The MPUSD Insider is the weekly internal newsletter for MPUSD all staff.
**Last edition of the school year.**
Of Interest to Staff
MPUSD Website | Launch Date Moved to June 12 - As noted in a previous MPUSD Insider, the launch of our new websites was planned for June 8, 2026. Due to the fact that our websites are anticipated to be down between two - three hours during the shift and the fact that we have a Board of Education meeting and need access to public hearing documents of our budget and LCAP, we have pushed the launch date to Friday, June 12. Additionally, we looked at last year's website statistics and the Friday following the last day of school was a low traffic day to our websites. NOTE: We hosted two live virtual training for staff to learn the back end editing of our websites. If this is something of interest to you or in case we missed you, please reach out as will host two more in July. There are also video archives to learn the back end.
Vote for MPUSD - We’re honored to share that the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District has been nominated for the 2026 Monterey Peninsula Business Excellence Awards in the category of Education & Training. This recognition reflects the incredible work of our students, educators, staff, families, and community partners who help make learning, growth, and opportunity possible every day across MPUSD. Public voting is now open through June 5, 2026. We’d be grateful for your support! Vote here: Monterey Peninsula Unified School District Voting Page.
MPUSD Insider Reader Survey - As we wrap up the school year, we’re looking ahead to how we can continue improving the MPUSD Insider for next year. Please take a few minutes to complete our short staff feedback survey. Your input will help us better understand what information is most valuable, what helps staff feel connected and informed, and how we can enhance the overall experience moving forward. Thank you for all you do each day for our students, schools, and community.
Walk with MPUSD in the Pride Parade - Join us on June 27, 2026, to walk in the Monterey Pride Parade. Meet us on Polk Street in Monterey at 10:45 a.m. and we will walk together as a group.
MPUSD Way
Positive Culture - At Marina High School, positive school culture is built in the moments that matter most through calm leadership, compassion, teamwork, and care for students. Recently, several staff members demonstrated the power of every person matters when they quickly and thoughtfully responded to a student situation on campus. Thanks to the immediate intervention of Mr. Mac, Mr. Sam, and Ms. Kisha, a potential altercation was safely de-escalated before anyone was harmed. Their calm, composed, and caring approach helped ensure students were supported with dignity and respect during a difficult moment. We also recognize Ms. Ringer and Mr. Thomas for their compassionate follow-up and support provided to one of the students and their family. Their thoughtful communication, professionalism, and student-centered approach reflected the strong culture of care that exists at Marina High.
Every Person Matters and Leadership as the Lever - Shout out to Seaside High School’s My Path Club students and advisor, Mr. Delgadillo, for being recognized in a recent article highlighting the Youth Substance Use Symposium. The article celebrated the club’s efforts to raise awareness around substance abuse prevention and organize meaningful activities throughout the school year that support student wellness and informed decision-making. We are proud of our students for using their voices to lead, advocate, and make a positive impact on their school community. Thank you, Mr. Delgadillo, for supporting and empowering student leadership at Seaside High.
Every Person Matters and Positive Culture - Shout-out to Mireya, Mandee, the counseling team, and the many staff members who helped make Seaside High School’s Senior Awards Night a memorable celebration for students and families. Their hard work, organization, and commitment helped honor dozens of Spartans for their academic achievements, scholarships, State Seal recognitions, National Student Council honors, and other accomplishments. Events like these don't happen without a dedicated team working behind the scenes to ensure every student feels recognized and celebrated. Thank you for helping create a meaningful evening that highlighted the incredible achievements of the Class of 2026 and reflected the very best of what it means to live the MPUSD Way.
Service Mindset - A heartfelt thank you to Pablo and Liz from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School of the Arts for their support during this year's redesignation celebrations. Their translation assistance helped ensure that students and families could fully participate in these meaningful events, making each celebration more inclusive and welcoming. The redesignation ceremonies have been a highlight of the month of May, recognizing the hard work, perseverance, and achievements of our multilingual learners. Thank you, Pablo and Liz, for helping make these special moments possible and for your continued commitment to our students and families.
Districtwide News
Monterey Adult School Graduation - Monterey Adult School graduates its Class of 2026 on Thursday, June 4, at 1:30 p.m. at the Monterey Adult School located at 1295 La Salle Avenue in Seaside. We hope you join us to see this major milestone for our adult learners.
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.
June is Pride Month - MPUSD celebrates pride month by honoring the voices, identities, and contributions of our LGBTQ+ community.
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
Save the Date | MPUSD's Annual Back-to-School Bash - Mark your calendars and hold Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 10 am - 12 pm for MPUSD's Annual Back-to-School Bash. Free backpacks, tacos, and prizes. Entertainment, including music, face painting, balloon twisters, and photo booth. Confirm your student's registration for the 2026-2027 school year in advance and save proof of confirmation so you can skip the registration line to get your backpack and food tickets.
MPUSD Preschool Tours | June 27 and July 25 - 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.
Marina Child Development Center | Preschool Tours - We also have a Marina preschool location. Take a minute to hear from director Sharon Valencia on our program.
Board of Education
Board of Education Meeting- The Board of Education met this last week at the District Services Center located at 540 Canyon Del Rey in Del Rey Oaks. If you missed the meeting and want to know what actions the Board took check out Board Highlights or watch Spotlight on Board Highlights. This newsletter goes on hiatus after today, but you can always visit our website to learn about upcoming Board of Education meetings. The Board will meet June 9 and 23 in June and the district budget, as well as its Local Control Accountability Plan will be heard (June 9 - public hearing) and adopted (June 23).
Hot Off the Reel
Why MPUSD - Our last Why MPUSD of the school year highlights Ord Terrace 6th grader Trinity Womack. She shares what it's like at Ord Terrace Elementary School. Read about her here or take :45 seconds to watch her below.
A Day in the Life at MPUSD - For our final A Day in the Life feature of the 2025 - 2026 school year, we’re spotlighting Monterey High School PE teacher Albert Platt. From the gym and weight room to the fields and courts, Mr. Platt helps students discover the value of movement, teamwork, perseverance, and healthy habits that extend far beyond high school. In this feature, he shares why athletics and physical activity play such an important role in a student’s overall growth and what inspires him most about being a PE teacher. Thank you, Mr. Platt, for helping students build confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills both inside and outside the classroom.
Reminders: Info in Previous Editions Worthy of Repeat
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.
