This year, we aim to raise at least $160,000 to support a wide range of exciting programs for our students and staff. Your contributions will help fund:

💙 How the MES PTA Supports Our School: 2025–2026

At Morningside Elementary, the PTA is more than a parent organization, it’s a powerhouse of support, creativity, and connection. Through our Six Pillars of Service, we work hand-in-hand with staff, families, and students to enrich every corner of campus life. Here's how we show up for our school community:

📣 Communication

We keep our community informed, inspired, and connected through:
• The Digital Dolphin Newsletter
• Our PTA Website and Social Media Channels
• The beloved MES Yearbook, capturing memories and milestones

🎭 Enrichments

We create unforgettable experiences that spark curiosity and joy:
• Book Fair, Family Science Night, and Performing Arts Events
• MES Arts Showcase, International Festival, and Dolphins Got Talent
• PTA Grants that fund innovative ideas from teachers and students

💸 Fundraising

We fuel school initiatives through joyful giving and community celebration:
• Dolphin Dash, Spiritwear, and the Spring Parent Social
• MES Nights Out with Atlanta United and the Atlanta Hawks
• Plan Community Projects and school-wide enhancements

🌟 Community

We build a culture of belonging, pride, and outreach:
• Community Service, Family Outreach, and No Place for Hate
• Monster Bash Halloween Carnival, School Spirit Days, and grade-level socials
• Social Chairs and the 5th Grade Social Team foster connection across families

🛠️ Operations

We keep the school running smoothly and joyfully:
• Campus Enhancements, including murals and beautification projects
• Staff Engagement, Hospitality, and Room Parent Coordination
• Purchasing & Procurement, Tours & Onboarding, and Equity & Belonging

🌱 SWAG (Sustainability, Wellness, and Garden)

We nurture wellness and environmental stewardship:
• Earth Week, Global Handwashing Day, and Smoothies at Recess
• Campus Beautification, Lost & Found, and our new Garden Project
• An epic, inclusive Field Day that celebrates every student

💛 What It All Means

Through these Six Pillars, the MES PTA:
• Doubled the teacher supply budget and funded books, instruments, and classroom needs
• Supported Support Staff with play therapy toys and intervention materials
• Provided tools for efficient dismissal and staff communication
• Made our school more welcoming with murals and enhancements
• Created memorable experiences that make MES a place kids love to learn

Together, we’re building a school culture rooted in pride, purpose, and possibility. Thank you for being part of it!

At the conclusion of the Dolphin Dash fundraising drive, our school comes together for a final Dolphin Dash event - the Dolphin Dash fun run! Parents and family members are invited to come cheer on our students on Wednesday, November 19 as they run their hearts out in support of their school. This fall tradition is bursting with school spirit and is always a ton of fun for everyone involved!

For this year's event, grade-levels will be split into two groups, which will both run during the same time slot (with Group 1 running first and Group 2 cheering them on, and then switching). The full schedule for the Fun Run can be found below:

Glad you asked because it's officially TIME TO REGISTER! Start by watching this 90-second video, and then follow these three Parent Action Steps:

1. Register your student(s) on MYBOOSTER.COM before the Pep Rally on Tuesday, November 11th using the button below.

2. Reach out to sponsors (family and friends anywhere in the world!) by sharing your students' pledge links. Sponsors can use that link to make a pledge per lap or a flat donation. Be sure to get your students involved in this process by asking them to call or email their family members to explain the program and share how they are helping to raise funds for their school. Don't forget to create a Student Star Video to help your students collect pledges.

3. Make a plan to cheer on your student during the Dolphin Dash Fun Run on Wednesday, November 20th  - parents, guardians, grandparents and more are welcome to join in the fun. See the schedule above to determine when your Dolphins will be Dashing!

In alignment with this year’s school-wide theme of Belonging, one of the PTA priorities this year is increasing engagement within the MES community. We want all students and families to feel included and have a similar MES experience. Therefore, we’re keeping the modifications introduced last year to the program’s rewards structure and prizes in response to parent feedback over the years, including: 

• Introducing class-wide goals and prizes so everyone in the class has an opportunity to win something. 

• Replacing some of the generic prizes with customized MES spirit wear and class recess bags.   

As this is a fundraiser, the students with higher pledges will still receive extra individual prizes. We are trying something new and believe that these changes will be welcomed by the students!

The Dolphin Dash Committee is in need of a few volunteers during the week of November 11th, both to help with the distribution of prizes to classes and individual fundraisers AND during the Dolphin Dash Fun Run on Wednesday. 

Please reach out to Gina Buntin or Allison Melton for additional ways to assist by emailing DolphinDash@MorningsideSchool.org.