The recent government meeting highlighted the success of Pelham Homecoming, an annual event that fosters community spirit and school pride. Participants celebrated a week filled with activities, including dress-up days, powder puff games, pep rallies, and a well-attended Panther Prowl. The kindergarten spirit walk, although slightly disorganized, was noted as a heartfelt addition that parents and seniors particularly enjoyed, suggesting it may become a cherished tradition.

Looking ahead, the Pelham City Schools Foundation is reviving the Pelhamarty party, a casino-themed event scheduled for February, aiming to engage the community and enhance participation. Tickets will soon be available, with early bird specials anticipated.

In terms of academic performance, the meeting also focused on the Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP) for local schools. Presenters shared promising data from the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP), revealing a significant increase in English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency, which rose from 59% to 73%. This growth was attributed to effective intervention strategies and tutoring initiatives.

However, math proficiency remains a concern, with a slight increase from 41% to 46%. School officials are implementing new strategies, including hiring math interventionists and enhancing daily math instruction, to address this gap.

Attendance rates showed improvement, with chronic absenteeism dropping from 11.5% to 5.9%, thanks to proactive communication with parents about attendance tracking. The school system aims to further reduce this figure to 5% in the coming year.

Overall, the meeting underscored a commitment to fostering both community engagement and academic excellence, with plans for continued improvement in student support and instructional strategies.