Weekly communication from the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District.
Breaking News
Back-to-School Connections | August 17 - 21 - Elementary, TK-8, and middle school families, we hope you’ll join us next week! Back-to-School Connections are an opportunity for your child’s teacher to get to know your child, and your family, more personally. You know your child best. Sharing their strengths, interests, needs and goals helps us better understand how we can support them and partner with you for their success throughout the school year. Each school has sent out sign-up information. Reach out if you haven't made your appointment, yet. NOTE: Early release days. Learn more.
Free Scholarship Money for College - Did you know your child may already qualify for up to $1,500 in free college savings through California’s CalKIDS program? MPUSD wants to make sure every family knows about this incredible opportunity to jumpstart their student’s future. Learn how this state-funded program helps families begin saving now for college or career training. No application required. The sooner you take advantage of this free money, the faster it grows by the time they graduate 12th grade. Visit CalKids directly (Note, you will need your student's statewide Student Identifier (SSID) which you can get on ParentVue by logging in and clicking on student profile.)
Youth Participatory Budgeting Project - Monterey County youth ages 13 - 21 are invited to help decide how public funds can support projects in their community through the County’s first Youth Participatory Budgeting Project. Participants will share ideas, identify priorities, vote on projects, build leadership skills and earn volunteer hours along the way. Apply by Sunday, August 16, 2026 by scanning the QR code on the flyer.
New State Requirements for Volunteers in Schools - We’re grateful for the many families interested in volunteering this school year! Please note that due to changing state laws, all volunteers, including those participating in field trips, must complete the following before volunteering:
Please review the volunteer paperwork and step-by-step training instructions provided by your child's school. Once all requirements are completed, the school office will process volunteer clearance.
Information of Interest
Free Eye Clinic: Sunday, August 23 - The Monterey County Office of Education and Lions Clubs of District 4-C6 are offering a FREE Eye Clinic on Sunday, August 23, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Salinas. Services include vision and glaucoma screenings, recycled eyeglasses and other eye services. No medical insurance or identification is required. Appointments are required and space is limited. Registration is available in English and Spanish from August 10 - 20. See the flyer for registration details and QR codes below. Free Food for MPUSD Families - We are excited to share chef-prepared, take-home meals for MPUSD families. Visit one of four school sites on various days, including Central Coast High School, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School, Ord Terrace Elementary, and Seaside High School.
FREE Bay FC Ticket for MPUSD Students - Thanks to our incredible partners at Bay FC, MPUSD students can claim ONE FREE TICKET to the September 20 match. Bring the family and join us for a great night of soccer while cheering on Monterey Bay FC! Claim your student ticket and purchase discounted family tickets:
🎟️ One FREE ticket per MPUSD student 👨👩👧👦 Discounted tickets available for parents, guardians and family members
International Overdose Awareness Day | August 31 - International Overdose Awareness Day is a time to remember lives lost, support families and communities, and raise awareness about overdose prevention. By reducing stigma, recognizing the signs of an overdose, and knowing how to respond, we can help save lives and create safer communities. Learn more and access resources: the.mpusd.net/overdoseawareness
Connect With Us
Connect with Us - In this section we typically highlight one to three short video reels featuring our schools, students, and staff. We post so much more on our social media platforms. If you're on social media, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube. We have retired our X account this school year.
Board of Education
Board of Education Meeting - The Board of Education met on August 11. If you missed the meeting, check out our Board Highlights or watch Spotlight on Board of Education below. The Board meets again on August 25.
REMINDERS
Back-to-School Night Dates and Times - Families and community members are invited to join us as our schools welcome the new school year with Back-to-School Nights. These special evenings provide an opportunity to meet teachers, learn about classroom expectations and curriculum, connect with school staff, and discover the many ways families can partner in their child's education. Whether you're a parent, guardian, grandparent, or community member, we encourage you to attend and experience the excitement of a new school year. We look forward to seeing you on campus as we continue working together to support the success of every student.
Plan Ahead! MPUSD Calendars Available - The 2026 - 2027 district calendars are posted on MPUSD’s website. Find the full districtwide calendar, plus specific calendars for preschool, elementary/TK-8, and high school, including early release days and parent-teacher conferences. Looking further ahead? The 2027 - 2028 districtwide calendars is also available.
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. (Event dates subject to change. Check with your school site and this section regularly.)
8.17.26 7-11 District Advisory Committee 8.18.26 Del Rey Woods Elementary Back to School Night 8.18.26 Monte Vista TK-8 Back to School Night 8.18.26 Olson Elementary Back to School Night 8.20.26 Monterey High School Back to School Night 8.24.26 Marshall Elementary Back to School Night 8.24.26 Old Terrace Elementary Back to School Night 8.25.26 Board of Education Regular Meeting 8.26.26 La Mesa TK-8 Back to School Night 8.26.26 Seaside Middle Back to School Night 8.27.26 Seaside High Back to School Night 8.31.26 Marina Vista Elementary Back to School Night 8.31.26Seaside Child Development Center Back to School Night
