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  • MPUSD eNews | March 25

    The MPUSD eNews is the weekly internal newsletter for MPUSD all staff. MPUSD Way Commitment to equity  - Last week, MPUSD’s Associate Superintendent of  Business Services Ryan Altemeyer joined chief business officials from across California in Sacramento to advocate for increased school funding and resources that directly benefit students — a reflection of our MPUSD tenet commitment to equity. A special highlight of the trip included stepping onto the Assembly floor to witness the legislative process in action. MPUSD was proud to stand alongside Monterey County Supervisor Wendy Root Askew in this important effort.  Improve with purpose  - Congratulations to the Communications department . Prior to Spring Break they were recognized by the California School Public Relations Association with two awards of merit for the Bond Dollars at Work   newsletter publication and the Enroll in Preschool (Ready, Set, Preschool) video reel with one of our earliest learners. The team also presented in an hour-long breakout session on our school bond communications program. Congratulations Marci McFadden, Isai Ogarrio-Martinez, and Marissa Schwartz. Only 14 more editions left this year! We love highlighting our staff. Share about a peer or supervisor for us to highlight in future editions throughout the school year. Email information to mmcfadden@mpusd.net or reply to this ParentSquare post. Board of Education Board of Education Meetings   - The Board of Education will meet next week on April 8, 2025. The agenda will post here on April 3, 2025. If you missed the meeting, but want to learn about the actions the Board takes, you can always catch up with  Board Highlights in English or Spanish.  Of Interest to Staff ***NOTE: Much of the information in the Of Interest to Staff section is duplicative of last week's edition in case some folks missed it. There is a sprinkling of new information here.*** 2nd Annual Moonflower Festival   - Our partner Palenke Arts is hosting a Moonflower Festival at Palenke Arts on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 11 am - 2 pm. This FREE event is a celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) culture, music and dance and will feature wonderful Asian American and Pacific Islander ensembles and over 100 performers, including Shinsho Mugen Daiko (Japanese Taiko Drums), Na Haumana (Polynesian Drum and Dance), VietSteps (Vietnamese Dance), Xiao, and Rohzit. There will also be artisans and community booths, art activities and food vendors. Check out the  flyer and make it a fun-filled family event. Touch a Truck  - Do you have or know little ones who enjoy all things trucks? Our military liaisons are offering a  Touch a Truck program, where students will have a chance to interact with various trucks. The event is April 12, 2025, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Stillwell Community, located at 2218 Gigling Road, Building 4260, in Seaside. WhaleFest Monterey 2025  - The 15th annual WhaleFest Monterey is coming to town April 12 - 13, 2025, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Old Fisherman's Whart Custom House Plaza. There will be a wide array of ocean-related activities. This is a FREE and fun educational event for the entire family. Check out the flyer here . Mark Your Calendars—Three Years Ahead - Big news! The 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school year calendars are officially approved and ready for you to plan ahead! The 2025-2026 calendar (approved previously) is also available online. We know school is important, but we also know families love to plan ahead! So, get ready to circle the first day of school, highlight those holidays and breaks, and count down to last day of school. Start planning your future fun  HERE . 2025-2026 Back-to-School Kick-Off Theme - The best ideas come from collaboration. By working together, we can select a theme for the 2025-2026 Back-to-School Kick Off event that represents the spirit of our district and fuels our commitment to equitable continuous improvement and student success for the upcoming school year. As a refresher, last year, staff recommended and voted on  “Incite Excellence. Inspire Change.”  Our goal is to choose a theme that captures the essence of our district, motivates our students and staff, and fosters a positive and powerful learning environment.  We invite you to share your theme suggestions which we send back out for our school community to vote on. Please complete   this   brief Google form by March 31, 2025. A great theme should be: inspiring, inclusive, and actionable. Free Citizenship Class at Ord Terrace -  Starting Tuesday, April 8, 2025, from 3 - 4:30 p.m., anyone in our community can take advantage of free citizenship classes. While parents/guardians are taking the class, their kids can have fun in our afterschool program (ASA/CPY). Learn how you can get ready to pass your citizenship exam. Register today -  Citizenship Class . Virtual Student Mission Field Trips - The California Missions Foundation will offer a free Virtual Student Mission Field Trip this spring for all fourth grade classrooms throughout the state of California. The virtual event will be made available for viewing on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Registrations will be accepted through Monday, April 7, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. A private YouTube link will be sent on Monday, April 7, 2025, by 6:00 p.m. Please submit two student questions with your registration via the online registration form. Teachers can watch the virtual program on April 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. with their classroom, preview the program at a later date, create a lesson plan, and show it to their students at their convenience. The link will remain up until June 30, 2025.  Principals and teachers can register their classrooms and submit student questions here . Rainbow Connections Student Wellness Expo - Join Monterey County Behavioral Health's Rainbow Connections and the Monterey County Office of Education for the 2nd Annual Rainbow Connections Student Wellness Expo . Connect with educators, parents, and allies to support the mental health and wellness of LGBTQ+ students. Explore affirming services for youth (up to age 25) and their families in Monterey County, and learn more about the Rainbow Connections Provider Network. The expo will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Monterey County Office of Education, 901 Blanco Cir, Salinas, CA 93901, in rooms A, B, and D.  Register today here.   Districtwide News Spring 2025 Open Houses - When we return from Spring Break, our schools will open their doors to the community and host their spring 2025 open houses in April and May. The community is welcome to all of MPUSD's open houses to see the powerful teaching and learning happening across the district. For a list of all dates and times of our schools' open houses, please click  here . April: A Month of Recognition  - When students and staff return from Spring Break, it will be quite a busy month. There are many days, weeks, and the month of recognition. Here are the many celebrations we will honor and recognize. This information also serves as art that we typically provide for ParentSquare posts and social media. The master folder may be found  here . National School Librarian Day | April 4 | Story Adult Education Week | April 6 - 12 | Story National Assistant Principals Week | April 7 - 11 (video reel link) | Story Autism Acceptance Month | Story National Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month | Story National Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month | Story National School Library Month | Story National Robotics Week (April 5-12) School Nutrition Employee Week (April 28=May 2) The Communications team is working to finalize art and accompanying stories, if applicable, for the following below. We will highlight them in the MPUSD eNews , MPUSD News: Community Updates , and social media coming weeks as we lead up to these days. Day of the Military Child (April 15) Month of the Military Child National American Arab Heritage Month Administrative Professionals Day (April 23) Earth Day (April 22) Public Schools Month Cut to the Campus The  Monterey High School Robodores (Team 4255) took first place at the FIRST Robotics Competition San Francisco Regional, competing alongside two other alliance teams, this past weekend. This powerful win was fueled by the team’s heartfelt mission to honor the legacy of their beloved teacher and mentor, Robin Coyne, who passed away in October. Alum and former team lead Jaden Keller, now substitute teaching full time at MHS, volunteered over 20 hours a week to guide the team this season. MHS instructor Jason Neves also stepped up as the staff liaison, while current team lead Nicolas Fisher demonstrated strong leadership throughout the year. Congratulations to the Robodores and their supporters for an incredible and meaningful victory! Way to go Monte Vista TK-8 spellers.  Prior to Spring Break, 21 students participated this year in the final event, and two students and two alternate students will get to compete at the county level in the Lyceum of Monterey County 4th and 5th Grade Spelling Bee in April. Congratulations to students: Ender Hugo, Juniper Hubick, Leonardo Raygoza, and Mikko Acker. Take a minute to watch the inspiring and outstanding work  here . Hot Off the Reel Music in Our Schools Month - Music in Our Schools Month is currently happening in the month of March. As you may know, the arts and music is a priority at MPUSD. We highlighted the month by taking a look at some of the outstanding work happening across the district. Check out the work Dual Language Academy of the Monterey Peninsula teacher Jennifer Kremer is doing here or the work of DLAMP's middle school band here , Seaside High School teacher Jessica Baudot is doing here , Crumpton Elementary School's  world music here , Olson Elementary teacher Alli Preece here , and MPUSD Preschool and Early Childhood music teacher Camilo Ortiz here . Information to Share with Students ***NOTE: The information in the this section is duplicative of last week's edition in case some folks missed it.*** Design Challenge Art Exhibit and Reception - AIM Youth Mental Health invites the community to join them for their annual Design Challenge Art Exhibit and Reception, held in conjunction with the AIM Ideas Lab at the Carmel Sunset Center on Wednesday, April 9 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. No registration is necessary. Click here for the event schedule, and visit  aimymh.org to learn more about AIM. All Inclusive Afterschool Art Classes -  Art Abilities offers after-school kids classes on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. All children are welcome to join, even if they are not served by the San Andreas Regional Center. Additional adult art classes for ages 17+ are offered Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Monday to Friday from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Art Abilities Studio is located at #10, 220 Country Club Gate Center, Pacific Grove, CA 93950. To request additional information, call (831) 915-4611 or visit www.artabilities.org or view the flyer here . SPCA Animal Summer Camp   - The SPCA’s week-long animal summer day camp provides children ages 7-12 with a unique mix of fun, exciting, and educational hands-on experiences. Camp activities include lessons in animal safety and handling, guided hikes on the SPCA grounds, and interactive animal experiences. Participants will have the opportunity to make toys and treats for pets, meet rescued wildlife, visit with rescued horses and barn animals, play animal trivia games, and create pet-related crafts. Learn more about scholarships and volunteer opportunities, and  register today to secure a spot at this year's summer day camp. Reminders: Info in Previous Editions Worthy of Repeat Save the Date: MPUSD Retirement Celebration - Save the date - Tuesday, May 27, 2025 - from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. Join us as we honor our colleagues who are embarking on their retirement journey and celebrate their dedication to MPUSD. All staff are invited to share in this special occasion and wish them well in the next chapter of their lives. Potential Retirees: If you plan to retire, please notify Human Resources by May 6, 2025, so you may be recognized by the Board of Education at the May 27 meeting. Board annotations are filed earlier in the month, and we want to ensure you receive the recognition you deserve. We look forward to celebrating our incredible retirees! 2025 CPR/AED Classes - Have you ever wanted to take a CPR/AED course? Do you need to renew your CPR/AED card? Workshops focused on adult, child, and infant CPR/AED is being offered outside of MPUSD. Classes are $75 per person and come with a certification card valid for two years. To register for classes, visit  www.elevateservice.org . For any questions you have, you can submit via their website or email info@elevateservice.org .  This offering is not sponsored by MPUSD and being promoted in the event employees are interested in a course.  The 2025 classes are: April 7 @ 5:30 pm |  April 19 @ 10 am |  April 21 @ 5:30 pm May 5 @ 5:30 pm |  May 19 @ 5:30 pm | May 24 @ 10 am June 6  @ 5:30 pm |  June 14 @ 10 am |  June 23 @ 5:30 pm

    Tuesday, Mar 25 2025

  • Available Resource in Seaside Today | Consulado Gene...

    This message is being sent as a resource to our Seaside community on behalf of neighboring St. Paul the Apostle Church. This event is not sponsored by the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District.  The Consulate General of Mexico will be available today - March 22, 2205 - at  St. Paul the Apostle Church, located at 1092 Noche Buena Street in Seaside,  to support families who need assistance with passports, IDs, or other official documents. Having access to these documents can be key for many aspects of life.  === Este mensaje se envía como recurso para nuestra comunidad costera en nombre de la vecina Iglesia de San Pablo Apóstol. Este evento no está patrocinado por el Distrito Escolar Unificado de la Península de Monterey. El Consulado General de México estará disponible hoy, 22 de marzo de 2025, en la Iglesia St. Paul the Apostle, ubicada en 1092 Noche Buena Street en Seaside, para apoyar a las familias que necesiten asistencia con pasaportes, identificaciones u otros documentos oficiales. Tener acceso a estos documentos puede ser clave para muchos aspectos de la vida.

    Saturday, Mar 22 2025

  • TONIGHT: Resource Fair & Know Your Rights Immigratio...

    Don't Miss This Important Community Event! Join us for an informative and empowering evening - Wednesday, March 19, 2025 - featuring a Community Resource Fair and Know Your Rights Immigration Forum at  Seaside High School (Gymnasium) located at 2200 Noche Buena Street. FREE child care offered. 🌟  Master of Ceremonies: Univision’s Adriana Frederick-Sutton will guide the evening’s discussions. 📅  Event Schedule 🕔 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. |  Community Resource Fair – Connect with vital resources, including immigration lawyers, the Mexican Consul General, emergency child custody planning assistance, and individual consultations. 🕕 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. |  Know Your Rights Forum – Gain essential knowledge about your rights and protections. 📌 See the flyer below for more details! -

    Wednesday, Mar 19 2025

  • TOMORROW NIGHT: Resource Fair & Know Your Rights Imm...

    Don't Miss This Important Community Event! Join us for an informative and empowering evening - Wednesday, March 19, 2025 - featuring a Community Resource Fair and Know Your Rights Immigration Forum at  Seaside High School (Gymnasium) located at 2200 Noche Buena Street. FREE child care offered. 🌟  Master of Ceremonies: Univision’s Adriana Frederick-Sutton will guide the evening’s discussions. 📅  Event Schedule 🕔 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. |  Community Resource Fair – Connect with vital resources, including immigration lawyers, the Mexican Consul General, emergency child custody planning assistance, and individual consultations. 🕕 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. |  Know Your Rights Forum – Gain essential knowledge about your rights and protections. 📌 See the flyer below for more details! -

    Wednesday, Mar 19 2025

  • MPUSD eNews | March 18

    The MPUSD eNews is the weekly internal newsletter for MPUSD all staff. MPUSD Way We’re better together and improve with purpose - Our  accelerated learning specialists (ALS) meet bi-monthly to connect, collaborate, and cultivate best practices for student intervention.Prior to Spring Break, the ALS team dove into the powerful connection between decoding (reading) and encoding (spelling) led by Teacher on Special Assignment Amanda Kennedy. Each specialist created a classroom anchor chart to take back to their schools—an extra visual tool to support student learning. When educators learn, students thrive. (Supports LCAP Goal #2: Achieving 3rd grade literacy standards.) Service mindset -  JC Crumpton Elementary School  Principal Alex Tani recognized staff last week for their dedication and commitment to excellence across campus. From classrooms and offices to the cafeteria and playgrounds, staff members have gone above and beyond to create a positive environment for students leading up to Spring Break. A special thank you extends to Nikki, Jessie, Jaime, and TJ, who will be working through Spring Break to ensure the campus remains organized and ready for students' return. Appreciation also goes to LoyAnne, who continues her hard work over the break at another MPUSD campus. Thank you to all Crumpton staff for your dedication to excellence and student success. Service mindset - A big shout out to  Monterey High School's spring sports coaches! Thank you to the dedicated spring sports coaches and athletic director for their unwavering commitment to providing students with positive extracurricular opportunities. Navigating unpredictable weather and managing large rosters, these coaches go above and beyond to support student-athletes. Their time, energy, and dedication do not go unnoticed. Applause for this team: Rodney Navarro (Volleyball), David Swartz (Volleyball), Dakota Dietz (Boys Lacrosse), Sam Guinvarch (Track & Field), Rob Balch (Golf), Steven "Esteban" Pina (Swim), Troy Hunter (Track & Field), Chris Fowler (Baseball), Albert Platt (Track & Field), Jessica Powell (Athletic Training), Crystal Ventimiglia (Athletic Director), and Phil Nash (Softball). Thank you for your hard work and dedication to Monterey High School's student-athletes. Each day counts and every person matters - Principal Drew Coleman recognized the  Olson Elementary School staff, thanking them for making each day count, providing grade level and engaging instruction each and every day, as well as all of the time and effort leading student-led conferences inspiring students and families. He shared how grateful and humbled he is to serve alongside the Olson team. He also thanked team members for their constant hard work and effort in trying to provide the very best experience for our students. Improve with purpose  -  As  Seaside Middle School  approached Spring Break, the past few months have been filled with challenges, triumphs, and countless moments of inspiration. Through it all, the unwavering dedication of staff to students and their commitment to the community have shined brightly. The school’s administrative team encouraged staff to take a moment to reflect on their accomplishments and use that momentum to fuel their passion when they return. With just a few months left in the school year, Seaside Middle is ready to finish strong! Only 15 more editions left this year! We love highlighting our staff. Share about a peer or supervisor for us to highlight in future editions throughout the school year. Email information to mmcfadden@mpusd.net or reply to this ParentSquare post. Board of Education Board of Education Meetings   - The Board of Education met on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. If you missed the meeting, you can always catch up with Board Highlights . The next meeting will be held April 8, 2025, and you can access the agenda  here on April 3, 2025.  Of Interest to Staff Mark Your Calendars—Three Years Ahead - Big news! The 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school year calendars are officially approved and ready for you to plan ahead! The 2025-2026 calendar (approved previously) is also available online. We know school is important, but we also know families love to plan ahead! So, get ready to circle the first day of school, highlight those holidays and breaks, and count down to last day of school. Start planning your future fun  HERE . 2025-2026 Back-to-School Kick-Off Theme - The best ideas come from collaboration. By working together, we can select a theme for the 2025-2026 Back-to-School Kick Off event that represents the spirit of our district and fuels our commitment to equitable continuous improvement and student success for the upcoming school year. As a refresher, last year, staff recommended and voted on  “Incite Excellence. Inspire Change.”  Our goal is to choose a theme that captures the essence of our district, motivates our students and staff, and fosters a positive and powerful learning environment.  We invite you to share your theme suggestions which we send back out for our school community to vote on. Please complete   this   brief Google form by March 31, 2025. A great theme should be: inspiring, inclusive, and actionable. Free Citizenship Class at Ord Terrace -  Starting Tuesday, April 8, 2025, from 3 - 4:30 p.m., anyone in our community can take advantage of free citizenship classes. While parents/guardians are taking the class, their kids can have fun in our afterschool program (ASA/CPY). Learn how you can get ready to pass your citizenship exam. Register today -  Citizenship Class . Virtual Student Mission Field Trips - The California Missions Foundation will offer a free Virtual Student Mission Field Trip this spring for all fourth grade classrooms throughout the state of California. The virtual event will be made available for viewing on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Registrations will be accepted through Monday, April 7, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. A private YouTube link will be sent on Monday, April 7, 2025, by 6:00 p.m. Please submit two student questions with your registration via the online registration form. Teachers can watch the virtual program on April 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. with their classroom, preview the program at a later date, create a lesson plan, and show it to their students at their convenience. The link will remain up until June 30, 2025.  Principals and teachers can register their classrooms and submit student questions here . Rainbow Connections Student Wellness Expo - Join Monterey County Behavioral Health's Rainbow Connections and the Monterey County Office of Education for the 2nd Annual Rainbow Connections Student Wellness Expo . Connect with educators, parents, and allies to support the mental health and wellness of LGBTQ+ students. Explore affirming services for youth (up to age 25) and their families in Monterey County, and learn more about the Rainbow Connections Provider Network. The expo will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Monterey County Office of Education, 901 Blanco Cir, Salinas, CA 93901, in rooms A, B, and D.  Register today here.   Districtwide News MPUSD News: Community Updates - Did you know that in addition to the internal staff weekly MPUSD eNews   sent each Tuesday morning that we publish MPUSD News: Community Updates for the external community each Saturday morning? This publication is sent to parents, guardians, community supporters and members of the media. We often provide similar information in both publications, but in case you don’t see the community updates, you may access last week's edition  here . Spring Break | No School - MPUSD's Spring Break is just around the corner in one week. As a reminder, our schools will be closed March 17 - 28, 2025. We look forward to welcoming students back on Monday, March 31, 2025. Seaside Immigration Forum: Know Your Rights | March 19 - This week, MPUSD will host, in connection with community partnerships, a community forum for families on immigration rights. This forum will be conducted in Spanish with English translation on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 6 - 7:30 p.m. in the Seaside High School gym, and is open to workers, students, immigrants, and allies. A community resource fair will also be held beforehand from 5 - 6 pm. Flyer and more information  here. Spring 2025 Open Houses - When we return from Spring Break, our schools will open their doors to the community and host their spring 2025 open houses in April and May. The community is welcome to all of MPUSD's open houses to see the powerful teaching and learning happening across the district. For a list of all dates and times of our schools' open houses, please click  here . Cut to the Campus Students from  Central Coast High School’s  Career Foundations and Work Experience class had a high-flying experience at the Monterey Jet Center. They got an up-close look at careers in aeronautics, exploring everything from aircraft maintenance to air traffic control. The sky's the limit for these future professionals! Take a moment to see their experience in a quick reel  here . Monte Vista TK-8  hosted their 4th and 5th grade spelling bee recently. Out of 21 students participating this year in the final event, two students and two alternate students will move on to compete at the county level in the Lyceum of Monterey County 4th and 5th Grade Spelling Bee in April. Congratulations to Ender Hugo, Juniper Hubick, Leonardo Raygoza, and Mikko Acker. Check out the fun  here . Monterey High School student scientists, under the leadership of teacher Jason Nicholson, took home top honors at the 2025 MCOE Science & Engineering Fair over the weekend. From sustainable energy to microbiology and AI-driven emotional analysis, their projects are pushing the boundaries of innovation. Join us in celebrating their achievements and check out their award-winning research on the  MHS website . Monterey High School  Powerlifters, under the leadership of teacher Max Feldman, dominated the WABDL Bovine Bench Press & Deadlift Championships, setting state and world records. Learn about how students did on the  MHS website . Finally, in other Monterey High School news, talented student artists recently showcased their creativity and courage at the annual Thinking Out Loud: Regional High School Art Competition at the Cherry Center Gallery in Carmel. Among the participants were AMP Academy sophomores Isabella Dominguez (‘27) and Abigail Gurrola (‘27), who earned top awards and cash prizes for their outstanding work. This prestigious competition features artwork from students across local public and private high schools, making it a significant achievement to be recognized. In total, 20 Monterey High students bravely submitted their artwork for consideration, demonstrating the power of artistic expression. A slideshow featuring the artwork of all participating MHS students is here , along with a  link to photos from the art opening on March 1. We could not let the month of March go by without recognizing Music in Our Schools Month. We took a moment before break to visit with Olson Elementary School’s music teacher Alli Preece. Check out the work she is doing with students  here . Thank you extends to all the music teachers across our district for the commitment they give to our students. Hot Off the Reel Why MPUSD - At Crumpton Elementary School, leadership takes many forms, and for sixth grader Leonel Carranza-Martinez, it means making a difference in his school and beyond. As Student Council President, Leonel has embraced his role with confidence and enthusiasm, driven by a deep desire to help others and build a strong school community. See Leo in this short reel or read more about him  here . MPUSD’s Upcycled Prom Closet: A Huge Success - Students from Central Coast High, Marina High, Monterey High, and Seaside High had the opportunity to select new or gently used formal wear—all thanks to our amazing community. Special appreciation to Board Member Maiaika Velazquez for turning this dream into a reality for the second year in a row. Check out the fun  here in a short reel. Information to Share with Students Design Challenge Art Exhibit and Reception - AIM Youth Mental Health invites the community to join them for their annual Design Challenge Art Exhibit and Reception, held in conjunction with the AIM Ideas Lab at the Carmel Sunset Center on Wednesday, April 9 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. No registration is necessary. Click here for the event schedule, and visit  aimymh.org to learn more about AIM. All Inclusive Afterschool Art Classes -  Art Abilities offers after-school kids classes on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. All children are welcome to join, even if they are not served by the San Andreas Regional Center. Additional adult art classes for ages 17+ are offered Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Monday to Friday from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Art Abilities Studio is located at #10, 220 Country Club Gate Center, Pacific Grove, CA 93950. To request additional information, call (831) 915-4611 or visit www.artabilities.org or view the flyer here . SPCA Animal Summer Camp   - The SPCA’s week-long animal summer day camp provides children ages 7-12 with a unique mix of fun, exciting, and educational hands-on experiences. Camp activities include lessons in animal safety and handling, guided hikes on the SPCA grounds, and interactive animal experiences. Participants will have the opportunity to make toys and treats for pets, meet rescued wildlife, visit with rescued horses and barn animals, play animal trivia games, and create pet-related crafts. Learn more about scholarships and volunteer opportunities, and  register today to secure a spot at this year's summer day camp. Reminders: Info in Previous Editions Worthy of Repeat Save the Date: MPUSD Retirement Celebration - Save the date - Tuesday, May 27, 2025 - from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. Join us as we honor our colleagues who are embarking on their retirement journey and celebrate their dedication to MPUSD. All staff are invited to share in this special occasion and wish them well in the next chapter of their lives. Potential Retirees: If you plan to retire, please notify Human Resources by May 6, 2025, so you may be recognized by the Board of Education at the May 27 meeting. Board annotations are filed earlier in the month, and we want to ensure you receive the recognition you deserve. We look forward to celebrating our incredible retirees! Blue Zones Opportunities - Our community partner Blue Zones has many opportunities for staff, students, and families to take advantage of. Feel free to take advantage of these yourself and share with students and families. Friday, 3/21 @ 9 a.m. |  Taste the Blue Zones with East Village Cafe in Monterey Friday, 3/21 @ 3:30 p.m. | Bites and Activities with La Cocina in King City Tuesday, 3/25 @ 4:30 p.m. | Soccer Complex Clean-Up / Limpieza del Complejo de Fútbol in Salinas View and register for all BZP events . The Blue Zones Inspired Takeout Guide is live featuring BZP Approved Restaurants 2025 CPR/AED Classes - Have you ever wanted to take a CPR/AED course? Do you need to renew your CPR/AED card? Workshops focused on adult, child, and infant CPR/AED is being offered outside of MPUSD. Classes are $75 per person and come with a certification card valid for two years. To register for classes, visit  www.elevateservice.org . For any questions you have, you can submit via their website or email info@elevateservice.org .  This offering is not sponsored by MPUSD and being promoted in the event employees are interested in a course.  The 2025 classes are: April 7 @ 5:30 pm |  April 19 @ 10 am |  April 21 @ 5:30 pm May 5 @ 5:30 pm |  May 19 @ 5:30 pm | May 24 @ 10 am June 6  @ 5:30 pm |  June 14 @ 10 am |  June 23 @ 5:30 pm

    Tuesday, Mar 18 2025

  • MPUSD News: Community Updates | March 15

    Weekly communication from the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. Breaking News Mark Your Calendars—Three Years Ahead - Big news! The 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school year calendars are officially approved and ready for you to plan ahead! The 2025-2026 calendar (approved previously) is also available online. We know school is important, but we also know families love to plan ahead! So, get ready to circle the first day of school, highlight those holidays and breaks, and count down to last day of school. Start planning your future fun HERE . Spring Break | No School - MPUSD's Spring Break begins next week through March 28, 2025. We look forward to welcoming students back on Monday, March 31, 2025. Take a moment to hear from Superintendent PK Diffenbaugh.   Information of Interest One Day All-Sport Camp - Our partner, Monterey Peninsula College, is offering an all-sport camp on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students ages 6 - 12 will have the opportunity to explore multiple sports and learn from experienced college coaches. Register today at mpc.edu/continuinged and select Youth Programs from the menu bar on the left-hand side. There is a nominal fee to participate. Know Your Rights | Conozca Sun Derechos Resource - Recently our partner at the City of Seaside Hosted a Know Your Rights | Conozca Sun Derechos forum for the community. The event was led by Alex Mares, JD, of the County of Monterey Public Defender’s Office. We have archived it on our main Know Your Rights: Immigration Update website landing page . You may access it on this page or directly on  YouTube .         Board of Education Board of Education Meetings    - The Board of Education will meet on  Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the District Services Center located at 540 Canyon Del Rey in Del Rey Oaks. The agenda will be posted on March 6, 2025,  here . You can watch the meeting live via  AMP-TV  or view it via  Zoom .  Cut to the Campus Seaside High School Hosts Black Joy Festival  - Seaside High School  students had an amazing time celebrating at the Black Joy Festival. They connected with local community partners and Black business owners, enjoyed delicious food, participated in fun activities and games, and even won gift cards. Take a moment to look at the fun. Hot Off the Reel MPUSD’s Upcycled Prom Closet: A Huge Success - Students from Central Coast High, Marina High, Monterey High, and Seaside High had the opportunity to select new or gently used formal wear—all thanks to our amazing community. A huge thank you to our local vendors and partners for their generous donations of gift cards, clothing, services, and more to help our students attend prom in style. Special appreciation to Board Member Maiaika Velazquez for turning this dream into a reality for the second year in a row.   Why MPUSD - Seaside Middle School teacher Ben Holliday was featured in the Why MPUSD series. Ben is a seventh-grade English teacher and is more than an educator—he's a mentor, innovator, and community builder. Now in his seventh year at the school, Holliday has dedicated his career to creating an engaging and supportive environment where students can grow both academically and personally. Take a moment to read about Ben and watch his journey  here .          MPUSD in the News Monterey High Student Interns for the Monterey Herald - Congratulations to Monterey High student Audrey Wasbauer. As part of an internship program with the local paper Monterey Herald , she wrote an article on the Pacific Grove natural history van. Take a moment to read about her published article  here . Items Worthy of Repeat from Previous Editions Spring 2025 Open Houses - The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District schools will open their doors to the community and host their spring 2025 open houses in April and May. The community is welcome to all of MPUSD's open houses to see the powerful teaching and learning happening across the district. For a list of all dates and times of our schools' open houses, please click  here . MCOE College and Career Fair  - Explore a world of possibilities Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Monterey County Office of Education College and Career Fair at the National Steinbeck Center, 1 Main Street, Salinas. Connect with representatives from local colleges and universities, gain valuable insights, and discover opportunities to shape your academic journey and future career. Learn about scholarships, financial aid, and programs designed to help you succeed. This event is open to the public, and all Monterey County students are invited to attend. 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 . 3.17.25 - 3.28.25 Spring Break | No School 4.8.25   Board of Education Meeting 4.15.25   Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School of the Arts Open House 4.17.25     Marina High School Open House 4.22.25 Board of Education Town Hall Gathering 4.24.25   Monterey High School Open House 4.30.25 Seaside Child Development Center Open House

    Saturday, Mar 15 2025

  • Earn Saturday Academy Credit | Attend Hartnell Colle...

    *** Please excuse the extra MPUSD ParentSquare post this week. This information is time sensitive and may be beneficial to your child and family. *** Join us at Hartnell College’s STEAM Day! Location: Hartnell College, 411 Central Ave, Salinas, CA 93901 Check-in: STEM Center (Building 218) Experience scientific demonstrations, food, reptiles, the MCOE Fab Lab, music, and so much more! Explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math through hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, and engaging speakers. Students who attend with their family can recover ONE absence (prior to 3/15/25) — just check in at the front entrance and be sure to stop by the MPUSD booth for credit!  Pre-registration encouraged—register  HERE with Hartnell using the form on the flyer!  Parents must accompany younger students. Don't miss this exciting day of innovation and discovery! --- ¡Únete a nosotros en el Día STEAM de Hartnell College! Ubicación: Hartnell College, 411 Central Ave, Salinas, CA 93901 Registro: Centro STEM (Edificio 218) Una experiencia llena de descubrimientos y diversión: disfruta de demostraciones científicas, comida, reptiles, el Laboratorio Fab de MCOE, música y mucho más. Explora el fascinante mundo de la Ciencia, Tecnología, Ingeniería, Arte y Matemáticas a través de actividades interactivas y exhibiciones que despiertan la curiosidad, ¡como un parque de diversiones para la mente! Los estudiantes que asistan con su familia pueden recuperar UNA falta (previa al 15/03/25)—solo asegúrate de registrarte en la entrada principal y pasar por el stand de MPUSD para obtener crédito. ¡Preinscripción recomendada! Regístrate aquí con Hartnell utilizando el formulario en el volante. Los padres deben acompañar a los estudiantes más jóvenes. ¡No te pierdas esta oportunidad de explorar, aprender y divertirte en un evento que enciende la chispa del conocimiento!

    Thursday, Mar 13 2025

  • MPUSD eNews | March 11

    The MPUSD eNews is the weekly internal newsletter for MPUSD all staff. MPUSD Way Every person matters -  It's Adapted PE Week and MPUSD is celebrating its first ever Adapted Physical Education Week recognizing the work of the district's two APE teachers - Jennifer Rincon  and  Zack Lowell . Together, these two educators work with our special education students districtwide and provide individualized PE instruction, improve physical fitness, adapt techniques to improve gross motor skills, sports, game achievement, and so much more. Thank you Jennifer and Zack for all you do to support our students with exceptional needs. We’re better together -  Olson Elementary School Principal Drew Coleman extends a heartfelt thank you to the school’s dedicated teachers for their efforts in preparing for student-led conferences. He deeply appreciates the time and energy invested in facilitating these conferences, truly embodying the "We're Better Together" spirit. The impact of this work is invaluable—building students’ efficacy, increasing engagement, fostering self-reflection, and strengthening goal-setting skills. These conferences provide a meaningful experience for students and their families, and the dedication of Olson’s educators does not go unnoticed. Thank you for making a difference! Improve with purpose - Cheyenne Weston at  Ord Terrace Elementary School  is always finding creative, meaningful ways to support our students' well-being, and her latest idea is ready to take root. She’s working on transforming our school garden into a peaceful retreat where students can engage with nature, practice mindfulness, and experience the proven mental health benefits of gardening—like reduced anxiety, improved focus, and a boost in overall well-being—all while bringing a little extra calm to their day. Thank you, Cheyenne, for creating a space where students can grow, heal, and thrive. Improve with purpose  - JC Crumpton Elementary School Principal Alex Tani attended Principals Academy last week, where he visited classrooms at  Marshall Elementary School . The visit provided a valuable opportunity to observe the Benchmark curriculum in action. The focus was on curriculum integrity, exploring ways to support educators in understanding the key components of the curriculum and implementing it with fidelity. At JC Crumpton, school improvement is a top priority, starting at the leadership level. Principal Tani continually reflects on ways to grow and improve each day and encourages all staff to embrace that same mindset. We're better together - Shout out to the incredible Monte Vista K-8 staff for their dedication and hard work! A special thank you to all teachers for facilitating meaningful student-led conferences and empowering students in the process. Kudos to Becky Tarantino and the 3rd Grade Team for making field trips happen, creating valuable experiential learning opportunities. Appreciation to Teri Laxier for sorting and distributing book donations, ensuring every student took home a book. Gratitude to Jena James for stepping in to support both a TK student and peer instructional rounds. Thank you to Caitlyn Cowardin, Michelle Pierce,  and  Celia Feldman for their thoughtful participation in the District Instructional Leadership Team meeting, prioritizing learning and collaboration. Recognition to Kayla McCain for being a responsive and dedicated presence after school, supporting ELO students. And a heartfelt thank you to  Mrs. Piña for her guidance, mentorship, and unwavering support. Monte Vista staff, your commitment to students and each other does not go unnoticed! We love highlighting our staff. Share about a peer or supervisor for us to highlight in future editions throughout the school year. Email information to mmcfadden@mpusd.net or reply to this ParentSquare post. Board of Education Board of Education Meetings   - The Board of Education will meet on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the District Services Center located at 540 Canyon Del Rey in Del Rey Oaks. The agenda will be posted on March 6, 2025, here . You can watch the meeting live via AMP-TV or view it via  Zoom .  Of Interest to Staff Paid Training Opportunity | Building Reading Success for K-3:  We are pleased to offer a valuable professional learning opportunity focused on the Building Reading Success  intervention program. As we work to strengthen early reading success, we are implementing Tier 1.5 instructional supports that bridge core instruction and targeted small group instruction, ensuring all students build a strong foundation in structured literacy. Grades K-3 are invited to attend on March 26, 2025, and/or March 27, 2025 , where you will be compensated at the teacher hourly rate for your participation. Sign up no later than March 15, 2025, using this form. Click  here for full details. 2025-2026 Back-to-School Kick-Off Theme - The best ideas come from collaboration. By working together, we can select a theme for the 2025-2026 Back-to-School Kick Off event that represents the spirit of our district and fuels our commitment to equitable continuous improvement and student success for the upcoming school year. As a refresher, last year, staff recommended and voted on  “Incite Excellence. Inspire Change.”  Our goal is to choose a theme that captures the essence of our district, motivates our students and staff, and fosters a positive and powerful learning environment.  We invite you to share your theme suggestions which we send back out for our school community to vote on. Please complete   this   brief Google form by March 31, 2025. A great theme should be: inspiring, inclusive, and actionable. Blue Zones Opportunities - Our community partner Blue Zones has many opportunities for staff, students, and families to take advantage of. Feel free to take advantage of these yourself and share with students and families. Tuesday, 3/11 @ 11 .m. | Taste the Blue Zones with Main Street Bakery in Salinas Wednesday, 3/12 @ 11 a.m. | Taste the blue zones with El Colibri Restaurant and Deli in Salinas Thursday, 3/13 @ 11 a.m. | Taste the blue zones with La Casa del Sazon in Salinas Friday, 3/21 @ 9 a.m. |  Taste the Blue Zones with East Village Cafe in Monterey Friday, 3/21 @ 3:30 p.m. | Bites and Activities with La Cocina in King City Tuesday, 3/25 @ 4:30 p.m. | Soccer Complex Clean-Up / Limpieza del Complejo de Fútbol in Salinas View and register for all BZP events . The Blue Zones Inspired Takeout Guide is live featuring BZP Approved Restaurants Districtwide News MPUSD News: Community Updates - Did you know that in addition to the internal staff weekly MPUSD eNews   sent each Tuesday morning that we publish MPUSD News: Community Updates for the external community each Saturday morning? This publication is sent to parents, guardians, community supporters and members of the media. We often provide similar information in both publications, but in case you don’t see the community updates, you may access last week's edition  here . District English Learner Advisory Committee - The  District English Learner Advisory Committee meets this Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School of the Arts. This is an opportunity to provide support to our multilingual learners. Free dinner and childcare offered.  Seaside Immigration Forum: Know Your Rights   - A forum for the community on knowing their immigration rights will be held on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 6 - 7:30 p.m. will be held in the Seaside High School gym, and is open to workers, students, immigrants, and allies. A community resource fair will also be held beforehand from 5 - 6 pm. Flyer can be accessed  here . Student Interns for the Monterey Herald - Congratulations to Monterey High  student Audrey Wasbauer . As part of an internship program with the local paper Monterey Herald , she wrote an article on the Pacific Grove natural history van. Take a moment to read about her published article  here . Everyone’s Harvest Canceled Indefinitely - Last week was the final week of the Everyone’s Harvest Free Farms Together Produce Boxes. The program is being canceled indefinitely starting this week due to the federal government’s freeze on funding while the USDA grant that funds the program is under review. According to Everyone’s Harvest, this leaves small family farmers without future payments and hundreds of families who rely on this program for nutritious food without fresh fruits and vegetables. Many farmers locally and across the state have already spent their own money on extra seeds, labor, and harvesting to provide produce for the Farms Together boxes, expecting to recoup the costs by payments from the program. Without this funding, these costs come directly out of their pockets. BESTS Program: Building Equitable Supports through a Tiered System - MPUSD, in partnership with the National Center for Youth Law and the Monterey County Office of Education, is committed to supporting students and families experiencing homelessness and housing insecurities. Through the  BESTS program , we are working together to provide resources, services, and advocacy to ensure every student has the support they need to thrive. Learn more about our efforts and explore available resources on our updated website landing pages:  the.mpusd.net/mpusdbests . If you or someone you know could benefit from these services, visit our website or reach out for support. Together, we can make a difference.  Spring Break | No School - MPUSD's Spring Break is just around the corner in one week. As a reminder, our schools will be closed March 17 - 28, 2025. We look forward to welcoming students back on Monday, March 31, 2025. Cut to the Campus More than two dozen  Monte Vista TK-8  students had their art selected to be on display in a Youth Art Exhibit at Seaside City Hall. Additionally, the school’s 7th and 8th graders also had photographs from the Weston Collective photography partnership selected and displayed. They will be recognized on February 14, 2025, in an artists’ reception and their work will be on display through April 19, 2025. Congratulations, MVTK-8 artists. In similar news, student artists from Seaside Middle School  and Seaside High School were also selected to be part of the Youth Art Exhibit at Seaside City Hall. Photography students from the  Dual Language Academy of the Monterey Peninsula, also part of the Weston Collective, will have their photos displayed, too. What a wonderful time to showcase this incredible work during Arts Education Month. Last week  Del Rey Woods Elementary School kicked off its Student-Led Conferences, and they have been a great success. The partnership between the school and families is a vital connection. During these conferences, students have the opportunity to guide their families through their classrooms, showcase what they have been learning, and take a moment to celebrate the rich and engaging learning experiences that take place at Del Rey Woods every day. Crumpton Elementary’s  transitional kindergarten students enjoyed a fantastic field trip to Ms. Roberta’s farm, where they had a wonderful time interacting with the animals. Next week marks the final week of the book fair—thank you to librarian Mrs. Kuwatani for her hard work in making it such a success. Los Arboles Middle School   had a VIP visitor, Congressman Jimmy Panetta, last week. He stopped by to chat with the LAMS Stock Market Club about the Stock Market Game, an exciting challenge where our students test their investing skills. Thank you Mrs. Flanders, for making this happen for students. Thanks to an amazing partnership with The Wahine Project,  Olson Elementary  students got the chance to experience the ocean like never before! From learning about marine life to riding the waves, this hands-on experience fostered confidence, environmental awareness, and a love for the sea. The Wahine Project is dedicated to making the ocean accessible to all, breaking barriers, and empowering youth through surfing, ocean education, and water safety. Students at  Marina Vista Elementary Arts Academy  are keeping the momentum going! Last week, students in the Adaptive PE program had a blast drumming—an exciting and engaging activity that brings physical, cognitive, and emotional benefits. Adaptive PE ensures that all students, regardless of ability, have opportunities to develop motor skills, coordination, and social connections through movement-based activities. Drumming not only enhances rhythm and focus but also boosts self-expression, reduces stress, and strengthens teamwork.  Hot Off the Reel Why MPUSD  - At Seaside Middle School, seventh-grade English teacher Ben Holliday is more than an educator—he's a mentor, innovator, and community builder. Now in his seventh year at the school, Holliday has dedicated his career to creating an engaging and supportive environment where students can grow both academically and personally. Take a moment to  read about Ben  or watch his why  here . Seaside High School Black Joy Event -  Seaside High School students had an amazing time celebrating the Black Joy Festival. They connected with local community partners and Black-owned businesses, enjoyed delicious food, participated in fun activities and games, and even won gift cards. Take a moment to watch the outstanding event  here . Information to Share with Students MCOE College and Career Fair - Explore a world of possibilities Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the  Monterey County Office of Education College and Career Fair at the National Steinbeck Center, 1 Main Street, Salinas. Connect with representatives from local colleges and universities, gain valuable insights, and discover opportunities to shape your academic journey and future career. Learn about scholarships, financial aid, and programs designed to help you succeed. This event is open to the public, and all Monterey County students are invited to attend. Hartnell College STEAM Family Science Day - Bright Futures for Monterey County and their partners at K-12 STEAM at Hartnell College Foundation are excited to host STEAM Family Science Day on Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 10 AM to 2 PM at Hartnell College.  Register here . This free, family-friendly event is a fantastic opportunity for students and parents to engage in exciting STEAM activities, including hands-on experiments, scientific demonstrations, and interactive exhibits. Attendees will also experience STEAM competitions, Science Fair judging, and a variety of engaging activities. International Relations Classes for Middle and High School Students  - Model United Nations (MUN) promotes an understanding of geography, social studies, and world history in a fun and interactive way, beyond the traditional textbook environment. Through role-playing, students bring current international issues to life and gain an interest and better understanding of global issues. The MUN classes prepare students for the Lyceum's 15th Annual Model United Nations conference which will take place Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Middlebury Institute for International Studies (MIIS) in Monterey. Prep workshop date/time specific to grade; in-person and virtual workshop options. Fee: $75 (fee includes workshop and participation in the MUN Conference on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Light breakfast items and lunch included. Questions? Learn more at  www.lyceum.org/mun-prep-workshops-link , call 831-372-6098, or email joyce@Lyceum.org 10-Minute Challenge: Healthier Technology Use for Kids & Teens -  This 10-minute challenge is a statewide competition supported by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), and the California Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI). This competition invites California students to design Single Session Interventions (SSIs), meaning short, digital activities that promote healthier relationships with technology. It’s open to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, with cash prizes of up to $5,000 in each school-level category. We believe this challenge is a great fit for students in Monterey County, offering them the chance to: Develop innovative solutions for real-world mental health challenges. Gain experience in intervention design using our no-code platform, MindLogger. Be recognized for their contributions to youth mental health. Learn more about the competition and how to participate . Astronaut Event and Space Travel Presentation | March 12 -  A free event for students, including youth mentoring. US Astronaut Dr. James Newman will be the speaker at a California Arts and Sciences Institute (CASI) live event on March 12, 3:30 pm at the Carmel Barnyard. Newman will relate his experience in NASA space travel and space walk and also delve into the future of space travel and space colonization. Dr. Michael Hogan, who led the design of  the NASA Apollo heat shield, will introduce Dr. Newman. Tickets may be obtained at  Astronaut Dr. James Newman: March 12 – California Arts & Sciences Institute . Every cent of ticket purchases will go toward the CASI scholarships to student award winners in the CASI Student Art and Writing Contests ending spring 2025. Complementary wine and light refreshments will be served. After the presentation, there is an opportunity to engage with Dr. Newman and other CASI mentors for students engaged in the CASI writing contest. Gladeo Career Exploration -  Visit  mcoe.gladeo.org and explore this incredible resource for students.  Check out the features to include an assessment quiz, job highlights, career profiles, and so much more.  This dynamic and interactive platform is designed to help students uncover career opportunities and confidently plan their futures.  Explore the site today and help spread the word! Together, we can empower students to turn their aspirations into reality. Reminders: Info in Previous Editions Worthy of Repeat Save the Date: MPUSD Retirement Celebration - Save the date - Tuesday, May 27, 2025 - from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. Join us as we honor our colleagues who are embarking on their retirement journey and celebrate their dedication to MPUSD. All staff are invited to share in this special occasion and wish them well in the next chapter of their lives. Potential Retirees: If you plan to retire, please notify Human Resources by May 6, 2025, so you may be recognized by the Board of Education at the May 27 meeting. Board annotations are filed earlier in the month, and we want to ensure you receive the recognition you deserve. We look forward to celebrating our incredible retirees! 2025 CPR/AED Classes - Have you ever wanted to take a CPR/AED course? Do you need to renew your CPR/AED card? Workshops focused on adult, child, and infant CPR/AED is being offered outside of MPUSD. Classes are $75 per person and come with a certification card valid for two years. To register for classes, visit  www.elevateservice.org . For any questions you have, you can submit via their website or email info@elevateservice.org .  This offering is not sponsored by MPUSD and being promoted in the event employees are interested in a course.  The 2025 classes are: March 10 @ 5:30 pm | March 15 @ 10 am April 7 @ 5:30 pm |  April 19 @ 10 am |  April 21 @ 5:30 pm May 5 @ 5:30 pm |  May 19 @ 5:30 pm | May 24 @ 10 am June 6  @ 5:30 pm |  June 14 @ 10 am |  June 23 @ 5:30 pm

    Tuesday, Mar 11 2025

  • MPUSD News: Community Updates | March 8

    Weekly communication from the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. Breaking News BESTS Program: Building Equitable Supports through a Tiered System - MPUSD, in partnership with the National Center for Youth Law and the Monterey County Office of Education, is committed to supporting students and families experiencing homelessness and housing insecurities. Through the  BESTS program , we are working together to provide resources, services, and advocacy to ensure every student has the support they need to thrive. Learn more about our efforts and explore available resources on our updated website landing pages:  the.mpusd.net/mpusdbests . If you or someone you know could benefit from these services, visit our website or reach out for support. Together, we can make a difference.  MPUSD's Upcycled Prom Closet – Happening Today - Prom season is near, and MPUSD is bringing back its Upcycled Prom Closet TODAY - March 8, 2025 - from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Oldemeyer Center in Seaside to ensure every student can attend in style—for free. Students can get gently used prom dresses, suits, shoes, accessories, or gift cards for clothing stores, salons, and more all free. Let's make prom special for all students! Learn more  here . District English Learner Advisory Committee - The  District English Learner Advisory Committee meets next Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School of the Arts. This is an opportunity to provide support to our multilingual learners. Free dinner and childcare offered.  Student-Led Conferences | Early Release Days - MPUSD elementary, TK-8, and middle schools continue student-led conferences into next week through March 14, 2025. These conferences give students the opportunity to take ownership of their learning by sharing their progress, strengths, and goals with parents, guardians, and teachers. Research shows that family involvement plays a crucial role in student success, and these conferences provide a valuable opportunity to foster collaboration. Note: Early release times. Learn more  here . Spring Break | No School - MPUSD's Spring Break is just around the corner in one week. As a reminder, our schools will be closed March 17 - 28, 2025. We look forward to welcoming students back on Monday, March 31, 2025. Information of Interest MCOE College and Career Fair  - Explore a world of possibilities Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Monterey County Office of Education College and Career Fair at the National Steinbeck Center, 1 Main Street, Salinas. Connect with representatives from local colleges and universities, gain valuable insights, and discover opportunities to shape your academic journey and future career. Learn about scholarships, financial aid, and programs designed to help you succeed. This event is open to the public, and all Monterey County students are invited to attend. Hartnell College STEAM Family Science Day  - Bright Futures for Monterey County and their partners at K-12 STEAM at Hartnell College Foundation are excited to host STEAM Family Science Day on Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 10 AM to 2 PM at Hartnell College.  Register here . This free, family-friendly event is a fantastic opportunity for students and parents to engage in exciting STEAM activities, including hands-on experiments, scientific demonstrations, and interactive exhibits. Attendees will also experience STEAM competitions, Science Fair judging, and a variety of engaging activities. International Relations Classes for Middle and High School Students  - Model United Nations (MUN) promotes an understanding of geography, social studies, and world history in a fun and interactive way, beyond the traditional textbook environment. Through role-playing, students bring current international issues to life and gain an interest and better understanding of global issues. The MUN classes prepare students for the Lyceum's 15th Annual Model United Nations conference which will take place Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Middlebury Institute for International Studies (MIIS) in Monterey. Prep workshop date/time specific to grade; in-person and virtual workshop options. Fee: $75 (fee includes workshop and participation in the MUN Conference on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Light breakfast items and lunch included. Questions? Learn more at  www.lyceum.org/mun-prep-workshops-link , call 831-372-6098, or email  joyce@Lyceum.org . Seaside Immigration Forum: Know Your Rights - Be prepared. Know what to do if you are stopped or questioned by immigration agents. This forum on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 6 - 7:30 p.m. will be held in the Seaside High School gym, and is open to workers, students, immigrants, and allies. A community resource fair will also be held beforehand from 5 - 6 pm.  Board of Education Board of Education Meetings    - The Board of Education will meet on  Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the District Services Center located at 540 Canyon Del Rey in Del Rey Oaks. The agenda will be posted on March 6, 2025,  here . You can watch the meeting live via  AMP-TV  or view it via  Zoom .  Cut to the Campus La Mesa School Student Wins County Spelling Bee - After eight rounds and numerous words, Monterey County has a new spelling champion. Seren Kim, a 6th-grade student from La Mesa Elementary School in the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District, outspelled 23 other students from schools throughout Monterey County to win the Countywide Spelling Bee on Saturday, March 1, at the Monterey County Office of Education. Seren’s winning word was bibliopegist. Learn more  here . As champion, Seren Kim will represent Monterey County at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., in May. Hot Off the Reel National School Breakfast Week  - Did you know that MPUSD serves between 2,600 to 3,000 breakfasts every school day? A nutritious breakfast fuels our students' minds and bodies, helping them focus, concentrate, and succeed in the classroom. Studies show that students who eat a healthy breakfast have better memory, improved mood, and higher academic performance. For many of our students, the school breakfast program is a critical part of their day. Take less than a minute to see what our school breakfasts look like  here and help us close out National School Breakfast Week, which was March 3-7, 2025.           MPUSD in the News Monterey County Weekly: Local school districts face deficits because of personnel and program reductions Items Worthy of Repeat from Previous Editions Health Insurance Information for Student Support Services  -  Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, we will request parents/guardians to provide health insurance or Medi-Cal information during the online registration and confirmation process, in compliance with new state laws under the California Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI). This allows schools to partner with health insurance providers to ensure continued access to socio-emotional and mental health services for students. For the remainder of the 2024-2025 school year, families may receive requests via ParentSquare to provide insurance details if their child is receiving support services. There are no costs or co-pays to families—this information is solely for reimbursement purposes from the state as required by state law. For more details and FAQs, visit  MPUSD's website . Spring 2025 Open Houses - The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District schools will open their doors to the community and host their spring 2025 open houses in April and May. The community is welcome to all of MPUSD's open houses to see the powerful teaching and learning happening across the district. For a list of all dates and times of our schools' open houses, please click  here . 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 . 3.11.25     Board of Education Meeting 3.12.25   District   English Learner Advisory Committee 3.17.25 - 3.28.25 Spring Break | No School 4.8.25   Board of Education Meeting 4.15.25   Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School of the Arts Open House 4.17.25     Marina High School Open House 4.22.25 Board of Education Town Hall Gathering 4.24.25   Monterey High School Open House 4.30.25 Seaside Child Development Center Open House

    Saturday, Mar 08 2025

  • FREE, FREE, and MORE FREE: Upcycled Prom Event

    Happening tomorrow! Upcycled Prom Closet on March 8, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Oldemeyer Center in Seaside.  Open to all MPUSD high school students and their parents/guardians. Clothing Over 100 dresses and gowns Suits, dress shirts, slacks, ties Shoes, purses and jewelry Food and Fun Free food sponsored by Trader Joes and Costco Music by Monterey DJ Photo booth for fun pre-prom pictures and perfect for a promposal Doors Prizes (first come, first serve – while supplies last) 10 In & Out Burger Meal Cards 9 Standard Haircuts up to $50 25 Acrylic Nails Set Kits various colors Raffle Prizes 6 Corsage and Boutonniere sets 6 Dennys Gift Cards 3 Sets (2 tickets per winner) of Prom Tickets 3 dresses from Lily's boutique up to $200 3 Target Gift Cards 1 Kadus Professionals Swag Bag

    Friday, Mar 07 2025