Archive: Around Town

The Ithaca Public Education Initiative (IPEI) has launched a new web site that is more user-friendly and full of current information, announced IPEI Public Relations Committee Chair David Shoemaker. IPEI volunteer board members worked with Kay Tien of Clarity Connect and parent volunteer Asia Bonacci to create the new web presence for the non-profit that develops community connections and support for Ithaca City School District (ICSD) students and teachers through engagement, collaboration, gifts, and grants. IPEI’s spring newsletter has been published and is also available on the web site: “In the News” section.

IPEI President Terry Byrnes recently addressed the ICSD Board of Education meeting with an update on the IPEI fiscal year that ends on June 30: “The end of the school year is fast approaching but IPEI is still going strong and operates twelve months a year.  Thanks to the generosity of the community, we have been able to donate $169,000 to our schools for teacher and student activities this year.  Teacher Grant, Red & Gold Grant and Community Collaboration Grant recipients send us reports which will be included in the 2009-2010 annual report publication.  June features Kids Discover the Trail!  with over 2600 elementary students visiting the eight sites of the Discovery Trail. IPEI assists with several awards for students and teachers funded by donors that are presented in June. Our affiliate, the Fine Arts Booster Group, unveiled the Watershed Wall, an amazing example of collaboration at its best.”
 
Byrnes also announced that one of IPEI’s major fund raisers to support grants for teachers is the Adult Spelling Bee scheduled for Sunday, November 14. “As a way to promote the 12th annual Bee, thank all who do support our Bee, and encourage new supporters, we will be hosting a reception at the Hangar Theatre on Thursday, September 2 at 5:30 pm, just before their production of the ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’,” said Byrnes.
 
The IPEI mission is focused on connecting students and teachers of the ICSD with the abundant array of resources available in our community. It is the vehicle through which the community can lend support to the local public school district. Ideas, comments, and questions on how IPEI can improve and expand its connections and support for the schools are welcome.

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