PEP September Update: Small Steps Are Creating Momentum

Small Steps Are Creating Momentum

Much of PEP’s work begins simply: showing up, listening, and building relationships with the people who know their schools best.

This fall, we’re seeing more of what can happen when those relationships turn into action.

PEP has continued connecting with schools and districts throughout Butte County, providing support in a variety of ways—from Wellness Center and classroom resources to first-year teacher support, school appreciation, and connections with community partners.

Supporting Student Wellness

One of PEP’s primary areas of focus continues to be supporting school-based Wellness Centers.

Rather than assuming what a school needs, PEP works directly with school personnel to identify resources that can strengthen the spaces they already have in place. These may include sensory and calming tools, art and journaling materials, movement resources, comfort items, and other supports that help students reset, regulate, and return to learning.

This fall, PEP has been delivering Wellness Center resources to schools across Butte County, with additional requests and partnerships continuing to develop.

Supporting Educators at the Start of Their Careers

PEP has also launched its First-Year Teacher Support Program.

Starting a classroom can be expensive, and new teachers often purchase many of the materials their students need with their own money. Through this program, PEP provides eligible first-year teachers with up to $200 in educator-selected classroom resources.

It is a relatively small investment that can make the beginning of a teaching career a little easier—and remind new educators that their community is behind them.

Your First Year Matters.

More Than One Kind of Support

PEP’s relationships with schools don't all look the same.

Across more than 30 schools, PEP has connected with educators and school communities in different ways. Some schools have received Wellness Center resources. Others have received classroom materials, first-year teacher support, treats and staff appreciation, encouraging messages, or connections to community resources.

That variety reflects an important part of PEP’s approach:

Schools know what they need. Communities want to help. PEP connects the two.

Community Partnerships Make It Possible

None of this happens without people and organizations willing to invest in their local schools.

Businesses, foundations, donors, educators, school leaders, and community members have continued to step forward with resources, financial support, introductions, and encouragement.

Sometimes that support funds a Wellness Center resource. Sometimes it helps a new teacher. Sometimes it simply lets a school staff know that someone in the community sees the work they are doing.

Those individual acts may seem small, but together they create momentum.

Join Us October 24

PEP will bring many of these connections together at our 2nd Annual Cocktail Fundraiser on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at The Westport in Chico.

The evening will include live music, appetizers and charcuterie, community connection, and an opportunity to hear directly from people connected to PEP's work in local schools.

Admission is complimentary; advance reservations are appreciated.

Thank You

As PEP continues to grow, our purpose remains simple: listen to schools, connect community resources, and support the people working every day on behalf of students.

Thank you to the educators, school leaders, donors, businesses, and community members who continue to be part of that work.

Small steps are creating momentum—and we're grateful to be moving forward together.

Positive Educational Partnerships
Bridging Schools and Communities
PEPschools.org

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