The MPUSD Insider is the weekly internal newsletter for MPUSD all staff.
NOTE: The MPUSD Insider will be on hiatus March 24 and March 31. It will return April 7.
Of Interest to Staff
Spring Break | March 23 - April 3, 2026 - Spring Break is near! For those who will be off, we hope you have a restful time.
Honoring the Life of Tom Grych - Many members of the MPUSD community remember Tom Grych for his years of service to our students, staff, and schools. Tom was a dedicated educator and leader who also served in many of our schools and as MBTA Union President for two years, where he worked to support and advocate for his colleagues across the district. Through his leadership and commitment, he touched the lives of many within the MPUSD family. Tom’s family has shared that a Celebration of Life will be held to honor his memory. Because Tom meant so much to so many across our district, all members of the MPUSD community are welcome to attend. To help the family and organizers plan accordingly, they kindly ask that those who plan to attend RSVP in advance by emailing kross@mpusd.k12.ca.us. We extend our continued thoughts and condolences to Tom’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him. His contributions to MPUSD and to the education community will not be forgotten.
Sunday, April 12 3:00 p.m. Wave Studios – Monterey
Drone Pilot Training and Remote Pilot Certification Course- Our Monterey Adult School has partnered with DART to provide a certification course for students to obtain a FAA Part 104 drone piloting license. It is a 6 - 8 week program, two days a week in the evening, starting in April. 10 spots are available. The class costs $150, but scholarships will be available. Program details are still being confirmed. If you are interested and would like to be placed on the contact list once class info is finalized, email transition specialist, Renée Mondragon at rmondragon@mpusd.k12.ca.us.
Last Day to Register Coming Soon | Discovery Day @ the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) - Discovery Day is an immersive, hands-on STEM experience for students in grades 6 - 12 to be held May 1, 2026, at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey. Students will explore cutting-edge research through interactive activities such as coding robots, flying drones, launching weather balloons, building speakers and telescopes, 3D printing with special pens, analyzing sediment samples, and even exercising with a U.S. Marine. Guided by experts at the forefront of Naval STEM research, Discovery Day brings science and technology to life and inspires the next generation of innovators.
Register by March 29, 2026 Open to: 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students
Don't be shy! Share about a colleague and we will highlight them in this section. Just send their name and a brief bullet or two of what they've done and we'll do the rest!
Service Mindset - Shout-out to the team at Ord Terrace Elementary School for demonstrating a true service mindset in support of our newcomer families. Ord Terrace’s office staff, including the school office secretary, family liaison, and support clerk, have gone above and beyond to ensure families receive clear information about the Dual Language Academy program. The team has proactively connected with DLAMP staff to learn more about the program so they can better guide families through the placement process. Their collaboration, care, and commitment to welcoming families reflect what makes MPUSD special. When our teams work together across sites, we create stronger pathways of support and help every family feel informed, valued, and connected. Service Mindset - Thank you to Carmen Chavez atMarshall Elementary School for the incredible work she does every day to support her school community. The role of a school office secretary is no small task, and Carmen handles the many moving parts with professionalism, positivity, and care. Colleagues at the District Office shared that she approaches her work with a stellar attitude and a genuine commitment to getting things right for students, staff, and families. What truly stands out is Carmen’s openness to feedback and her willingness to pivot when needed. She sees collaboration and adjustments as part of the process, always keeping the focus on the end result and what’s best for the school community. That mindset makes a tremendous difference and helps everyone work together to create a strong, supportive environment.
Improve With Purpose - A special shout-out to the MPUSD Communications Team of Marci McFadden, Marissa Schwartz, and Isai Ogarrio-Martinez for continuing to elevate and share the incredible work happening across our schools and programs. This past weekend, Monterey Peninsula Unified School District was honored by the California School Public Relations Association with five statewide awards recognizing excellence in school communications. MPUSD earning five awards reflects the strength of our storytelling and commitment to sharing the impact of YOUR work with the community.
Awards of Excellence:
Comprehensive Program or Campaign: Reading is Key: Strengthening Early Literacy Through a Districtwide, Data-Informed Campaign
Special Purpose Publication: Recommitment to the Future: MPUSD’s 8th Grade Promotion Rebrand and Unified Ceremony Program Design
Awards of Merit in the Video category (Produced In-House – Singular):
It Goes So Fast - Seaside High Graduates
MPUSD Back-to-School Kickoff Video 2024 - School Year Launch
The Sandwich Shack: Rethinking School Lunch
Every Person Matters - Thanks to your nominations submitted last fall for Monterey County’s Classified School Employee of the Year and Teacher of the Year programs, three members of the MPUSD team were surprised last week by Monterey County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Deneen Guss with the exciting news that they have been selected for recognition. (NOTE: MPUSD submitted multiple nominations, and three winners were selected by MCOE.) They will be formally honored at the Monterey County Office of Education’s annual awards dinner on May 8. Congratulations to the following MPUSD honorees:
Gary Cannon, Teacher, Seaside High | High School Teacher of the Year and Overall Teacher of the Year
Joanne Olivia, Marshall Elementary School | Classified School Employee of the Year, Nutrition Category
Socorro Perez De Miguel, Marina Child Development Center, SPED Aide | Classified School Employee of the Year, Special Education Category
Powerful Teaching and Learning - Congratulations to Monterey High School Digital Arts teacher Martha Tonkin and her talented students for earning top honors at the Cherry Center’s Annual Regional High School Art Competition and Exhibition, Thinking Out Loud. Competing against hundreds of entries from high school art programs across Monterey County, MHS students earned two of the six awards presented this year. Arynn Romero (AMP ’28) received 1st Place and a $200 award for the photograph “Pink Sky,” while Julie Luna (MHS ’26) earned an Honorable Mention and a $50 award for “Cold Breeze.” In addition, Bryan Viet Le (AMP ’28) was recognized with his photograph “The Vibrant Pacific,” which is featured on the Cherry Center’s website and printed publications. This outstanding achievement highlights the creativity, skill, and dedication of Monterey High’s Digital Arts students and the strong arts program led by Ms. Tonkin. Way to go, Dores!
Districtwide News
Beach Volleyball - Monterey High School made history as the school’s first-ever beach volleyball team competed in its inaugural match against Soquel High School. This milestone marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for MHS athletics and highlights the growth of opportunities for student-athletes to get involved, compete, and represent the Dores with pride.
Help Us Shape MPUSD's 2026-2027 Local Control Accountability Plan - Each year, the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District invites students, families, staff, and community members to help guide our Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP), a state-required plan that helps determine how certain education funds are used to support student success. The LCAP focuses on key priorities identified by our community, including:
College and career readiness
Early literacy and reading by third grade
Support for emerging bilingual students
Math and science achievement
Student well-being, engagement, and positive school culture
Your feedback helps us evaluate our progress and identify where we can improve. While the LCAP represents about 11% of MPUSD’s overall budget, it plays an important role in guiding targeted investments that support students, particularly English learners, foster youth, and students experiencing economic hardship.
Spring Open House Season - When we return from Spring Break in April, MPUSD schools will welcome families and community members to campus for Spring Open House, a special opportunity to step into classrooms and celebrate student learning. Visit our website to view the full list of Spring Open House dates, times, and locations across the district.
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
THIS WEEK | Elementary, TK-8, and Middle School Parent-Teacher Conferences | March 16 - 20, 2026 - Just a friendly reminder of the upcoming parent/teacher conferences the week of March 16 - 220, 2026, for elementary, TK-8, and middle school families. Reminder: Early release is at 12:50 p.m. for elementary and TK-8 schools and 1:30 p.m. for middle schools.
Parent University - All MPUSD families are invited to Parent University at the Dual Language Academy of the Monterey Peninsula on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, from 5:30 - 8 p.m. In addition to free food, child care and raffle prizes, parents will learn about how they can support their student, about youth mental health, and the safe use of technology, social media, and so much more. Register HERE so we can plan for attendance.
Welcoming Families Learning Series - We invite all families in MPUSD to attend this monthly series - the next session is April 6, 2026. Our first session (anti-bullying) will be facilitated by Harmony at Home. Come and learn the community approach to bullying prevention. There will be pizza dinner, childcare and a small raffle. We hope to see you there!
Board of Education
Board of Education Meeting - The Board of Education met on March 10, 2026, at 540 Canyon Del Rey in Del Rey Oaks. If you missed the meeting and want to learn what actions the Board took, you can check out our Board Highlights. The Board meets again on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, and the agenda may be found HERE. You can attend in person or access the meeting via AMP-TV live or Zoom.
Hot Off the Reel
Adaoptive PE Week - It's Adapted Physical Education Week! We're highlighting Los Arboles Middle School students and a very special program. The Wahine Project offers a safe and welcoming environment for students to get into the ocean and even boogie board or surf if they feel inspired. We're grateful for this partnership that offers our students such a unique opportunity.
MPUSD Districtwide Art Show - Thank you to all of the talented student artists and families who came out to support our Second Annual Districtwide Art Show. We had 140 incredible pieces on display, featuring a wide range of creativity, from clay and jewelry to felt, paintings, and drawings. If you didn’t get a chance to stop by, don’t worry! All of this amazing artwork will remain on display through May at the District Services Center located at 540 Canyon Del Rey in Del Rey Oaks. Be sure to check it out.
Reminders: Info in Previous Editions Worthy of Repeat
Staff Appreciation Night at Monterey Bay FC - MPUSD staff are invited to enjoy a fun evening of soccer and appreciation thanks to community partner Monterey Bay FC! Monterey Bay FC is hosting Teacher (Staff) Appreciation Night on Saturday, April 25, when Monterey Bay FC takes on the Oakland Roots. The first 500 teachers (staff) receive free admission, and all fans in attendance will receive a Central Coast YMCA free day pass. Staff interested in attending must complete the online form to claim ticket. For questions or additional information, staff may contact Ricardo Rodriguez at 831-750-4740 or Ricardo@montereybayfc.com
Enrollment for the 2026 - 2027 School Year - MPUSD online registration is now open for NEW students and select 2026–2027 enrollments. Full details are on MPUSD's website.
Currently Open:
2026–2027 New TK and New Kindergarten students (and those coming from MPUSD Preschool)
2026–2027 New TK–12 students (including students not enrolled in MPUSD during 2025–2026 or students returning to MPUSD after attending elsewhere)
2025–2026 (current year) new registrations
2025–2026 (current year) confirmations
Not Yet Open:
2026–2027 confirmations for students currently enrolled in MPUSD
Register by March 29, 2026
Open to: 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students
Learn more and register on the 
