Thank you to all of the South Hill families who came out earlier this month to help with the PTA Spring Clean! Your time, energy, and teamwork made a real difference. We truly appreciate your support in helping make our school grounds look their best for students and staff.
1 day ago, ICSD Communications
People in a garden wearing hats and gloves, two planting in soil, one examining plants, with others observing.
A mother and child walk down a sidewalk in front of a brick building with green foliage.
Two individuals, one wearing a white hat, work on assembling white poles on a grassy area.
Three posters taped to a glass door, one with pink hearts, one with green text, and one with blue tape.
Sidewalk with chalk writing "SOUTH HILL ROCKS" in various colors. A shadow is cast on the left.
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
14 days ago, ICSD Communications
A group of children are sitting on a floor facing two adults. One adult holds a book while the other speaks.
Library with bookshelves. Children sit at a table drawing on paper. An adult stands behind them.
Children at a library create art; two girls hold up finished work while smiling. A woman stands behind them.
A group of children looking at books in a library. A large wall tapestry is behind them.
People in a library with shelves of books. A woman holds paper and a screen, and a man stands behind a digital device.
Library with children gathered around a desk, an adult in the background, and a sign above.
Mrs. Vorhis’s class has been busy exploring the world of plants and insects—observing, asking questions, and learning through hands-on discovery 🌱🐞
16 days ago, ICSD Communications
Nine children in a classroom pose for a picture, holding books, some with glasses, against a green wall with posters.
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!
16 days 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.
20 days ago, ICSD Communications
A bulletin board displays "School Board Candidates" and lists Madeline Cardona, Sara Garner, and Garrick Blalock.
Our first grade mathematicians in Mrs. Buhr’s class are hard at work! 📚✨ Students collaborated to play a fun place value matching game, building their number sense while practicing teamwork. Check out these great moments of learning in action!
28 days ago, ICSD Communications
Two children at a table with educational materials, one leaning over the table and the other looking at cards.
Three kids sit on the floor in a classroom. They hold up cards with numbers and smile.
📝 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!
29 days 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."
We celebrated the end of Reading Month with a fun-filled SHINES Assembly! Our community surpassed its goal of 18,000 minutes by reading an amazing 18,260 minutes. Led by Ms. Chantelle Daniel, Mr. Ross Mizrahi, and student council members, the assembly featured a lively tongue twister contest, a special appearance from our hawk, and was enjoyed by 77 caregivers who joined the celebration.
about 2 months ago, ICSD Communications
South Hill SHINES Assembly on March 27
South Hill SHINES Assembly on March 27
South Hill SHINES Assembly on March 27
South Hill SHINES Assembly on March 27
South Hill SHINES Assembly on March 27
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
2 months ago, ICSD Communications
Community Conversation Upcoming Events

Last week, our first graders teamed up with their writing buddies to peer review their personal narratives! Using checklists, they looked closely for linking words, clear characters, detailed settings, strong plots, and correct conventions.

Our young authors practiced giving kind, specific, and helpful feedback to help each other grow. We are so proud of the thoughtful collaboration and hard work happening in first grade! 🌟📝

3 months ago, ICSD Communications
South Hill students peer reviewing their personal narratives with writing buddies.
South Hill students peer reviewing their personal narratives with writing buddies.
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.
4 months ago, ICSD Communications
Elementary students smile and move together while learning West African dance in a school gymnasium with red padded walls.
Elementary students sit in a semicircle playing West African drums as an instructor leads the group during a cultural music workshop in the gym.
A visiting artist demonstrates West African dance movements while elementary students follow along in a gymnasium.
A diverse group of elementary-age children dance together in a school gymnasium with a wooden floor and red padded walls. The kids are mid-movement, smiling and stepping in rhythm, wearing casual winter clothes like hoodies, sweatpants, and sneakers.
A large group of children sit on the floor of a school gymnasium facing two performers standing at the front. The gym has red padded walls and colorful murals of people and books. Teachers and adults stand along the walls while the children watch attentively, suggesting a school assembly or cultural performance.
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.
4 months ago, ICSD Communications
Ithaca City Schools are CLOSED due to winter weather
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
4 months ago, ICSD Communications
A hallway display shows five smiling elementary-aged children standing in front of a tiled wall, each with their face placed on a life-size paper cutout body decorated with colorful tissue paper, buttons, and craft materials. The figures pose with raised arms and playful stances, creating a sense of movement. Above them hangs a large, handmade rainbow collage made from layered paper, leaves, and textured materials in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple.
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
4 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.
5 months ago, ICSD Communications
Wintry graphic reads Ithaca City Schools are closed due to winter weather
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.
6 months ago, ICSD Communications
Ithaca City Schools are Closed due to winter weather
A little rain couldn’t keep us away! 🌧️🎃

We moved indoors and still had a blast at our annual Trunk-or-Treat in the gym! Thank you to our amazing PTA and everyone who supported this fun community event.
7 months ago, ICSD Communications
South Hill Trunk or Treat
South Hill Trunk or Treat
South Hill Trunk or Treat
South Hill Trunk or Treat
South Hill Trunk or Treat
South Hill Trunk or Treat
South Hill Trunk or Treat
South Hill Trunk or Treat

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.

7 months ago, ICSD Communications
The Prom stage production
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.
7 months ago, ICSD Communications
A basketball player wearing a maroon and gold uniform with the number 14 jumps toward the hoop for a layup during a game in a gymnasium. Other players and coaches are visible in the background near the benches.
South Hill Elementary recently hosted its annual STEAM Night, an engaging evening highlighting science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.

Thank you to the community partners and volunteers whose collaboration and support helped make this event a success. 💡✨
7 months ago, ICSD Communications
Children gather around an outdoor science table labeled “BRAINS,” where volunteers in white lab coats lead hands-on activities. The table displays colorful brain diagrams and jars with science materials, with a school building in the background.
Students explore a science exhibit inside a brightly decorated bus filled with interactive displays and equipment, illuminated by sunlight streaming through the windows.
Three young children play outdoors near a playground. Two girls are smiling and drumming together on a hand drum while a boy stands nearby. Blue and yellow climbing equipment is visible in the background.
Children and adults explore science exhibits outside the purple Physics Bus. Tables covered with purple cloth display colorful hands-on experiments and recycled materials. A boy speaks into a retro phone while others look on.
Two boys interact with a bright, neon-colored science display made of plastic bottles and tubes at an outdoor exhibit. Other children and adults engage with nearby tables and materials from the Physics Bus.
Children and adults gather around a purple “Physics Bus” parked on a playground. Tables are set up with hands-on science activities, and the scene is bright and sunny with fall foliage in the background.
A group of children sit and stand in a semicircle outdoors, playing drums of various sizes with an instructor. The drumming circle takes place on a fenced playground area surrounded by trees with autumn leaves.A group of children sit and stand in a semicircle outdoors, playing drums of various sizes with an instructor. The drumming circle takes place on a fenced playground area surrounded by trees with autumn leaves.
Families and children explore the purple “Physics Bus” and nearby activity tables on a sunny afternoon. The scene is viewed from a distance, with picnic tables and trees with colorful fall leaves in the foreground.