Next month we will celebrate on February 14 from 8-8:30 a.m. in the gymnasium ✨.
All School Monthly Celebrations are an opportunity for our student population to gather and celebrate each other's learning. It affirms our commitment to a community where everybody is seen, heard, and known. Families are always invited and welcome to attend!
❄️ Our ICSD early childhood program has been very busy creating winter art!
Art in our ICSD preschool classrooms is all about exploration, focusing on the process rather than the product. Our amazing early childhood educators guide students in using materials creatively, helping them build a strong foundation for art appreciation, imagination, and creativity that will last well beyond the early years.
🌟 Pre-K spots are still available! Apply today!: ithacacityschools.org/page/early-childhood-prek
