School Counseling
School Counseling
The School Counseling Program at the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District is dedicated to supporting the academic, social, emotional, and college and career development of every student. Our counselors work collaboratively with students, families, teachers, and administrators to ensure that all learners have the guidance and resources needed to succeed in school and beyond.
Academic Guidance and Student Success
Counselors play an important role in helping students stay on track academically. They monitor student progress, assist with course planning, and support students in meeting graduation requirements. Counselors also support Student Success Teams (SST), 504 meetings, and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to provide targeted interventions for students who need additional support.
Social and Emotional Wellness
School counselors are key partners in promoting student wellness across the district. They collaborate with school psychologists, mental health professionals, and community partners to support students’ social and emotional development.
College and Career Readiness
Preparing students for their futures is a central focus of the program. Counselors and College/Career Specialists guide students in exploring college and career pathways, understanding postsecondary options, and developing plans that align with their strengths and interests. They provide guidance on college admissions, financial aid, career exploration, and workforce opportunities so students may gain the knowledge and confidence needed to plan for their futures.
By fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive school environment, the counseling program helps students build confidence, resilience, and a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.
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All counseling staff and materials do not discriminate against any student based on actual or perceived age, ancestry, color, physical or mental disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical information, national origin, parental status, pregnancy status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics in the counseling or guidance of pupils or in the use of materials for testing, appraising, or counseling pupils. (EC Section 221.5; 5 CCR sections 4930, 4931; 34 CFR Section 106.36).
In determining required courses for any student, such determination shall be made without regard to actual or perceived age, ancestry, color, physical or mental disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical information, national origin, parental status, pregnancy status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. (5 CCR Section 4940[h])
The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education and in employment. MPUSD prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on actual or perceived age, ancestry, color, physical or mental disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical information, national origin, parental status, pregnancy status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
If you believe you have been subjected to discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying you should contact your school site principal and/or the District's Chief Compliance and Title IX Officer, Dr. Manny Nunez, by phone at 831-645-1272, by email at mnunez@mpusd.net, or in person at 700 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA 93940. Visit Title IX: Notice of Title IX Nondiscrimination Procedures for more information.
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Access to courses that prepare students for college and career is essential for student success after high school. Monterey Peninsula Unified School District (MPUSD) students will benefit from challenging courses that support their college and career goals.
The MPUSD Classes of Instruction Development Process follows the timeline here: MPUSD New Course Submission Timeline
Initiation Phase:
In this phase, teacher leaders and school site administrators collaborate and formulate a broad course plan aligned to programmatic and student needs. Proposals are prepared and submitted to Education Services Department.
Design Phase:
In this phase, teachers collaborate with teams to develop course design, including course content, learning goals, course activities, key assignments and assessment of learning. Using this course description template here: MPUSD Course Description Template
Review Phase:
In this phase, course author(s) submit courses to the New Course Review Committee comprised of cross-content teacher leaders, academic coaches and curriculum and instruction leaders. The committee reviews the course(s) to ensure fidelity of learning outcomes and programmatic need. Committee provides feedback and revision recommendations as needed.
Approval Phase:
In this phase, new courses are presented to the MPUSD Board of Education for review and approval. Upon board approval, high school courses are submitted through the A-G Course Management Portal (CMP) to ensure courses meet A-G requirements.
In determining required courses for any student, such determination shall be made without regard to actual or perceived age, ancestry, color, physical or mental disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical information, national origin, parental status, pregnancy status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. (5 CCR Section 4940[h])
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Access to courses that prepare students for college and career is essential for student success after high school. With fair, objective, and transparent placement policies in place, Monterey Peninsula Unified School District (MPUSD) students will benefit from challenging courses that support their college and career goals. The MPUSD Placement Guides for pupils entering grade nine must meet the following requirements:
- Systematically takes multiple objective academic measures of pupil performance into consideration;
- Includes at least one placement checkpoint within the first month of the school year to ensure accurate placement and to permit reevaluation of individual student progress;
- Requires an annual examination of pupil placement data to ensure that students are not held back in a disproportionate manner on the basis of their race, ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic background; and
- Offers clear and timely recourse for each pupil and his or her parent or legal guardian who questions the student’s placement.
MPUSD - Secondary English and ELD Placement Guidelines 2019-2020