PTA Programs
Copy Club & Teacher Support
PTA funds copy machine supplies and maintenance for teachers, administration, and parent groups. We also recruit a Copy Club rep from each class to help their teacher with classroom copying needs. Additionally, PTA provides teachers with supply stipends and funds grade-level instructional materials requests.
How to help: Sign up as your class's Copy Club rep — a small but mighty contribution that makes teachers' lives easier every day.
Dancing Dolphins
On the first Friday of each month, Dancing Dolphins transforms the school entrance into a joyful dance party! Organizers set up fun music for students and families to dance to before school and serve coffee for parents — all right before the monthly PTA meeting. It's an energetic, welcoming way to kick off the day and build community.
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How to help: Help organize and run the monthly setup — music, speakers, and coffee service. A fun, high-energy volunteer opportunity with a big smile factor!
Diversity and Belonging
This committee champions an inclusive, welcoming school environment for all families. From cultural celebrations to parent enrichment workshops, this group ensures every voice is heard and every background is celebrated at Mar Vista.
How to help: Bring your perspective, your culture, and your ideas. All are warmly welcome — this committee especially thrives on diverse voices!
Education Committee — Summer Reading Challenge
The Education Committee organizes and runs the Summer Reading Challenge, encouraging Mar Vista students to keep reading all summer long. This program helps prevent summer learning loss and fosters a love of books in students of all ages.
How to help: Help design the challenge, track participants, and celebrate readers in the fall. Great for anyone who loves books and learning!
Field Trips
Mar Vista students enjoy several grade-wide field trips each year. PTA funds expenses for one field trip per grade level, including school bus rental, making these memorable learning experiences accessible to every student.
How to help: Help coordinate logistics, chaperone trips, or assist with organizing transportation for your grade level.
The Green Dolphins maintain Mar Vista's fruit & vegetable garden and the peaceful Serendipity Garden, while cultivating environmental awareness in students. Kids learn to plant seeds, water plants, care for living things, and connect with nature right on campus.
How to help: Join us in the garden! Help classrooms learn gardening basics, assist with planting and watering, and share your love of nature with our students.
Green Dolphins — Garden & Environment
Reflections — Arts Program
Reflections is a statewide PTA arts initiative celebrating the importance of creativity in education. Students submit original work in dance/choreography, literature, photography, film production, music composition, or visual arts. Top works advance to district and state competitions.
How to help: Coordinate student submissions, recruit judges for each category, and support students at the District recognition ceremonies. Perfect for anyone who loves the arts and encouraging kids to create!
Running Club
Running Club meets once a week after school for girls and boys in grades 2–5 (K–1 students may join with parent supervision). Kids build endurance, learn proper form, stretch, and have fun — a healthy habit that starts young. At least one family member must hold PTA membership to participate.
How to help: Volunteer to supervise and instruct children during their practice runs. No coaching experience required — just enthusiasm and a love of movement!
STEAM Night
STEAM Night is an exciting, school-wide evening of hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math activities for students and families. Organized in partnership with local middle and high schools, it inspires curiosity and connects our kids with older student mentors in a fun, collaborative environment.
How to help: Help plan activities, coordinate with partner schools, set up stations, and run the event. A fantastic opportunity for parents who love STEM or want to get students excited about learning!
Walk n' Roll
Every Wednesday, the Walk n' Roll campaign encourages Mar Vista families to ditch the car and walk, bike, or scooter to school instead. This committee organizes and promotes the weekly initiative, helping reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality around campus, and get kids moving first thing in the morning.
How to help: Help spread the word, coordinate with the school, and cheer on walkers and riders on Wednesday mornings. A fun, active, and community-building role!
Winter and Spring Shows
Mar Vista has a wonderful music program led by our music instructor. Spring and winter shows feature different grade levels and require lots of behind-the-scenes help to come together beautifully.
How to help: Lend your talents in costume design, set design, stage management, or musical accompaniment. If you have a creative skill, we'd love your involvement!
Youth Activities — Scouts
PTA representatives help coordinate local Cub Scout and Girl Scout troop activities. At the start of the year, the rep connects interested families with troops and serves as the point of contact for reserving classroom space for after-school troop meetings.
How to help: A great role for Scout families or anyone who wants to help connect our community with these long-standing youth programs.