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
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
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!
Read more about where you can register today at ithacacityschools.org/vote!
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.
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.
📝 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!
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!
Thank you to everyone who joined Cultural Community Night at Northeast Elementary! It was a wonderful evening filled with delicious food, vibrant performances, and a celebration of the many cultures that make up the community.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
For more information on emergency closings, please visit our website: ithacacityschools.org/closings.
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
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
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
🔗 Read the full press release: ithacacityschools.org/o/icsd/page/press-releases
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.
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.
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.
For more information on emergency closings, please visit our website: ithacacityschools.org/closings.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thank you, Northeast families, for joining us for Curriculum Night! We loved connecting and sharing the exciting learning ahead this year.
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!
🎬 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).
📍 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).
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
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
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.
