Weekly communication from the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District.
Breaking News
MPUSD High Schools Earn Statewide Recognition for Expaning College Access - Did you know high school students can earn college credit, and even work toward an AA degree, while still in high school? That opportunity is one reason Marina High School and Seaside High School were named 2026 California Exemplary Dual Enrollment Schools by the California Department of Education. This statewide recognition celebrates the strong partnership between MPUSD and Monterey Peninsula College, helping more students access dual enrollment, explore career pathways, and build brighter futures before graduation. (Pictured: Members from Monterey Peninsula College, Marina High School, Seaside High School, and our Educational Services team, recognized together at the Disneyland Hotel for this incredible achievement. Learn more.
Town Hall Board of Education Meeting | April 28 - Join us for a special Board of Education meeting and community Town Hall to 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
Can't Make the Town Hall? Provide Online Input - Each year, we invite 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.
Bond Dollars at Work - The April edition of Bond Dollars at Work is now available. This edition highlights the Marina High Snack Shack and the Monterey High weight and team room. These projects are remaining projects from school bond Measure I, approved in 2018.
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.
Information of Interest
Facebook solo en español o WhatsApp solo en español- Ayúdenos a conectarnos mejor con nuestras familias de habla hispana. Tómese un minuto para completar esta breve encuesta y compartir su opinión. (Help us better connect with our Spanish-speaking families. Take a minute to complete this quick survey and share your input.)
MPUSD Unplugged | Highlighting College and Career Opportunities While @ MPUSD - The third edition of MPUSD Unplugged is out. This edition highlights college and career opportunities while at MPUSD and our unique partnership with the Monterey Peninsula College. Don't miss this edition.
School Nutrition Employee Week - Behind every meal served is a team that cares deeply about our students. During School Nutrition Employee Week (April 27 - May 1, 2026), we celebrate our incredible nutrition staff who nourish our students, brighten their days, and help fuel learning across MPUSD. Your dedication goes far beyond the cafeteria, and we are grateful for the impact you make every single day. Thank you, Nutrition Heroes! (Pictured: Nutrition Services staff from the Dual Language Academy of the Monterey Peninsula)
School Bus Driver Appreciation Day - Every day, our dedicated transportation team helps students arrive safely, ready to learn, and return home to their families. Their care, patience, and commitment make a difference from the very first stop of the day to the last. Thank you to our 38 incredible MPUSD bus drivers and transportation staff for keeping our students safe and supported. We appreciate you today and every day!
Hot Off the Reel
MPUSD Students Share About Preparing for Statewide Testing - As students across the state of California begin statewide testing, it is important to support their well-being and confidence. This video features leadership students from three schools including Crumpton Elementary School in Marina, Marshall Elementary School in Seaside, and Monte Vista TK-8 in Monterey.
Seaside High Kicks Off Open House Season - We kicked off our Open House season and Seaside High opened their doors to the entire community. You are welcome to attend any of our Open Houses (see scheduled in the section below).
Board of Education
Town Hall Board of Education Meeting | April 28 - The Board of Education will meet on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Seaside High School in the Maker Space. The open session begins at 6:30 p.m. and is a Town Hall specific to gathering input on the district's 2026 - 2027 Local Control Accountability Plan. Since this is an interactive, hands-on meeting there will not be a Zoom option for the engagement portion of the meeting. (See above under Breaking News for full information and flyer.) The agenda may be found here. The beginning portion on Zoom may be accessed here.
Items Worthy of Repeat from Previous Editions
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.
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.
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).
