November 2025 - PTA Spotlight
Vista Grande PTA
In El Cajon, California, the Vista Grande Elementary PTA is proving it can be the beating heart of a "school family." Through tireless effort, creative energy, and an extraordinary partnership with its school, this PTA is crafting a joyful, supportive, and vibrant community.
The energy on campus is palpable. This school year alone, the PTA has hosted a family movie night and completed a membership drive, signing up an impressive 344 members. Their recent space-themed Fun Run was a massive success, raising an astonishing $58,800. After surpassing their $50,000 goal, students and staff were treated to the sight of their beloved principals getting "cosmic color blasted."
The fun doesn't stop. The PTA is also hosting a book fair, where every teacher will receive a pile of free books for their classroom, followed by a Fall Festival featuring a spectacular bubble foam glow party. Throughout the year, they host a Holiday Shop, a "Soup-r-bowl" food drive for Feeding San Diego, a Multicultural Fair, a Family Luau, Moms & Muffins, and a Father/Daughter dance.
Beyond events, the PTA provides fundamental support, paying for all field trip buses, funding teacher communication tools, and providing online learning programs.
What makes Vista Grande PTA truly unique? According to President Megan Hughes, it’s the "parent, student, teacher, and principal involvement... It feels like everyone wants to be here and help. Our volunteer turnout is excellent. It feels like a school family."
School administration echoes this sentiment. "As a staff, we are incredibly impressed by our PTA Board," said Principal Tita Cordero-Bautista. "Their partnership truly strengthens the connection between home and school... We are continually impressed by their creativity, organization, and dedication."
This creativity shines in their membership drives, like a race car theme where the top five classes won ice cream parties.
For President Megan Hughes, the motivation is personal: "I remember my elementary school experience as being so joyful. I want that for our families... School should be a place where we feel safe, respected and come together as a community where all are valued."
The Vista Grande PTA consist of the following positions and members: President - Megan Hughes, Executive VP - Cierra Adame, Secretary - Sandra Hollenbeck, Treasurer - Lindsay Acuna, Financial Secretary - Apryl McLaughlin, Parliamentarian - Desiree Dinsdale, Financial Reviewer - Tamara Rose, Hospitality Chair - Teresa Taravella, Membership Chair - Cathleen Ottinger, Historian - Jeanne Kaufman, and Room Parent Coordinator - Lauren Alvarez.
If you know of a PTA/PTSA that should be spotlighted in our December Newsletter please fill out this Google Form and submit it by midnight of November 12, 2025.
– Sonya Vargas - Vice President, Communications Director
communications@ninthdistrictpta.org
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