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.
9 days ago, ICSD Communications
A grassy field with two colorful inflatables; one is a large slide. Children play near them, with an open building in the background.
Outdoor playground with two basketball hoops and two children playing basketball in a grassy field.
A young girl runs on a wet road, holding a yellow object and surrounded by a group.
Aerial view of a sports facility with a red track, green field, and red bleachers. Buildings and trees surround the area.
Woman in yellow shirt paints face art on a girl sitting on a lawn chair. Other people and items in background.
Two children pull on a rope with a traffic cone on the ground. Trees and a building are in the background.
Two women in blue shirts stand in a grassy field with a small object on the ground. Trees are visible in the background.
Children playing outside in grass. One child jumps over a hula hoop. Another child runs toward him.
Last month, South Hill students enjoyed Activity Day, exploring a variety of hands-on experiences led by staff, community partners, and special guests. From games and creative activities to learning new skills, it was a day filled with fun, discovery, and school spirit!
about 1 month ago, ICSD Communications
A classroom with students seated at desks. A boy stands by a microphone. The room features desks, chairs, a bulletin board, and a clock.
Several children in a gymnasium, some performing exercises, some standing, in a circle with blue markings.
A woman and children are running on a grassy field, playing a game. Some children have frisbees.
Two young girls in purple shirts work at a table with craft supplies, paper plates, and cans.
Four children work on crafts at tables in a classroom, with a colorful rug on the floor.
Two children in a classroom, one with a red shirt writing on paper with a pencil.
A white board pinned to a brick wall with arrows pointing to various activities like Sports Spectacular, Karaoke, and Outside Games.
South Hill Elementary students explored exciting career paths during this week’s Career Day! Students rotated through presentations in small groups, asked questions, and learned from community volunteers about a variety of professions.

Thank you to all of our presenters, including the Fire Department and local dance instructors, for volunteering your time to inspire our Hawk students and help make the day a success!
about 2 months ago, ICSD Communications
Fire extinguisher demonstration with a fire truck and open hood in a wet area with onlookers.
Several children play a game with a ball on a playground, near a basketball goal.
A woman and a girl sit on a floor with toys and a circle. Behind them is a table with toys and a red wall.
A child in a red T-shirt holds a baseball, making a peace sign in a gymnasium.
A woman with a green top stands behind a table with others. A banner hangs on a wall.
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.
about 2 months 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
2 months 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 🌱🐞
2 months 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!
2 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.
3 months 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!
3 months 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!
3 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."
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.
4 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
4 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! 🌟📝

4 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.
6 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.
6 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
6 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
6 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.
7 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.
8 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.
9 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