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.
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.
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.
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 (ithacacityschools.org/o/icsd/page/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.
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. 💡✨
Thank you to the community partners and volunteers whose collaboration and support helped make this event a success. 💡✨
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.
✨ First graders in Mrs. Buhr’s class have launched their “Everyone Has a Story” case study! Students are exploring their identities by creating Me Museums—sharing artifacts that represent their families, where they’re from, special traditions, and things that are meaningful to them. Through research, creativity, and storytelling, these young learners are helping us all celebrate what makes each of us unique!
Thank you all our families who joined us for playground night last week! We can’t wait to welcome our students back to school tomorrow! 🎉
From celebrating Reading Month in March 📚✨ to gearing up for a brand-new year, the South Hill community can’t wait to welcome our students back!
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!
📅 Save the Date!
Playground Night at South Hill
Wednesday, August 27 | 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Kick off the 2025–26 school year with a big play date hosted by the South Hill PTA! This outdoor-only event is a great way to connect with friends and welcome new families. We hope to see you there!
Playground Night at South Hill
Wednesday, August 27 | 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Kick off the 2025–26 school year with a big play date hosted by the South Hill PTA! This outdoor-only event is a great way to connect with friends and welcome new families. We hope to see you there!
🎬 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.
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!