Three MPUSD Schools Re-Designated California Purple Star Schools in 2025 for Supporting Military-Connected Students
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 1, 2025
Contact: Marci McFadden, Chief of Communications & Engagement, 831-706-6971
Three MPUSD Schools Re-Designated California Purple Star Schools in 2025
for Supporting Military-Connected Students
Monterey, CA – For the second consecutive year, the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District (MPUSD) is proud to announce that three of its schools – La Mesa School, Marshall Elementary School, and Monte Vista TK-8 School – have been named 2025 California Purple Star Schools by the California Department of Education.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced that 83 schools across California received the 2025 Purple Star designation, bringing the total number of California schools recognized with this honor to 179 since the program’s inception in 2023. The California Purple Star School Designation Program publicly identifies schools that are the most committed and best equipped to support the unique needs of military-connected students and their families.
Approximately 14% of MPUSD’s student population is military-connected. Given the shorter length of time that military families typically reside within and attend MPUSD schools – often just five weeks to six months, with an average stay of 18 months – the district and its schools have prioritized building capacity to quickly identify and respond to the needs of military families.
“We are honored that our schools continue to be recognized for their efforts to support military-connected students,” said MPUSD Superintendent PK Diffenbaugh. “This designation reflects our unwavering commitment to our military families and the meaningful partnerships we’ve built to ensure students feel welcomed, supported, and successful from day one.”
Marshall Elementary Principal Robin Connery shared, “We’ve created a culture at Marshall that embraces students during what can be a challenging transition. Our staff is trained to understand and meet the needs of our military-connected families, and we work every day to provide a safe, welcoming, and nurturing environment.”
The district’s Purple Star-designated schools provide a wide range of supports and resources, including:
- Collaboration with military family life counselors and liaisons
- School-based military and family life counseling
- Welcome programs led by student groups and school offices
- Annual military briefings for teachers and staff
- Tailored support for students with exceptional needs to ensure proper placement
- Inclusive Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) initiatives
- After-school clubs and programs for military-connected students
- Strategic partnerships with TechConnect Teen and Youth Centers
- Additional funding through the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) grants
- Professional development workshops and podcasts to build staff awareness
“We are thrilled to receive this recognition once again,” said La Mesa Principal Julie Alderete. “It affirms our school’s dedication to creating an inclusive community and a strong support network for military families.”
About the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District
The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District serves approximately 9,600 students in transitional kindergarten through 12th grade, as well as preschool and adult education programs. Spanning the communities of Marina, Seaside, Monterey, Del Rey Oaks, and Sand City, MPUSD is built on a foundation of strong instruction, a positive school culture, systems of support, and collaborative leadership.
About the California Purple Star Program
The California Purple Star School Designation Program helps reduce the burden on military-connected families by highlighting schools that meet essential transition support criteria. The program aims to centralize knowledge, build stakeholder networks, and support schools in fostering cultural competency when working with military families.