
🎭 Project 4 Plays at Belle Sherman! 🎭
This week 4th graders at Belle Sherman showcased their incredible Project 4 plays! Thank you to everyone who came out to support our talented performers.
Since 1995, Project 4 has been using theatre as an educational tool in fourth grade classrooms across Tompkins County. With the help of Hangar Theatre's teaching artists, students collaborate with their teachers to explore a curriculum-based topic—then bring it to life through original plays and music they create themselves.









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! 📚🎶







🎭 This past weekend, the Ithaca High School Drama Club lit up the stage with their vibrant and heartfelt production of The Prom!
🌟 Bravo to the cast, crew, and everyone behind the scenes who brought this unforgettable show to life.👏💐








📣 The Ithaca City School District is launching a search for the next principal of Lehman Alternative Community School (LACS)! Our goal is to confirm an appointment by June 1, 2025.
In partnership with LACS students, staff, families, and community members, this inclusive process will reflect the school’s core values: alternative education approaches, community involvement, and democratic governance.
📝 Share your thoughts by completing the survey by April 18, 2025: https://forms.gle/vbtXyQGuRmb2HRL16
🔗 Learn more about the search process here:
https://www.ithacacityschools.org/o/lacs/article/2133826
Thank you for your time and thoughtful responses!


🎻✨ The IHS String and Chamber Orchestra kicked off April with an incredible performance! Swipe through to see a few moments from the evening! 🎶






This past week, the Lily Silly Puppet Show brought laughter and creativity to Fall Creek Elementary! 🎭 Students enjoyed a fantastic performance full of fun and imagination—then got to design and create their own puppets! 🧵🎨
Check out the photos of our young puppeteers in action! 📸👇








✨Sweet Dreams at the 10th Annual IHS Choral Theme Concert!✨
Our talented IHS choir students took the stage for an evening of music at the 10th Annual Choral Theme Concert – Sweet Dreams! 🎶 Many prepared their own pieces, with some even composing and arranging their own work.
Check out some highlights from the night, and if you missed it, you can watch the full performance here: https://www.youtube.com/live/XFhh3pmCX6s?si=aRUGDDgID426U_cl






📚✨ 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


✨ Discover LACS! ✨
Join us for Information Night at Lehman Alternative Community School!
📅 Thursday, March 27
🕕 6:00–7:00 p.m.
📍 LACS Library
This event is for families of students in grades 5–10 who are interested in learning more about our unique and vibrant school community.
We can't wait to welcome you!





🌵🎶 CHES 5th graders took the stage for Could You Hug A Cactus?, bringing humor, heart, and music to our community! Their performances showcased friendship, acceptance, and plenty of talent.
A huge thank you to the students, staff, and families who made this production possible! Check out some highlights from the show.

🌍💪 On March 5, 27 students from IHS and LACS traveled to Albany to join over 600 students from across New York State for the 4th Annual TreeAge Youth Climate Day of Action!
Our students took action—participating in rallies, meeting with legislators, and advocating for critical climate legislation, including the New York HEAT Act, the Solar for Schools Act, and the FUND Act.
We’re proud of their dedication to a sustainable future! 🌱




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.




Congratulations to our ICSD Winter Sport Seniors! 🏅❄️
Thank you for your dedication, hard work, and sportsmanship throughout the season. Your commitment has not only led to incredible achievements but has also left a lasting impact on your teams and our school community. We are so proud of you!








Bravo to LACS Theatre! 🎭 Congratulations to the cast and crew of Hadestown: Teen Edition on an outstanding production. Your talent and hard work brought this powerful story to life — thank you for sharing it with our community!







On February 28, BJM closed out Black History Month with an incredible celebration featuring Dr. Nia Nunn and many student performances and presentations. From Pre-K to fifth grade, Book Talks, and a Garden Club highlight, it was a memorable event shared by all. Thank you to everyone who made this celebration meaningful! 🌿📚✨

Way to go, LACS Middle School Science Olympiad Team! 🚀🎉
LACS students took 2nd place at Regionals and are headed to the State Tournament! 🏆💪 They crushed it in events like Roller Coaster (1st place!), Crime Busters, and Meteorology, showing off their creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. We are proud of their hard work and can’t wait to see them take on the best in New York!



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? 🍓🥤
