“Countdown to Equality” Forum

In response to recent protests over equity concerns in the Ithaca City School District, IHS Principal Joe Wilson agreed to hold a forum to allow students to discuss their concerns with school administrators. The forum took place on Thursday, October 18 during eighth period and was divided into two groups, moderated by Enfield Principal Mary Burtless and Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Lesli Myers. On Wednesday, October 17, Wilson announced that students would be excused from class if they wished to attend either forum, and that all absences the rest of the week would also be excused. Rumors had circulated that violence would occur near the end of the week, and some students, or their parents, felt that it would be unsafe to attend school.

Sandra Day O’Connor Visits

Retired US Supreme Court Associate Justice Sandra Day O’Connor visited IHS on Tuesday, October 23. She spoke to government classes during third period.

Associate Principal Gregory Santoro Marries Gina Monaco

On September 22, Associate Principal Gregory Santoro and his fiancée, Gina Monaco, were married in the Niagara University Alumni Chapel in Niagara Falls, NY. A reception with over 300 guests followed the ceremony. While Mr. Santoro was out of the office on his honeymoon, retired Social Studies Department Chair Rich VanEvery filled in for his administrative duties at IHS. Congratulations to Mr. Santoro!

National Merit Semifinalists

This year, 12 IHS students earned places as semifinalists in the 2008 National Merit Scholarship Program. These students are David G. '08, Jacob H. '07, Tina H. '08 (Tattler webpage editor), Ksenia K. '07, Ilona P. '08 (Tattler restaurant reviewer), Kirstin R. '08, Benjamin S. '08, Karl V. '08, Seth W. '08, Alexander Y. '08, Andrea Y. '08 (Tattler news editor), and Rachel Z. '08 (Tattler editor-in-chief). Students who qualify for the finalist level may be eligible to receive scholarships for college.

New ICSD Website

In mid-September, the Ithaca City School District launched a new website, www.icsdmedia.com. The new site will feature videos of the facilities bond projects and information about updates to the district’s technology program. The new website was created because it requires different technologies than the old site, since the new site contains many videos. The district hopes to improve the district’s main website, www.icsd.k12.ny.us, and eventually merge the two.