From September 15 through October 15, 2026, Monterey Peninsula Unified School District proudly joins communities across the nation in celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the histories, cultures, traditions, achievements, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans.

The 2026 theme, “Unidos, Somos Más” - “Together, We Are More”, celebrates the strength that comes from unity, shared experiences, and collective impact. At MPUSD, that message feels especially meaningful because it closely reflects one of our MPUSD Way commitments: We’re Better Together.

Throughout our schools, Hispanic and Latino students, families, educators, staff, leaders, and community partners help shape who we are as a district. Their cultures, experiences, voices, traditions, talents, and contributions enrich our classrooms and school communities every day.

Hispanic and Latino history is also deeply woven into the history and identity of California and the Monterey Peninsula. National Hispanic Heritage Month gives us an opportunity not only to recognize that history, but also to celebrate the generations making an impact in our community today and inspire the next generation of leaders.

The national observance begins September 15, a date that marks the independence anniversaries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, followed by Mexico on September 16 and Chile on September 18. First established as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, the celebration was expanded to a month-long national observance in 1988.

At its September 8, 2026 meeting, the MPUSD Board of Education officially recognized September 15 through October 15, 2026, as National Hispanic Heritage Month, reaffirming the District’s commitment to ensuring every student and family feels seen, valued, respected, and represented.

As celebrations and learning take place across MPUSD during the month, we invite our entire community to join us in recognizing the stories, accomplishments, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans: past, present, and future.

Unidos, Somos Más. Together, We Are More.

Because at MPUSD, Every Person Matters and We’re Better Together.