South Hill Elementary

Thank you to everyone who helped make South Hill’s first Career Day a success! 🎉 From firefighters to artists to tech professionals, our students had the chance to explore a wide range of careers and ask thoughtful questions. Special thanks to all of our presenters and volunteers who made this meaningful day possible. Swipe through some highlights from the day! 📸🔥🚒💼🎨

🗳️ 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!

🚍 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

🗳️ 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! 🗳️

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.

📢 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

Last week, Ms. Budetti’s first graders from South Hill Elementary visited Oak Hill Manor as part of their service learning project. 🌸🧤 The students brought big smiles and helping hands as they spring-cleaned the flower garden and pond area. The residents loved spending time with our young volunteers! 💛🌿

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! 📚🎶

📚✨ Reading Celebration at South Hill! ✨📚 To close out National Reading Month, South Hill Elementary held a special celebration during South Hill Shines on March 28! Students, staff, and families came together to celebrate a month filled with stories, imagination, and learning.

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

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.

We were thrilled to host David Seligman, Associate for the Arts at the NYS Education Department, who visited to learn about our community partnerships in Fine and Performing Arts. Pictured with David Seligman are Daphne Shululu, Director of Fine and Performing Arts; our principal, Arthur Brown; and Caleb Thomas of Ithaca Murals, standing in front of a mural in progress at our school. This project showcases the strong collaboration between students and community partners.

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