Weekly communication from the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District.
Breaking News
We're Better Together | MPUSD School Year Video - Before the first school bell rang, MPUSD welcomed its team back in a districtwide welcome back event. Take a moment to watch the :90 second school year video setting the tone for the 2026-2027 school year.
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.
Car Week: Plan Ahead for Increased Traffic - Monterey Car Week returns August 7 - 16, bringing thousands of visitors to the Monterey Peninsula. While increased traffic can make commutes more challenging, Car Week also provides a significant boost to our local economy and supports many charitable organizations, including some of our own schools, as students and extracurricular groups volunteer at events to earn donations. With more than 30 events taking place throughout the week, families and staff are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time. The County of Monterey offers real-time traffic updates through its website and social media channels, and provides an interactive event map, schedule, and helpful traffic tips to assist both residents and visitors.
Information of Interest
Back to School Traffic Tips - Our community partner, the City of Monterey, provides pedestrian, bike and drop off/pick up safety tips for our families. Take a moment to reference them.
MPC and CSUMB Start Dates: Plan for Increased Traffic - As the new academic year begins, expect heavier traffic throughout the Monterey Peninsula. Monterey Peninsula College begins its fall semester on Monday, August 17, and California State University Monterey Bay starts classes on Monday, August 24. These start dates typically bring increased congestion on Highway 1, Highway 68, and surrounding roadways. Please plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and travel safely.
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.
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.
MPUSD Staff Back to School Kickoff Celebration - Want to hear what's ahead for MPUSD this school year? While our Back-to-School Kickoff was created to welcome and inspire our staff, we're excited to share the full 45-minute program with our community. Hear Superintendent Dr. PK Diffenbaugh reflect on how far MPUSD has come, the momentum we've built together, and his vision for the 2026-2027 school year. The program also features outstanding student performances from the Marina High School Mariachi and Brass Quintet and the Ord Terrace Elementary Otter Squad, showcasing the talent and pride that make MPUSD so special.
Board of Education
District Budget Update - The MPUSD Board of Trustees received the district's 2026 - 2027 45-Day Budget Revision, a routine update that aligns the district's budget with California's finalized State Budget. The revision includes approximately $3.8 million in additional state funding to support student services, special education, professional development, and district operations. These updates help ensure MPUSD's budget reflects the latest state funding available to serve students and schools. View the full Board presentation here and join us at the August 11 Board of Education meeting to learn more.
Board of Education Meeting - The Board of Education will meet on Tuesday, August 11. The agenda may be found here and you are invited to attend the meeting in person or via Zoom. You can also watch it live on AMP-TV. Can't make it? No problem, check out Board Highlights later that evening or watch Spotlight on Board of Education later next week (both will be in next Saturday's MPUSD Community Updatesedition.
Items Worthy of Repeat from Previous Editions
The Why Behind the What- Readers shared in the feedback survey that they would like less repeated content. We hear you! While we may occasionally repeat important reminders so everyone has a chance to see them before deadlines and events, we'll move recurring announcements to the bottom of the newsletter to keep the top focused on new and timely updates.
Parent/Guardian/Student Handbook Now Available - The 2026 - 2027 MPUSD Parent/Guardian/Student Handbook is now available online. The handbook includes important information about student rights and responsibilities, attendance, health and safety, technology use, school policies, and more to help families prepare for a successful school year. Please take a few moments to review it before school begins. View the handbook on our website: 2026–2027 Parent/Guardian/Student Handbook.
Waiting on your student's bus pass? Don't worry!- We're hard at work processing bus passes, and it may take a little time as we prepare for the new school year. Good news: Students who ride the bus will not be required to show a bus pass until Monday, August 31, 2026. They can continue riding the bus while passes are being processed. Still need to request a bus pass? Visit www.mpusd.net/bus-passes. Thank you for your patience as we get everyone ready for a smooth start to the school year!
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.) 8.11.26 Board of Education Regular Meeting 8.11.26 Dual Language Academy of the Monterey Peninsula Back to School Night 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
