CITY OF INDUSTRY – Hacienda La Puente Unified’s community came together for the 10th annual State of the District event on Feb. 6, which highlighted the District’s commitment to engaging students to become lifelong learners while celebrating key milestones achieved in the past year.

The theme of the night was “Transformative Learning, Pathways for Student Success,” with Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez sharing how the District continues to evolve and invest in rigorous academic curricula and technological advancements to prepare students for future opportunities in rewarding, in-demand careers.

“Our State of the District event is a celebration of all our community members, from our students and parents to our teachers and staff, and how together we help to foster academic excellence and state-of-the-art innovation,” Jiménez said. “It is because of our community support and partnerships that Hacienda La Puente Unified is able to provide the most enriching, accessible, and equitable educational environment for all of our students to succeed.”

The evening was highlighted with live student performances by the William Workman High School jazz band, Glen A. Wilson High School choir, and for the first time performing together, mariachi ensembles from Orange Grove and Sparks middle schools. La Puente High School Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps led a presentation of colors as Los Altos High School senior Ambar Muro led the Pledge of Allegiance.

During the event, a photo slideshow paid tribute to HLPUSD’s past, present, and future, seamlessly mixing historical photos from the District’s founding in 1970 with contemporary community images to showcase how HLPUSD has evolved over 55 years.

State Assemblymember Blanca Rubio Field Representative Abel Casanova presented a proclamation recognizing HLPUSD for its achievements and joined the festivities, along with the District’s Board of Education members, executive cabinet members, school administrators, teachers, students, and parents.

“This night is a wonderful example of the immersive experiences we provide to our students to ensure they make a positive impact in our community,” HLPUSD Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Dr. Rosa Isiah said. “Our District has done more than transform the ways that our students learn – we also strive to provide opportunities that inspire our students’ leadership abilities and empower them to take ownership of their future.”

Jiménez detailed the numerous achievements and national and state awards HLPUSD earned in the past year. The U.S. News & World Report named several HLPUSD schools as top schools: all four comprehensive high schools are ranked in the top 32% of schools across the nation according to a 2024 report, and 12 elementary schools and six middle schools are ranked among California’s Best Schools in a 2025 report.

The District continues to expand hands-on learning opportunities for students to gain real-world experiences to help prepare them to navigate their future studies and careers, such as access to 28 career technical education programs in 10 industry sectors including aviation, computer science, and film and video production.

HLPUSD also focused on accessibility and equity for all students, including opening a new inclusive playground at Lassalette Elementary School, which provides an all-abilities area and a variety of recreation options that are wheelchair accessible. Additionally, each student is equipped with 1:1 technology devices and access to 24/7 educational tools, such as free tutoring and a digital library.

“Our goal has always been to bring out the interests, talents, and abilities of our students so that they can meet the challenges of our ever-changing world and economy, and prepare them for jobs that don’t even exist yet,” Jiménez said. “I am thankful to our leadership team and our educators for embracing the changes needed to prepare our students for their future.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS

HLPUSD_STATE OF THE DISTRICT1: Mariachi ensembles from Orange Grove and Sparks middle schools perform for the first time together during HLPUSD’s 10th annual State of the District event on Feb. 6.

HLPUSD_STATE OF THE DISTRICT2: HLPUSD Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Dr. Rosa Isiah (left) opened the State of the District event and introduced student performers while Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez (right) highlighted nation- and state-wide recognitions awarded to numerous elementary, middle, and high schools during HLPUSD’s 10th annual State of the District event.