Project Innovation and Songs and Stories

Project Innovation Circus 2023

2024 Program Information

Belle Sherman Elementary
501 Mitchell Street
Ithaca, New York 14850

Jamie Driscoll, Principal
jamie.driscoll@icsd.k12.ny.us
(607) 274-2322

July 8 - August 16
Monday - Friday

Project Innovation: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Songs and Stories: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Project Innovation is an inclusive, project-based program where students engage in projects and case studies that answer complex questions or offer solutions to real-world problems. In the past, students have explored questions ranging from “What do plants need to grow?” to “How can we include everyone in our own school?” to “What is the purpose of community art?”

Songs and Stories gives preschool students the opportunity to listen to diverse stories, engage in extension activities, sing songs, watch performances, and share their identities and family stories. Summer educators incorporate a variety of children’s books throughout their day to foster inclusive learning environments for all. Songs and Stories showcases powerful tools to help our preschoolers see themselves, express themselves, grow their imaginations, and learn about the world around them. 

All classrooms in Project Innovation are multi-grade level (K/1st, 2nd/3rd, 4th/5th, 6th-8th), and all classrooms in Songs and Stories are preschool students. Each classroom is fully integrated, bringing together general education and special education students of varying ages. Both programs are open to all current ICSD students.

Transportation, breakfast, and lunch included!

Apply Today!

We are now accepting applications for our inclusive summer program, Project Innovation, and our pre-K summer school program, Songs and Stories. All ICSD students currently in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade are welcome to apply. To apply for Project Innovation or Songs and Stories 2024, please complete our online program application by April 15:

We also ask applicants to complete a Free and Reduced Lunch application if they believe they qualify. Although breakfast and lunch are free for all program participants, we are required to send this information to the State. The form can be completed online, via MySchoolApps, or printed and returned to the ICSD Child Nutrition Program (1601 N. Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY 14850):

All applications are due by April 15, 2024.We are now accepting applications for our inclusive summer program, Project Innovation, and our pre-K summer school program, Songs and Stories. All ICSD students currently in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade are welcome to apply. In order to staff the program, please submit your application by April 15, 2024.