The MPUSD Insider is the weekly internal newsletter for MPUSD all staff.
Of Interest to Staff
2026 - 2027 Back-to-School Kick-Off Theme- The best ideas come from collaboration. By working together, we can select a theme for the 2026 - 2027 Back-to-School Kick-Off event that reflects the spirit of our district and fuels our commitment to student success. As a refresher, this year’s district theme is Honoring the Past. Shaping the Future. Our goal is to develop a theme that captures who we are as a district, celebrates our progress, and motivates our students and staff for the year ahead. We invite you to share your theme suggestions. A great theme should be inspiring, inclusive, and actionable. Please complete this brief Google Form by April 30, 2026.
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.
Don't be shy! Share about a colleague and we will highlight them in this section. Just send their name and a brief bullet or two of what they've done and we'll do the rest!
Improve with Purpose - Thank you to Kim Axie-Ramos, LVN, for her diligent and consistent efforts in maintaining immunization compliance at Marshall Elementary School. Through careful monitoring, regular record checks, and strong communication with families, Kim has helped ensure students stay up to date and ready for school. During a recent visit from the Monterey County Health Department, Marshall Elementary was recognized for its strong systems and commitment to meeting state immunization requirements. Staff regularly monitor student records and work closely with families to support timely vaccinations, even as the school serves a high number of military-connected students with varying immunization timelines. Kim’s attention to detail and dedication play a critical role in keeping students healthy, safe, and ready to learn each day.
Leadership as the Lever and Service Mindset - Shoutout to the incredible Los Arboles Middle School team for supporting MPUSD’s Special Olympics Young Athletes Program at Marina Child Development Center! A special thank you to Ieshia Garcia and Danielle Borde for helping bring LAMS leadership students to the event to cheer on and support our young athletes. Your role as drivers and chaperones makes experiences like this possible, and your commitment to our students and community does not go unnoticed. Because of you, our students show up, give back, and lead with heart.
Service Mindset Spotlight: Huy Bui, Los Arboles Middle School-Los Arboles Middle School recently gave a shout out to Information Technology department's Huy Bui consistently demonstrates what it means to lead with a service mindset. Whether responding to day-to-day tech needs or troubleshooting unexpected issues, Huy goes above and beyond to ensure staff and students stay connected and supported. His responsiveness, patience, and positive attitude never go unnoticed, staff share that no matter how often they need assistance, Huy always shows up with a smile and a willingness to help. His dedication makes a meaningful difference across campuses every day.
Improve with Purpose and Every Person Matters - A big thank you to Paula Garcia, health assistant, at JC Crumpton Elementary School for her ongoing dedication to student health and safety. Through her consistent efforts, Paula ensures students are up to date on required immunizations, supporting both compliance and overall well-being. Recent review findings show the school meets state immunization requirements and maintains strong systems to monitor and support families in staying on track . This level of care and attention reflects Paula’s commitment to serving students and families each and every day.
Districtwide News
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.
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.
MPUSD Community Updates - Take a moment to read the information shared with families in this past Saturday’s weekly MPUSD Community Updates. If information is pertinent to all staff we pull it into The MPUSD Insider, but in case you would like to see the actual community/family publication we share it each week in this communication with staff.
Information to Share with Families
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.
Board of Education
Board of Education Meeting | April 14 - The Board of Education met last week. If you missed the meeting, you may access Board Highlights or see a quick video below 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
Hot Off the Reel
Seaside High School Kicks Off Open House Season - Seaside High got the Open House party started last Thursday evening. Schools will continue to host this month and into May.
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.
Reminders: Info in Previous Editions Worthy of Repeat
Spring Open House Season - Beginning this month, MPUSD schools will welcome families and community members to campus for Spring Open House, a special opportunity to step into classrooms and celebrate student learning. Visit our website to view the full list of Spring Open House dates, times, and locations across the district.
