Dear Members of the Indian River Central School Community,

As the holiday season arrives and we prepare to welcome the New Year, on behalf of the Board of Education, the IRCSD Leadership Team, and our dedicated faculty and staff, I extend our warmest wishes to you and your families. Whether you are celebrating a holiday tradition or simply enjoying a well-earned moment of rest and reflection, we hope this season brings you peace, joy, and connection.

This year, IRCSD has embraced the theme “Small Moments, Big Impact,” and it is especially fitting at this time of year. Across our schools, it is often the quick, meaningful moments that leave the greatest impression. Whether it be a kind word from a teacher, a student’s perseverance through a challenge, a supportive partnership with a family, or a shared celebration of progress, all help reinforce our work to “educate and inspire” our amazing students. These moments, though they may seem small in isolation, collectively shape our culture, strengthen our community, and profoundly influence the lives of the people throughout the Indian River District.

As always, we are especially mindful of the many service members from our community and beyond who are deployed around the world during this season. Their dedication and sacrifice, as well as the strength shown by their families, are powerful reminders of the values we strive to instill in our students: service, resilience, and compassion. We offer our sincere gratitude and continued support.

Looking ahead, we remain proud of the many paths our students, families, and staff walk, and equally proud of how we come together during the holidays. Each small step forward contributes to a larger, shared impact, helping our students grow as learners, leaders, and citizens prepared to make a difference in the world. IRCSD students and staff continue to make a difference throughout our school community. 

As 2025 comes to a close, I encourage you to pause and reflect on the moments that mattered most and to celebrate the collective impact we have made together. I invite you to visit our various social media platforms and website at www.ircsd.org to see highlights of the many achievements and celebrations taking place across the district.

Please note that all IRCSD schools will be closed for Holiday Break from Monday, December 22, 2025 through Friday, January 2, 2026. Classes will resume on Monday, January 5, 2026.

Thank you for being such an important part of the Indian River Central School District. Wishing you a joyful holiday season, a healthy and hopeful New Year, and many more small moments with big impact in 2026. #WeAreIR

Warm regards,
Troy Decker
Superintendent of Schools
Indian River Central School District

• Keep children home when they are sick. No one wants to miss holiday festivities, but it's especially important to keep sick people away from high-risk members of the family (ie. the elderly, the very young, those with chronic health conditions and/or immunocompromised individuals).  
• Update your School Nurse.  If your child tests positive for a respiratory illness, we encourage parents/guardians to notify the school so we can monitor for signs of illness in each classroom.
• Encourage good handwashing. Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is one of the best ways to prevent spreading germs.  
• Cover coughs and sneezes. Teach children to use a tissue or their elbow.
• Clean high-touch surfaces regularly.  Door handles, toys, and phones can all harbor germs, so frequent cleaning is a must!
• Vaccinate when possible. Immunizations to protect against RSV, flu and COVID-19 are available for certain populations.  Talk to your healthcare provider to see what vaccines might be right for your family.

Join us at 4-H Camp Wabasso (43101 County Road 21, Redwood, NY 13679) for Craft-a-Palooza on Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 10AM-4PM! This program is open to all youth ages 6-14. The cost is $20 per child, which includes lunch, hot cocoa, and all program supplies.

Drop your child(ren) off for the day at camp and they will come home with beautiful, unique, hand-made gifts, wrapped and ready to be gifted for the holiday season! Youth will make gifts of their choice. Options include ornaments, sewing projects, Cricut projects, and so much more! Holiday movies and music will be enjoyed all day. All youth will come home with a one-of-a-kind holiday picture as well!

Space is limited, so register today! For more information, contact Sabrina at sld95@cornell.edu or 315-788-8450. 

More Information: 4hcampwabasso.org
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/25Craft

How we’ll let you know:

Check local radio/TV, our website, or social media. Our primary alert system is ParentSquare, which sends instant texts, emails, and voice messages. Please check with your school office to ensure you are signed up and your contact info is current!

Early Dismissal/Delay/Closure Information:

• Early Dismissals: We will follow the emergency plan on file for your child. If you decide to pick them up personally, please call the school office ASAP.

• School Delays: Buses will be dispatched starting 2 hours later than normal. Arrival time may be further pushed back by delays experienced en route. (Schools start two hours later, yet dismiss at normal times on delay days.)

• School Closures: Stay home, stay safe, and enjoy!

As a reminder, IRCSD operates real-time weather stations in Antwerp, Calcium, and Philadelphia, NY. To access weather data and view live cameras at these stations, visit the following page: 🔗IRCSD Weather Stations

We constantly monitor the weather and appreciate your patience as we navigate the winter season together. Stay warm, safe, and #IRStrong during the winter months!

The 10th Mountain Division Band cordially invites the Indian River Central School District community "A North Country Carol", a free holiday concert open to the public that will be held at Indian River High School on December 12th at 7:00pm. The show features many holiday favorites and will even have an appearance by Santa! We hope to see you there!

Link: 10th Mountain Division Band Brings Seasonal Cheer with Free Community Concert Series

The Indian River Central School District Music Department Winter Concert Series starts tonight with the High School orchestra concert and continues throughout December. Our talented students will showcase their skills in various performances all season long. From band to orchestra to choir, there's something for everyone. Check the schedule and support our young musicians as they share their passion and hard work with the community. Don’t miss out on these amazing performances!