The MPUSD Insider is the weekly internal newsletter for MPUSD all staff.
Of Interest to Staff
School Nutrition Employee Week (April 27 - May 1) - 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 | April 28 - 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!
In Case You Missed It | Once a Student. Always MPUSD. | Introducing the MPUSD Legacy Employee Program - Some of the people shaping the future of Monterey Peninsula Unified School District once sat in our classrooms themselves. The MPUSD Legacy Employee Program honors employees who began their educational journey as MPUSD students and later returned to serve the district as educators, leaders, and support staff. Each honoree receives a gold Legacy Pin, a visible symbol of pride, connection, and lifelong belonging. These full-circle journeys are a powerful reminder that what starts in an MPUSD classroom can lead anywhere, including right back here, making a difference for the next generation. If you attended an MPUSD school and now work for MPUSD, complete the Legacy Employee Form so we can recognize and honor you. Also, hot off the press, read about those who have shared with us already in the MPUSD Newsroom.
San Diego State University - SDSU Online is sharing valuable resources for educators looking to grow their leadership skills while continuing to work full-time. Designed for education professionals with 2 - 5 years of experience, these fully online programs support career advancement into leadership roles such as master teacher, mentor teacher, curriculum leader, or school administrator. Resources also include helpful guides on building in-demand skills and returning to school as a working professional. Explore the resources here. (NOTE: This is not sponsored or endorsed by MPUSD, just sharing as a resource in case anyone is interested.)
MPUSD Way
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!
Service Mindset and Positive Culture - Monterey High School recently welcomed families for an evening of connection, community, and campus pride during Open House, and Principal Tom Newton took a moment to recognize the incredible staff who made it possible. He shared his appreciation for the team’s dedication in spending the evening engaging with families, supporting one another, and showcasing the many opportunities Monterey High offers students. He noted that it is the staff’s commitment to going above and beyond that creates the special experience families feel on campus. From building strong relationships with students and families to creating a welcoming school culture, Monterey High’s team continues to reflect the heart of the MPUSD Way through service mindset and a shared commitment to excellence. A special thank you was also given to Assistant Principal Chelsea Warner for coordinating the event and to Activities Director Steven Pina for helping with setup and staying late for breakdown, a reminder that behind every successful event is a team willing to lead and serve.
We're Better Together and Service Mindset - Seaside High School’s Open House and Spring Carnival brought students, families, and staff together for an evening full of connection, celebration, and school spirit. From classroom tours and student performances to carnival games and engaging activities across campus, the event created meaningful opportunities for families to connect with staff and experience the vibrant learning community at Seaside High. The administrative team shared their appreciation for all staff who helped make the evening such a success, recognizing the teamwork and dedication it takes to bring an event like this to life. Special thanks were given to the custodial team for going above and beyond, supporting setup, helping lead student crews, and ensuring everything was ready for the next school day long after the event ended. SHS' commitment reflects the MPUSD Way in action, creating welcoming spaces, building community, and always putting students and families first.
Positive Culture - As Seaside Middle School moves through state testing season, staff continue to model the MPUSD Way through teamwork, flexibility, and unwavering support for students. School leaders shared their appreciation for the grace and patience staff have shown while navigating testing schedules, limited space, and the many moving parts that come with this time of year. Teachers have kept learning engaging during long testing blocks, while support teams have worked behind the scenes to ensure students have what they need to succeed. Special thanks were given to the bathroom watch squad, support providers, Ms. Kanani, Mr. Mark, Ms. Yesi, Ms. Nickells, and her interns for going above and beyond to keep everything running smoothly. Their collective effort reflects Seaside Middle’s spirit: Together We Rise.
Districtwide 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.
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.
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.
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).
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
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
Day in the Life @ MPUSD- During National School Library Month, it was the perfect moment to feature Del Rey Woods Elementary School Library Media Specialist Christie Allen in our "A Day In The Life" series. Our libraries are magical places of learning and discovery. Check out this fun reel below.
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.
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.
Bond Dollars at Work
