Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Pelham Education Foundation. The Pelham Examiner publishes press releases in the form received as a service to the community.
PELHAM, NY — 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of Pelham Education Foundation, which was founded with the mission of enhancing the quality of public education in Pelham Public Schools. Thanks to the generosity of the Pelham community, including parents, students, educators, alumni, businesses and foundations, PEF has funded over $3 million in educational programs that are outside the annual school budget for Pelham’s six schools.
This May, PEF will commemorate its 30 years of impact with a celebration highlighting the Foundation’s various grants in the Pelham Middle School Gym on Friday, May 2 from 5-7pm. All are welcome to attend this free event. Then, on the morning of Saturday, May 3, “Blue Ribbon Day,” PEF board members will traverse Pelham to recognize the support of donors by tying blue ribbons on their homes and businesses. To contribute to the Pelham Education Foundation’s mission of enhancing the quality of public education in Pelham, and ensure your house receives a ribbon, please: https://pelhameducationfoundation.net/.
Sarah McKee is the President of the Pelham Education Foundation, which is composed of up to 30 board members, an advisory panel of faculty and administration from the school district and Board of Education, and student representatives. “It is an honor to lead the Pelham Education Foundation into our next decade of impact,” McKee shared. “The board is a diverse and dedicated group of volunteers who are passionate about elevating the educational experience of all students. We work collaboratively and constructively to evaluate grant ideas and seek opportunities to elevate awareness and understanding of PEF in our community.”
Recent grants funded by the Pelham Education Foundation have included:
- The purchase of Communication Boards for all of the district’s playgrounds (scheduled to be installed this Spring), which provide an alternative communication tool for non-verbal students. These boards foster communication, raise awareness about special education, promote inclusion, and create learning opportunities for all children.
- We Are Pelham. . . What’s Your Story?—A program that will provide new opportunities for elementary students in grades 3-5 to build relationships and strengthen community before they begin middle school.
- The installation of flexible furniture and an indoor hydroponic farming system to benefit Foundations of Learning classrooms.
- The addition of ping pong tables and Adirondack chairs at PMHS to help students unplug and engage with each other.
“The PEF has been a faithful partner in supporting innovation, creativity, and growth for our teachers and our students over the past 30 years, providing enriching experiences and resources that expand and supplement the rigorous core educational program our students receive,” shared Dr. Cheryl Champ, Superintendent of Pelham Public Schools. “Many of these experiences have then become part of that core curriculum, strengthening our ability to deliver on our mission of Inspiring a standard of excellence for all students, and underscoring our district values of learning and growth, wellness and balance, and community and belonging.”
The Pelham Education Foundation’s 30th Anniversary logo was designed by PMHS Senior Sophia Greco. To contribute to PEF’s 2025 Blue Ribbon Campaign, visit https://pelhameducationfoundation.net/.
