CITY OF INDUSTRY – Hacienda La Puente Unified Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez has been named UC Davis Center for Integrated Computing and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (C-STEM) 2022 Superintendent of the Year for the District’s excellence in integrating hands-on coding and robotics into math education and preparing students for lucrative STEM careers.

Jiménez led a speech during the 12th Annual UC Davis C-STEM Conference on Oct. 21, where he shared the District’s journey in implementing project-based learning and C-STEM curriculum into K-12 education. Jiménez was honored during the awards ceremony alongside Orange Grove Middle School Principal Dr. David Nieto, who was named a UC Davis C-STEM 2022 Administrator of the Year.

“Congratulations to our outstanding administrators Dr. Jiménez and Dr. Nieto, who continuously search for innovative and engaging ways to motivate and inspire our students,” Board President Jeffrey De La Torre said. “On behalf of the entire Board of Education, thank you for your leadership, constant collaboration and passion for developing C-STEM in our schools and preparing our students for infinite success.”

The UC Davis C-STEM Center’s Educator Awards recognize instructors, administrators, volunteers and superintendents from K-12 schools for their success in teaching, integrating computing into STEM subjects and inspiring students to pursue careers in C-STEM fields.

“I want to thank the Orange Grove and Hacienda La Puente Unified community for recognizing the outstanding work our students and staff are doing in computer science and C-STEM,” Nieto said. “It is my privilege to serve our students and families and propagate outstanding programs that make a real difference in our teaching and learning.”

Hacienda La Puente Unified’s C-STEM program, launched in 2019, aims to transform math education with unique hands-on approaches that promote critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills and close the math achievement gap for at-risk students and English language learners.

This year, C-STEM students participated in the 2022 Summer Robotics Camp and the program expanded to its fourth cohort for the 2022-23 school year, bringing the curriculum to 13 K-8 schools and 47 educators. The District also introduced a new course, Integrated Math 1 with Computer Science, to all comprehensive high schools taught by two itinerant high school teachers. Five high school teachers also received the opportunity to complete their Computer Science Supplemental Authorization Credential, funded by a grant from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

“Thank you to the UC Davis C-STEM Center and the Board of Education for your support as we work each day to deliver high-quality and enriching learning experiences for our students,” Jiménez said. “This recognition is a testament to our C-STEM efforts Districtwide. I want to dedicate this award to our hardworking teachers and administrators who have committed significant amounts of time and energy to ensure the success of this program. I also want to thank our students for their engagement and excitement for the program. They are applying their knowledge through coding and robotics and using critical thinking skills by simulating tasks and skills required now in the workplace. I look forward to expanding this program in our schools and providing more opportunities for our students to engage in computer science and STEM fields.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

HLPUSD_CSTEMADMINISTRATORS1: From left to right: Solano County Superintendent Dr. Estrella-Henderson, UC Davis Vice Chancellor Dr. Tull, Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez, Orange Grove Middle School Principal Dr. David Nieto, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Dr. Judy Fancher, Assemblymember Cecilia Aguilar-Curry and UC Davis C-STEM Director Dr. Cheng celebrate Nieto after being named a UC Davis C-STEM 2022 Administrator of the Year award on Oct. 21.

HLPUSD_CSTEMADMINISTRATORS2: Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez was recognized by Solano County Superintendent Dr. Estrella-Henderson (left), UC Davis Vice Chancellor Dr. Tull, Assemblymember Cecilia Aguilar-Curry and UC Davis C-STEM Director Dr. Cheng (right) after being named the UC Davis C-STEM 2022 Superintendent of the Year during the awards ceremony on Oct. 21.

HLPUSD_CSTEMADMINISTRATORS3: Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez shares District highlights and C-STEM success stories during his speech at the 12th Annual UC Davis C-STEM Conference on Oct. 21.