Weekly communication from the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District.
Breaking News
Enhanced Website Experience - MPUSD families, students, staff, and community members will see a fresh look and feel across our district and school websites. We are transitioning to Smart Sites powered by ParentSquare as part of our ongoing commitment to improving communication, accessibility, and transparency with our community. We have been working behind the scenes to design, organize, and migrate content to the new websites. We are currently in the final stages of reviewing pages and testing functionality ahead of the planned launch on June 8, 2026. We look forward to sharing this updated digital experience with our MPUSD community and continuing to strengthen the ways we connect, communicate, and serve our students and families.
Classified Appreciation Week - 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.
Information of Interest
Support AIM Youth Mental Health - Nahira, a junior at Monterey High School and AIM Youth Ambassador, is helping lead youth mental health advocacy through research, youth leadership programs, and AIM’s youth-led podcast, AIM-plified. Through her experience with AIM, Nahira says she discovered both her passion and purpose in youth mental health advocacy. “AIM helped me find what I want to do,” she shared. “It opened my eyes to a purpose I can take further in my life.” She also credits AIM with helping her gain confidence: “Not being afraid to do what I love.” Programs like AIM create opportunities for young people to build leadership skills, speak up, and help shape positive change in their communities. Learn more and how you can support.
Immigration Clinic will be in Seaside June 1 | ¡La Clínica de Inmigración será en Seaside el 1 de junio! - Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey will be at Soper Field (220 Coe Ave, Seaside, CA 93955) on Monday, June 1, from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM for its Immigration Clinic. The team will provide trusted help with: Immigration Legal Consultations, DACA and green card renewals, and Family Preparedness Planning Assistance. This is not sponsored or endorsed by MPUSD, but is provided as a service announcement for those interested.
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.
Celebrating our English Language Learners - Help us celebrate the achievements of our English language learner students as they reclassify to fluent English proficient on June 1, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at our District Services Center located at 540 Canyon Del Rey in Del Rey Oaks.
Hot Off the Reel
Why MPUSD? - The latest Why MPUSD highlights Los Arboles 8th grader Jaiden. Read more about Jaiden here or take moment to watch the short video reel below.
Reading is Key - Literacy is a priority at MPUSD and our Reading is Key initiative highlights the work we are doing to ensure students are reading at grade level. This edition focuses on English language development and we visited La Mesa School. This week we also visited Monterey and Seaside schools to recognize and honor Reading is Key team members from the previous school year for the work they are doing.
Career Technical Education - This week students at Monterey High participated in mock interviews to build confidence. They learned how to look at job descriptions, write cover letters and develop their resumes.
Board of Education
Board of Education Meeting - The Board of Education met this past Tuesday. If you missed the meeting and want to know what actions the Board took, check out Board Highlights for view Spotlight on Board Highlights below.
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.
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.
