Elmira CitySchool District

Family, School, Community:Together We Succeed

October 24, 2025

Dear Elmira City School District Families,

We’re excited to invite your family to an evening full of community, fun, and school spirit! Tonight promises to be a great way to come together, enjoy fall festivities, and cheer on our team at Elmira High School and Athletic Stadium.

Reminder! Free Trunk or Treat Event

Don't forget to join us and the Express Booster's tonight from 4:30-5:30 p.m. for a free Trunk or Treat event featuring over 30 clubs, teams, and schools handing out candy and welcoming families. It’s a fantastic opportunity for younger children (and adults too!) to get into the spirit of the season, show off their Halloween costumes, and connect with our school community, and enjoy a safe, fun-filled environment.

Football Game at the Stadium

After you’ve enjoyed Trunk or Treat, stay for the varsity football game at our high school stadium. We hope you’ll join us in the stands to cheer on the Elmira Express — let’s show what Express pride looks like!

Stadium Expectations & Family Reminder

To ensure a safe, respectful, and enjoyable experience for everyone, we ask that you review and support the following expectations:

• The spectator entrance is located at the Ticket Booth on the south end of the stadium entrance.
• No re-entry after halftime.
• Students who have been suspended this school year are not permitted to enter.
• Elementary and middle school students (grades 8 and below) must be accompanied by an adult chaperone to attend athletic events.

Thank you for being part of the Express community and helping make tonight’s event memorable for all the right reasons. We’re looking forward to seeing you at Trunk or Treat and then under the lights in the stands!

Go Express!

Sincerely,


Hillary J. Austin
Superintendent of Schools
Elmira City School District

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Superintendent Update as of October 8, 2025

October 8, 2025

Dear Elmira City School District families,

Athletic events in Elmira are a time for us to come together as a community to support our student-athletes and celebrate school spirit! To keep these events exciting, safe, and enjoyable for everyone, we ask for your help with the following expectations:

• New! Starting Friday, October 10, 2025 – ADULT CHAPERONES REQUIRED for Students in Grades 8 and Below -- All PreK-8 students attending athletic events at the stadium, whether supporting home or visiting teams, must be accompanied by an adult.

• High School Students – Students in grades 9-12 may enter on their own through a designated line at the entry gate.

• Positive Attendance Only – Students who have been assigned in-school suspension (ISS), or out-of-school suspension (OSS) at any time this school year, or are under other disciplinary restrictions, are not permitted to attend extra-curricular school programs including athletic events. Likewise, students who are escorted out of the stadium because of behavioral concerns will not be permitted to attend future events.

• Arrive and Leave Together – Elementary and middle school students who arrive without a supervising adult will be directed to leave. If a chaperone leaves the stadium, any student under their supervision must also leave. Entry or re-entry after half time is not allowed.

• Pick-Up Process and New Traffic Pattern -- For families who will pick up their student(s) from the game, we have established a new vehicle pick-up traffic pattern. Students waiting for a ride will be directed to stand under the covered canopy directly in front of Elmira High School. Please enter and leave according to the traffic flow illustrated in the map below.

• Stay in the Stands – Cheer on our teams! We require that all students remain in the seating area to enjoy the game. Congregating, loitering, or running around inside and outside will not be allowed. No pick-up games (i.e. pick-up football, soccer, etc.) are permitted inside or outside of the stadium during events.

Thank you in advance for partnering with us to make each stadium event safe. We look forward to seeing you in the stands — cheering on the Elmira Express!

Go Express!



Hillary J. Austin
Superintendent of Schools
Elmira City School District

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Superintendent Update as of September 12, 2025 | 4:00 p.m.

Dear Elmira City School District families,

As we complete the first full week back to school, there are a few updates and reminders we wanted to communicate to further support your transition back to school.

2025-2026 Parent Resource Guide
Recently, you should have received the Parent Resource Guide in the mail. It includes the Code of Conduct, a list of community school programs, and required notifications. You can also find a copy of this guide digitally here: https://www.elmiracityschools.com/student_services/services

SchoolTool Parent Portal to Stay Up-To-Date
Parents are encouraged to use the SchoolTool Parent Portal and the mobile app to stay connected. Through the portal/app, you can view your student’s grades, attendance, schedule and assignments on-the-go. Learn more about how to download, login, and use SchoolTool: https://www.elmiracityschools.com/cms/one.aspx?pageId=21831850

Updating Contact Information for Safety | School Tool ‘Change of Information’ Form
School safety begins with correct contact information for you. Please return the SchoolTool update sheets sent home with students this week or update any changes of information online so we have your current address, phone numbers, and emergency contacts. You can also request a change using the online Change of Information
Request Form: https://app.informedk12.com/link_campaigns/elmira-city-change-of-address-phone?token=eETWpQJ9W12CnJou61wM1AvZ

Counselor Support & Availability
School counselors have been getting to know your students, building relationships and support networks. If your child needs help, please feel free to reach out to their counselor: https://www.elmiracityschools.com/cms/one.aspx?pageId=21832237

Safety Response Protocol Video
We also want you to know about our school emergency response information: what happens during an emergency and who is responsible for various roles. Watch Elmira’s School Emergency Response video https://www.elmiracityschools.com/district/about_us/student_safety/emergency_response_protocols

In-School Dental Care Coming Soon
In-school dental care is coming soon to your student’s school. Stay tuned for more information about dates, permissions, and how to participate. Learn more about the upcoming dental care program https://www.elmiracityschools.com/student_services/community_schools/dental_health_services

Zonar Bus Tracker App ‘My View’
We’ve identified a small number of bus assignments—either newly added this year or changed from last year—that aren’t displaying correctly in the My View Zonar tracker app. ZONAR plans to resolve these specific cases in November’s software release. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to contact the bus garage with any questions or concerns. Click here to learn more about the ZONAR ‘My View’ transportation app: https://www.elmiracityschools.com/district/department/transportation/my_view_zonar_bus_tracker

Save the Date for Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
The 2025 Elmira Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony will take place on Friday, September 19, 2025 during halftime of the Express Varsity Football game vs. Ithaca at the Thomas J. Hurley Athletic Complex. Congratulations to our inductees! Learn more here: https://www.elmiracityschools.com/news/what_s_new/2025_athletic_hall_of_fame_induction

Thank you,



Hillary J. Austin
Superintendent of Schools
Elmira City School District

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A BACK-TO-SCHOOL MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

August 14, 2025 

Dear Elmira City School District new and returning families,

The new school year is right around the corner. We are looking forward to welcoming students back for the first day of school on Thursday, September 4. 2025. Please read the message below carefully, as we've included several helpful resources for a successful start to the school year. 

You're Invited to a Back-to-School Bash!

Knock out those back-to-school nerves with a visit to school before the first day! Many students experience some worries related to the start of school. A great start to the year begins when families and school come together. Plan on joining us for a summer visit to school! Find your school's back-to-school event here>>

School Supplies Provided

In an effort to ensure equitable access to school supplies and promote academic success for every student, the Elmira City School District will once again provide school supplies for the 2025-2026 academic year for all students. We can leverage the power of bulk purchasing to purchase necessary supplies for a fraction of what families would have to spend on their own. Students will need to bring their own backpacks.

As in many previous years, the District provides free breakfast and lunch to all students.

School Calendar and Hours, Including Breakfast Times and Bell Schedules
 
For the school calendar, school hours, including breakfast times and bell schedules, click here: https://www.elmiracityschools.com/schools/school_start_and_end_times

Bell-to-Bell Device Ban NYS Law - New in 2025

New in 2025: New York State “Bell-to-Bell” cell phone and personal internet enabled devices ban is New York State law. All school districts are required to follow the requirements of this new legislation beginning this fall. We appreciate your understanding and continued good grace as well as your ongoing partnership in the safe, distraction-free education of all our students. Learn more about your student's school plan by clicking here>>

Back-to-School To Do’s

It's never too early to get ready for next school year, whether you're just starting your journey in Elmira or returning for another year. Explore the resources below to prepare for school.

All Parents/Guardians Must Complete These Back-to-School Forms

• Health Forms, including medicine in school, physicals and immunization records>>
• 2025-2026 Student Device User Agreement Form>>
• New to ECSD? Complete the New Student Enrollment and Registration>>
• OPTIONAL Media OPT-OUT Form>>

Mobile Dental Services Visit Your Student's School

Dental Services Available for Students During the School Day! In partnership with Mosaic Community Dental, a portable dental office is coming to your student's school! A mobile dental office, with equipment, will be set up in our schools and includes a Dental chair and light, Dental delivery unit with air and water outputs and Sterilization equipment. Learn more about our in-school Dental Program and Complete the Consent Form here>>

Sign Up for Text Messaging to Receive Notifications of Closures and Delays

• Text Messaging Sign-Up>>

Get Ready for the First Day and Beyond with Parent University

Navigating a variety of digital apps, logins and systems can be overwhelming. The goal of Parent University is to provide parents and families easy step-by-step guidance on some of the most frequently used resources, from accessing Parent Portal access, to tracking your student's bus, social and emotional support, Schoology and more. Access Parent University here>>

Find more information about back-to-school summer bashes, school supplies, school meals, academic resources and more>>

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Thank you,


Hillary J. Austin
Superintendent of Schools
Elmira City School District

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