Focused outdoor learning. Flexible classroom furniture. New musical instruments. Kids for a Positive Change—a program that educates fourth and fifth graders about environmental issues.

The list goes on, and they all have one thing in common. They were funded by the Pelham Education Foundation (PEF), which celebrated its 30th anniversary on Friday by showcasing programs its grants have supported in the school district.

An array of tables displayed projects in the Pelham Middle School gym. The event featured members of the Pelham Memorial High School band and the Sock ‘n’ Buskin drama club. The song “Don’t Be the Bunny” from the theater program’s latest production, “Urinetown,” was performed. After that, elementary school students played music learned during the student guitar program.

“Students are performing using things that the PEF has funded,” said PEF President Sarah McKee. “This is just highlighting how our grants are supporting students in our schools.” 

PEF is funded through the generosity of parents, educators, alumni and local businesses. In its 30 years, the foundation has contributed more than $3 million to educational initiatives not included in the school district’s budget. 

The organization is supported by a board with up to 30 members and an advisory panel made up of faculty, administrators, school board trustees and students.

“The Pelham Education Foundation was founded 30 years ago in 1995 with the mission of enhancing the educational experience for all students in Pelham grades Kindergarten through twelfth,” said McKee. “We fund grants for programming that is incremental to the school district budget. The grants that we fund are for speakers, innovative materials, different kinds of furniture, different kinds of programs and services that teachers might think of that aren’t part of their annual school budget.” 

On Saturday, a day known in Pelham as Blue Ribbon Day, PEF board members recognized the support of patrons by tying blue ribbons on their homes and businesses.