Weekly communication from the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District.
Breaking News
TODAY | Earn Saturday Academy Credit at Hartnell College Foundation's STEAM Family Science Day - Families are invited to join us for a day of creativity, curiosity, and discovery at Hartnell College'sSTEM Showcase today, Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hartnell College in Salinas. The event will highlight hands-on exhibits, student presentations, and interactive activities for the whole family. MPUSD students who attend can also earn Saturday Academy creditby signing in at the front check-in table.
📍 Hartnell College 411 Central Avenue, Salinas 🕙 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
TODAY | FREE Composting Workshop- Turn your kitchen scraps and yard trimmings into nutrient-rich soil amendment. This FREE garden workshop covers bayard and worm composting. This workshop is today, Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 10 - 11:30 am in the Monterey Adult School garden.
THIS UPCOMING WEEK | Elementary, TK-8, and Middle School Parent-Teacher Conferences | March 16 - 20, 2026 - MPUSD invites families of elementary, TK-8, and middle school students to participate in Parent-Teacher Conferences March 16 - 20, 2026. Conferences provide an important opportunity for families and teachers to partner together to support student growth, celebrate progress, and strengthen learning. Reminder: Early release is at 12:50 p.m. for elementary and TK-8 schools and 1:30 p.m. for middle schools. Families are encouraged to participate. Look for information from your child's school site.
Information of Interest
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, including:
College and career readiness
Early literacy and reading by third grade
Support for emerging bilingual students
Math and science achievement
Student well-being, engagement, and positive school culture
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.
Drone Pilot Training and Remote Pilot Certification Course- Our Monterey Adult School has partnered with DART to provide a certification course for students to obtain a FAA Part 104 drone piloting license. It is a 6 - 8 week program, two days a week in the evening, starting in April. 10 spots are available. The class costs $150, but scholarships will be available. Program details are still being confirmed. If you are interested and would like to be placed on the contact list once class info is finalized, email transition specialist, Renée Mondragon at rmondragon@mpusd.k12.ca.us.
Spring Break | March 23 - April 3, 2026 - Just a friendly reminder to mark your calendars as Spring Break is coming in one week!
Parent University- All MPUSD families are invited to Parent University at the Dual Language Academy of the Monterey Peninsula on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 5:30 - 8 p.m. In addition to free food, child care and raffle prizes, parents will learn about how they can support their student, about youth mental health, and the safe use of technology, social media, and so much more. Register HERE so we can plan for attendance.
Spring Open House Season Coming Soon - 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.
Board of Education
Board of Education Meeting - The Board of Education met on March 10, 2026. If you missed the meeting and want to learn what actions the Board took, you can check out our Board Highlights. The Board meets again on April 14, 2026, and the agenda may be found HERE the Thursday before the meeting.
Hot Off the Reel
Adaoptive PE Week - It's Adapted Physical Education Week! We're highlighting Los Arboles Middle School students and a very special program. The Wahine Project offers a safe and welcoming environment for students to get into the ocean and even boogie board or surf if they feel inspired. We're grateful for this partnership that offers our students such a unique opportunity.
MPUSD Districtwide Art Show - Thank you to all of the talented student artists and families who came out to support our Second Annual Districtwide Art Show. We had 140 incredible pieces on display, featuring a wide range of creativity, from clay and jewelry to felt, paintings, and drawings. If you didn’t get a chance to stop by, don’t worry! All of this amazing artwork will remain on display through May at the District Services Center located at 540 Canyon Del Rey in Del Rey Oaks. Be sure to check it out.
Items Worthy of Repeat from Previous Editions
Enrollment for the 2026 - 2027 School Year - MPUSD online registration is now open for NEW students and select 2026–2027 enrollments. Full details are on MPUSD's website.
Currently Open:
2026–2027 New TK and New Kindergarten students (and those coming from MPUSD Preschool)
2026–2027 New TK–12 students (including students not enrolled in MPUSD during 2025–2026 or students returning to MPUSD after attending elsewhere)
2025–2026 (current year) new registrations
2025–2026 (current year) confirmations
Not Yet Open:
2026–2027 confirmations for students currently enrolled in MPUSD
Welcoming Families Learning Series - We invite all families in MPUSD to attend this monthly series - the second one is coming April 6, 2026. Our first session (anti-bullying) will be facilitated by Harmony at Home. Come and learn the community approach to bullying prevention. There will be pizza dinner, childcare and a small raffle. We hope to see you there!
Upcoming MPUSD Events
Most events are linked to MPUSD's website to receive more information. You may also access the district's school year calendar here. 3.23.26 Spring Break | No School 3.24.26 Spring Break | No School 3.25.26 Spring Break | No School 3.26.26 Spring Break | No School 3.27.26 Spring Break | No School 3.30.26 Spring Break | No School 3.31.26 Spring Break | No School 3.31.26 Cesar Chavez Day | No School 4.1.26 Spring Break | No School 4.2.26 Spring Break | No School 4.3.26 Spring Break | No School
