Parents for Public Schools of Pitt County, Inc.

Our PEP community continues to grow—and so does the impact. On May 13, we celebrated the 2025–2026 English and Spanish cohorts, honoring participants who spent the year learning, connecting, and building the skills needed to advocate for strong public schools.
PEP is more than a program—it’s a movement. Since 2014, more than 175 participants have completed the program, including our first Spanish‑language cohort this year. Together, they’re helping make the promise of a high‑quality public education a reality for all students.

PEP participants learn to:
- Identify barriers to student success
- Build advocacy skills
- Engage in real‑world school experiences

Want to join the next cohort and become a more informed, engaged and connected public school advocate?

The 2026–2027 sessions begin in August.

Apply now - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdjo2E4O5cF17V06oStCyy78eyC94Y4mrBtUNIQI9_hGtZHCA/viewform?usp=header

Thank you to our partners and supporters including GUC, The Pitt County Educational Foundation and the Eddie & Jo Allison Smith Family Foundation who make this work possible.
Learn more about PEP from the recent PPS-PC newsletter article - https://ppspittcounty.org/newsletter/pep-celebration-26-27-cohort/

We recently celebrated our incredible 2025–2026 PEP English and Spanish cohorts!
On May 13, participants from the English and Spanish cohorts came together for a powerful celebration recognizing their hard work, growth, and commitment to public education advocacy. Graduates shared reflections on how PEP strengthened their understanding of public schools and boosted their confidence as leaders.

A huge thank‑you to our partners—the Pitt County Educational Foundation, The Eddie & Jo Allison Smith Family Foundation, and GUC—for making this year's cohorts possible. And special thanks to Holly Hill Original Free Will Baptist Church for hosting our Spanish‑language cohort.

✨ The 2026–2027 PEP Cohorts are coming!
If you want to deepen your understanding of public education, build advocacy skills, and connect with other engaged families, this is your chance.

Apply for the 2026–2027 cohort today! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdjo2E4O5cF17V06oStCyy78eyC94Y4mrBtUNIQI9_hGtZHCA/viewform?usp=header

Learn more about PEP from the recent newsletter article - https://ppspittcounty.org/newsletter/pep-celebration-26-27-cohort/

Summer is almost here — and so is the Summer Feeding Program provided by Pitt County School Nutrition Services!
When school ends, thousands of Pitt County children lose daily access to free breakfast and lunch. The Summer Feeding Program helps bridge that gap by offering two free meal options for children ages 1–18. These programs help ensure students stay nourished, healthy, and ready to learn when school resumes.

Please help us spread the word so every family who needs meals this summer knows where to find them!

Option 1: Weekly 7‑Day Meal Kits (Shelf‑Stable)
June 16–August 6 (no pickup July 2)
Holly Hill OFWB Church, 755 Porter Rd., Greenville
Thursdays: 11 AM–2 PM or 4 PM–6 PM
Families must register to receive meal kits. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1pgYrOEeVIba2Bpjbbk53tlTqcilLVs0fwQzyjUNwmLg/viewform?edit_requested=true
You only need to complete the registration form once for the entire summer. If you choose Option 1 to receive a 7 day meal kit you cannot also eat on site meals at school sites.

Option 2: Free On‑Site Breakfast & Lunch at School Sites
For children ages 18 & under
June 16–August 6 - Monday - Thursday
Breakfast: 8–9 AM
Lunch: 11 AM–12:30 PM
**Meals must be eaten on‑site**
Participating schools include:
Ayden Elementary, Belvoir Elementary, Eastern Elementary, HB Sugg Elementary, GR Whitfield, Lakeforest Elementary, Sadie Saulter Pre‑K, South Greenville Elementary, South Central High, Wintergreen
(Dates may change based on participation.)

This week participants from the 2025 - 2026 English and Spanish PEP Cohorts came together for a PEP Celebration to recognize the participants on the completion of the program.

PEP is a FREE program that gives parents and caregivers the tools to understand public education, support student success, and advocate for strong schools.
With English and Spanish cohorts, PEP is building a more connected and informed community.
Join us for one of the 2026–2027 cohorts! Use this link to apply to be a part of the upcoming English cohort - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdjo2E4O5cF17V06oStCyy78eyC94Y4mrBtUNIQI9_hGtZHCA/viewform?usp=header

Check out the recent PPS-PC newsletter article to learn more about PEP cohorts - https://ppspittcounty.org/newsletter/2026-2027-pep-cohorts/

Teacher Appreciation Week reminds us how much educators do—lifting students up, meeting their needs, and shaping strong communities.

This year, go beyond “thank you” by advocating for teachers. Write or email your representatives, attend a school board meeting to show your support.

For all the ways individuals and groups have shown appreciation this week - THANK YOU!

Although the official recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week is wrapping up, be intentional about taking the opportunity every day to show public school educators how much they are appreciated. Public school educators deserve it!

Check out the recent PPS-PC newsletter article for ideas about how advocacy can be a lasting form of appreciation and how YOU can be an advocate for public educators! https://ppspittcounty.org/newsletter/advocate-to-show-appreciation/

Looking to get more involved in public education? The PPS-PC Parent Engagement Program (PEP) is a powerful, FREE opportunity for parents, caregivers, and community members to learn, connect, and advocate.
From hands‑on sessions to real‑world school experiences, PEP helps families become confident partners in student success.

Learn more about PEP from the recent newsletter article - https://ppspittcounty.org/newsletter/2026-2027-pep-cohorts/

Link to apply to be a part of the 2026-2027 PEP cohort - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdjo2E4O5cF17V06oStCyy78eyC94Y4mrBtUNIQI9_hGtZHCA/viewform?usp=header

Think of the teacher who made a difference in your life. Now imagine what we can do when we support ALL teachers.
This Teacher Appreciation Week, let’s show gratitude—and take action. Advocate, speak up, and stand with the educators who make our schools strong.

One way to show support for educators is to attend the meeting this Wednesday, May 6th, where PCS district leadership will present their upcoming school year budget request to the County Commissioners. Around 17% of district funding comes from local dollars. With a decrease in the funding from the state for the upcoming school year every local dollar is more critical to support the PCS budget. The meeting will take place on the 2nd floor of the county office building located at 1717 W. 5th Street Greenville. Supporters are encouraged to arrive around 8:30 am and PCS leadership is scheduled to present around 9:30 am.

For other ideas on how to show your appreciation during teacher appreciation week check out the recent PPS-PC newsletter article - https://ppspittcounty.org/newsletter/advocate-to-show-appreciation/

The Parent Engagement Program (PEP) is transforming how families connect with public education in Pitt County! 🌟

PEP is a FREE, hands‑on program that helps parents, caregivers, and community members understand how our schools work—and how to advocate for strong public education.

With interactive learning, real‑world experiences, and even a Spanish‑language cohort, PEP is building stronger families, schools, and communities.

Want to learn more or join the 2026–2027 cohort? Now’s the time!
Learn more by reading the recent newsletter article about the PEP program - https://ppspittcounty.org/newsletter/2026-2027-pep-cohorts/

Apply for the 2026-2027 cohort - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdjo2E4O5cF17V06oStCyy78eyC94Y4mrBtUNIQI9_hGtZHCA/viewform?usp=header

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4 - 8.

Think of the teacher who made a difference in your life. Now imagine what we can do when we stand together to support ALL teachers.

This Teacher Appreciation Week, let’s turn gratitude into action—speak up, get involved, and show our educators how much they matter.

For ideas about how to transform gratitude into action check out one of the newsletter articles from the April PPS-PC newsletter - https://ppspittcounty.org/newsletter/advocate-to-show-appreciation/