Weekly communication from the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District.
Breaking News
Classified Appreciation Week - This time, we’re shining the spotlight on the team behind the scenes. For Classified School Employee Week (May 17 - 23), Superintendent Diffenbaugh hit the campus again for a “man on the street” moment, asking students one simple question, what do you appreciate most about our classified staff? From keeping campuses safe and running smoothly to supporting students in countless ways, their impact is felt every single day. Hear it straight from our students.
Celebrating Years of Service Across MPUSD - This year, the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District proudly recognizes 166 employees for reaching milestone years of service, including 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 35, 40, and even 45 years dedicated to MPUSD students, families, and school communities. These milestones reflect decades of commitment, care, and service across every corner of the district from classrooms and cafeterias to offices, maintenance yards, buses, and beyond. In a time when long-term service is increasingly rare, MPUSD is grateful for the educators, classified professionals, administrators, and support staff who continue to make a lasting impact each and every day. Congratulations to all of our 2025-2026 Years of Service recipients, and thank you for helping make MPUSD a place where students and families thrive. Read the full story and see the complete list of honorees in the MPUSD Newsroom. Pictured below are four Cabinet leadership members and Ord Terrace Elementary Principal Joe Sampson who were recognized earlier this week.
Seaside High School's Gary Cannon | Monterey County Teacher of the Year - We are incredibly proud and honored to share that Seaside High School’s own Gary Cannon was named Monterey County Teacher of the Year at the high school level and selected as the overall countywide winner. Gary was celebrated Friday, May 8, at the Monterey County Office of Education Teacher of the Year and Classified Employee of the Year event. Thank you, MCOE, for recognizing the incredible educators making a difference in Monterey County, and congratulations, Gary! Thank you for your unwavering dedication to serving our students, families, and community each and every day. Gary will now advance to represent Monterey County at the statewide level as the overall Teacher of the Year winner.
Marina Child Development Center Socorro Perez De Miguel | Monterey County Classified Employee of the Year Paraprofessional - Similarly, we are incredibly proud to share that Marina Child Development Center’s own Socorro Perez De Miguel was recognized as a Monterey County Classified School Employee of the Year winner in the Paraprofessional category. Congratulations, Socorro, and thank you for your dedication, compassion, and unwavering support of our youngest learners and school community each and every day. Your impact makes a difference in the lives of students and families.
Marshall Elementary Joanne Olivio | Monterey County Classified Employee of the Year Nutrition Services - We are also proud to share that Marshall Elementary School’s Joanne Olivio was recognized as a Monterey County Classified School Employee of the Year winner in the category of Nutrition Services. Congratulations, Joanne, and thank you for the care, dedication, and service you provide to students and families each and every day. Your work helps create welcoming school environments where students can thrive.
Information of Interest
Marina High School Spring Carnival | Open to All - Marina High School invites the community to its Spring Carnival on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 4 - 6:30 p.m. at the high school.
Stop the Spread of Measles- With measles cases increasing across the U.S., now is the time to stay informed and protected. Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads quickly, especially among unvaccinated individuals. It can be serious, particularly for children, with about 1 in 5 cases requiring hospital care. Watch for symptoms: Fever, rash, cough, runny nose, and pink eye. If exposed: Call your healthcare provider right away and monitor for symptoms. Best protection: The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Make sure your child is up to date. For more information, please visit the website.
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.
Hot Off the Reel
Let the Games Begin | Special Olympics Track and Field Day
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month (May) - We're reminding all of our students, staff, and the community to stay active! This year we're highlighting physical education teachers at Seaside Middle School, who work hard to make sure students have fun and learn how to stay healthy. Go Eagles!
Board of Education
Board of Education Meeting - The Board of Education will meet on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in open session at 6:30 p.m. at the District Services Center located at 540 Canyon Del Rey in Del Rey Oaks. The agenda may be found here. You can watch it live on AMP-TV or join via Zoom. If you miss the meeting and want to know what actions the Board takees, check out Board Highlights following the Board meeting.
Items Worthy of Repeat from Previous Editions
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.
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.
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.
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.
