NEWS

Human Rights Commission Hears Kearney Case - By Rachel Z.

After considerable controversy throughout the last few months, the hearing in the case of Amelia Kearney v. Ithaca City School District (ICSD) took place before the Human Rights Commission (HRC) on December 19 and 20, 2007. Kearney alleged that the district failed to take prompt and appropriate action to protect her daughter from racial harassment. The hearing was originally scheduled for October 1 and 2, but the Board of Education (BoE) challenged the HRC’s jurisdiction in the case, and the hearing was postponed until the BoE rescinded its challenge in a unanimous vote on October 23, amidst pressure from the community.

BoE to Vote on Wilson's Tenure - By Rayleigh L.

The Board of Education (BoE) is currently considering whether to grant tenure to IHS Principal Joe Wilson. Wilson arrived at IHS in 2004 and was first eligible to be considered for tenure at the end of the 2006-2007 school year. At that time, the BoE voted to postpone its decision for one year.

South Hill Elementary Tested for Toxins - By Andrea Y.

A third round of testing for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) took place at South Hill Elementary School from December 26 to December 28, following two samplings this summer. The first round was carried out and funded by Emerson Power Transmission, a power plant near the school and the likely source of the pollutants. It tested outdoor soil vapor for trichloroethylene (TCE) and other VOCs. Because TCE was detected in every sample, the Ithaca City School District (ICSD) decided to perform additional testing in the school. The second round, which was directed and funded by the New York State Departments of Health (DOH) and Environmental Conservation (DEC), took place on August 21 and 22 and tested sub-slab (below-the-floor) soil vapor and basement crawlspace air in the school. TCE was not present in these indoor air samples, but other VOCs were detected.

Teaching-Assistant Program Connects IHS Science Community - By Bryton S.

During November 2006, 15 Advanced Placement (AP) Biology and Chemistry students signed up for the new Science AP Teaching Assistant (TA) Program. Through the program, AP students helped forge connections throughout the school’s scientific community, bringing advanced students and introductory classes together. This year, the number of potential teaching assistants has tripled to over 40.

News Briefs - Staff Reports

ICSD Facing Disability Discrimination Charge

IHS Senior Wins Advanced Placement Scholarship

More IHS Seniors Applying Early to Cornell - By Sana S.

This year, 40 seniors at IHS applied early decision to Cornell University, an increase from the 21 who applied early last year and the 30 who applied early the year before. Students accepted early at Cornell are required to withdraw any other college applications; the deadline for acceptance deposits this year is January 18. The deadline for early decision applications was November 1, and students were notified of the university’s decisions on December 19.