Weekly communication from the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District.
Breaking News
Returning Student Confirmation Now Open for 2026 - 2027 - Returning student confirmation for the 2026 - 2027 school year is now open for all current MPUSD students. While students have already been automatically placed in their next grade level and school, families must complete the online confirmation process to secure their student’s enrollment.
We encourage families to complete this as soon as possible. Confirmations are needed now so we can build classes, create student schedules, and plan staffing across all schools. Completing this process in advance is also critical for student safety, ensuring we have the most up-to-date contact, emergency, and health information on file. Students without a completed confirmation will not be eligible for class schedules, sports, dances, or other extracurricular activities. This quick process ensures your student is ready for a smooth start in August.
Bonus for early completion: Families who save a screenshot or printed copy of their confirmation can bring it to MPUSD’s Back-to-School Bash on Saturday, July 25 for fast-track access to free backpacks, meal tickets, and raffle prizes, no waiting in long verification lines. Complete your confirmation today and help us prepare for a strong start to the school year. For students brand new to MPUSD, the new student enrollment information may be found here.
Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremonies- Mark your calendars! MPUSD will celebrate the high school Classes of 2026 on Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center. This is a ticketed event, with tickets distributed through school sites in May. The graduations will be live streamed on MPUSD TV (updated information coming soon).
Celebrating Student Leadership Week at MPUSD - During National Student Leadership Week (April 20–24, 2026), MPUSD celebrates the students who lead with purpose, advocate for their peers, and help shape their schools and district. From student trustees and school representatives to club leaders and campus voices, students across MPUSD are making a difference through action, courage, and commitment. Their voices matter and continue to strengthen our schools. Pictured below are some of our students exemplifying their leadership.
National School Library Month MPUSD - When it comes to reading, it’s all about that One Time! This National School Library Month, we’re channeling Justin Bieber and his hit One Time to remind students that all it takes is one time to fall in love with a good book. One visit to the library. One story that sparks imagination. One visit with your librarian specialist. One moment that builds a lifelong love of reading. Our school libraries and librarian specialists are here to inspire, support, and open doors and one time turning into a lifetime of learning.
Information of Interest
Checking In on Tech Use at Home - With more students spending time online, now is a great time to pause and check in on your child’s tech use. Recent FBI guidance highlights the importance of staying aware of how youth are interacting online, and we have also received a small number of reports of concerning online interactions involving students locally (for example, Discord, Roblox, etc.). A quick conversation can go a long way in keeping students safe, informed, and supported. At MPUSD, we will continue to work on efforts to incorporate information and sessions on technology safety for families as part of our ongoing events and activities. Learn about warning signs, practical tips, and how to talk with your child about online safety in our latest MPUSD Newsroom story.
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.
Monterey High School Cheer and Dance - Incoming freshmen (current 8th graders) and current Monterey High School students, the Monterey High School Cheer and Dance will be hosting information and tryouts at the end of April and into May.
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.
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.
Hot Off the Reel
Month of the Military Child - We're celebrating military students and their families across our school campus all this month (April) in honor of Month of the Military Child. This diverse group of students bring special experiences to our schools and enrich the lives of everyone around them. Let's lift them up this month and recognize their courage. This special school-wide assembly at Marshall Elementary School gave all military students a chance to be seen and heard.
Marina High School Snack Shack - Exciting news for Marina High School scholar-athletes and supporters. The long-awaited snack shack is on the way. This week, the foundation and structure were put in place, marking big progress toward this future community hub. The snack shack is part of the recently completed Marina High School field and stadium project, designed to enhance the game-day experience for students, families, and the entire community. More updates to come as this space continues to take shape.
Reading is Key | Literacy at MPUSD - Highlighting our Reading is Key literacy effort continues and we share with you Del Rey Wood Elementary School teacher Alyssa Mah talking about small group instruction.
Board of Education
Board of Education Meeting | April 14 - The Board of Education met this past week. If you missed the meeting, you may access Board Highlights to see what actions the Board took or watch Spotlight on Board Highlights. The next meeting is a special Town Hall at Seaside High School (see below for information).
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
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.