We are busy weaving educational and community building programs into the fabric of your student and family’s experience at MATES.
Year after year, we offer varied assemblies and events to cover a wide range of interests and opportunities.
We support the Mission of MATES and the arts and technology focus of our school.
We also enjoy incorporating our community professionals and MATES parents into the programs we offer to the students and parents.
Imagine a photo album of your child’s time at MATES. Each page is a year, and all together, they encompass the elementary career they take with them. Some programs are offered yearly or every other year, and each time, we strive to offer the best for our school.
We thank you for all your fundraising and volunteering support in making all these programs happen!
Go on a MATES VIRTUAL TOUR
2026 – 2027
Evening Programs
Welcome Social (September 17 | Adults only)
Social to kick off the school year by connecting parents and bringing our MATES community together
Music Concert Series (October 1)
Event Chair: Mr. La Guardia
A free (ticketed) family event open to all ages; featuring local musicians from our community
Family Movie Night (October 23)
Event Chair: TBD
Favorite outdoor event; students vote on the feature film and enjoy a night under the stars with family and friends
Talent Show (January 14, 20, & 22)
Event Chair: Mr. La Guardia
MATES GOT TALENT, and it’s showtime! We can’t wait to tune in this program featuring our stellar students!
Family Dance (February 19)
Event Chair: TBD
Another family favorite! There’s a LIVE DJ! Dance your heart away. It’s a glowing evening with your kids and your MATES community.
STEAM Night (March 11)
Event Chair: TBD
A remarkably fun event that features both students and the community in exploring science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics
MATES Art Gallery (April 15)
Event Chair: TBD
Our annual gallery night showcasing student and local professional artwork for the viewing pleasure of parents and family
International Night (No International Night this year)
Get your passports ready! Learn all about different countries from around the world. Enjoy the food, fun, and global performances!
Daytime Programs
Back to School Bash (August 23)
Come and find out what’s in store for the new school year!
Teacher & Staff Luncheon (August 24)
Spoiling our beloved teachers and staff to a special lunch to welcome the school year
Boohoo & Yahoo Welcome Coffee (August 25 | First Day of School)
Welcoming parents and connecting through coffee, light refreshments, and great conversation
Music Concert Series (October 1)
Event Chair: Mr. La Guardia
Let’s hear all about it! Listen to musicians cultivate a love for music in our children.
Women in History (March 24)
Event Chair: TBD
5th graders work in teams, do research, and make presentations to the rest of the school with posters and skits – each sharing about a different woman in history
Earth Day (TBD)
MATES coming together to celebrate Earth Day – looking for volunteers to help support the planning and day of the event
Staff Appreciation Week (May 3 – 7)
Event Chairs: Room Parents
This is when we shower our MATES TEAM with LOVE!!! All these magical experiences are made possible through the continued dedication and support of all our MATES families.
Recurring Daytime Programs
Movement@MATES (TBD)
Event Chair: TBD
🤩 Come in and join this fun, energetic, NEW program! More info coming soon!
Art@Lunch (Tuesdays | Starts September 15)
Event Chair: TBD
Every Tuesday during lunch, students may join (at the MPR or on the blacktop) to make whimsical fun art. Volunteer to help support the planning and day of the event.
Language@Lunch (Select Fridays | Starts September 18)
Event Chairs: TBD
Language@Lunch is a lunchtime (optional) program that offers your child the fun of learning languages worldwide. Volunteer to help support the planning and day of the event.
Run Club (No Run Club this year)
Event Chairs: TBD
Run Club meets every 2nd Tuesday of the month from 7:45 until 8:05 am in time to get back to class. All ages are welcome. Please fill out the Run Club Permission Slip or Google Form to participate.
We have state-of-the-art chip timers on our running track on the lower field. It’s a great way to start the day! Volunteer to help support the planning and the day of the event!
Monthly Cultural Highlight Board
Celebrating individuals of diverse backgrounds who have positively impacted the world for our MATES students and community
Assemblies
H.E.A.R.T. of an Eagle Core Values Assembly (Monthly | Starts September 29)
Recognizing students who embody the MATES H.E.A.R.T. of an Eagle Core Values as they inspire our community to soar higher
Student Assemblies (TBD)
The children enjoy meeting and greeting their favorite authors as they present the release of their new book(s), and the kids also get the chance to purchase an autographed copy of these new releases!
We also have performance based assemblies that educate students to be resilient through the power of hard work, perseverance, and staying active.
Kids learn to be happier by focusing on managing their emotions and figuring out a way to make hard things fun.
We have speakers who motivate us to be stronger and more confident for our children in facing today’s world that is brimming with fear and uncertainty.
Learn how to manage misbehavior without yelling, repeating, or shaming our children.
Grasp strategies to keep up with a young generation of digital natives through education about internet safety, security, and ethics.
Empower parents to talk to their children about keeping themselves safe in a non-threatening and age appropriate way.
Kindness Assembly (TBD)
It is our initiative to teach our kids and families to interact in positive ways and to be good citizens in our little world at MATES and beyond.
Highlight the importance of kindness and what impact each person’s words and actions have on their fellow peers.
Reinforce that it is NOT OKAY TO THINK, SAY, OR DO ANYTHING HURTFUL – NOT EVEN ONCE!
MATES Mentor Program
Chairs: Lindsey Flam & Caitlin Shrum | Email directly
Pairs a current MATES family with a newly enrolled family to help them acclimate to our wonderful school
Park Playdates (July 19 & August 9)
Email: matesmentors@matesmcn.net
Welcoming new families to our MATES Community before school starts; Meet new friends, and enjoy an afternoon of fun!
Other Programs
Food Drive (TBD)
Feeding our community one can at a time! MATES gives back and helps our community during Thanksgiving in partnership with the Manna Food Bank.
Toy Drive (TBD)
Making the holiday season brighter for those in need! The Run Club teams up with the Fire Departments of Ventura County and Food Share Ventura County to bring joy to local children through the Spark of Love Toy Drive.
Culmination (June 11)
Continuing the annual 4th grade parent tradition of hosting the 5th grade Culmination Reception!
ARCHIVES:
📣 We Need You! Calling ALL Volunteers* 👋
Please join any program that you are excited about. MCN is looking for helping hands for committees + special events. BIG or small, your time matters! 🙌
“COME IN. We’re all MCN!!!” Learn how to get involved. You won’t be disappointed!
* Volunteers must have a volunteer packet approved and on file with the MATES front office.
For any questions about a program this year, please contact:
Nancy Melgar or Ashley Schwartz: NightPrograms@matesmcn.net
Malin Lashley or Cara Strang: DayPrograms@matesmcn.net
MATES Community Network 