Fifth-grade students from across the district met at the Hoffman Challenge Course, a ropes course operated by Cornell Outdoor Education. Students met new friends and learned about outdoor recreation!
1 day ago, ICSD Communications
Photos from the annual Enfield Halloween Parade!
12 days ago, ICSD Communications
Last week students at Enfield participated in the school's annual apple pressing event! Each grade took turns cutting apples, learning different ways to press apples, and exploring different apple color, texture, and taste.

The apples pressed were a combination of apples grown at the school and on Farmer Melissa's orchards. 🍎
23 days ago, ICSD Communications
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 ❤️💛
2 months ago, ICSD Communications
A look back at our final Playground Night at Enfield! 🛝☀️

Thanks to everyone who joined us throughout August for evenings of play, connection, and community.

And just like that, the school year is underway! We’re looking forward to all that’s ahead at Enfield. 💙
2 months ago, ICSD Communications
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!
3 months ago, ICSD Communications
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
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
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
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.
7 months ago, ICSD Communications
📝 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!
7 months ago, ICSD Communications
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
8 months ago, ICSD Communications

Across the Ithaca City School District, educators are creating learning experiences that connect classroom lessons to real life. At Enfield Elementary, students recently explored weather patterns during a hands-on unit with educator Farmer Melissa and storm chaser Chimera Comstock.

Students learned to read thermometers, understand “feels-like” temperatures, and analyze how weather impacts daily decisions—including whether recess is held indoors or outdoors. To extend their learning, students collaborated to create a weather-focused morning announcement script. Students in grades 3–5 now take turns sharing daily weather updates with the school community, building confidence, communication skills, and real-world connections to their learning.

Experiences like this reflect ICSD’s commitment to authentic, student-centered learning that elevates student voice and makes learning meaningful.

9 months ago, ICSD Communications
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.
10 months ago, ICSD Communications
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.
10 months ago, ICSD Communications
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
10 months ago, ICSD Communications
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
10 months ago, ICSD Communications
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.
11 months ago, ICSD Communications
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.
12 months ago, ICSD Communications
Enfield Elementary students spent a perfect fall day harvesting apples and pressing fresh cider right on the school’s orchard. Throughout the year, fifth-graders care for the apple trees as part of a hands-on science and sustainability curriculum—and this joyful event is the finale.

Students explored the full process, from picking apples to grinding and pressing them, discovering how every part of the apple can be put to good use.

🍎 Read more about this incredible learning experience: ithacacityschools.org/article/2552980
12 months ago, ICSD Communications