The ICSD is proud to offer the New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB) to eligible seniors at Ithaca High School and Lehman Alternative Community School.

The NYSSB encourages students to pursue and maintain biliteracy and bilingualism, honors the skills our students attain, and can be evidence of skills that are attractive to future employers and college admissions offices.

Learn more about the NYSSB and find answers to frequently asked questions, as well as handbooks and other resources, below.

Helpful NYSSB handbooks and resources can be found below. Additionally, the ICSD Seal of Biliteracy Committee hosts a Family Information Night every October to answer questions and hand out applications. Please direct all further inquiries to Emily Ufford, NYSSB Committee Chair, at eufford@icsd.k12.ny.us.

Handbooks

Ithaca City School District NYSSB Student Handbook
New York State Seal of Biliteracy Handbook

Application Materials

NYSSB Application (for seniors only)
NYSSB Junior Statement of Intent

Resources

ACTFL Can-Do Statements
ACTFL Performance Descriptors for Language Learners
ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines
NYSSB Family Information Night slides