Pinetree Community School, in Sulphur Springs, California, received the Peachjar Extra Credit Award this year. On Friday, December 6, Matthew Jennings, Peachjar’s Community Partner Manager, headed to Pinetree Community School to meet with their team and present a check for $1,000 to Pinetree Community School’s principal Nicole Packer.
2024 marks the 3rd year of the Peachjar Extra Credit Award and the award is given to an individual school who does an exemplary job engaging with their community and cultivating an environment where students and families can thrive. Our goal is to highlight and celebrate schools as they do what they do best: support students and create a safe, effective, and fun learning environment.
In the fall, we sent out an email to our school district contacts asking for nominations for schools and examples of how they connected with their communities. Pinetree Community School received a few nominations, but one in particular stood out to us:
"As a parent, I believe this school should be nominated for this award because it consistently fosters a culture of excellence, inclusivity, and community engagement. The dedicated teachers go above and beyond to inspire and support students, helping them achieve their personal and academic goals. Additionally, our various programs encourage collaboration, creativity, and leadership among students, positively impacting our school and the wider community. Winning this nomination would recognize their hard work and motivate us to strive for excellence.”
Each year we are amazed by the entries and proud to partner with so many school districts that are making such a positive impact in their communities. Here are a few entries that showcase just that:
“At Century Elementary, we pride ourselves on our commitment to fostering a supportive atmosphere that encourages academic achievement and personal growth. Our dedicated staff goes above and beyond to celebrate each student's success, whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or during school performances. Moreover, we actively engage with our community to promote a culture of care and respect."—Century Elementary, Grand Forks Public Schools
"Crawford Elementary stands as a beacon of community engagement, consistently creating opportunities for families, students, and staff to come together in meaningful ways. From annual cultural celebrations that honor the diverse backgrounds of its students to community outreach initiatives such as food drives and family nights, Crawford Elementary understands that a school is not just a place for learning, but a central pillar of the community. Their efforts to bridge the gap between the classroom and the community have fostered a strong sense of belonging among families, local businesses, and the wider neighborhood."—Crawford Elementary School, Aurora Public Schools
"Rooted in many traditions, Caldwell uses its culture and climate to create an environment that achieves success in academics and the arts and develops a community of learners and families in leadership. As a recognized Leader in Me Lighthouse school, leadership is a central focus for creating a student-centered experience that empowers our Stars to actively live out strong habits, have an awareness of self, use strong interpersonal communication, and value goal-oriented living."—Caldwell Arts Academy, Tyler ISD
Curious about past Peachjar Extra Credit Award recipients? Read more about last year’s recipient.
Congratulations again to the Pinetree Pioneers! We can't wait to read next year’s submissions!