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Latest News
What is standards-based grading?
The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District provides rigorous, student-centered, and engaging learning experiences for every student. Learn more about what your child's report card looks like.
MPUSD's open enrollment period opens November 14 for high school students
Students within the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District are given a specific window to request a transfer to a different school of their choice.
CDPH best practices for preventative measures for staying healthy this winter
As we enter winter and the holiday season, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) urges Californians to protect themselves and their families against many circulating viruses this holiday season, including the flu, COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
Principal's Message
Greetings La Mesa Community,
It gives me great pleasure to introduce myself as your new Principal. My name is Julie Alderete, and I spent the last 19 years as a public school educator. I spent many joyful years in the classroom and 13 years in Principal and Assistant Principal roles. My positive experiences in and out of the classroom have taught me the importance of honest communication, shared goals, and consistent leadership.
There are many changes happening across MPUSD to better meet the varying needs of our students. In particular, we will continue to focus on supporting the Social Emotional Skills of our students while maintaining adequate supports for grade level proficiency. While there is significant research supporting the benefit of TK-8 schools for our students, we want to acknowledge that this transition can evoke a range of emotions; including uncertainty.
At this moment, we are fully staffed and fine tuning our schedules and plans - and did I mention that construction is in full gear! It is also important to note that as the student population at La Mesa continues to grow, our staffing will also increase:
- Full Time Assistant Principal
- Full Time Social Worker
- Full Time PE Teacher
- Full Time Office Clerk
- Increased Library Services
- Bilingual Community Liaison
- Middle Grades World Language
- Full Time Social Worker
- Full Time PE Teacher
- Full Time Office Clerk
- Increased Library Services
- Bilingual Community Liaison
- Middle Grades World Language
Stay tuned for more staffing updates and bios in the coming weeks!
I hope to focus on creative, meaningful, and rigorous instruction and positive parent-school connections. I know that we have a lot to learn from each other. Building capacity within our school site is only possible when each member of our team supports the school vision, creates specific goals and takes ownership of their role.
I learned that student success ultimately depends on the connection and interdependence of families, staff and students. Positive working relationships based on shared responsibility are integral for our school to be successful. As we come to a close on this school year and begin to plan for our next together, I have developed an Entry Plan which will allow me to introduce myself, in addition to, listen and learn from all of you, and our many stakeholders.
Please extend a warm La Mesa welcome to our new Assistant Principal, Susie Shin-Ma:
“I am very excited to be a part of the La Mesa community. I have been an educator in California public schools my entire career. I started teaching as a 1st grade Spanish bilingual teacher in 1996. In addition to being a multiple subject general education teacher, I’ve taught kindergarten through 8th grade as a drama teacher, Spanish teacher, and academic coach. I have been an assistant principal in Salinas and at the International School of Monterey for the last 8 years. During my years I’ve seen the many facets of the public school system from all perspectives, including that of a parent.
From my experience, I’ve learned that it is important to assume positive intentions. I’ve also learned that when we openly communicate and listen to solve problems, we, teachers, staff, parents, and administrators all want what’s best for students. I look forward to being a part of a team where student success and well-being are at the heart of everything we do everyday.”
Thank you in advance for your continued support. We look forward to meeting you all in person soon!
Sincerely,
Julie Alderete Susie Shin-Ma
Principal Assistant Principal
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