La Puente High School students now have an opportunity to immerse themselves in dance and nurture their creative talents, as the school’s popular dance program has been expanded into a three-year career technical education pathway. It is one of three exciting new visual and performing arts programs making their debut in the 2023-24 school year, joining a three-year Graphic Design pathway and a partnership with the Youth Cinema Project, which comes to La Puente High after successful pilot programs at the elementary and middle school level. Applications to join the pathways are still being accepted. For information, go to the La Puente High website.
The energy was electric as Hacienda La Puente Unified students were ushered onto campus with friendly cheers from teachers and staff, motivational speeches, musical performances and lively welcome rallies to celebrate the first day of school on Aug. 9. Across the District, each high school campus varied its celebrations to match their school spirit. The District’s elementary and middle schools greeted families onto campus to help students find their classes, meet their new principals and teachers, and get acclimated to their surroundings.
HLPUSD Announces Leadership Changes for the 2023-24 School Year
Hacienda La Puente Unified’s Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez introduced longtime educational leaders Elizabeth Kane and Samuel Yi as the new principals at Orange Grove and Sierra Vista middle schools, respectively, during a July 27 Board meeting. Additionally, the District appointed Lisa Mannino as the Interim Principal at Lassalette School. The District also announced two additional leadership changes, assigning Orange Grove Middle School principal Dr. David Nieto to take over as the principal at Sparks Middle School and Sierra Vista Middle School principal Ann Hanson to serve as the principal at Newton Middle School.
Hacienda La Puente Unified Siblings Take Passion for STEM to MIT
Sarah, Jessica and Michelle Lam, sisters who thrived in their educational pursuits at Hacienda La Puente Unified, demonstrated remarkable achievements during their time at Glen A. Wilson High School. Fueled by their passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), they embarked on a journey to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) after completing their studies at HLPUSD. Engaging actively in numerous programs, clubs, and pathways, they each graduated with a 4.6 GPA. Michelle, who was part of the District’s Class of 2023, will attend MIT this fall to pursue a mechanical engineering degree alongside her sister, Jessica.
Hacienda La Puente Unified has appointed Dr. Rosa Isiah as its new Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, effective July 1, 2023, bringing her extensive experience as a longtime educational leader who actively promotes equity, access, multilingual education, and a strong focus on closing opportunity gaps for historically marginalized communities to the District. Isiah, whose appointment was unanimously approved by the Board of Education during a meeting on June 22, was selected following an extensive search and hiring process, including an interview led by Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez, where they discussed the importance of quality public education, serving diverse communities and the District’s dedication to inspiring deep learning.
Hacienda La Puente Unified Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Dr. Judy Fancher was stunned and overwhelmed with joy as colleagues and supporters from every stage of her career greeted her with a standing ovation during a surprise retirement party held June 14 to thank Fancher for her vast contributions over the past 10 years and wish her well as she transitions into a new phase of her life. The Hacienda La Puente Board room was transformed into a Parisian paradise to honor Fancher, who was moved to see so many current and former colleagues come together to celebrate and honor her time at the District, which was highlighted by innovative practices and strong gains in student achievement.
Hacienda La Puente Unified’s first cohort of Youth Cinema Project (YCP) students from California Elementary School and Sparks Middle School walked the red carpet, mingled with industry professionals and watched screenings of their short films during the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival on June 3 and 4. Program instructors and YCP mentors selected a fifth-grade class from California Elementary School and a seventh-grade class from Sparks Middle School to attend the annual two-day festival, where students shared three of their student-produced films, engaged in workshops and live reads and reflected on their creative process during student-led panel discussions.
Hacienda La Puente Unified Superintendent Recognized for Excellence
Hacienda La Puente Unified Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez has been named one of four District leaders presented with the 2023 “Honoring Our Own” award by the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA), recognizing his exceptional dedication to promoting educational equity and diversity across the District. Award recipients were celebrated during a winner’s reception on May 17 and will be formally recognized during the 22nd annual CALSA Summer Institute, held in San Diego this July.
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.
Hacienda La Puente Recognizes Education Specialist as Top Teacher
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 innovative learning experiences and providing a positive impact on students and family. 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.
