Press Releases

Tina Nilsen-Hodges says the school’s mission and vision align with the larger goals of the State University of New York. “The promise of SUNY, the largest state college and university system in the world, is to be a visionary change agent, empowering New Yorkers to innovate and create a wellspring of knowledge and momentum that advances communities, New York, and the world,” said Nilsen-Hodges. “Our school’s mission is part of this forward-looking vision of service to our great state. We are so proud to be part of the SUNY system, and honored to have another charter term to continue this good work on behalf of our students and community.”

New Roots is launching a personalized enrollment program that mirrors the school’s commitment to individualized education that inspires and supports students to tap into their unique talents, strengths, and interests in creating a career and life plan.

New Roots Charter School celebrated the graduating Class of 2024 at the CSMA on June 26, 2024.

New Roots Charter School celebrated its 15th birthday on September 9, 2024. New Roots first opened its doors to students in the wider region 15 years ago and has grown into an award-winning, nationally recognized school.

New Roots Charter School would like to extend a warm invitation to the community for a Celebration of Learning event on Friday, June 7, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. The showcase will take place on their school campus in the Historic Clinton House, providing an opportunity for students from all grade levels to share their achievements from the Spring semester with friends, family, and the wider community.

On May 18th, youth from the greater Finger Lakes Region will be taking over the Ithaca Commons to share their artistic, musical, dance, and entrepreneurship talents with our local community. The Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance and New Roots Charter School will be co-producing Rootstock 2024 on May 18th from 12-6pm at the Bernie Milton Pavilion.

New Roots Charter School is thrilled to extend a warm invitation to the community for a unique Celebration of Learning event on Friday, February 2, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. The showcase will take place on their school campus in the Historic Clinton House, providing an opportunity for students from all grade levels to share their achievements from the Fall semester with friends, family, and the wider community.

New Roots Charter School is thrilled to extend a warm invitation to the Tompkins County arts community for a special event, the “Winter Art & Music Celebration,” taking place during Downtown Ithaca’s First Friday Gallery Night on December 1st. From 5PM to 7PM, the doors will be open to all, offering an evening of artistic and musical creativity.

On May 20th, young people from the community will be taking over the Ithaca Commons to show off their artistic, musical, dance, and entrepreneurship talents. The Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance and New Roots Charter School and will be co-producing Rootstock 2023 on May 20th from 12-6pm at the Bernie Milton Pavilion.

On Friday, April 21st, New Roots students are out in force to celebrate Earth Day of Service, and the launch of EarthForce, a new sustainable youth workforce development program funded by Tompkins County.

Now called the Newts Grocery Store program in honor of the school’s mascot, New Roots offers this weekly access in addition to daily free Farm to School meals for all students and staff.

New Roots Charter School freshman reaches agreement to sell jewelry at 15 Steps through participation in Youth Entrepreneurship Market (YEM) at DIA’s Chowder Cook-Off (12/3/22)

On Monday, November 28, 2022, New Roots Charter School students, teachers, and staff held a special Community Meeting honoring Native American History Month at the Community School of Music and Arts in downtown Ithaca.

On Friday, November 18, New Roots Charter School hosted a visit from two Norwegian entrepreneurs from Curipod, a new EdTech software designed to empower student engagement and agency in the classroom.

During the New Roots Charter School Fall Intensive Week, Sense of Place, students engaged with nature, themselves, one another, and community partners learning about this place we call home.

It is with much excitement that the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance and New Roots Charter School and will be co-producing the return of Rootstock 2022 on May 22nd from 11-8pm at the Bernie Milton Pavilion.

New Roots Charter School juniors and seniors are piloting the green workforce development program adopted by the City of Ithaca, Roots of Success.

On Thursday, March 17, 2022, the State University of New York awarded New Roots Charter School a charter renewal for a fourth charter term.

The New Roots Charter School Class of 2021 celebrated their high school graduation with a live outdoor graduation on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at the Ithaca Children’s Garden.

One of only three finalists nationwide, Tina Nilsen-Hodges is being recognized as a national leader advancing the shared vision of green schools focused on the academic, social, and emotional wellbeing of children.

U.S. Secretary of Education Names New Roots Charter School a 2021 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School

New York State Education Department has honored New Roots Charter School as a New York State Green Ribbon School

New Roots Charter School will proactively transition to entirely remote learning for one week after the Thanksgiving and winter breaks, according to Superintendent Tina Nilsen-Hodges.

In a memo to members of the SUNY Board of Trustees dated October 6, 2020, Susan Miller Carello, Executive Director of the SUNY Charter Schools Institute, reported that New Roots Charter School has met the terms of its probation, stating “the remedial action plan contained mandatory terms and conditions, which the school has met, and continues to provide the Institute with timely reporting as requested.”

The New Roots teacher leadership team planned extensively for supporting students in learning and understanding the scientific, social and emotional reasons for the new safety protocols. This has resulted in 100% compliance, not in response to new rules and mandates, but in the spirit that truly reflects the New Roots Commitment to Respect Yourself, Respect Others, and Respect Our Environment.

“On-site and remote classes at New Roots Charter School will begin on September 9, 2020 as scheduled,” Superintendent Tina Nilsen-Hodges announced today.

New Roots Charter School is capping enrollment this year to ensure optimal conditions for safety in the school’s facilities, Superintendent Tina Nilsen-Hodges announced today. “We have limited seats available, primarily for freshmen and sophomores, and there is already a waiting list for juniors. Families who are interested in New Roots for the 2020-21 school year should act now to secure their seat or a spot on the waitlist.”

Developed in accordance with Department of Health guidelines, the reopening plan integrates best practices for safety with opportunities for students to learn in all of the ways that make a New Roots education unique and compelling.

Yesterday the New York State Board of Regents unveiled long-awaited guidance for school reopening! The Governor’s Reimagine Education Advisory Council guiding principles state that flexible plans must be developed and in-classroom instruction must be prioritized, which aligns beautifully with the scenarios we developed this spring.