On Tuesday, the ICSD Board of Education adopted a proposed budget of $169,031,619 for the 2025-26 school year. The 3.76% proposed tax levy increase is within the New York State tax cap.
🗳️The Budget Vote and School Board Election will take place on Tuesday, May 20, from 12 noon to 9 p.m.
For more information and to check your polling location, visit ithacacityschools.org/vote.
Have a question not addressed on our website or in the FAQs, please reach out through Let's Talk.
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! 📚🎶
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
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!
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.
Our recent sock hop-themed winter dance was a fantastic evening filled with music, dancing, and fun. Thank you to everyone who attended and to the volunteers who helped make it a great event! 🕺🎵
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? 🍓🥤
Now Accepting Applications: Project Innovation! 🎉
Our inclusive summer program is open to all ICSD students currently in pre-K through 8th grade! Apply now to secure your spot.
📅 Deadline: March 31, 2025
🔗 Apply here: https://forms.gle/NsJMm8DJqnLQSCYV6
🌟 Learn more: ithacacityschools.org/page/project-innovation
📸 Check out these moments from the Project 4 Play performance last week! ✨🎭 Thank you to everyone who came out to support them.
The Ithaca City School District will be closed today, Thursday, February 6, 2025, due to inclement weather. All school-sponsored after-school and evening activities are also canceled.
For more information on emergency closings, please visit our website: ithacacityschools.org/closings.
🏀 ⭐ Over the weekend, Caroline and South Hill went head-to-head in a thrilling matchup, showcasing great skill and sportsmanship from both teams!
A big thank you to Ms. Gould, Mr. Arcuri, Ms. Braun, the kindergarteners, Ms. Kathy, the 4th-grade performers, and all the community members who joined us for our Rise-n-Shine Caroline program on January 31 at Caroline Elementary! Our morning started joyfully with fantastic performances featuring Lunar New Year songs, sustainability themes, and live instrument playing. We appreciate everyone who made this a positive and energetic start to the day.
Basketball season is underway at our elementary schools! 🏀
Caroline and Northeast faced off in an exciting matchup, showing off their skills and sportsmanship. 👏🎉
We can't wait for more great games ahead!
Thank you to all the families who joined us for Great Escape Night at Caroline Elementary! It was wonderful to see so many students and families come together for a night of fun in the gym. We appreciate your support and enthusiasm! 🏃♂️✨
❄️ Our ICSD early childhood program has been very busy creating winter art!
Art in our ICSD preschool classrooms is all about exploration, focusing on the process rather than the product. Our amazing early childhood educators guide students in using materials creatively, helping them build a strong foundation for art appreciation, imagination, and creativity that will last well beyond the early years.
🌟 Pre-K spots are still available! Apply today!: ithacacityschools.org/page/early-childhood-prek
🚨 Cold Weather Advisory Bus Procedures Begin January 13 🚨
To keep students safe during severe cold (wind chill of 0°F or below), ICSD Transportation will implement special bus procedures from January 13 to March 1.
🚌 Drivers will wait longer for students.
🏠 Students may stay inside until the bus is visible.
🚏 Additional stops for secondary students who typically walk to school.
⏳ Expect secondary buses to run 2–3 minutes late.
For more details about the procedures, visit: https://www.ithacacityschools.org/article/1953071
For more details about weather-related delays and closures, visit: https://www.ithacacityschools.org/page/emergency-closings
All Ithaca City School District-sponsored after-school and evening activities are canceled for today, January 7, 2025, due to inclement weather. This includes this evening’s Board of Education Policy and Human Resources work sessions, which will be rescheduled for a later date. There will be no late bus transportation.
The ICSD is in an area where snow is typical during winter months. If weather conditions pose a potential hazard to students and staff, school officials may dismiss students early, delay the opening of schools, or close schools for the day.
For more information on how decisions about emergency closings are made, please visit our website: ithacacityschools.org/closings.
