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! 📚🎶
📚✨ 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
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
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.
We were thrilled to host David Seligman, Associate for the Arts at the NYS Education Department, who visited to learn about our community partnerships in Fine and Performing Arts.
Pictured with David Seligman are Daphne Shululu, Director of Fine and Performing Arts; our principal, Arthur Brown; and Caleb Thomas of Ithaca Murals, standing in front of a mural in progress at our school. This project showcases the strong collaboration between students and community partners.
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
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for South Hill's 2nd grade island party yesterday! 🎉
Our students from room 102, 103, and 104 had a fantastic time showcasing their hard work from our science unit on landforms and bodies of water. It was such a joy to see their awesome island projects and writing samples come to life and to celebrate all their achievements with our wonderful community. 📸✨
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!
❄️ 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.
Pre-K spots are still available at Belle Sherman and Caroline elementary schools! The ICSD pre-K program offers caring, play-based environments that foster creativity, confidence, and belonging for 4-year-olds. There is no cost to attend this program.
Apply today—spots are limited!: http://www.ithacacityschools.org/prek
As a Winter Storm Watch has been issued for our area, we want to remind families to review the ICSD Emergency Closing Procedures at: https://www.ithacacityschools.org/page/emergency-closings
Be sure your contact information in SchoolTool is up to date to receive notifications about closures, delays, or early dismissals. If you need assistance updating your contact information, please email icsdcommunications@icsd.k12.ny.us.
📲Download the free ICSD app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for quick access to updates and alerts!
Stay safe and warm!❄️
✨Happy SRP Recognition Day!✨
Today, we celebrate the incredible School-Related Professionals (SRPs) who play a vital role in the success of our students and schools. From educating, feeding, and transporting our students, to maintaining facilities, monitoring health, and keeping our offices running smoothly—SRPs make a difference every single day.
Thank you to all our amazing SRPs! Your dedication creates safe and nurturing environments that foster student-centered learning. 🚌📚🍎
