Aug. 12, 2024

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Plenty of excitement and lots of smiles mixed with a little bit of nerves. Those were the dominant themes Monday all across the Hughson Unified School District as teachers, administrators and other staff welcomed back more than 2,200 students.

There were balloons, bubbles and colorful signs greeting students on the first day of the 2024-25 school year. Lots of pictures were taken and, at least at Hughson Elementary -- where the youngest of the 606 students arrived for the very first time – there were even a few tears shed by proud parents.

“Seeing the students with new clothes, shoes, backpacks and fresh haircuts or styles is so precious,” said HES Principal Megan Reisz. “Some created their teacher a special picture or had a little gift for them.”

HES teachers took their classes on campus tours, showed them the cafeteria and the library, and assured them there is plenty of support if they ever have any questions. Reisz said it’s all part of creating a bond between school staff and families.

“I love when parents leave campus and they trust this staff to take care of everything. That is a pretty special and a job that we take very seriously,” she said.

Across town at Fox Road Elementary, Principal Jeff Persons and his staff welcomed 290 fourth- and fifth-graders with signs and a 15-foot “dancing inflatable” in black and gold Husky colors.

“There was a lot of excitement and joy,” Persons said. “We have a welcoming assembly at the end of their third-grade year to welcome new students to Fox Road, so most were familiar with the campus and anxious to begin school.”

Like Reisz, Persons said forming trust with parents is one of the keys to what he expects to be “an amazing year.”

“There is such a great sense of pride and love for their children and we feel so honored to partner with them in their child’s success,” he said.

Next door at Ross Middle School, 470 students basked in bubbles, balloons and cheers as they returned to campus.

“Students were excited, and I think parents were more excited,” said Principal Mary La Rosa. “We are welcoming many new families to Hughson, so there was an understandable mix of excitement and nervousness. Our entire staff is excited to see each other and welcome our students. There is no doubt, Hughson is the place to be.”

At Hughson High, 869 students were greeted warmly as they walked through the gates. The mood was “excited and happy,” according to Principal Loren Lighthall.

“It’s always the most fun for kids to go to nutrition and lunch and connect with their friends after having been in a few classes,” he said. “They talk about their teachers, classes and what they did for the summer.”