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Young Panthers climbed their way back to the heights of Pelham Ridge Elementary School as students embarked on a new year led by a new principal on Thursday, Aug. 8 (For the Reporter/Tracy Franklin)

By DONALD MOTTERN | Staff Writer

PELHAM – Young Panthers climbed their way back to the heights of Pelham Ridge Elementary School as students embarked on a new year led by a new principal on Thursday, Aug. 8.

Despite the early morning traffic that usually makes itself known on the first day of school, students arrived with renewed energy as they stepped off the yellow school buses and out of their parents’ cars before making their way 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,” Pelham Ridge Principal Khadidr Jones said. “The energy was unbelievable.”

While in the halls, students also met Superintendent Chuck Ledbetter and got to spend time with Cricket, Pelham’s facility dog, who worked to ensure that every student felt welcomed and at home in Pelham.

“It is what every principal hopes for—for kids to want to come to school,” Jones said. “For kids to love school for kids to embrace teachers and that is exactly what I experienced on the first day as a first-time principal.”

Jones, who has previously served as both a teacher and an assistant principal at Pelham Ridge, was first appointed to be the school’s new principal over the summer break in order to fill the role left by Lisa Baxter. In addition to Jones, Pelham Ridge also started the year with the addition of former teacher Marla Thomas’ appointment to the role of an assistant principal.

“Mrs. Jones and the Pelham Ridge assistant principals, along with Mrs. Baxter, worked tirelessly throughout the summer to ensure a smooth transition for the school leadership team,” Ledbetter said. “Mrs. Jones embraces our mission to inspire, empower and achieve, and we’re excited to see the great things that will happen at Pelham Ridge under her leadership.”

In those new roles, the leadership of Pelham Ridge was as visibly excited and ready for the new year as the incoming students and smiling teachers.

“It was great to see our students’ smiling faces and our educators all so excited to be back for another school year,” Ledbetter said. “The reunion of the Pelham family today was a happy start to another academic year of learning and growing.”

Over the course of the first day of school, students were treated with tours of the school and provided introductions to the routines and schedules that will now fill their school days. During the first day, and the first days that follow, the primary focus of the teachers is to construct the bonds and relationships with their students and to foster the same amongst all of the children.

“Our students hugged and loved on their teachers and their teachers wrapped them in 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.”

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