PCS Express - December 2022

PCS Express graphic

Dr. Ledbetter graphicA MESSAGE FROM DR. LEDBETTER
The cool, crisp mornings and evenings are upon us as we quickly approach the Christmas holiday season! Pelham City Schools' first semester is coming to a close, and while we're working hard to get our last few days of learning completed, we also want to take a moment to reflect upon the semester.

We're back to a normal school routine this year for the first time since March of 2020. COVID turned our education world upside down, and we all worked to get through it, but we are so glad to be back to a routine that is more conducive to building relationships and learning.

We have had a great fall, with research coming out that showed Pelham was in the top ten school systems in the state for student growth during the pandemic, and we've had many academic, athletic and extracurricular achievements over the last few months. We are proud of all our students, their teachers, coaches and mentors as they excel in all areas.

I would like to thank you for being a part of the Pelham City Schools family and for allowing us to be a part of your family. Pelham is a special community, and we are committed to collaborating with parents and the community to inspire and empower our students to achieve personal success. We thank you for being an integral part of making that happen. I want to take this opportunity to wish each of you a happy Hanukkah, a merry Christmas, and a wonderful holiday season!

Go Panthers!   
Chuck Ledbetter, Ed.D.


Home Internet Survey Graphic

HOME INTERNET SURVEY
In an effort to ensure that all students have access to reliable high-speed Internet at home, the Alabama State Department of Education has asked us to survey parents regarding home Internet access. Please help us and the state department by taking a moment to answer just three short questions. The survey must be completed through the PowerSchool Parent Portal. Click here for instructions.


Mental Health Newsletter graphicPAWS FOR MENTAL HEALTH: HOLIDAY EDITION
Pelham City Schools’ Mental Health Support Services team is working to promote positive mental health among students and staff. Check out the November/December newsletter for tips on approaching the holiday season with a proactive plan and finding ways to share kindness.



Pelham hometown christmas graphicPELHAM HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS EVENT SET FOR DECEMBER 10 
The 2nd Annual Pelham Hometown Christmas parade and holiday celebration will take place on December 10. Last year our community came out in large numbers to enjoy the spirit of the season. The parade kicks off at 5 PM followed by ice skating, tree lighting, visits with Santa and more. Click here for all the details.



Kim Kiel Principal of the Year AwardKIM KIEL NAMED DISTRICT 5 PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR

Ms. Kim Kiel, principal of Pelham High School, has been named the District 5 Alabama High School Principal of the Year, an award presented by the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP).

Kiel was nominated for the honor by fellow principals in the district, which includes high schools in Jefferson, Shelby, Tuscaloosa and Walker Counties. 

Ms. Kiel has worked at Pelham High School for 26 years in the roles of teacher, coach, and athletic director; and she is in her third year as the school's principal. Read more in this Pelham Reporter article.


Panther Pride photosPELHAM HIGH SCHOOL FALL SPORTS, CHEER & BAND HIGHLIGHTS 

Pelham City Schools' athletes and band members made a stellar showing throughout the fall competition season and finished strong with several accolades and area and state appearances! 

Volleyball: The PHS volleyball team finished as Area Champions for the third year in a row, they went on to a Final Four appearance in the state tournament and five players were named to the All County Volleyball Team. 

Football: The PHS football team finished second in the region and advanced to the 2nd round of the state playoffs for the first time in 16 years.  

Cross Country: The PHS cross country girls team took the sectional championship, and the boys team finished in third earning both teams the opportunity to advance to the state meet where the girls had a Top 10 finish, and the boys finished in the Top 20.

Band: The PHS band performed in three competitions earning Superior Ratings (Color Guard, Drum Majors, Percussion, Band), several Best in Class honors and 6A Runner-Up in the Alabama Marching Championship. 

Cheerleading:
The PHS Cheerleaders earned 7th place in the AHSAA Regional Cheer Competition landing a bid to the AHSAA State Championship, and they finished 2nd place in the UCA Regionals earning a bid to Nationals.

Congratulations to all on these fantastic achievements!  
 

Homecoming graphicPHOTO RECAP: PANTHER PROWL & COMMUNITY PEP RALLY
The Panther Prowl Homecoming Parade and Community Pep Rally sponsored by the Pelham City Schools Foundation continues to grow each year. There's nothing better than seeing everyone decked out in Pelham colors and coming together to celebrate our community.
PHOTOS: Click here to check out hundreds of photos from all of the excitement of the parade and pep rally events!
 


   

Christmas break graphicCHRISTMAS BREAK
Friday, December 16: Students dismissed at 1 PM

Monday, December 19 - Monday, January 2: Schools and offices closed.

Tuesday, January 3: Teacher workday

Wednesday, January 4: E-Learning Day for all students

Thursday, January 5: 
All students return to school


Pelham Rec Center photoPELHAM PARKS & RECREATION 
Holiday Parent Getaway Camp
Tuesday, December 20, 2022
7-12 years old; $15/child
Do Santa’s helpers need a little more time to get ready for the busy holiday season? Let the kids spend couple of hours at the Pelham Recreation Center so that you can make sure that list is checked twice! Pelham Park & Recreation staff will provide activities like basketball, kickball, volleyball, holiday themed arts & crafts and more! Lunch will also be provided.

Youth Spring Sports (Baseball, Softball, Soccer and T-ball)
Registration closes January 22, 2022.

Click here for registration details or call Pelham Parks & Rec at 205-620-6426 for more information. 



school calendar graphic
SCHOOL CALENDAR
Click here to view the Pelham City Schools 2022-2023 School Calendar







Connect with UsCONNECT WITH US

Explore our website for information and resources about our schools and school system. Each school also has its own website that can be accessed by clicking the "Select a School" tab at the top of the page. 

News, events, and other important information are also posted on our social media accounts. Like @PelhamCitySchoolsAL on Facebook and follow @PelhamSchools on Twitter and pelham_city_schools on Instagram to connect with us. For sports news, team schedules, and more, visit PelhamHighAthletics.com.