Students and new school administration celebrate the first day back at Pelham Ridge Elementary
Published on Friday, August 9, 2024, 3:45 p.m.
By DONALD MOTTERN | Editor
PELHAM – The young Panthers re-climbed the heights of Pelham Ridge Elementary School as students began a new school year under the leadership of a new principal on Thursday, August 8.
Despite the morning rush hour that is usually noticeable on the first day of school, students arrived full of renewed energy as they stepped off the yellow school buses and their parents’ cars before walking inside and into the arms of their teachers.
“The halls were filled with laughter and joy as we welcomed our Panthers back to The Ridge,” said Pelham Oaks Principal Khadidr Jones. “The energy was incredible.”
In the hallways, students also met Superintendent Chuck Ledbetter and spent time with Cricket, Pelham’s facility dog, who made every student feel welcome and at home at Pelham.
“Every principal hopes that the kids will enjoy coming to school,” Jones said. “That the kids will love school and that the kids will love the teachers. And that’s exactly what I experienced on my first day as a new principal.”
Jones, who previously served as both a teacher and assistant principal at Pelham Ridge, was appointed as the new principal over the summer break to fill the position left vacant by Lisa Baxter. In addition to Jones, Pelham Ridge also appointed former teacher Marla Thomas as assistant principal earlier this year.
“Ms. Jones and the Pelham Ridge assistant principals, along with Ms. Baxter, have worked tirelessly all summer to ensure a smooth transition for the school leadership team,” said Ledbetter. “Ms. Jones supports our mission to inspire, empower and achieve, and we are excited about the great things that will happen at Pelham Ridge under her leadership.”
In these new roles, Pelham Ridge’s leadership was as visibly excited and ready for the new year as the new students and smiling teachers.
“It was great to see the smiling faces of our students and the excitement of our teachers to be back for another school year,” said Ledbetter. “Today’s reunion of the Pelham family was a happy start to another school year full of learning and growth.”
During the first day of school, students were given tours of the school and were introduced to the routines and schedules that will now guide their school day. During the first day and the first few days after, teachers’ main focus is on building bonds and relationships with their students and fostering these in all children.
“Our students embraced and loved their teachers and their teachers embraced them with unconditional love,” Jones said. “Once students know we love them, we can educate them. It was and always will be a great day to be a Panther.”
