The MPUSD Insider is the weekly internal newsletter for MPUSD all staff.
**Only one more edition left this school year.**
Of Interest to Staff
MPUSD Insider Reader Survey - As we wrap up the school year, we’re looking ahead to how we can continue improving the MPUSD Insider for next year. Please take a few minutes to complete our short staff feedback survey. Your input will help us better understand what information is most valuable, what helps staff feel connected and informed, and how we can enhance the overall experience moving forward. Thank you for all you do each day for our students, schools, and community.
Retiree Reception - An evening filled with gratitude, memories, laughter, and celebration. MPUSD honored our 2025 - 2026 retirees whose years of dedication, service, and heart have helped shape generations of students and families across our community. Their impact will be felt for years to come. Thank you for the countless lives you touched and for the legacy you leave behind. Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement. Once MPUSD, always MPUSD. Read more and view the full list of retirees in the MPUSD Newsroom: https://the.mpusd.net/2026retirees
District English Learner Advisory Committee | May 27- Join us for the last District English Learner Advisory Committee of the 2025-2026 school year on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School located at 1713 Broadway Avenue in Seaside, CA.
MPUSD Way
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!
** Only one more edition this school year to give a shout out - June 2.**
We're Better Together - A big shout out to Michelle Garcia for exemplifying the MPUSD Way and our “We’re Better Together” tenet each and every day at Del Rey Woods Elementary School. Michelle consistently collaborates across service providers to ensure students receive the support they need to thrive in the school environment. Her communication, flexibility, teamwork, and depth of knowledge make a meaningful difference for students and staff alike. Thank you, Michelle, for your unwavering commitment to supporting student success and for being such an incredible team player!
Learn Something New Every Day - Nancy Ishak, Julie Haws, and Christopher Miller are learning something new every day. Thanks to their collaboration and creative thinking, every Los Arboles Middle School Falcon had the opportunity to experience STEM learning beyond the classroom through two full grade-level science field trips. Their commitment to creating inclusive, hands-on opportunities is helping students explore, discover, and grow in meaningful ways. Thank you for making learning come alive for Falcons!
Powerful Teaching and Learning - Congratulations to Allison Preece and Matt Quiroz for exemplifying powerful teaching and learning. Their leadership, passion, and dedication helped guide Los Arboles Middle School Choir, Band, and Orchestra students to an incredible accomplishment, earning 1st place in all three categories at this year’s San Jose music competition. Beyond the awards, they inspire confidence, excellence, and a love for the arts in every student they lead.
Leadership as the Lever - Thank you to Athletic Director David Collyer for your leadership. Los Arboles Middle School created 207 athletic opportunities across three seasons, ensuring students had opportunities to connect, compete, grow, and belong. David also reminds students and staff alike that joy, movement, and play are important parts of every day.
Improve with Purpose - Congratulations to Gabriel Cortes on an outstanding flag football season. Under his leadership, three Los Arboles Middle School teams advanced to the championships, with one team bringing home the title! Gabriel’s consistency, encouragement, and commitment inspired students to work hard, compete fiercely, and believe in themselves every step of the way.
We're Better Together - A heartfelt thank you to Kimberly Kellam and Anita Wilson for coordinating logistics and scheduling, as well as paperwork and countless phone calls. They work tirelessly behind the scenes to make unforgettable student experiences possible. Their care, organization, and attention to detail help create lasting memories and opportunities for Falcons every single day.
Leadership as the Lever - Congratulations to Monterey High School’s NJROTC program, led by Commander Kerchner and Chief Hylton, for being recognized as a “Distinguished Unit” by the U.S. Navy and earning 1st place in the model roller coaster competition at Great America’s Physics, Science & Math Day. Your leadership continues to grow the program while inspiring students to excel in academics, teamwork, innovation, and service. Thank you for creating meaningful opportunities that challenge students to think critically, compete with confidence, and represent Monterey High with pride.
Service Mindset - A big thank you to Veroy Alston and the MPUSD grounds crew for their continued care and attention to our schools and surrounding properties. Recently, a community member reached out to share his appreciation after the team cleaned up the MPUSD property and adjacent storm basin area near his home. He specifically recognized the crew for being courteous, efficient, and taking pride in keeping the area clean and free of excessive growth. These behind-the-scenes efforts make a difference not only for our schools, but for the entire community.
Powerful Teaching and Learning - Congratulations to Monterey High School’s Marianne Hartfelt and Nikki Ahrenstorff for their outstanding dedication to students and school success. Marianne was recognized by the Rotary Club of Monterey as one of their Outstanding Teachers of the Year, and Nikki once again guided Monterey High through a successful DP testing season with incredible organization and care. Thank you both for living the MPUSD Way through your hard work, leadership, and commitment to students.
Districtwide News
Celebrating our English Language Learners | June 1 - Help us celebrate the achievements of our English language learner students as they reclassify to fluent English proficient on June 1, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at our District Services Center located at 540 Canyon Del Rey in Del Rey Oaks.
Seal of Biliteracy Ceremony | June 1 - Celebrate our MPUSD students that have been reclassified from January - May 2026 (2nd semester) as fluent English proficient. Additionally we are honoring our graduating seniors that attained the State Seal of Biliteracy with a medal. If you have students that have achieved these exciting milestones join us in celebrating their achievement. We will have entertainment, light refreshments and and awards for each student.
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
MPUSD Preschool Tours | June 27 and July 25 - MPUSD Preschool Programs are opening their doors for Summer Preschool Tours! Families with young children are invited to visit our preschool sites, meet our caring staff, and explore engaging, hands-on learning environments designed to support early development and school readiness. Tours will be held at Seaside Child Development Center, Dual Language Academy of the Monterey Peninsula Preschool, and Monterey Child Development Center on select dates in June and July. For more information, visit preschool.mpusd.net.
Immigration Clinic will be in Seaside June 1 | ¡La Clínica de Inmigración será en Seaside el 1 de junio!- Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey will be at Soper Field (220 Coe Ave, Seaside, CA 93955) on Monday, June 1, from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM for its Immigration Clinic. The team will provide trusted help with: Immigration Legal Consultations, DACA and green card renewals, and Family Preparedness Planning Assistance. This is not sponsored or endorsed by MPUSD, but is provided as a service announcement for those interested.
Board of Education
Board of Education Meeting - The Board of Education meets on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, (6:30 p.m. is Open Session) at the District Services Center located at 540 Canyon Del Rey in Del Rey Oaks. The agenda may be found here. If you miss the meeting and want to know what actions the Board takes check out Board Highlights later that evening or wait for Spotlight on Board Highlights to come out later next week. You can also join via Zoom and provide public comment or watch live on AMP-TV.
Hot Off the Reel
La Mesa School Spring Concert Grades K-2 - The end of the school year is almost here, and our campuses are filled with performances, celebrations, and special activities. These sweet moments remind us why music and the arts matter so much, helping students build confidence, step onto the stage, express themselves, and shine.
What is Dual Enrollment | Ask a Middle School Student - As middle school students prepare for high school, we want more families to learn about the benefits of Dual Enrollment. Students can take college courses while in high school, earn credits early, save money, and get a head start on their future, all while fitting classes into their regular schedule. These opportunities are made possible through our partnership with Monterey Peninsula College. Learn more.
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Reminders: Info in Previous Editions Worthy of Repeat
Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremonies- Mark your calendars! MPUSD will celebrate the high school Classes of 2026 on Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center. This is a ticketed event, with tickets distributed through school sites in May. The graduations will be live streamed on MPUSD TV.
Recommitment to the Future Ceremonies | 8th Grade Promotions - The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District is proud to celebrate our 8th grade students as they take the next step in their educational journey with our Recommit to the Future ceremonies on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Ceremonies will take place at each school site (or designated location) at the following times below.
- Monte Vista TK-8: 9:00 a.m. - La Mesa School: 10:30 a.m. - Dual Language Academy of the Monterey Peninsula (at Oldemeyer Center): 11:00 a.m. - Los Arboles Middle School: 11:00 a.m. - Seaside Middle School (at Seaside High School): 4:30 p.m.
In Case You Missed It | Once a Student. Always MPUSD. | Introducing the MPUSD Legacy Employee Program - Some of the people shaping the future of Monterey Peninsula Unified School District once sat in our classrooms themselves. The MPUSD Legacy Employee Program honors employees who began their educational journey as MPUSD students and later returned to serve the district as educators, leaders, and support staff. Each honoree receives a gold Legacy Pin, a visible symbol of pride, connection, and lifelong belonging. These full-circle journeys are a powerful reminder that what starts in an MPUSD classroom can lead anywhere, including right back here, making a difference for the next generation. If you attended an MPUSD school and now work for MPUSD, complete the Legacy Employee Form so we can recognize and honor you. Also, hot off the press, read about those who have shared with us already in the MPUSD Newsroom.
