May 15, 2025 | Issue No. 24

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NMCHS Senior Samuel Flores Named CTE Student of the Year

Congratulations to North Monterey County High School senior Samuel Flores, who has been named Career Technical Education (CTE) Student of the Year for North Monterey County Unified School District.

Every school district in Monterey County has the opportunity to nominate one student who embodies the values of CTE—hard work, innovation, technical skill and career readiness. Samuel was nominated by his CTE teachers, who recognized his outstanding achievements, work ethic and passion for learning.

This year, Samuel earned his Lincoln Electric certification in Introduction to Shielded Metal Arc Welding, successfully completing a variety of fabrication projects as well as personal builds like his own workout equipment. He’s also explored other pathways, including Engineering and Robotics, showcasing his well-rounded abilities and drive to learn.

Samuel made history at NMCHS as the first student to participate in Project MFG’s National Welding League, advancing to the second round—an impressive feat that highlights his talent and determination.

In addition to his technical welding skills, Samuel is equipped with strong math, CAD and blueprint reading abilities, positioning him for success in the manufacturing or building trades.

Samuel Flores truly represents what Career Technical Education is all about: gaining real-world skills, applying knowledge through hands-on experience and preparing for meaningful careers.

Congratulations, Samuel! You are a shining example of what it means to be college, career, and life ready!

NMCUSD Awarded Exclusive Grant to Launch

New WorkAbility Program

North Monterey County Unified School District is proud to announce that we are the only applying district in the state to be awarded funding to start a brand-new WorkAbility program—marking a major milestone for our high school students and our community.

This opportunity comes as the California Department of Education released new WorkAbility grant funding for the first time in decades. While districts across the state were invited to apply, either to expand existing programs or to create new ones, NMCUSD stood out as the only applicant awarded funds to launch a brand-new program from the ground up.

WorkAbility is a grant program designed to close the equity gap for students with disabilities by supporting their transition into meaningful employment. The program offers a wide range of support services, including vocational assessments, job-related training, assistance with job placement, and subsidized employment opportunities. This allows students to gain hands-on work experience in a supportive, low-risk environment.

As part of this program, NMCUSD will provide individualized support such as transportation to job sites, on-the-job mentoring, and ongoing coaching to help students thrive in real-world work settings. The program specifically focuses on high school students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), equipping them with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the workforce.

While there is still much work ahead to fully launch and implement the program, this funding marks a significant step toward creating inclusive career pathways for all students.

Stay tuned for updates as we begin building out this exciting new opportunity!

2025 English Learner Reclassification Ceremony

On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, a heartwarming and inspiring English Learner Reclassification Ceremony was held at North Monterey County High School, celebrating a major milestone for students across our district.

More than 170 students from every NMCUSD school site were recognized for their impressive achievement of being reclassified from English Learner to Fluent English Proficient status. This significant accomplishment marks years of dedication, perseverance, and academic growth in mastering the English language.

The evening was filled with pride and joy as students, families, and staff came together to honor this important step in the students’ educational journey. The ceremony featured student performances and heartfelt speeches, showcasing the confidence and talent of our newly reclassified students.

Congratulations to all of our reclassified students—we are so proud of your hard work and resilience! Thank you to our educators, staff, and families who support our English learners every step of the way.

Multilingual Learner Achievement Celebration at Prunedale Elementary

On April 9, 2025, Prunedale Elementary School proudly hosted its Multilingual Learner Achievement Celebration, honoring the hard work and progress of our English Learner students. The event brought together students, families, and staff for a joyful evening of recognition and cultural celebration.

The celebration highlighted students who demonstrated significant growth by moving up one or two levels on the English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC), as well as those who achieved reclassification to Fluent English Proficient status during the 2024–2025 school year.

The program featured beautiful performances by the Grupo Raíces Ballet Folklórico from North Monterey County High School and the Castroville NEST Ballet Folklórico program, adding vibrant cultural expression to the event. A special poetry reading added a personal and reflective touch to the evening.

It was a full house, with proud families cheering on their students. Each recognized student received a certificate to celebrate their achievement, and those who were reclassified were given a red rose to present to someone in their family who has supported and encouraged them on their educational journey.

North Monterey County High School Celebrates Academic Excellence at Top 40 Recognition Event

On April 30, North Monterey County High School proudly hosted its annual Top 40 Recognition Event, an evening dedicated to honoring the academic achievements of the school’s highest-performing students.

This special celebration recognized the Top 10 students from each grade level—freshmen through seniors—for their exceptional dedication, resilience, and commitment to excellence. These 40 students represent the best of our learning community, consistently demonstrating strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and a drive to succeed.

Families, staff, and administrators gathered to celebrate not only high academic performance, but also the values of perseverance and personal growth. Honorees were acknowledged for their accomplishments and the impact they’ve made both in and out of the classroom. NMCUSD is committed to ensuring our students are college, career and life ready.

Congratulations to all of our Top 40 honorees—you make us proud!

NMC Alliance Community Bus Tour: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future

Our recent NMC Alliance Community Bus Tour was a powerful opportunity for our community partners to connect with the heart of North Monterey County. As an unincorporated area with deep historical roots and vibrant cultural identity, we invited our partners to experience firsthand the unique challenges and strengths that define our schools and surrounding communities.

Before participants embarked on the bus tour, they gathered at the Castro Plaza Family Resource Center, where stories were shared of how that space came to be. Diana Jimenez, former Board Trustee, and Cosme Padilla, longtime community leader, reflected on the years of community dedication, advocacy and organizing that led to the creation of this vital hub for families. The center stands as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together to ensure access, equity and support for all.

Throughout the tour, stories dating back to the 1950s came to life—from former students who are now staff members, to reflections on overcoming systemic barriers. These moments captured the deep resilience and pride that continue to shape North Monterey County Unified School District.

Board Trustees Martha Chavarria, Rick Diaz, Adriana Melgoza, and Superintendent Matt Turkie were in attendance, showing their dedication to community connection and educational equity.

It was a truly special day—rich in history, rooted in connection, and driven by a shared commitment to the district's future.

If you’re interested in partnering with NMCUSD through our alliance to support our students and families, please contact Yvette Padilla at ypadilla@nmcusd.org or (831) 682-8836.

Together, we continue to uplift our community—one story, one school, and one student at a time.

Career Exploration Takes Center Stage at NMCUSD

It was an exciting week of career exploration across North Monterey County Unified School District, with both Elkhorn Elementary and North Monterey County Middle School hosting engaging and informative Career Day events.

North Monterey County Middle School held its Career Day on Thursday, April 24. The event began with a variety of booths set up in the gym, where students could browse and interact with professionals from different industries. Students then attended breakout sessions of their choice, where volunteer speakers shared insights about their careers and offered advice on future pathways.

Meanwhile, Elkhorn Elementary extended its Career Day into a full week of activities from April 21–25. Throughout the week, volunteers visited classrooms to speak with students about their jobs and answer questions. The week concluded on Friday with an interactive fair featuring multiple career booths, allowing students to explore hands-on exhibits and engage directly with professionals.

These events are a reflection of NMCUSD’s mission to ensure every student is college, career, and life ready. By connecting students with real-world professionals and providing opportunities to explore various career paths, NMCUSD continues to invest in the future success of its learners.

NMCUSD Students Shine at Special Olympics Track and Field Day

On Friday, May 9, nearly 1,000 students from across Monterey County gathered at Monterey Peninsula College for the Special Olympics Northern California Track and Field Day. The event was a celebration of athleticism, determination, and community spirit.

North Monterey County Unified School District was proudly represented by students from Elkhorn Elementary, North Monterey County Middle School, and North Monterey County High School. With enthusiasm and courage, our students gave their all in every event, demonstrating not only athletic skill but also resilience and sportsmanship.

We are incredibly proud of each and every one of our participants. Their hard work, dedication, and positive spirit were truly inspiring.

Congratulations to our athletes—you made us proud!

Elkhorn Elementary Hosts Successful Garden Beautification Day

Elkhorn Elementary School was full of community spirit on Sunday, May 4, as students, families, and local volunteers came together for a Garden Beautification Day. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the school garden was buzzing with activity as volunteers helped prepare the space for fall planting.

Thanks to the strong turnout, participants were able to accomplish a great deal—creating a welcoming outdoor learning environment for students. A light breakfast and lunch were generously provided by the NMCUSD Nutrition Services Department to keep everyone fueled throughout the day.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all who donated their time and energy to help make the garden a beautiful and functional space for Elkhorn Elementary students to enjoy and learn from in the seasons ahead.

Take the California Healthy Kids Survey: Your Voice Matters!

North Monterey County Unified School District (NMCUSD), in partnership with the California Department of Education, is asking parents, students, and staff to participate in the California Healthy Kids Survey. This important survey gathers valuable insights into students' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to factors that impact their learning, including truancy, safety, harassment, substance use, school connectedness, and learning supports. The information provided will help guide district and school efforts to promote safety, enhance learning supports, and improve student achievement.

Participation is voluntary, but it is crucial to the success of our district’s efforts. The data gathered will help guide NMCUSD in promoting safety, enhancing learning supports, improving student achievement, and addressing health risks that may hinder learning.

This survey is anonymous and designed to protect privacy. No one will be able to identify individuals based on their responses. Each of our NMCUSD school sites will send out consent forms in both English and Spanish.

We encourage all students, parents, and staff to participate in this valuable survey to help create a safer and more supportive learning environment for everyone. Your feedback is essential in shaping the future of education in NMCUSD.

More information can be found on our website, as well as grade-level sample surveys in both English and Spanish.

CA Healthy Kids Survey

Read the Latest Superintendent Report!

During the regularly scheduled board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Matt Turkie delivered his Superintendent Report, providing valuable updates on key initiatives and developments within NMCUSD. Click the button below for more.

Read the Superintendent Report Here

It’s Graduation Season at NMCUSD!

Graduation season has arrived, and we’re thrilled to celebrate the accomplishments of our students across the district! This is a special time to honor their hard work, growth, and perseverance as they reach an exciting milestone in their educational journey.

Be sure to check the attached flyer for ceremony dates, times, and locations for your child’s school. For elementary school promotions, please contact your school site directly for specific event details.

NMCCIS Students Connect with Nature at Wonder Wood Ranch

On Wednesday, April 23, eight students from the North Monterey County Center for Independent Studies (NMCCIS), along with four parents/guardians and two staff members, participated in the program’s monthly field trip to Wonder Wood Ranch.

These field trips provide students with a unique opportunity to build connections—with each other and with the animals. During the April visit, students groomed horses and guided them through an obstacle course, building confidence, teamwork, and trust. On other visits, students explore the ranch further by riding trails around the grounds.

NMCUSD extends a heartfelt thanks to Marlo Schalesky and the dedicated staff and trainees at Wonder Wood Ranch for making our weekly campus sessions and monthly visits truly memorable and enriching experiences for our students.

Community Connection Shines at Prunedale Elementary School

Prunedale Elementary School has opened its campus during lunch hours, inviting families to enjoy lunch with their children. This initiative provides a meaningful opportunity for parents and guardians to engage in their child’s school day, helping to create lasting memories and reinforce the importance of family involvement in education.

In addition to these family lunches, Prunedale Elementary recently hosted a joyful Día del Niño celebration. Every student received a special Prunedale Elementary School t-shirt and a refreshing Otter Pop. The day was filled with smiles, laughter and a strong sense of community spirit.

Through events like these, Prunedale Elementary continues to build a welcoming and connected school environment where students and families feel valued and supported. The school looks forward to offering more opportunities for shared experiences that strengthen the bond between home and school.

You're Invited: Ethnic Studies Community Informational and Listening Session

North Monterey County Unified School District (NMCUSD) is excited to invite families and community members to an important Ethnic Studies Community Informational and Listening Session. This event is part of our commitment to transparency, collaboration, and shared input as we prepare for the implementation of a new graduation requirement.

Beginning with the 2025–2026 school year, Ethnic Studies will become a required course for all high school students across California. This is a significant step forward in ensuring that students learn about diverse histories, cultures, and contributions that shape our society.

As we introduce this course at North Monterey County High School, we want to ensure that our families are not only informed but also involved in shaping what the course will look like for our students.

Event Details

Tuesday, May 20
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
North Monterey County Middle School - 10301 Seymour St, Castroville, CA 95012

To ensure the event is accessible and welcoming for all families, interpretation services will be provided, along with complimentary appetizers and childcare.

Are you or someone you know interested in a career in education? Looking for a way to get more involved in your student’s school district? As we gear up for the 2025-2026 school year, NMCUSD has a variety of job opportunities available! A few open positions are listed below, to see more click the button below.

Elementary Special Day Class Teacher (Mod/Severe)
High School English Teacher
Math/Advisory Teacher
Speech Language Pathology Assistant
District Librarian
Executive Assistant Business Services
Coordinator for Human Resources
VAPA: Elementary Art/Music Teacher
Child Development Assistant
Athletic Director (NMCMS)

View all Openings and Apply Here!

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