The MPUSD Insider is the weekly internal newsletter for MPUSD all staff.
Of Interest to Staff
Fruit Baskets | A Token of Appreciation - Each May, MPUSD proudly honors the incredible contributions of both our certificated and classified staff. From Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4 - 8) and Day of the Teacher (May 5) to Classified School Employee Week (May 17 - 23), we take time to recognize the dedication, care, and commitment you bring to our students and schools every day. As part of this annual tradition, fruit baskets will be delivered to all sites and departments the week of May 11 - 15. Additionally, the Board of Education will adopt formal resolutions recognizing you at its May 12, 2026, meeting. Thank you for all you do to support our students, families, and one another. Read more in the MPUSD Newsroom.
Teacher Appreciation Week - Thank you MPUSD teachers for all you do. It's Teacher Appreciation Week and we want to take a moment to recognize and honor you with a video clip from our students. Superintendent 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.
Project Citizen - Middle and high school teachers are invited to apply for the free Project Citizen Summer Institute, June 21 - 26, 2026. This hands-on civic education program helps students explore real community issues, public policy, and civic engagement. Teachers receive paid travel and accommodations, meals, a stipend, classroom resources, and ongoing support. The program also supports the California State Seal of Civic Engagement. Apply today using the flyer QR code or here.
FREE Regenerative Soil Techniques Garden Workshop- Learn about topics related to straw bale growing, cover crops, lasagna layering soil building, soil composition, and more. Join the Monterey Adult School next Saturday, May 9 from 10 am - 1 pm. Register Here.
Celebrating Our Remarkable Retirees - MPUSD is proud to honor 21 retirees whose years of dedication have made a lasting impact on our students, schools, and community. From classrooms to cafeterias, buses to offices, their contributions have helped shape the #mpusdway and support student success across our district. While they will be deeply missed, we are grateful for the legacy they leave behind and wish them all the best in this next chapter. On behalf of the Board of Education, Superintendent PK Diffenbaugh, and the entire MPUSD community, thank you and congratulations. Learn more in the MPUSD Newsroom.
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.
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!
Positive Culture - Living our MPUSD Positive Culture, we’re proud to recognize the incredible Los Arboles Middle School staff, with a special shout out from the administration at LAMS, for their dedication during testing season. During testing season the team has ensured student success from creating calm, focused environments and encouraging scholars to trust their training while doing state testing. Thank you for leading with care, consistency, and a commitment to every student’s success.
Positive Culture - Shout out to the incredible team at Seaside Middle School for the care, consistency, and teamwork you bring during one of the busiest times of the year. From supporting testing, coordinating IEPs, preparing for Open House, and keeping everything running smoothly, your collective effort does not go unnoticed. It’s a true reflection of MPUSD Positive Culture in action and students are supported because of you.
Service Mindset - A big shout out to Seaside High School, specifically, Mireya, the Counseling Team, and the College & Career Center for an incredible college Signing Day event, Your dedication to creating a meaningful and celebratory experience for our seniors truly reflects our commitment to student success beyond graduation. From start to finish, you went above and beyond to honor this important milestone and ensure every student felt seen, supported, and celebrated. Thank you for all you do to uplift our scholars and help them take the next step toward their future.
Leadership as the lever and service mindset - It's the small moments that say the most. Last week at Marina High School, Registrar Stephanie Boucher saw a potential issue before it became one, and stepped in to reset expectations. No direction needed. No spotlight sought. Just a quick, thoughtful action that helped set the tone for a smooth and respectful lunch period. It may have only taken a few minutes, but it made a lasting impact for our students. That’s what the MPUSD Way looks like, a service mindset, anticipating needs, and doing what’s best for students. Thank you, Stephanie, for leading by example and helping create a positive culture at Marina High.
Districtwide News
In Case You Missed It | National School Principals' Day - Last week 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.
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.
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.
Eagle Historians Shine at State Competition - Seaside Middle School students proudly represented MPUSD at the California National History Day State Competition in Sacramento. Their commitment to research, collaboration, and presenting their learning was evident every step of the way. We are incredibly proud of our Eagle historians for rising to the occasion and showcasing the power of student voice and academic excellence.
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 High Spring Carnival | Open to all - Marina High School invites the entire MPUSD community to its Spring Carnival on May 15, 2026, from 4 - 6:30 p.m. near the Cove at the high school. Please share with your families in your weekly updates.
Board of Education
Board of Education - The Board of Education meets again on Tuesday, May 12 and May 26. We hope you'll join us at one or both of the meetings. The agenda may be found here the Thursday before each meeting. You can watch the meetings live on AMP-TV or via Zoom where you can also make public comment.
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.
Olson Orcas Enjoy Science Camp- Science camp is a priority at MPUSD and an investment that educational partners have shared as an important investment in our Local Control Accountability Plan each year. Check out the fun had by Olson Elementary School.
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.
Reminders: Info in Previous Editions Worthy of Repeat
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).
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.
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.
