Weekly communication from the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District.
Breaking News
MPUSD Earns Prestigious Golden Bell Award - We're proud to share that MPUSD has been named a 2026 California School Boards Association (CSBA) Golden Bell Award winner for its College, Career, Choice for All initiative! This statewide recognition celebrates our commitment to expanding access to rigorous coursework, college credit, career pathways and meaningful opportunities for every student. The honor marks MPUSD's second consecutive Golden Bell Award. Read the full news release.
Earn Saturday Academy Credit @ Monterey Peninsula College Family STEM Day - Join the Monterey Peninsula College annual Family STEM Day on Saturday, November 7, 2026 from 10 am - 2 pm. Be sure to check in at the MPUSD table to earn Saturday Academy credit for your child(ren).
High School Student Transfer Window Opens November 9 - Planning ahead for the 2027 - 2028 school year? MPUSD's High School Student Transfer Window will be open November 9 - December 11, 2026. This is the only opportunity for families of current 8th - 11th grade students to request a transfer from one MPUSD high school to another for the upcoming 2027 - 2028 school year. High school families (including incoming 9th graders) must submit their requests online during this window. Transfers are subject to space availability at each school. Need assistance? Visit your school's front office or contact the MPUSD Transfer Office at 831-392-3983, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (closed 11 a.m. - noon). NOTE: The elementary, TK - 8, and middle school transfer window will open in January 2027.
Change Those Clocks - Don't forget to set your clocks back one hour when you go to bed Saturday evening as Daylight Savings Time ends at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 1.
Information of Interest
8th Grade Families | Early College High School - Current 8th grade students and families are invited to learn how students can earn up to two years of college credit before graduating high school - tuition-free! Explore MPUSD's three Early College pathways at Marina High, Monterey High, and Seaside High, and join us for an upcoming Parent Information Night, offered in English and Spanish. Applications open December 1, 2026. Learn more about the programs, information nights and how to apply!
Elementary, TK-8 and Middle School Parent/Teacher Conferences - MPUSD elementary, middle and TK - 8 schools will hold Parent/Teacher Conferences November 16 - 20, 2026. This is a great opportunity for families to connect with teachers, celebrate student progress and discuss goals for the remainder of the school year. Reminder: Early release schedules will be in effect all week (November 16 - 20). Families are encouraged to plan ahead for early dismissal and watch for additional conference information from their child's school.
Elementary and TK - 8 Schools: 12:50 p.m.
Middle Schools: 1:30 p.m.
Family Engagement Month - At MPUSD, we believe great things happen when families and schools come together. Whether it's a conversation with a teacher (e.g., conferences as noted above), helping with homework or simply cheering your child on, every little moment of connection makes a difference. This month, we're celebrating our wonderful MPUSD families and the important role you play in helping our students shine. Together, we make a difference. We're Better Together.
National Native American Heritage Month - November is National Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich histories, diverse cultures, traditions and lasting contributions of Native American and Indigenous peoples. At MPUSD, we celebrate their heritage and recognize the importance of preserving their stories and traditions for generations to come.
Hot Off the Reel
Coffee and Cars at Central Coast High School - Community, collaboration and a love of cars came together at Coffee and Cars event at Central Coast High School in Seaside! Students stepped up as judges across several car categories, while teachers and staff helped make the event a success. It was a great reminder of the connections we build when our schools and communities come together.
Board of Education
Board of Education - The Board of Education mets this past week. If you missed the meeting, you may read Board Highlights. The next meeting is Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the District Services Center.
Reminders
Expanding Your Horizons | STEM Conference and Career Fair - Our community partner, The Lyceum of Monterey County, is offering an exciting opportunity for girls in grades 5–10 to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The Expanding Your Horizons Conference & Career Fair takes place Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Hartnell College in Salinas. Participants will enjoy hands-on STEM workshops led by women in STEM, connect with local professionals and discover exciting career possibilities. Registration is FREE and opens October 27. Space is limited to the first 300 participants. Learn more and register.
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.)
11.10.26 Board of Education Meeting 11.11.26 Veterans Day | No School 11.23.26 Thanksgiving Break | No School 11.24.26 Thanksgiving Break | No School 11.25.26 Thanksgiving Break | No School 11.26.26 Thanksgiving Break | No School 11.27.26 Thanksgiving Break | No School
