MPCSD District Newsletter - February 11, 2026 | | Educating and empowering students while embracing childhood and adolescence. | | |
We recently hit an annual milestone of the 100th day of school. Over all the years as an educator, the one hundredth day always reminds me just how fast the school year moves along and also how important each day, each year, each grade level is for our students as they learn and grow. Enjoy the upcoming mid-winter break with your kids, at this moment and stage, because time really does fly by!
As I have been communicating in our newsletters recently, a big focus right now is our district's Funding Our Priorities process to create a balanced budget for next school year and beyond. I have appreciated your engagement since the fall on this important topic. Tomorrow at the board's February meeting I will again present, this time moving from a broad approach spanning three years of cost-savings considerations to a more refined and focused list of cost-savings recommendations for the 2026-2027 school year. In order for us to move forward with the recommendations, the board will need to provide the “green light” allowing human resources to move forward with required steps and mandated timelines. Since last month, there have been revisions to our plans based on the public discussion around this topic. For example, the consideration to eliminate 5th grade band and orchestra has been removed and funding will remain intact for that program moving forward. As we continue the public discussion around this topic, I hope you will again tune in to the meeting on Thursday, February 12, at 6:00 p.m. You can see the meeting agenda and Zoom link. And as always, you may email the board at board@mpcsd.org.
Finally, please also take a few minutes and provide us with your feedback. Panorama Education has sent you a survey link, so join us in “Feedback February” by completing the survey. Your feedback will continue to inform our work.
Take care,
Kristen
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It's Feedback February! We are aware of the technological issues with our Panorama-administered survey, and we apologize to all families who have been impacted. We appreciate your questions and feedback about the survey process and as always will use this input to make improvements for the future.
Panorama re-sent the surveys to parents who may have been missed the first time, and will be sending additional reminders to those who have not yet completed it. In light of the complications, we are leaving the survey window open until the end of February. Your thoughtful feedback is important to us. Please complette your surveys at your earliest convenience.
| | Creating Access with Assistive Technology | |
We are proud to report that MPCSD’s Assistive Technology Technician, Radmila Popovich, received a San Mateo County Special Educator Award from the San Mateo County SELPA (Special Education Local Plan Area) which includes 23 school districts and nine charter authorities. This award honors Radmila’s leadership and commitment in service of students with disabilities, which she demonstrates through her unwavering dedication to one core belief: every student deserves access. Access to learning. Access to communication. Access to independence, confidence, and joy. She does not simply provide tools—she opens doors.
Radmila Popovich began her career here in MPCSD as a paraeducator, working closely with students with disabilities. She saw firsthand how meaningful access can transform a student’s confidence, independence, and overall experience of school. As she says, “That role ignited my passion and led me to pursue a degree in the field of Assistive Technology. I am deeply grateful to do work that centers access, communication, voice, choice, and dignity for all. Our students continually inspire me, and I feel privileged to support them as they discover what they are capable of while we build a more equitable and inclusive MPCSD together.”
Pictured above is Radmila Popovich (left) with Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Dr. Stephanie Sheridan (right). Congratulations to Radmila!
| Register Now for "Take It Personally" | | |
One of our most popular parent education events is back, the six-week "Take It Personally" series brought to you by Project Cornerstone, a YMCA of Silicon Valley initiative. The course offers tools for strengthening relationships with our own kids and those in our community.
With other MPCSD parents/caregivers in a supportive, welcoming, and safe environment, you will share, discuss, and practice ways to show caring, give support, set boundaries, and build strong relationships that help the youth in your life succeed. This series is for currently enrolled MPCSD parents/guardians only.
The six sessions are in person at the TERC, 181 Encinal Avenue, Atherton, from 9-10:30 a.m.: March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1, 15 (no class April 8 because of Spring Break)
Read the course flyer here. Register here.
| | MPAEF Auction Tickets & Donations | |
MPAEF’s Ignite the Night Auction Party Tickets: Get Early-Bird Pricing Now!
Tickets are selling fast! Tomorrow (Thursday, February 12) is the last day to take advantage of early-bird pricing ($225 per person) for this year’s magical, desert-themed evening at Hillview Middle School on Saturday, March 21.
Purchase your Ignite the Night Auction Party Tickets here. Prices go up to $250 per person on Friday, February 13.
MPAEF Auction Donations Deadline - February 12
Still thinking about throwing your back-to-school pool party? Have a great idea for a parents night out? Great news! The deadline for donations is tomorrow, Thursday, February 12!
Ready to donate? Please use these short forms to tell us about your contribution:
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Kristen Gracia, Superintendent | mpcsd.org
Governing Board:
Jed Scolnick, President
Josh Spira, Vice President/Clerk
Sherwin Chen
Scott Saywell
Francesca Segrè
Board Meeting Calendar. Board meeting agendas and Zoom links may also be found at the district homepage 72 hours prior to every regular meeting.
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