NEWS

Ithacans Speak Out at Community Forum - By Gabe L. and Andrea Y.

A community forum was held at the Clarion Hotel on January 17 to give Ithacans a chance to voice their concerns about the tensions of the last few months. Approximately 250-300 people attended. The forum was moderated by Reinaldo Rivera, a representative from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Relations Service. Rivera introduced the forum by explaining that “This forum is about the city of Ithaca as a whole, and Tompkins County as a whole. The issues, concerns and challenges that we face are as a county.”

District Begins Work on Facilities Bond Projects - By Ryan A.

Over the past few years, Ithaca City School District (ICSD) staff and community members have recognized the need for major work on several district buildings, partly to avoid more costly work in the future. In March 2007, City of Ithaca voters passed the ICSD Facilities Bond. The voter turnout was 17 percent, the highest turnout in 10 years.

Cornell Increases Contributions to ICSD - By Sana S.

Although Cornell University has donated money to the Ithaca City School District (ICSD) continually since 1975, this year marks the first time that Cornell has made a five-year donation commitment, pledging an increasing amount each year. According to Tom Frank, president of the ICSD Board of Education, the agreed-upon sum is $440,000 for the 2007-2008 school year, $455,000 for 2008-2009, $470,000 for 2009-2010, $485,000 for 2010-2011, and $500,000 for 2011-2012. “Cornell has historically provided funding to the district,” said Frank. “The amount of funding is significant, and in these tight budget times, now and in the future, such allocations will be very helpful.”

Senior Hangout Closing Causes Minor Hang-Ups - By Maddie H.

For IHS seniors throughout the years, the open space in lower H-Building has been a seniors-only haven for studying, socializing, or just relaxing during free periods. From December 6 to January 10, however, the IHS administration decided to close off the area in the interest of student safety; Principal Joe Wilson cited the hazard of falling ceiling tiles due to leaking pipes.

Chew on This: Bagasse Trays - By Rayleigh L.

In early December, Ithaca City School District (ICSD) cafeterias replaced their stocks of styrofoam trays with bagasse trays, made from sugar cane fiber. These trays, which are biodegradable, are an environmentally friendlier alternative to the traditional styrofoam trays.

News Briefs - Staff Reports

Boynton AMC 8 Club Wins Award

IHS Departments Discuss Common Assessments - By Annette S.

Common student assessments are an ongoing topic of discussion among departments at IHS. Some, such as the Math Department, already use them regularly, and most final exams in all departments are the same for all sections of a given course.

Hot Chocolate, Snacks Encourage Freshmen to Study - By Michael M.

On January 16, the IHS Link Crew held its second Cocoa and Cram. The event, which took place from 3:45 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the IHS cafeteria, was organized to help freshmen prepare for midterms the following week. Link Leaders were stationed at tables around the cafeteria to help freshmen review specific topics. Snacks and beverages, including hot cocoa, were provided during the event.