Weekly communication from the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District.
NOTE: The Community Updates will be on hiatus March 28 and return on April 4.
Breaking News
Spring Break | March 23 - April 3, 2026 - Spring Break is here. We hope you and your family have a restful two weeks off. We look forward to welcoming your student back on Monday, April 6, 2026.
FREE CalKids College Scholarship Program | Sign Up Over Spring Break - Through the State of California’s CalKIDS College Scholarship Program, newborns through students in 12th grade are eligible for up to $1,500 in a free college savings account to help pay for future higher education or career training.Tony Amezcua from our community partner Brighter Futures helps explain how the program works and how families can check their student’s eligibility. Learn more.
Welcoming Families Learning Series | April 6 - When we return from Spring Break, we invite all families in MPUSD to attend this monthly series - the second one is coming April 6, 2026. There will be pizza dinner, childcare and a small raffle. We hope to see you there!
Information of Interest
Help Us Shape MPUSD's 2026-2027 Local Control Accountability Plan - Each year, the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District invites students, families, staff, and community members to help guide our Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP), a state-required plan that helps determine how certain education funds are used to support student success. The LCAP focuses on key priorities identified by our community, including:
College and career readiness
Early literacy and reading by third grade
Support for emerging bilingual students
Math and science achievement
Student well-being, engagement, and positive school culture
Your feedback helps us evaluate our progress and identify where we can improve. While the LCAP represents about 11% of MPUSD’s overall budget, it plays an important role in guiding targeted investments that support students, particularly English learners, foster youth, and students experiencing economic hardship.
MPUSD STEAM Night | April 9 - Join us for an evening of discovery on April 9, 2026, from 4 - 7 p.m. at the Oldemeyer Center located at 686 Hilby Avenue in Seaside. Explore the many types of science that shape our world in a fun, family friendly event. Food and prizes offered.
Parent University | April 14- All MPUSD families are invited to Parent University at the Dual Language Academy of the Monterey Peninsula on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 5:30 - 8 p.m. In addition to free food, child care and raffle prizes, parents will learn about how they can support their student, about youth mental health, and the safe use of technology, social media, and so much more. Register HERE so we can plan for attendance.
Drone Pilot Training and Remote Pilot Certification Course- Our Monterey Adult School has partnered with DART to provide a certification course for students to obtain a FAA Part 104 drone piloting license. It is a 6 - 8 week program, two days a week in the evening, starting in April. 10 spots are available. The class costs $150, but scholarships will be available. Program details are still being confirmed. If you are interested and would like to be placed on the contact list once class info is finalized, email transition specialist, Renée Mondragon at rmondragon@mpusd.k12.ca.us.
Spring Open House Season Coming Soon - Each spring, MPUSD schools welcome families and community members to campus for Spring Open House, a special opportunity to step into classrooms and celebrate student learning. These events allow students to proudly share their projects, accomplishments, and the progress they’ve made throughout the year. Open House is also a valuable time for families to connect with teachers, explore campus programs, and experience the vibrant learning environments across our schools. We invite you to join us in celebrating the creativity, hard work, and achievements of our MPUSD students. Visit our website to view the full list of Spring Open House dates, times, and locations across the district.
Marina Vista Elementary to Host Kite Day & Spring Market | May 2 - Marina Vista Elementary School invites families and community members to enjoy an afternoon of fun at the Kite Day & Spring Market on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This festive community event will feature kite flying, a vendor market, food trucks, and games for children and families to enjoy together. The first 500 children will receive a free kite, making it the perfect opportunity to head outdoors and celebrate the spring season. The event also supports the Marina Vista PTO, with proceeds helping fund programs and activities that benefit Marina Vista students. Bring your family, invite your friends, and join the Marina Vista community for a joyful afternoon of flying kites and celebrating together.
Hot Off the Reel
MPUSD Upcycled Prom Recap - What a day of style, confidence, and school pride! Students from across Monterey Peninsula Unified School District took to the runway at our second annual Upcycled Prom Closet event on March 7 sponsored by Macy’s. Our incredible student models brought energy and personality to the catwalk, showcasing that fashion can be both sustainable and empowering. Thank you to our additional event sponsors and all coordinators! We’ll see you on the catwalk next time. ✨
Seaside High School Drumline @ Monterey Bay FC - The Seaside High School Drumline performed in the supporter section at the home opener for Monterey Bay FC vs Oakland Roots match on March 7. Known for their high-energy beats and school spirit, these talented Spartans are helping bring the in-game atmosphere to life while representing their school and community on a professional stage.
Board of Education
Board of Education Meeting - The Board of Education meets on April 14, 2026, and the agenda may be found HERE the Thursday before the meeting.
Items Worthy of Repeat from Previous Editions
Enrollment for the 2026 - 2027 School Year - MPUSD online registration is now open for NEW students and select 2026–2027 enrollments. Full details are on MPUSD's website.
Currently Open:
2026–2027 New TK and New Kindergarten students (and those coming from MPUSD Preschool)
2026–2027 New TK–12 students (including students not enrolled in MPUSD during 2025–2026 or students returning to MPUSD after attending elsewhere)
2025–2026 (current year) new registrations
2025–2026 (current year) confirmations
Not Yet Open:
2026–2027 confirmations for students currently enrolled in MPUSD
Upcoming MPUSD Events
Most events are linked to MPUSD's website to receive more information. You may also access the district's school year calendar here. 3.23.26 Spring Break | No School 3.24.26 Spring Break | No School 3.25.26 Spring Break | No School 3.26.26 Spring Break | No School 3.27.26 Spring Break | No School 3.30.26 Spring Break | No School 3.31.26 Spring Break | No School 4.1.26 Spring Break | No School 4.2.26 Spring Break | No School 4.3.26 Spring Break | No School
