Valinda School of Academics

CITY OF INDUSTRY – Hacienda La Puente Unified's Class of 2022 graduates weaved across the stadium floors in harmony to "Pomp and Circumstance," receiving praise from the audience, fist bumps from distinguished guests and proudly accepting their diplomas during commencement ceremonies on May 17 and 19.

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 festivities on May 17, followed by Glen A. Wilson and Los Altos high schools concluding the celebrations on May 19.

The ceremonies featured choir and band performances, chants, alma mater support, salutes and heartfelt speeches from exceptional students.

"On behalf of the entire Board of Education, I would like to say what an honor it has been to watch our students grow into the extraordinary young adults we see today," Board President Jeffrey De La Torre said. "At Hacienda La Puente Unified, we empower our students to meet the challenges and opportunities of a changing world and we have no doubt our graduates will continue to prevail. Congratulations to the Class of 2022!"

During the commencement ceremonies, principals announced special honors to graduates receiving the School Scholar Award, given to students with a 3.5 GPA or higher; the District Scholar Award, presented to students with 3.8 GPA or higher; the California State Seal of Biliteracy Awards, the Perfect Attendance Award and more.

Hacienda La Puente Unified Class of 2022 graduates have been accepted to 122 colleges and four-year universities in 29 states and five countries. Students have also been recognized for their academic and athletic achievements and awarded thousands of dollars in local and national scholarships.

"The Class of 2022 has shown such strength, resilience and heart over the past four years, navigating their academic careers and persevering and excelling during distance learning and setting a positive example for students as they returned to in-person learning in fall 2021," Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez. "This year, our District's theme was Learning Forward – Building Bolder and I am proud to say that our graduating students have thrived in their studies and helped build our District's success. May you continue to build a brighter and bold future for yourself and remember that we are proud to be HLPUSD. Congratulations!"  

PHOTO CAPTION:

HLPUSD_COMMENCEMENTCEREMONIES1: La Puente High School Class of 2022 students graduate alongside 220 of their peers on May 17.

HLPUSD_COMMENCEMENTCEREMONIES2: Los Altos High School graduating scholar-athletes celebrate earning their diplomas during a commencement ceremony on May 19.

CITY OF INDUSTRY – Hacienda La Puente Unified’s four comprehensive high schools held Senior Award Nights on May 10 and 12, presenting certificates and scholarships to students who have achieved academic, athletic, artistic and philanthropic excellence.

Each high school’s gym was filled with celebratory spirit as the audience applauded each scholar called to the podium to receive honors from teachers, principals, HLPUSD Board members and District sponsors.

The awards included the School Scholar Award, given to students with a 3.5 GPA or higher; the District Scholar Award, bestowed on students with 3.8 GPA or higher; the California State Seal of Biliteracy Awards; Athlete of the Year Awards; Department Awards; District scholarships and more.

“Thank you to all of our scholarship contributors for supporting our incredible students as they embark on their next academic endeavors,” Board President Jeffrey De La Torre said. “Students, wherever your journey takes you, please remember we are so proud and wish you nothing but happiness and continued success. Hacienda La Puente Unified is always here for you.”

During the ceremonies, principals announced the valedictorians, salutatorians and other high-achieving scholars who will serve as the student speakers at graduation, receive thousands of dollars in local and national scholarships and are headed to four-year universities and prestigious higher education institutions in the fall.

Hacienda La Puente Unified’s Class of 2022 graduation ceremonies will be held on May 17 and 19.

“Thank you to the Board of Education, teachers, staff, administrators and community members for coming out and celebrating our top-performing students,” Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez said. “At Hacienda La Puente Unified, we are dedicated to providing an abundance of opportunities for our learners to maximize their talents and explore their passions. It has been an honor to watch these students grow and persevere over the past couple of years and I couldn’t be more proud of what they have accomplished. Congratulations to the Class of 2022.”

PHOTO CAPTION:

HLPUSD_SENIORAWARDSNIGHT1: Glen A. Wilson High School Principal Dr. Danielle Kenfield presents the Most Outstanding Athlete of the Year Award to Aiden Chan at the Senior Awards Night on May 12.

HLPUSD_SENIORAWARDSNIGHT2: Los Altos High School Teacher Chris Reeder announces Jueliza Mainit as the 2022 Stuart Reeder Memorial Scholarship recipient at the Senior Awards Night on May 12.

HLPUSD_SENIORAWARDSNIGHT3: La Puente High School students receive the Ernestina D. Jasso Scholarship for their academic excellence at the Senior Awards Night on May 10.

HLPUSD_SENIORAWARDSNIGHT4: William Workman High School students receive the District Scholar award for achieving a 3.8 GPA or higher at the Senior Awards Night on May 10.

CITY OF INDUSTRY – Hacienda La Puente Unified School District has been recognized by the California Department of Education with the 2022 California Pivotal Practice (CAPP) Award for implementing innovative strategies to support students and keep them connected with their studies during state-mandated distance learning in 2020-21.

Hacienda La Puente Unified was among 121 school districts in California to receive the CAPP award on April 26. Twenty-eight individual HLPUSD schools, including all four of the District’s comprehensive high schools, also received the award.

“Thank you to our amazing teachers, staff, administrators and families for your efficiency and constant collaboration to ensure our students stayed healthy and connected during our period with distance learning,” Board President Jeffrey De La Torre said. “This honor is a win for our entire District community as it recognizes our flexibility, creativity, consistency and determination at Hacienda La Puente Unified.”

Hacienda La Puente Unified equipped students with devices and hotspots as needed, provided Lakeshore summer learning kits, greenlighted access to the Sora digital library and partnered with Tutor.com to connect students with online assistance. The District created a number of virtual extracurricular activities, including virtual speech and debate tournaments, coding camps and performing arts showcases.

Hacienda La Puente Unfiied’s Equity & Access and Parent and Family Engagement Departments remained focused on the social-emotional health of students, providing 24/7 online resources, including Care Solace and Wellness Series Workshops, and sending community check-in surveys to families.

“Our District proudly prioritizes our students’ safety and well-being by implementing effective practices that address social, emotional and mental health combined with access to a high-quality and rigorous curriculum,” Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez said. “This award symbolizes Hacienda La Puente Unified’s passion and perseverance in overcoming the challenges of the past few years and returning to in-person learning united and stronger than ever.”

Dear Hacienda La Puente Unified Community,

April was a highly successful month for Hacienda La Puente Unified, as our scholars and educators received top honors for their hard work, and found opportunities to work as a team to give back to our community and help the environment.

Each month, we observe historical dates designed to educate our students on important issues and help build robust support systems within our community.

In April, we focused on the importance of mathematics in honor of Math Awareness Month, participated in various community projects to celebrate Earth Day, wore denim in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month and provided resources in observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

We also showed our appreciation to our administrative professionals and bus drivers, surprising them with fun decorations and gifts to show gratitude for their essential contributions.  

As April came to a close, we received the fantastic news that HLPUSD and 28 of our schools were announced winners of the newly created 2022 California Pivotal Practice Award Program. This recognition demonstrates Hacienda La Puente Unified's success in implementing innovative practices when California schools were required to offer distance learning in the 2020-21 school year prompted by COVID-19 pandemic.  

This honor joins our extensive list of recognitions this year, affirming Hacienda La Puente Unified's talent, collaboration, creativity and determination.

Thank you to our Board of Education, teachers, staff, administrators and community members for continually advocating for our students and the success of this District. I look forward to finishing the school year off strong and celebrating the successes of our students with you all throughout the next few weeks! As always, we are #ProudtobeHLPUSD.

Sincerely, Dr. Alfonso Jiménez

CITY OF INDUSTRY – Hacienda La Puente Unified schools have been honored with the 2022 Civic Learning Award by Chief Justice Tani Gorre Cantil-Sakauye and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, recognizing programs, classes and individuals for engaging students in civic education.

The awards were presented on April 27 to elementary, middle and high schools at three levels – the Award of Merit, Distinction and Excellence. Orange Grove Middle School was one of three schools presented with the Award of Distinction. The Award of Merit recognized 20 recipients, including Sparks Middle School and Sunset Elementary School; both schools have received the honor numerous times in recent years. In addition, La Puente High School was one of three schools to receive an honorable mention.

“Thank you to our amazing Hacienda La Puente Unified teachers, staff and administrators for discovering innovative ways to provide community-based educational experiences for our students,” Board President Jeffrey De La Torre said. “These honors represent our District’s ongoing dedication and successful efforts in developing leadership and civic identities for our future leaders.”

The Civic Learning Award was launched in 2011 as part of the Civic Learning Initiative, which is supported by statewide partnerships that help revitalize democracy by providing civic classes, summits and outreach programs that promote access to justice in California.

Orange Grove Middle School was lauded for their continuing practices of the Six Pillars of Character, Ocelot United- Community Service Club and law-related education program, Project LEAD. Each school was celebrated for its extraordinary dedication to civics through partnerships with community members and campaigning on community issues to effect change.

“Congratulations to our outstanding students, teachers, staff and administrators on receiving this remarkable honor at not one but four of our Hacienda La Puente Unified schools,” Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez said. “Our District is committed to implementing civic engagement, focusing on community issues and providing our students with the knowledge, skills, values and confidence to be active citizens and cultivate positive change.”