Kwis Elementary School

Hacienda La Puente Unified’s Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez has been recognized as one of four regional leaders to receive the 2023 “Honoring Our Own” award by the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA), which celebrates educators for their exceptional dedication to promoting equitable educational opportunities for the District’s diverse community of learners.

Jiménez was honored during a Winner’s Reception on May 17, where he was presented with a plaque for his numerous accomplishments, including implementing the Latino Film Institute’s Youth Cinema Project filmmaking program, adopting a TK-12th grade Intersectional Ethnic Studies Board Resolution and extending the District’s partnership with Conga Kids to additional campuses.

“One of the District’s Board of Education goals is to develop, sustain and promote programs of excellence and create strong partnerships with the community to ensure high levels of success for all students,” Board President Christine H. Salazar said. “Dr. Jiménez has done an exemplary job doing just that. He advocates for various community partnerships, encourages innovative teaching methods and is consistently bringing the latest technology and tools to our classrooms. This award is a testament to his extraordinary leadership and determination, assuring students and teachers have the safe learning environments and support to embrace their diverse backgrounds and explore endless opportunities.”

During the event, Jiménez was applauded for leading the District’s Measure BB modernization plan, prioritizing facilities maintenance and renovating classrooms across the District. He was also recognized for his recent partnership with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the nation’s largest association dedicated to fostering Hispanic leadership in science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning opportunities.

The “Honoring Our Own” award is Jiménez’s third national recognition presented to him this school year. He was also named the 2022 UC Davis C-STEM Superintendent of the Year and a National School Public Relations Association Superintendent to Watch.

Jiménez will be formally recognized during the 22nd annual CALSA Institute, held July 5-8 at the Westin San Diego Gaslamp in San Diego, CA. The three-day event will feature a mentoring program, workshops, guest keynote speakers and a GALA Awards dinner dedicated to honoring the 2023 recipients.

"Thank you, CALSA for this extraordinary honor and to the numerous District administrators who were able to join me at the reception to accept this award," Jiménez said. I am honored to be presented with this recognition alongside a phenomenal group of educational leaders statewide. I promise to continue finding creative ways to highlight our students' individualities and interests, focus on socio-emotional well-being and provide educational equity and inclusivity opportunities to ensure immeasurable success for all HLPUSD scholars and future generations.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

HLPUSD_CALSA1: CALSA’s Region 6 Program Director Dr. Lorraine Perez presents Superintendent Dr. Jiménez with the “Honoring Our Own” award on May 17.

HLPUSD_CALSA2: Hacienda La Puente Unified administrators celebrate Superintendent Dr. Jiménez as he proudly accepts his award during the CALSA Winners Reception on May 17.

CITY OF INDUSTRY – Hacienda La Puente Unified’s Class of 2023 graduates paraded across the stadium stages bedecked in school colors, exchanging handshakes with distinguished guests and receiving their diplomas amidst enthusiastic cheers from their families during high-energy commencement ceremonies on May 16 and 18.

The District honored nearly 1,300 graduates from its four comprehensive high schools and alternative high school. Valley, William Workman and La Puente high schools held their ceremonies on May 16, followed by Glen A. Wilson and Los Altos high schools on May 18.

The festivities included stirring solo vocal and instrumental performances, motivational speeches from valedictorians, salutatorians and leadership students and closing remarks from Board President Christine H. Salazar.

"On behalf of the entire Board of Education, I would like to say what an immense joy and honor it is to celebrate this important milestone and recognize our students’ vast achievements with the greater community,” Salazar said. "At Hacienda La Puente Unified, we believe students, parents, staff and the District community have a shared responsibility to ensure all students meet high learning standards and I'd like to thank each and every one of you for your unwavering support as we strive to maximize the talents, interests and abilities of all our students."

During the ceremonies, principals invited graduates who received the School Scholar Award, given to students with a 3.5 GPA or higher, the District Scholar Award, presented to students with a 3.8 GPA or higher, and the California State Seal of Biliteracy Award to stand and receive a round of applause from the audience.

Students were also awarded thousands of dollars in local and national scholarships for their academic, athletic and civic achievements during the school's annual "Senior Awards Nights" held May 9 and 11. Hacienda La Puente Unified Class of 2023 graduates will continue their educational journey at more than 170 esteemed colleges and four-year universities starting fall of 2024.

For the grand finale, several schools participated in teacher tunnels to congratulate students as they exited the arena, while others continued their traditions, blasting lively music and inviting families to dance and celebrate with students on the stadium fields. Each ceremony concluded with the sounds of leadership students leading their peers and attendees to participate in their school chants one last time.

"This group of remarkable scholars have shown great determination, resilience and heart over the past four years, navigating their academic careers, excelling in extracurricular activities and setting a positive example for younger HLPUSD students," Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez said. "I am beyond proud of our graduating students and hope they will one day give back to the Hacienda La Puente Unified community and share their success stories with future generations. We wish you success in your college and career endeavors. Congratulations, Class of 2023!" 

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

HLPUSD_COMMENCEMENTCEREMONIES1: La Puente High School teachers cheer on future graduates as they walk to their seats at the commencement ceremony on May 16.

HLPUSD_COMMENCEMENTCEREMONIES2: Los Altos High School graduating scholars celebrate earning their diplomas during a commencement ceremony on May 18.

HLPUSD_COMMENCEMENTCEREMONIES3: Hacienda La Puente Unified Board President Christine H. Salazar congratulates a William Workman High School Class of 2023 graduate during a commencement ceremony on May 16.

HLPUSD_COMMENCEMENTCEREMONIES4: Glen A. Wilson High School’s newest graduates celebrate their accomplishments with the Wildcat community on May 18.

CITY OF INDUSTRY – Hacienda La Puente Unified schools have received nine out of the eighteen 2023 Civic Learning Awards from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, recognizing their strong commitment to integrating civics education throughout campus and fostering positive citizenship both ins and out of the classroom.

The awards were presented on May 2 to elementary, middle and high schools at three levels: Excellence, Distinction and Merit. Palm Elementary School was one of three schools presented with the Award of Distinction. The Award of Merit recognized 12 recipients, including Los Robles Academy, Nelson Elementary School and Orange Grove and Sierra Vista middle schools. In addition, Del Valle and Workman elementary schools, Sparks Middle School and La Puente High School were four of 12 schools to receive an honorable mention.

“On behalf of the entire Board of Education, I want to thank all our outstanding teachers, staff and administrators for discovering innovative ways to provide community-based educational experiences for our students,” Board President Christine H. Salazar said. “These honors represent our District’s commitment to activating student voices, expanding civics within the classroom and preparing them with the skills and confidence to be well-informed and well-rounded citizens and help build a better tomorrow.”

This year, 38 schools submitted applications, followed by a rigorous scoring process administered by educators and representatives experienced in civics education and service learning from the California Department of Education and the California Judicial Branch.

When asked about their success implementing civics in their lesson plans this school year, HLPUSD principals said their school's personalized New Pedagogies for Deep Learning (NPDL) focuses helped them integrate civics campus-wide. Some of these unique practices include participating in mock city council meetings, engaging in law-related education programs and campaigning on community issues to effect change.

"The Palm family is very fortunate to be honored with the 2023 Civic Learning Award - Award of Distinction,” Principal Sandy Carbajal said. "Our NPDL focus this year was 'Going Green' and our team created multiple opportunities for our students to become leaders as we transition our campus into a Green School. Some of our initiatives this year include our Green Club's creation of ‘Go Green Tuesdays,’ our leadership students' strong support of our recycling cause and so much more. Collectively, our Panthers are making a ‘Green’ difference in our school, community and world."

The Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez publicly announced the schools' achievements with a special shout-out and applause during the in-person/virtual Board meeting on May 4. The award recipients were also honored during the Los Angeles County Office of Education’s California Democracy School showcase on May 6.

"Congratulations to all our amazing students, teachers, staff and administrators on receiving this remarkable honor at not one but nine of our Hacienda La Puente Unified schools," Jiménez said. "Our District is proud to offer countless civic engagement opportunities for all students that focus on community issues and provide them with knowledge, skills, values and confidence to be active citizens and cultivate positive change."

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

HLPUSD_CIVICLEARNING1: Nelson and Del Valle elementary schools’ Project Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) students collaborate with city council members during a mock City of La Puente council meeting on May 1.

HLPUSD_CIVICLEARNING2: Sierra Vista Middle School students and staff attend the Los Angeles County Office of Education’s California Democracy School showcase at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum on May 6.

HLPUSD_CIVICLEARNING3: Palm Elementary School Green Club students display hand-painted “Going Green Tuesday” banners around campus to promote their environmentally friendly and energy-efficient weekly initiative.  

Dear Hacienda La Puente Unified staff and families,

Today, May 8 at approximately 2:23 p.m., a pedestrian was fatally struck by a District bus on Hacienda Boulevard and Fairgrove Avenue. The safety and well-being of our students, staff and community is our top priority, and the news of this tragic accident is heartbreaking.

We understand that any incident involving the safety of our students is difficult for everyone.  Counseling services will be made available to any of our students, staff and families impacted by this event.

We encourage parents to talk with their children about their emotions and contact our Equity and Access and Family Engagement Department at (626) 933-5302 or Student and Family Services at (626)-933-4335 if they are in need of additional support. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved in this incident.

Sincerely,
Dr. Alfonso Jiménez
Superintendent

Hacienda La Puente Unified has named Cedarlane Academy Special Education Specialist Perla Granados-Ordaz the 2023 District Teacher of the Year, recognizing her success in creating transformative and innovative learning experiences and providing a positive impact on students, families and the Thunderbird community. Granados-Ordaz specializes in the instruction of sixth through eighth-grade students.

District administrators, Principal Kim Lee and colleagues surprised Granados-Ordaz in her classroom with flowers, kudos and praise to announce the news on April 21, celebrating her customized lesson plans and numerous accomplishments, including coaching the school's top-ranked robotics and speech and debate teams.

Granados-Ordaz will move on to participate in the 42nd annual Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year competition, hosted by the Los Angeles County Office of Education to focus public attention on teaching excellence and honor exemplary dedication, compelling classroom practices and professional commitment.

"I felt so many emotions when the District shared the news with me," Granados-Ordaz said. "I was surprised, overwhelmed with joy, honored and everything in between. Nothing like this has ever happened to me and I feel so grateful. I show up each day for my students with the goal of teaching them the skills they need to be ready for high school. When they're ready to promote, I know I have done everything I can to ensure they succeed in the future."

Growing up with a younger sibling who had attention deficit hyperactive disorder, she learned the importance of educating a family about special education and school programs available to support student needs. In elementary school, she began volunteering in special education classrooms and said that she quickly found that teaching was her passion.

Upon completing high school, she worked as an instructional aide and pursued her studies at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. While working as substitute teacher, she obtained a master's degree in Special Education and a Mild/Moderate Education Specialist Credential. She has been a proud Cedarlane Academy educator for the past seven years.  

"When I think about transformative and innovative learning, I always think about Mrs. Granados," Lee said. "She encourages her students to think outside of the box by implementing the core skills of our global partnership with New Pedagogies for Deep Learning, enabling her students to thrive in a challenging environment.”

During her study skills course, Granados-Ordaz prepares students for success by collaborating with her students' educators to better understand areas of opportunity and teach new skills. She also incorporates executive and functional skills into their routines, including organizing backpacks and supplies and enforcing deadlines to teach discipline.

Additionally, she has helped the school's robotics and speech and debate programs grow as they continually receive top honors in numerous competitions. Some of these accomplishments include leading the elementary and middle school robotics teams to the 2023 Regionals and winning the 2023 Large School Middle School District Championships for Speech and Debate. Granados-Ordaz is currently gearing up to support her seven advancing speech and debate students on their journey to the 2023 National Championships this June. 

“Thank you to our exceptional educator Mrs. Granados for your commitment to providing our students valuable learning opportunities in education and life,” Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez said. “On behalf of the entire Board of Education, we commend all our educators on another successful year dedicated to creating hands-on project-based education and real-life practices that inspire our students to dream big.”

HLPUSD_DISTRICTTEACHEROFTHEYEAR1: Sixth-through-eighth-grade special education specialist Perla Granados-Ordaz is named 2023 District Teacher of the Year.

HLPUSD_DISTRICTTEACHEROFTHEYEAR2: Hacienda La Puente Unified District administrators gather to celebrate the 2023 District Teacher of the Year on April 21.