Weekly communication from the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District.
Breaking News
TODAY: 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.
National School Principals' Day - Yesterday was National School Principals' Day. We asked our principals to submit a photo of what they looked like in the 1990s and a few shared. Take a moment to see and thank them for all that they do.
Teacher Appreciation Week - Taking it to the students ... For Teacher Appreciation Week, PK Diffenbaugh hit the campus for a “man on the street” moment, asking students one simple question, what do you appreciate most about your teachers? Their answers say it all. From support and encouragement to making learning meaningful, our teachers show up every day for our students. Take a minute to hear it straight from the source.
Recommitment to the Future Ceremonies | 8th Grade Promotions - The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District is proud to celebrate our 8th grade students as they take the next step in their educational journey with our Recommit to the Future ceremonies on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Ceremonies will take place at each school site (or designated location) at the following times below.
- Monte Vista TK-8: 9:00 a.m. - La Mesa School: 10:30 a.m. - Dual Language Academy of the Monterey Peninsula (at Oldemeyer Center): 11:00 a.m. - Los Arboles Middle School: 11:00 a.m. - Seaside Middle School (at Seaside High School): 4:30 p.m.
Jewish American Heritage Month and Asian American & Pacific Islander Month - May is a time of reflection and celebration as MPUSD recognizes both Jewish American Heritage Month and Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month. At MPUSD, we honor the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of Jewish American and AAPI communities, and recognize the generations of impact they have made in shaping our nation, our communities, and our schools.
Information of Interest
Info Session: Diploma Pathways for Special Education Students - Families of students receiving special education services are invited to learn more about diploma pathways in MPUSD. Join Special Kids Connect and MPUSD for an informational Zoom session on Tuesday, May 19, from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. to explore how students with disabilities can earn a high school diploma that reflects their learning pathways, skills, and goals. Register at specialkidsconnect.org or call (831) 372-2730 for more information.
Seaside High School Dramatic Arts | She Kills Monsters - Support our Seaside High School theatre students in their latest production that is now open.
Marina High School & MPC Dinner Theater Experience - Support Marina High School and our partner Monterey Peninsula College actors in Tony N' Tina's Wedding, an immersive dinner theater experience.
MPUSD Preschool Tours - MPUSD Preschool Programs are opening their doors for Summer Preschool Tours! Families with young children are invited to visit our preschool sites, meet our caring staff, and explore engaging, hands-on learning environments designed to support early development and school readiness. Tours will be held at Seaside Child Development Center, Dual Language Academy of the Monterey Peninsula Preschool, and Monterey Child Development Center on select dates in June and July. For more information, visit preschool.mpusd.net.
Seaside Middle School Japanese Lesson - Seaside Middle School students in the Japanese Language and Culture class recently participated in a Japanese calligraphy (shūji) lesson led by teacher Keiko Freeland. Students practiced writing kanji and their own names while learning the importance of focus, posture, and mindfulness. The engaging activity strengthened language skills while deepening cultural understanding and personal growth.
Hot Off the Reel
National Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month - April was National Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month and we wanted to share our latest video reel with you. At MPUSD, we honor our bilingual and multilingual learners, families, teachers, and staff. Our bilingual/multilingual communities bring rich languages, cultures, and perspectives that strengthen our classrooms and community every day. Together, we celebrate diversity. Together, we build a stronger community.
Monterey High School | Once Upon a Mattress Now Playing - No need to lose sleep over this one, opening night of Once Upon a Mattress at Monterey High School was this past Thursday, April 30. Student performers are ready to rise to the occasion in this spirited collaboration with Monterey Peninsula College Theater. Catch the show under the stars at the Outdoor Forest Theater in Carmel-by-the-Sea through May 10. Claim your royal seat at mhsplayers.com or grab tickets at the door.
Board of Education
Miss the Town Hall? Provide Online Input - The Board of Education held a Town Hall this week to gather input to guide our Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP), a state-required plan that helps determine how certain education funds are used to support student success. Your feedback helps us evaluate our progress and identify where we can improve. The LCAP represents about 11% of MPUSD’s overall budget and plays an important role in guiding targeted investments that support students.
If you missed the meeting, take a few minutes to complete how you would like us to prioritize our LCAP funds.
Returning Student Confirmation Now Open for 2026 - 2027 - Returning student confirmation is now open for all current MPUSD students. This quick process helps us build class schedules, plan staffing, and ensure we have updated contact and emergency information for your student. Important: Students without a completed confirmation will not be eligible for schedules, sports, dances, or other activities. Bonus: Bring a screenshot or printed confirmation to the Back-to-School Bash on July 25 for fast-track access to backpacks, meals, and raffle prizes.
Complete your confirmation today to ensure a smooth start to the school year. For students brand new to MPUSD, the new student enrollment information may be found here.
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.
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).
