Weekly communication from the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District.
Breaking News
15 MPUSD Schools Earn Statewide PBIS Honors - MPUSD is celebrating another record year for positive school culture, with 15 schools earning statewide recognition through the 2026 California PBIS Recognition Program. A record 12 schools earned Platinum recognition, the program’s highest level, while three earned Gold, marking the first time every MPUSD school recognized earned Gold or higher. The achievement was also recently highlighted in the Monterey Herald, shining a broader spotlight on the work happening across our schools to create positive, supportive environments where students can thrive. Read the full story and see the complete list of recognized schools. We were also highlighted in the Monterey Herald.
Parent Resource Meeting | Open to All MPUSD Families - Our Central Coast High School is hosting a parent resource meeting on Tuesday, September 8, open to all MPUSD families. Agenda items include getting connected on ParentSquare, claiming your student's CalKIDS money, and other pertinent items.
National Literacy Month - September is National Literacy Month, a time to celebrate the importance of reading, writing and literacy in helping students learn, grow and thrive. Across MPUSD, our educators work every day to build strong literacy skills and foster a love of reading at every grade level. Families can be part of the celebration, too, by reading together, talking about books, visiting the library or simply encouraging students to make reading part of their daily routine. Every story begins with a page and every page can open a new possibility.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month - A simple conversation, a check-in, or reaching out for help can make a difference. At MPUSD, we want our students, families, staff, and community to know that you are not alone, and support is available. Resources and caring adults are available on our school campuses for students who need someone to talk to or help connecting with additional support. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or suicide-related crisis, call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Information of Interest
Community Resource Fair - The Monterey County Black Caucus presents a community resource fair on Monday, August 31, 2026, from 6 - 8 pm. Food and refreshments, as well as fun family activities.
Girls in Aviation Day Takes Flight in Marina - Explore the exciting world of aviation and STEM at Girls in Aviation Day on Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Marina Municipal Airport. Hosted by Joby Aviation, this free, family-friendly event features hands-on STEM activities, flight simulators, aircraft experiences, and opportunities to meet women working in aviation and aerospace careers. Activities are geared toward youth ages 8 - 17, but all kids, families, and genders are welcome. Free registration is required for youth and accompanying adults.
AZA in Concert at Palenke Arts - Experience the vibrant sounds of Morocco as Palenke Arts presents AZA in Concert on Saturday, September 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Palenke Teen Arts Center in Seaside. Part of the 2026 - 2027 Immigrant Voices Concert Series, AZA blends deep, danceable rhythms, intricate string melodies and soulful vocals inspired by the Amazigh music of Morocco. The internationally acclaimed group has been captivating audiences for more than 20 years. Tickets are $30. See the accompanying flyer for details and ticket information.
Hot Off the Reel
Marina High Welcomes Students from Izunokuni City - Marina High welcomed five students and two teachers from Izunokuni City, Shizuoka, Japan, Marina’s sister city. Our visitors connected with students over lunch, toured classrooms, experienced life as a Mariner, and wrapped up their visit with Marina High students at Marina State Beach. A wonderful afternoon of friendship, learning, and cultural exchange. Welcome to Marina.
Board of Education
NEW Platform for Board of Education Agenda - MPUSD’s Board of Education agenda is moving to a new platform effective with the September 8, 2026, meeting (that will post on September 3, 2026). While we are moving to a new platform, the user experience will remain the same. You will log in from the MPUSD website or via link sent to the Board Agenda distribution list and once inside you will look in the top right hand corner below Login and select “Meetings” which is also housed near MPUSD’s “Policies.” This new platform also allows for a inked URL directly to the Zoom and AMP-TV access to the meetings. You may also find our Board of Education bios on this new system. If you have questions or feedback, please reach out to jash@mpusd.net.
Board of Education Meeting- The Board of Education met this past Tuesday. If you missed the meeting and want to know what actions the Board takes, you may read Board Highlights or watch Spotlight on Board Highlights below.
Reminders
Your Voice Matters: Join us for our District English Learner Advisory Council - MPUSD families are invited to participate in our District English Learner Advisory Council (DELAC) meetings during the 2026 - 2027 school year. DELAC provides parents, guardians, and caregivers with an opportunity to share their voices, learn more about district programs and services, and help shape how we support multilingual learners across MPUSD. All parents, guardians, and caregivers are welcome. Childcare and dinner are provided. Visit our website or see flyer below for dates, times, and location.
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.
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.)
Labor Day | September 7 - Please note that MPUSD schools and departments will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2026, in observance of Labor Day.
8.31.26 Marina Vista Elementary Back to School Night 8.31.26Seaside Child Development Center Back to School Night 9.1.26 Crumpton Elementary School Back to School Night 9.1.26 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School Back to School Night 9.2.26 Los Arboles Middle School Back to School Night 9.3.26 Central Coast High School Back to School Night 9.2.26 Marina High School Back to School Night 9.8.26 Board of Education Meeting 9.7.26 Labor Day Holiday | No School 9.10.26 Marina Child Development Center Back to School Night 9.10.26 Monterey Adult School and Adult Transitions Program Back to School Night 9.17.26 Monterey Child Development Center Back to School Night 9.22.26 Board of Education Meeting 10.5.26 Fall Break - No School 10.6.26 Fall Break - No School 10.7.26 Fall Break - No School 10.8.26 Fall Break - No School 10.9.26 Fall Break - No School
