Dear Indian River Community,

As we approach Thanksgiving, we extend our deepest appreciation for your ongoing partnership. Our schools thrive because of the incredible support and collaboration we share with our parents and guardians.

The past few months have presented unique challenges, particularly with the government shutdown and its ripple effects felt by many in our community. During these times, the resilience and unwavering spirit of our students, staff, and families have shone brightly. I have been continually inspired by the way our school community has come together, demonstrating understanding, flexibility, and a shared commitment to keeping our children's learning and well-being at the forefront. Indian River is truly One School… One Community… One Family.

As a reminder, the schools of the Indian River Central School District will be closed from November 26-28, 2025 in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday. We look forward to welcoming our students back to school on Monday, December 1, 2025.

Your dedication ensures we continue providing meaningful opportunities for learning and growth, even through difficult times. Together, we build a nurturing environment where every student can thrive. Thank you for making Indian River Central a truly remarkable place to learn, work, and grow.

Wishing you and your families a joyful and restful Thanksgiving holiday, and remember, #WeAreIR!

Mr. Troy Decker
Superintendent of Schools
Indian River Central School District

On Monday, November 24 and Tuesday, November 25, 2024, the Indian River Central School District will be dismissing students early for the purpose of Parent/Teacher Conferences. Your child's school will be sending you details about the timing and specifics of these conferences through its typical communications channels. We encourage you to participate in this opportunity to meet with your child's teacher.

Early Dismissal Times for 11/24 and 11/25:

• Students in Grades 6-12 will be dismissed at approximately 10:30AM.
• Students in Grades K-5 will be dismissed at approximately 12:00PM.

Gear up for the holidays and shop local!  The Indian River Backpack Program will be holding its third-annual Craft Market on Saturday, November 22nd, 2025 from 11AM-4PM at Indian River Middle School in Philadelphia, NY.

We’re officially in the home stretch, and the excitement is real! Our vendors have been creating amazing pieces, our volunteers are tying up the final details, and this community continues to show up with so much heart.

Every candle poured, every wood sign painted, every handmade treasure you’ll see on Saturday does more than support local makers—𝐢𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐬 𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲.  ❤️

Highlights of this year's event: 
✨ Over 80 vendors!!! 
✨ Delicious concessions to keep you fueled while you shop!!! 
✨ K Teas mixing up your favorite drinks and festive flavors!!!
✨ Local youth sharing beautiful holiday music to set the perfect seasonal mood!!! 

Come shop, come support, and come be part of something truly meaningful. We can’t wait to welcome you, celebrate creativity, and make a difference together.

𝐈𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐞 💙 

🧶🛍️ See you at the Craft Market!!!!
Indian River Backpack Program

As a reminder to the IRCSD Community, the schools of the Indian River Central School District will be closed on Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2025.  We will welcome our students back to school on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

As we reflect on Veterans Day, our school district pauses to honor those who have bravely served our nation. Here at Indian River, nestled beside Fort Drum, the spirit of service runs deep in our community’s veins. From our classrooms to our playgrounds, and from our fields to our stage, we see and experience the profound impact of military families and veterans every single day. To our veterans and active duty service members, we are forever grateful for your sacrifices, resilience, and certainly your unwavering commitment to freedom. Thank you, and Indian River salutes you!

We hope you enjoy this special Veterans Day Tribute performance by the Indian River Wind Ensemble, directed by Brett Lupi:


We wish you all the best this Veterans Day and look forward to seeing our students on Wednesday.

Gear up for the holidays and shop local!  The Indian River Backpack Program will be holding its third-annual Craft Market on Saturday, November 22nd, 2025 from 11AM-4PM at Indian River Middle School in Philadelphia, NY.

We are currently in search of vendors and various donations for raffles and prizes. If you are interested in participating as a vendor or contributing to this event in any way, please click the link below. We truly appreciate everything you do to support this crucial program that has been of such great benefit to so many of our students.

Thank you in advance for your support!
Indian River Backpack Program

Link: IR Backpack 2025 Craft Market Sign-Up Form

To our Indian River Parents and Guardians,

As we move into the colder months, we will begin to see an increase in respiratory illnesses such as common colds, influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).  Our primary objective in the Health Services department is keeping our students, staff, and families healthy throughout the season.

Here are a few tips to help reduce the spread of illness:

• Keep children home when they are sick. A fever, persistent cough, vomiting, or other infectious symptoms are signs they should stay home until feeling better.  Rest is a key part of recovery, and staying home helps prevent the spread of contagious illnesses.
• Encourage good handwashing. Washing hands for at least 20 seconds is one of the best ways to prevent spreading germs.  Hand sanitizer works in a pinch, but nothing beats soap and water!
• Cover coughs and sneezes. Teach children to use a tissue or their elbow, not their hands.
• Clean high-touch surfaces regularly. Did you know that some viruses can live on surfaces for up to a week???  Door handles, toys, phones, and desks can all harbor germs, so frequent cleaning is a must!
• Promote healthy habits. Getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, reducing negative stress and staying hydrated all support the immune system.

• Flu vaccine: Recommended yearly for everyone 6 months and older.  For those with egg allergies, you're in luck!  This year's trivalent flu vaccine has been developed both with and without eggs.  This means that you can get the flu shot!  Talk to your healthcare provider about getting the right vaccine for your needs.
• COVID-19 vaccine: Vaccines are available year-round for everyone 6 months and order.  The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends talking to your pediatrician to determine if the COVID-19 vaccine is right for your child.  Remember: COVID vaccines do not contain live viruses, so they cannot "give" you COVID.  However, as with any vaccine, you may experience a mild case of symptoms as your body identifies and builds immunity to it.
• RSV vaccine: To prevent this respiratory virus, RSV vaccines are current available for specific populations---older adults, infants under 8 months of age, pregnant people, and some young children with high-risk conditions.  Talk with your healthcare provider to see if your child or family members are eligible.