NEWS

ICSD Budget Passes - By Scott Z.

On Tuesday, May 16, voters passed the Ithaca City School District (ICSD)’s 86.85 million dollar budget and placed candidates Deborah O’Connor, Carol Warshawsky, and Jay True in seats on the Board of Education (BoE).

New course offerings at IHS see major over-enrollment - By Shoshana S.

Two exciting new courses are to be offered next year at Ithaca High School: Zoology and Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography. However, inadequate staffing and ballooning preliminary enrollment figures may ultimately limit the number of students able to complete these classes.

Tripod Survey Administered to Students - By Andy and Noah H.

Ithaca High School students have recently been hit with a barrage of surveys, some of which are statistically invalid. The administration conducted two online surveys on attendance, homeroom, grades, student dress, and dances. Students also recently completed the “Tripod Survey” on issues ranging from study habits to how often students are accused of “acting white.”

Previous Issue Corrections

The following are corrections regarding the April 26, 2006 issue of The Tattler:

Summer School and Correspondence - By Greg D.

Now that spring is here, most students are considering their plans for the summer and for next year. For those who are wondering how they are going to meet graduation requirements, or for those who simply want to take an extra class, “summer vacation” may prove to be something of a misnomer. Summer school and courses taken by correspondence give students an opportunity to take classes for which they otherwise might not have time.

Fund Established to Honor Alberta '01

The Ithaca High School Class of 2001 has started raising funds in memory of fellow classmate Ian Alberta ’01. A sculptor, musician, and devoted volunteer, Ian Alberta died tragically Saturday, May 13 in a house fire near Cornell University’s North Campus. During high school, Ian Alberta did service work at both the Cayuga Nature Center (CNC) and Loaves and Fishes. The class thus hopes to use all funds raised to establish an endowment that would provide fifth graders with the opportunity to visit CNC through the Ithaca Public Education Initiative (IPEI)’s “Kids Discover the Trail” program. Donations can be sent to IPEI, Box 2468, Ithaca, NY 14852, or made by calling 256-IPEI. (4734).

Student Use of Drugs, Alcohol Discussed at PTSA Meeting - By Chris B.

While sitting in a hot, sweaty gym, filling out bubbles, as usual, we may not have imagined that the Social Norms Survey would be discussed directly with our parents—or with anyone else who was willing to make an appearance. And in fact, the speakers showed marked enthusiasm at the sheer number of people who showed up at the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) meeting held on April 24. The focus, which included social norms, was on sex, drugs, alcohol, and “our teens.”

News Briefs - From Staff Reports

Wellness policy discussion continues

Quad's picnic tables return after repainting - By Nathan N.

Students who use the quad for eating and socializing will no doubt have noticed the absence and subsequent return of its picnic tables. The reason for this brief suspension of quad seating? Refurbishing and painting.

Freshman Initiative Cut - By Rayleigh L.

Hoping to improve students’ freshman year, Judy Cesari and Kelly Metzler are looking into a new (for Ithaca High School, at least) program called Link Crew. The program is based around the idea that upperclassmen can help underclassmen succeed by serving as mentors.

Cornell's acceptance rate hits record low for Class of 2010 - By Rayleigh L.

Cornell University became more selective this year. According to the Daily Sun, out of the 28,097 total applicants, only 6,927 were accepted. This ratio of acceptance is the lowest in Cornell’s history.

ICSD Administrator to Oversee Owego-Apalachin School District - By Scott Z.

On July 1, current Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction William C. Russell will begin a new position as superintendent of the Owego-Apalachin School District. At present, Russell is responsible for what he calls the “academic side of the house.”