Weekly communication from the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District.
Breaking News
MPUSD Featured in National Book on Transforming School Districts - MPUSD has been recognized in Whole Learners, Whole Systems: Transforming School Districts for Adolescent Thriving, highlighting the district as a model for supporting both student learning and well-being. The book features MPUSD alongside a select group of leading districts nationwide, recognizing the district’s focus on student-centered learning, wellness, belonging, and leadership. This recognition reflects the collective work happening across MPUSD to support the whole child. Read more in the MPUSD Newsroom.
Central Coast High School Student Earns Every Student Succeeding - Congratulations to Central Coast High School junior Hunter Janis! Hunter has been named a recipient of the ACSA Region 10 (Monterey Charter) Every Student Succeeding Scholarship, earning a $500 award from the Monterey Charter. He will be honored at the ACSA Region 10 dinner on May 1 in San Benito, alongside students from across Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties. Hunter was also recently featured in our Why MPUSD series. Read more about his story here.
Marina High Student Participates in Japanese Speech Contest - Congratulations to Marina High School freshman Maya Grau, who represented her school at the 18th Annual Monterey County Japanese High School Speech Contest. Maya delivered her speech, “My Self Introduction,” as part of the Novice Level presentations and received a certificate of participation. During the recognition, a judge shared that Maya was the first participant from Marina High School in the contest, making the moment even more special. We are proud of Maya for representing Marina High and MPUSD while showcasing her learning and courage on stage.
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.
MPUSD High Schools Earn Statewide Recognition for Expanding College Access - Marina High School and Seaside High School have been named 2026 California Exemplary Dual Enrollment Schools, recognizing their leadership in expanding access to college-level coursework for students. Through a strong partnership with Monterey Peninsula College, students can earn college credit, explore career pathways, and begin their higher education journey while still in high school, at no cost to families. The award highlights schools demonstrating excellence in equity, student supports, and aligned college pathways. Read more in the MPUSD Newsroom.
Information of Interest
Expanded Learning Opportunities Summer Camp Enrollment Opens Soon - We’re excited to offer MPUSD’s Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) Summer Camp, providing students with engaging, enriching opportunities in June 2026.
Registration Enrollment Dates:
April 13, 2026 | Opens for qualifying students only *
April 27, 2026 | Opens for currently enrolled ELO students
May 4, 2026 | Opens to all students
There is no fee for the summer program, but spots are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. District Transportation will be offered. If you have questions or need support with enrollment, please contact the ELO office at (831) 392-3954 or (831) 392-3944. * Students who qualify for the Federal free or reduced meal program, students experiencing homelessness, who are foster youth, or English learners.
FREE CalKids College Scholarship Program - 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.
Marina Vista Elementary to Host Kite Day & Spring Market | May 2 - Marina Vista Elementary School invites all MPUSD 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.
Monterey Peninsula College Job and Career Fair 2026 - Our community partner Monterey Peninsula College will host its job and career fair on April 15, 2026, from 11 am - 2 pm and invite the community to attend.
After School Flag Football Club - Crumpton Elementary School's after school program will offer a flag football club April 20 - May 29, 2026, for grades 3rd/4th and 5th/6th. Learn more and sign up today.
Community Partner Opportunities - We typically share flyers like the ones below in our Peachjar flyer system to families. We thought we would take the opportunity to let you know of these upcoming events in our weekly this week in case you were not aware of these upcoming activities or don't access our Peachjar Flyer system on a regular basis.
Hot Off the Reel
MPUSD Unplugged | Podcast - Our latest episode of MPUSD Unplugged is now available! In episode 2, we share important information for families regarding immigration rights and every student's right to a free public education, featuring our host, MPUSD's Communications Administrative Assistant and Graphic Designer, Isai Ogarrio-Martínez, and Seaside High School Assistant Principal, Priscilla Vázquez-González. Listen in Spanish on Spotify or watch on YouTube. Coming soon in English!
MPUSD Desconectado | Podcast - ¡Nuestro episodio más reciente de MPUSD Unplugged ya está disponible! En el episodio 2, compartimos información importante para las familias sobre los derechos de inmigración y el derecho de cada estudiante a una educación pública gratuita, con la participación de nuestro anfitrión, el Asistente Administrativo de Comunicaciones y Diseñador Gráfico de MPUSD, Isai Ogarrio-Martínez, y la Subdirectora de Seaside High School, Priscilla Vázquez-González. Escúchalo en español en Spotify o míralo en YouTube. ¡Pronto disponible en inglés!
MPUSD STEAM Night - MPUSD proudly hosted Science is Everywhere: MPUSD STEAM Night this week, and it was a packed house. It was especially exciting to see so many of our earliest learners, from preschool through third grade, exploring hands-on science and discovery. We look forward to many more family engagement nights like this that bring learning to life for our students and families. Thank you to MPUSD Early Learning, the Educational Services Department, and our partner Count Play Explore for making this opportunity possible.
Board of Education
Board of Education Meeting | April 14 - The Board of Education meets this upcoming April 14, 2026, and the agenda may be found HERE. You may attend the meeting in person at 540 Canyon Del Rey in Del Rey Oaks or participate via Zoom or watch live on AMP-TV. You may also access Board Highlights following the meeting.
Town Hall Board of Education Meeting | April 28 - Join us for a special Board meeting and community Town Hall to help guide and shape MPUSD’s 2026 - 2027 Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). This is an opportunity for students, families, staff, and community members to share input on priorities that support student success. Your feedback helps us assess progress, set priorities, and improve outcomes. While the LCAP represents about 11% of the district’s budget, it plays a key role in supporting English learners, foster youth, and students experiencing economic hardship. We encourage all members of the MPUSD community to attend and help shape the future of our schools.
April 28, 2026 | 6:30 pm Seaside High School | Maker Space 2200 Noche Buena, Seaside, CA
Items Worthy of Repeat from Previous Editions
Enrollment for the 2026 - 2027 School Year - MPUSD online registration is 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
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. 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.
Spring Open House Season - 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.
