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Hacienda La Puente Unified is committed to providing robust resources and services that support all students and foster healthy and happy school communities where our students, staff, and families feel supported, respected, and valued.
 
This month, Hacienda La Puente Unified is recognizing National Bullying Prevention Month and sharing support resources across the District.
 
National Bullying Prevention Month is the optimal time to share the ways District administrators and staff foster safe learning environments without bullying, harassment, and discrimination. 
 
Throughout the school year, the District conducts various presentations and information sessions on social media, conflict resolution, cyberbullying, and other topics for students and parents. Please keep an eye out for additional messaging from our Equity and Access, Family Engagement Department, or your child's school site, about upcoming town halls, webinars, in-person conferences, school site meetings, and more.  
 
In addition to informational presentations, students across the District are recommitting to kindness by actively participating in various activities and campus initiatives designed to foster a safe and welcoming environment. As part of this effort, schools will observe Unity Day on Friday, October 18 and engage in the Kids Against Bullying campaign, reinforcing HLPUSD’s collective commitment to building a culture of kindness and respect in every school.
 
Hacienda La Puente Unified urges all students and staff to adhere to the common community rule: if you see something, say something. Remember, your voice can make a difference.
 
Below are important details pulled from the District’s 2024-25 Information Handbook to assist families experiencing bullying.
 
Some examples of when you can submit an anonymous report include: 
 

• Bullying behavior – physical, verbal, social, and cyber 
• Drugs and other controlled substances 
• Fighting
• Gang-related practices
• Discrimination or harassment 
• Safety risks and threats 
• Vandalism 
• Weapons and dangerous objects 

 
If you or someone you know is experiencing any form of bullying on campus, at a school event, or on the way to or from school, we urge you to take action. For assistance, please contact our District counseling liaison at Student and Family Services at (626) 933-4335.
 
Hacienda La Puente Unified is committed to helping everyone feel valued and accepted by promoting kindness, inclusivity, and respect. Please call the Equity and Access, Family Engagement Department at (626) 933-5302 for additional District resources. 
 

HLPUSD_WELLNESS: Hacienda La Puente Unified Schools were provided a banner to proudly display on campus to help spread kindness for Unity Day taking place on Friday, October 18. 
#HLPUSDCARES

September marked the first full month of instruction, and we have much to celebrate. Our students excelled academically, athletically, and through active community engagement.

One of our most significant achievements was the successful hosting of our annual College and Career Fair on September 14. It was a joy to see middle and high school families actively engaging with educators, staff, and college representatives, paving the way for their future success.

Our students shined at several events outside the District, including Workman High School's band  ', The Red and Black Regiment,' which made an exciting appearance at the USC football game halftime show on September 7. La Puente High School's Cheer and Dance teams showcased their talents for the tenth time at the Sparks basketball game on September 8 at the Crypto Arena in front of more than 10,000 audience members.

We are proud of our schools for spotlighting Suicide Prevention Month with various classroom and school site initiatives. The unity and empowerment from the first Parent University and Youth Conference of the school year on September 21 was truly inspiring. It brought our community together, equipping parents and students with tools to create a brighter future.

I extend my deepest gratitude to the Board of Education, Facilities, and Business Departments for their tremendous efforts in advancing our facilities projects. Thank you to our community and bond voters for supporting our mission to ensure every student has access to top-tier facilities and learning opportunities. Be sure to explore the 2024-25 Facilities Brochure to learn more about our project highlights.

We are eagerly looking forward to the fall season and all the exciting festivities it brings. These include several holidays, like National Custodian Day and School Lunch Week, various visual and performing arts showcases, and of course, Halloween.

 

Please visit HLPUSD_SupUpdate_Sept2024.pdfto read the update! 

As always, we are #ProudtobeHLPUSD.

 

Sincerely,

Dr. Alfonso Jiménez

CITY OF INDUSTRY – Hacienda La Puente Unified’s Workman High School students are accelerating their college and career paths with the Workman Early College Academy Network (WECAN), a program offering free college classes on the high school campus through a partnership with Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC).

Now in its third year, the program allows students to earn college credits alongside their high school requirements, enabling them to participate fully in sports, extracurriculars, and their high school experience while progressing toward a college degree.

“This program is special because it looks different to each student,” Workman High junior and WECAN student Noah Avelar said. “I am expected to graduate from Workman with approximately 50 college credits, which feels amazing. I know what I want to achieve after graduation, and knowing I am ahead of the game while not having to miss out on the sports and school activities I love is awesome.”

By offering courses on the Workman High campus, students can grow together in the program, building strong relationships and support systems with their peers. Once accepted, students work closely with Workman High’s WECAN counselor Karla Gonzalez regarding the classes as well as additional support from WECAN teacher on special assignment Shireen Mahamad.

"I've had students who never thought college was in the cards for them, but WECAN has really changed that," Mahamad said. "This program doesn’t just show them that college is possible—it makes them believe it’s within their reach, no matter where they started."

The three-year WECAN program allows students to earn up to 50 transferable college credits, with the potential to graduate with an associate degree in communications by the time they finish high school.

"Our aim is to give students a head start, not just academically but in building the confidence to tackle college-level work," Principal Timothy Espinosa said. "We’re creating opportunities for them to challenge themselves and ensure that college is more financially accessible.”

Students in the program also receive free textbooks and materials as well as Mt. SAC resources aimed at reducing any barriers to higher education.

“The WECAN program truly embodies this school year’s theme of ’Transformative Learning, Pathways for Student Success,' by empowering students to take control of their educational journey,” Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez said. “We are laying a strong foundation for their future success, reinforcing our commitment to supporting the academic and career aspirations of every student.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

 

HLPUSD_WECAN1: Workman High School sophomore and WECAN student Brianna Justo kick starts her day with a Sociology 101 class on Sept. 24.  

HLPUSD_WECAN2: Workman Early College Academy Network (WECAN) student Noah Avelar learns about the history of Rock ‘n’ Roll on Sept. 24.

HLPUSD_WECAN3: Third-year WECAN students delve into the history of music during class on Sept. 24.

 

Dear HLPUSD Community,

We are thrilled to share the success of our recent Parent University and Youth Conference, held on Saturday, September 21. This remarkable event, which was a testament to the strength and unity of our community, brought together parents, educators, and students for a day dedicated to supporting the well-being and success of our students.

Attendees were left with valuable tools and resources to better navigate their critical role in shaping their children's futures.

Event Highlights:

Mental Health & Building Resilience: Parents learned effective strategies to support their children's mental health and build resilience while engaging in interactive discussions with experts.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): This session provided practical tips for integrating SEL into daily life, contributing to children's emotional growth and well-being.

School Attendance & Addressing Anxiety: Parents gained insights into the importance of regular attendance for academic success, alongside helpful tools to support their children in managing stress and anxiety.

Specialized Sessions:

LCAP (Local Control and Accountability Plan): Parents received a detailed overview of the district's goals and priorities, reaffirming HLPUSD's commitment to equitable opportunities for all students.

Ethnic Studies: This session introduced parents to the new curriculum, highlighting its role in fostering cultural awareness and inclusivity. Parents appreciated the district's efforts to enhance the educational experience with this important subject.

Looking Ahead:

The success of this year's conference has set a positive tone for future events. We want to assure you that we are committed to continuing this tradition of empowering parents and students with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive. We look forward to your continued support and participation.

Thank You:

A heartfelt thank you to each and every participant, speaker, and organizer who made this event possible. Your dedication and involvement, no matter how big or small, are vital to our students' success. Together, we are building a brighter future for our children!

Warm regards, 

Martha Calderón, L.C.S.W. ǀ Director 

Equity & Access, Family Engagement  

#HLPUSDcares

 

 

Hacienda La Puente Unified’s Fany Melendez, a second-grade Dual Language Immersion (DLI) teacher at Valinda School of Academics, is the recipient of the 2024 Teacher of the Year award for her unwavering commitment to student success and her holistic approach to teaching, inspiring excellence in every aspect of her classroom.

Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez surprised Melendez with the exciting news on campus in April 2024 barring flowers and handmade signs of support from students. He was accompanied by Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Dr. Rosa Isiah, Associate Superintendent of Business Services Manoj Roychowdhury, and Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Dr. John Lovato.

"Everyone at Valinda is extremely proud of Ms. Melendez and her phenomenal work as an educator, coach, and esteemed colleague," Principal Elizabeth Bermejo said. "She has dedicated her career to uplifting students and ensuring they are empowered to succeed, and she is well-deserving of this recognition."

With 13 years of dedicated service in education, Melendez is a passionate nurturer of students' academic and personal growth. She focuses many of her efforts on closing the achievement gap for language learners by incorporating the DLI curriculum into meaningful lessons that also support students' socio-emotional growth.

"I'm incredibly humbled to have been recognized as the Teacher of the Year," Melendez said. "Watching my students learn and grow their language skills in DLI is the most rewarding experience. I'm looking forward to continuing my efforts to encourage them to thrive and provide them with the wonderful academic experience they deserve." 

Melendez devotes additional time after school hours and on weekends to various campus activities and initiatives aimed at enhancing the learning experience for all students. Some of these extracurricular activities include coaching the award-winning First Lego League Robotics team, "The Robolts," and leading the Science Olympiad team. 

Beyond her leadership in campus clubs, she also serves as a School Site Council member and lead teacher for the New Pedagogies for Deep Learning (NPDL) initiative across Valinda. These contributions include participating in professional development training and collaborating with colleagues to enhance learning experiences through real-world lesson plans. 

Each year, Melendez and her students explore various non-profit organizations, conservations, charities, and causes to raise awareness across the school community. During the 2022-23 school year, she and her students organized a school fundraiser to raise funds for the World Wildlife Fund. This year, her class increased public awareness about sea turtles by developing informational posters and encouraging the use of reusable bags, which were displayed across her classroom door and discussed with families during Open House. 

Looking ahead, Melendez said she is determined to further her professional development by continuing her involvement with NPDL and creating new partnerships with community members from the City of La Puente. She also aims to pursue an administrative credential with the goal of becoming a school principal.

"We applaud Fany Melendez for believing in our students and their capability to achieve anything they set their minds to," Superintendent Dr. Alfonso Jiménez said. "She represents what we are most proud of as a District, and that's a community dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student."

Melendez was recognized during the 2024 Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) Teachers of the Year award banquet on Sept. 20 alongside family, friends, district representatives and news media.

 

PHOTO CAPTIONS

 

HLPUSD_TOY1: Hacienda La Puente Unified administrators celebrate second-grade Dual Language Immersion educator Fany Melendez being named HPUSD’s 2024 District Teacher of the Year with a surprise announcement in April.  

HLPUSD_TOY2: Hacienda La Puente Unified administrators celebrate second-grade Dual Language Immersion educator Fany Melendez being named HPUSD’s 2024 District Teacher of the Year during an award banquet on Sept. 20.