The MPUSD Insider is the weekly internal newsletter for MPUSD all staff.
Of Interest to Staff
Fruit Baskets | Incoming - In case you missed it, it's that time again for a tasty sweet treat ... fresh fruit! As part of our annual tradition celebrating both our certificated and classified staff during their appreciation weeks, boxes of fresh fruit will once again be delivered (in between both celebration weeks) to all MPUSD school sites and departments. While no gesture could ever fully thank our incredible employees for all they do each and every day for students, families, and one another, we hope this small tradition serves as a simple reminder of how much you are appreciated. Deliveries take place today - Tuesday, May 12. Thank you for all you do to support our school communities. Classified Appreciation Week - Next week, we’re shining on our classified team members. 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.
Reading is Key Nominations - The Reading is Key Awards for the 2025 - 2026 school year nominations are open. Please take a few minutes to nominate a colleague or team who is demonstrating strong literacy practices and making a meaningful impact on student learning. The nomination form is linked here. Thank you for your continued commitment to our students and to ensuring that reading truly is the key to their success. Learn more about Reading is Key and our 2024 - 2025 winners. Pictured below are some winners during school site visits to the Marina learning community last week. We will be visiting other winners in Seaside and Monterey this week.
Celebrating Our Remarkable Retirees - MPUSD is proud to honor our 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 - Marina High School continues to showcase the power of positive school culture through collaboration, creativity, and community connection. From Marina High Mariachi students performing at JC Crumpton Elementary School’s Open House to scholars taking the stage in Tony and Tina’s Wedding and Culinary Arts students preparing and serving dinner for guests, Marina staff are creating meaningful opportunities for students to shine. These experiences reflect the strong partnerships and teamwork happening across campus between teachers, programs, families, administration, and students. Whether through the arts, hospitality, athletics, or community events, Marina High continues to foster a culture where students feel connected, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Powerful Teaching and Learning - Shout out to River and Matt for the incredible She Kills Monsters performances at Seaside High School! Your leadership, creativity, and dedication created a space where students could truly thrive and shine on stage. The students rose to the challenge and delivered something special. Thank you for investing in our students and helping bring the arts to life at Seaside High!
Districtwide News
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
