Ithaca High School is proud to present its spring musical, The Prom, a heartwarming and hilarious show that celebrates love, acceptance, and the power of being true to oneself. Performances are Friday, April 4 at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 5 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, April 6 at 2 p.m in Kulp Auditorium. The musical is based on an original concept by Zack Viertel, book by Chad Beguelin and Bob Martin, lyrics by Chad Beguelin, and music by Matthew Sklar. 

The Prom follows four eccentric Broadway stars who are in desperate need of a new stage. When they hear about controversy surrounding a small-town prom, they see an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the issue—and themselves. The town’s parents want to keep the high school dance on the straight and narrow, but when one student just wants to bring her girlfriend to prom, the entire town has a date with destiny. On a mission to transform lives, Broadway’s brassiest join forces with a courageous girl and the town’s citizens, resulting in a story of love that brings them all together.

“We, as students, felt that The Prom showcases a story that needs to be told,” IHS Drama Department Student Officers said. “We prioritize community for all within our rehearsal space and have taken the lessons of the show to heart to create an environment of joy and love. We hope to see you at the show!” 

Tickets for The Prom are pay-what-you-can, with a suggested donation of $10 per ticket. Be prepared to show proof of purchase at the door through an email receipt, as paper tickets will not be issued. Tickets can be purchased online. 

Event Details:

• Showtimes: Friday, April 4 at 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, April 5 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.; Sunday, April 6 at 2:00 p.m.

• Location: Kulp Auditorium, Ithaca High School, 1401 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca, NY

• Tickets: Available for purchase online

The ICSD’s Fine and Performing Arts Department recognizes that the study of music, art, and theater inspires learning, critical thinking, identity development, and strong communities. We celebrate the authentic selves of all students and work to cultivate loving relationships through anti-racist, inclusive, culturally responsive practices. Students explore their artistic voices and hone their skills in music, art, and theater through authentic performance opportunities in school and the community.

The Ithaca City School District (ICSD) is pleased to announce the appointment of Caren Arnold as the new principal of Ithaca High School, effective June 15, 2025. Arnold, currently the principal of Caroline Elementary School, brings over three decades of experience and an unwavering commitment to student engagement, equity, and academic excellence to her new role.

Arnold began her career in education in 1993 as a speech and language therapist, serving in that role for six years before transitioning to an elementary teaching position, which she held for 23 years. In the 2019-2020 school year, she took on an administrative internship at Northeast Elementary School. 

In 2020, Arnold was appointed Director of Student Activities and Engagement at Ithaca High School while also serving as Project Lead Manager for Canvas, the district’s secondary school learning management system. In 2021, Arnold transitioned to an associate principal position at Ithaca High School before taking the lead at Caroline Elementary School the following year. As principal, she has been committed to creating equitable systems for all students, and her leadership has been defined by kindness, compassion, and a commitment to building a strong and inclusive community.

“Caren Arnold is one of the longest-serving, most loving, and most exceptional employee in our school district,” Superintendent Luvelle Brown said.   

Returning to Ithaca High School as principal, Arnold aims to strengthen student engagement, support teachers and staff, and enhance academic opportunities for all learners. Her leadership will align with the ICSD’s mission to engage, educate, and empower students through a culture of thinking, collaboration, and achievement. 

“I am absolutely thrilled to be returning to Ithaca High School in this new role and to reconnect with the incredible students, families, and staff who make this community so special,” Arnold said. “I am committed to building upon the academic excellence that Ithaca is known for while ensuring that every student feels valued, heard, and supported. I look forward to working alongside our educators, students, and families to explore new ways for students to demonstrate their learning, create meaningful pathways to graduation, and have their voices shape their educational journey. Together, we will help every student find their purpose and thrive in this ever-changing world.”

Arnold has two grown children, Molly and Mason, both graduates of Dryden High School who attended TST BOCES’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. Outside of school, she enjoys kayaking, camping, hiking, reading, cooking, and spending time with her partner, Joe, as well as friends and family.

Arnold will succeed Jason Trumble, who has led Ithaca High School for over 10 years, and Martha Hardesty, who currently serves as the school’s interim principal. Both will retire at the end of this school year. 

The ICSD congratulates Arnold on her new appointment and looks forward to her continued leadership and contributions to the district.

The ICSD’s mission is to engage, educate, and empower. We will strive to engage all students in the importance and relevance of thinking; to educate every learner to communicate, comprehend, and collaborate for understanding; and to empower all in the ICSD to achieve academic excellence.

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.

The Ithaca City School District will be closed today, November 22, 2024 due to inclement weather. All school-sponsored after-school and evening activities are also canceled.