CITY OF INDUSTRY – Hacienda La Puente Unified has been chosen as a recipient of the California Community Schools Partnership Program’s (CCSPP) third cohort, an esteemed honor that includes $21.3 million in state board-approved community school implementation grants, highlighting the District’s commitment to advancing innovative student learning initiatives and developing mental health and community engagement solutions.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and the California State Board of Education (SBE) announced the expansion of the CCSPP and its recipients on May 8, with 17 schools from Hacienda La Puente Unified among those celebrated. The District plans to follow the community schools model to strengthen enrichment programs, increase student academic support, and improve resources for students and families.

“On behalf of our entire Board of Education, we are elated to receive this funding, which will help support our continuous work to provide comprehensive support and crucial community services to our students and families,” Board President Christine H. Salazar said. “At Hacienda La Puente Unified, we are dedicated to creating a nurturing and inclusive learning environment that prioritizes the well-being and success of every student.”

The grant, which will be distributed over five years, will begin with a planning phase this summer and continue through the first half of the 2024-25 school year. Following the CCSPP framework, the District will partner with education, county, and other nonprofit entities to introduce a range of services and resources to its campuses, including expanded health services – both physical and mental – enhanced instructional support services, and increased family and community engagement initiatives.

Over the course of the five years, each site will strengthen its existing community school efforts by leveraging the expertise of community school professionals. These specialists will play a crucial role in partnering with stakeholders and community agencies to address students’ academic, physical, and social-emotional needs. Their involvement aims to ensure a holistic approach to education, reassuring District stakeholders about the effective use of the grant.

The Board of Education formally announced the grant to the greater community during the District’s regular Board meeting on May 9. The news was shared through a lively video montage featuring clips of students engaged in learning activities inside and outside the classroom. The video concluded with a message from Thurmond commending the District’s leaders for their dedication to transformative learning experiences.

“At Hacienda La Puente Unified, we focus on addressing the needs of the whole child, working to ensure our students have the learning experiences and support to succeed in school and life,” Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez said. “We are thrilled to receive this grant and we look forward to expanding our efforts in supporting the holistic development of our students and fostering stronger connections with our families and community.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

HLPUSD_COMMUNITYSCHOOLS1: Hacienda La Puente Unified administrators, students and community members celebrate the District being named a community schools grant recipient during a Board meeting on May 9.

HLPUSD_COMMUNITYSCHOOLS2: Hacienda La Puente Unified Board President Christine H. Salazar and Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez cheer as State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announces the District as a community schools grant recipient during a lively video at a Board meeting on May 9.

HLPUSD_COMMUNITYSCHOOLS3: Hacienda La Puente Unified celebrates being a chosen recipient of the California Community Schools Partnership Program during a Board meeting on May 9.