☀️ ICSD Summer Spotlight

In June, Ithaca High School celebrated the accomplishments of many graduating seniors at the Senior Awards Ceremony. More than 90 seniors were recognized for their academic achievements, athletic accomplishments, community service, leadership, and more.

With more than 100 awards presented, this celebration would not have been possible without the generous support of community partners, the PTA, IHS alumni, and families. Thank you to everyone who continues to support and celebrate students.

Check out the complete album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/BLS53hY2xZNuiLQ7A
4 days ago, ICSD Communications
Seven people on a stage with a large screen behind them displaying "Visual & Performing Arts." A table holds red flowers.
Five people on a stage. One holds a large screen. A banner behind them says "Ithaca Little Red".
Two people embrace on a stage in front of a screen. A table with a red tablecloth is in front of them.
Two women stand on stage with an award; a large screen behind them displays "The Jeff Dobbin Distinguished Community Service Award".
An auditorium with red seats, where several people sit while a person stands in the middle, possibly during an event.
Two individuals, one holding a yellow folder, stand on a stage with a screen behind them displaying the word Awards.
Four people stand on stage in front of a screen displaying a woman's portrait. They hold certificates and stand beside a table with a red tablecloth.
Teacher stands on stage presenting an award to two students.
Five people on a stage, one with a microphone. Behind them is a screen with text. An I sign and table nearby.
Three people stand on stage holding awards. A presentation screen is behind them. A table with a red cover is in front of them.
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!
7 days 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.

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

24 days ago, ICSD Communications
QUAD GOALS ❤️💛

Red and Gold spirit was on full display at our recent pep rally! IHS students showed off their class pride with creative quad decorations, school spirit, and plenty of energy as we celebrated together.

📸 credit: Anna Agrawal
2 months ago, ICSD Communications
A group of people on a lawn with inflatables and orange cones. Some wear maroon and white shirts.
A group of people outdoors. One person is carried on another's shoulders. Some wear maroon shirts.
A group of people in sports gear stand around a building with red ribbons. Trees and grass are visible.
A person with a microphone in a maroon jersey performs in front of a group of children wearing numbered shirts.
Group of people running across a grassy field with numbered jerseys, spectators standing behind them in front of a building.
Many people in casual clothing stand on a grassy area, some raising hands, in front of a colorful building.
Four women pose together in front of a wall with logos and lettering reading "ITHACA" and "ATHLETICS".
A runner with the number 32 on his shirt runs through a crowd of people on a sidewalk.

Congratulations to Ithaca High School student photographers Josephine Blaine and Asher Russell, whose work has been selected for the 37th Annual Juried Photography Show at the State of the Art Gallery!

The exhibition opening reception is Friday, June 5, from 5–8 p.m. The show runs through June 27, 2026. The State of the Art Gallery is located at 120 W. State St. / Martin Luther King Jr. St., and its hours are Thursday–Sunday, 12–5 p.m.

Josephine and Asher's work was selected from hundreds of submissions from artists across New York State, making this a significant recognition of their achievement.

3 months ago, ICSD Communications

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.

3 months ago, ICSD Communications
Performers on a stage with one in a green dress with leaves around her head.
Two people on a stage. One in a lab coat looks down at a clipboard. The other wears a beret.
A man wearing a hat plays a clarinet while a woman stands nearby, watching. The setting is dimly lit.
A group of performers on stage, one in a wig, others in work attire, raising their arms.
A group of seven children, some wearing jeans, stand on stage with arms raised in the air.
Six young people stand on a stage under a black backdrop. Four stand in line, one sits, and one stands slightly behind.
Two children on a stage. One holds a folder, another sits at a desk with a laptop. A banner reads "Congress President Janie."
A group of people on a stage, some with hands raised. One woman wears a red dress, another a white blouse, and others wear various outfits.
Performers on a stage, one wearing a hat and holding a prop, dancing with others in colorful costumes.
Several people on a stage, likely performing a play. Five women, one in a floral skirt, one in a blue jacket.
Last month, Ithaca High School students took the stage for 9 to 5: The Musical, showcasing months of hard work, creativity, and collaboration. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our students!
3 months ago, ICSD Communications
On a stage, several people perform a dance. Some wear dresses, skirts, and suits. A yellow wall is behind them.
Group of women in vintage clothing on a stage. Some are dancing, others are standing. Background includes a backdrop and a set.
Two individuals sit on a stage; one reads a book and the other converses, with a wooden ladder and bookshelf in the background.
Person resting head on desk in an indoor setting with a yellow wall, window, and staircase.
Three women stand on a stage in front of a white backdrop and audience; two perform; one watches.
Two women perform on a stage with a yellow backdrop. One stands by a desk, while the other sits at a typewriter.
Performers on a stage with a pink backdrop, wearing various costumes, one person in a dark suit and glasses.
Two people perform on a stage, one wearing a suit and the other a dress, with a pink backdrop and a bookshelf behind.

Voting is now open for the Finger Lakes Favorites competition, and Ithaca High School has been nominated in the “Place to Work” category!

Community members may vote once per day through Friday, May 29, at fingerlakesfavorites.com/vote. Click on “Services,” then “Place to Work,” select Ithaca High School, click “Add Vote,” then "Submit Voting Ballot."

We’re honored to receive this recognition and grateful to the students, staff, families, and community members who help make IHS such a strong and supportive school community.

Thank you for supporting Ithaca High School!

3 months ago, ICSD Communications
A logo with blue, green, and yellow text on a black background. It reads "Finger Lakes Favorites Vote for Us" with "Cayuga Media Group" below.
Congratulations to the Ithaca High School student-athletes who recently signed to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level! We are proud to celebrate their hard work, dedication, and achievements both on and off the field. Best of luck in this exciting next chapter!

Read more: ithacacityschools.org/o/icsd/page/press-releases#signing
3 months ago, ICSD Communications
People seated at tables in a gymnasium with banners on the walls and bleachers in the background.
Indoor court with a monitor, a person standing at a podium, and a table with seated people.
A woman speaks at a podium in a gymnasium, facing an audience. Behind her, maroon and yellow bleachers are visible.
Five women holding certificates stand on a basketball court, smiling. One wears green, two in white, one in black.
Congratulations to 11th grader Emma Beer, winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for New York’s 19th District. Congressman Josh Riley surprised her with the news during a visit on May 1.
4 months ago, ICSD Communications
A man and a woman stand outside Ithaca High School, holding framed certificates, with a cloudy sky in the background.
Three individuals stand before a building entrance, holding certificates. One holds a framed picture. The archway reads "ITHACA HIGH SCHOOL."
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!
4 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.
4 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!
4 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."
Last week, IHS seniors gathered for the annual tradition, Casino Night! ♣️🃏

The evening featured games, prizes, and food, and was made possible through the generosity of the Class of 2026 families, friends, and the community. A winning night all around!
5 months ago, ICSD Communications
IHS students participating in Casino Night
IHS Casino Night
IHS students participating in Casino Night
IHS principal Caren Arnold holding colorful tickets at casino night
IHS students participating in Casino Night
IHS students participating in Casino Night
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
5 months ago, ICSD Communications
Community Conversation Upcoming Events
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.
7 months ago, ICSD Communications
Ithaca City Schools are CLOSED due to winter weather
Ithaca High School has been named to the 2025 AP School Honor Roll, earning Gold-level recognition from the College Board.

This honor recognizes schools that expand access to Advanced Placement courses while helping students succeed. For the Class of 2025:

📚 69% took at least one AP exam
🎓 66% scored a 3 or higher
✏️ 27% took five or more AP exams

Congratulations to our students, educators, and families for continuing to set a standard of academic excellence and equity.

🔗 Read the full press release: ithacacityschools.org/o/icsd/page/press-releases
7 months ago, ICSD Communications
IHS graduates wearing red caps and gowns sit together at a commencement ceremony, with decorated mortarboards visible and a blurred American flag and audience in the background.
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
7 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.
8 months ago, ICSD Communications
Wintry graphic reads Ithaca City Schools are closed due to winter weather
November was full of fantastic performances! Closing out our posts on fall theater season is Ithaca High School's production of Stage Fright.

Photos from the performance are now available here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/dV1JAEz611USX5ov7

Congratulations to the cast and crew on a wonderful production, and thank you to everyone who supported this work.
8 months ago, ICSD Communications
Three students stand on a theater stage under warm lighting. One student in a floral dress smiles while holding up a Ouija board toward another student in a yellow dress, while a third student in a striped shirt looks on with a concerned expression against a dark stage background.
A stage performance scene shows a young woman in a floral dress leaning over a desk, angrily shouting into a yellow rotary telephone. Behind her stands a tall, ominous figure in a tattered costume with a grotesque mask, looming closely. The background is dark, with stage lighting focused on the performers and a desk with props in the foreground.
Three performers stand onstage under theatrical lighting. At center, a young woman in a mustard-yellow dress speaks confidently with her hands slightly out, while two others listen—one in a floral dress with arms crossed and another in a light blue button-down shirt. A desk and yellow telephone sit behind them against a dark stage backdrop.
Four performers are arranged onstage in front of an open green doorway. One performer holds a sign reading “THE DOWEDS OF DRESDEN.” Others react with expressive body language, including a masked character in a ragged costume and two performers in dresses. Audience silhouettes are visible at the bottom, emphasizing the live theater setting.
A student stands on a stage reading aloud from a black book, focused and mid-speech. Behind them, two other students in dresses are slightly out of focus, suggesting an ongoing scene in a theatrical performance under stage lighting.