Small paws, big impact: Bulldog PUPS lead the way in service and kindness

Bechtel Elementary’s Bulldog PUPS (Pupils United Providing Service) is leading the pack in completing service projects supporting their community.

Bulldog PUPS, now 27 members strong, brings together students from grades 2-5 committed to spreading kindness, building community, and serving with pride.

“Providing students with opportunities to engage in service projects helps them develop empathy, responsibility, leadership, and a strong sense of civic duty,” shared Ms. Sala McNeal, Bechtel teacher and Bulldog PUPS sponsor. “Through hands-on service, students learn that their actions matter and that they can positively impact their school and community. These experiences are especially valuable for our military-connected students, as service projects help foster belonging, stability, and meaningful connections despite frequent transitions.”

This year, PUPS have already picked up 50 pounds of trash across campus and helped organize a massive nearly 2,000‑pound food drive for the local pantry. PUPS also serve as Bechtel’s official Student Ambassadors. Whenever a new Bulldog arrives on campus, a PUPS member provides a guided tour of the campus and helps them understand routines and feel comfortable navigating their new environment.

Additionally, PUPS support several ongoing and upcoming initiatives at Bechtel, including their signature Kindness Coin initiative, which encourages students to recognize acts of kindness throughout the school. Once classes complete their Kindness Coin Boards, PUPS help celebrate the achievement by assisting with Frosty Friday, a PTO-sponsored event where PUPS help distribute popsicles to classes that have completed kindness coin boards, reinforcing positive school culture and teamwork.

Another project on the horizon is the GROW Kindness Garden. Students will paint rocks with encouraging and uplifting messages to brighten the school’s garden space. PUPS will also soon partner with the Single Marine Program to take on additional service initiatives. This collaboration will allow students to work side‑by‑side with service members, strengthening ties between the school and the broader community.

“What brings me the most joy is watching students truly grow into themselves as leaders through service,” McNeal said. “I see students who may be quiet in the classroom find their voice when given responsibility, students who struggle academically shine when they are trusted to lead, and students begin to understand that leadership is not about being in charge, but about caring for others. There is something incredibly powerful about watching children realize that their actions – picking up trash, welcoming a new student, offering kindness, or helping a family in need – can make a real and lasting impact.”