The new Coyote Achievement Lounge gives Washington students a space of their own, filled with bean bags, games, a Pop-A-Shot basketball game, ping-pong, activities, and plenty of Coyote pride. More importantly, it is a place where students can be recognized for their achievements, positive choices, and growth.
The lounge came to life during a volunteer day with Pasadena Educational Foundation, Panda Cares, and the Cherng Family Trust. Volunteers assembled furniture, set up games and activities, organized the room, and added the finishing touches that turned an empty space into one students will be excited to use.
The idea behind it is simple: when students work hard and grow, celebrate them.
A Month of Giving, Right Here in PUSD
The day at Washington was part of a much larger tradition for Panda Cares, the philanthropic arm of Panda Restaurant Group. Each August, Panda Cares celebrates its anniversary with a month dedicated to giving back and bringing joy to young people through health and education.
This year, Pasadena Unified students felt that commitment across more than one campus.
Earlier that week, Panda Cares volunteers welcomed students back to Madison Elementary with new backpacks filled with school supplies, handmade backpack charms, and a Panda Express lunch for students, teachers, and staff.
Just days later, the focus shifted to Washington Elementary STEM Magnet and another way of investing in young people.
A Natural Connection to STEM
Washington Elementary STEM Magnet is an especially fitting place for this partnership. STEM has deep roots in the Cherng family: Dr. Peggy Cherng holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering, while Andrew Cherng earned a master’s degree in applied mathematics. Their family philanthropy has also made significant investments in science and medicine, including a $30 million gift to establish the Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering at Caltech.
For the Cherng Family Trust, supporting a STEM school in the Pasadena community connects their commitment to young people with a longstanding belief in the possibilities created through science, education, and discovery.
At Washington, students are encouraged to explore, experiment, solve problems, collaborate, and discover new possibilities. The Coyote Achievement Lounge adds another piece to that environment by creating a place where effort, progress, and achievement are recognized and celebrated.
Supporting the People Behind the Learning
The volunteers also turned their attention to Washington’s Teachers’ Lounge, giving the existing space some care of its own.
They cleaned and refreshed the lounge, reorganized areas that needed attention, and added décor and other finishing touches to make it feel warmer and more welcoming for teachers and staff.
The response from the school came quickly. Principal Reyna Uka shared photos of Washington staff enjoying the refreshed lounge, along with a simple message: “Thank you PEF! Thank you Panda Cares!”
The two spaces complement each other. One celebrates students and their accomplishments. The other recognizes the teachers and staff who encourage those students every day.
One More Treat Still to Come
The impact of the volunteer day will continue later this fall.
Volunteers also assembled snack kits for Washington students, which will be distributed as a special treat during the school’s Harvest Festival on Friday, October 30. The school-day fall carnival brings students together for games, prizes, and fun, making it a fitting occasion to share the kits.
A new place to celebrate students. A refreshed place for educators. A special treat waiting for Harvest Festival.
Together, these projects show what a dedicated community partnership can look like. Panda Cares has continued to show up for PUSD students and schools in ways that respond directly to what each school needs, while PEF helps connect that generosity, volunteer power, and commitment with our school communities.
From welcoming Madison students on their first day of school to creating a place where Washington students can celebrate their accomplishments, Panda Cares’ Month of Giving brought its mission close to home.
Interested in partnering with PEF to support PUSD students, educators, and schools? Contact us at pef@pased.org to learn more.
