Meet Andrea Newsom, Hughson Elementary School’s new Education Specialist
Andrea Newsom

July 30, 2026

Name: My name is Andrea Newsom.

Family: I grew up in Denair, just down the road, where my parents still live in our childhood home. I am the middle of three children with an older sister, Stephanie, and a brother, Joshua, who sadly passed away while serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. I am blessed with a wonderful husband, JonMichael, a Navy Veteran and Electrical Estimator, and our three amazing children: Emma (20), Logan (18), and Morgan (3). We love spending time together as a family.

School: Hughson Elementary School

Position: Education Specialist (Special Day Class Teacher) for TK–3rd grade

Experience and Education: I have always been passionate about working with children and knew I wanted to be a teacher from a young age. After earning my Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from Brandman University in 2012, I taught at Turlock Nursery School starting in 2018. I later had the joy of teaching there myself and even working with my nephew. I recently completed my Multiple Subjects and Mild to Moderate Special Education credentials through the Teachers College of San Joaquin while serving as a Teacher Resident at Denair Elementary Charter Academy. There, I provided whole-class and small-group interventions, supported IEPs, and helped diverse learners succeed.

What attracted you to Hughson? I am so excited to join the Hughson community because it is a truly wonderful school. Many of my friends send their children here, and I already know several fantastic teachers on staff. I can’t wait to be part of this caring team and partnering together to make this a fantastic year for our TK–3rd-grade students!

How did you decide to become a teacher? What part of the subject you’ll be teaching interests you the most? I am especially passionate about helping young students with diverse needs build confidence and joy in learning — especially in reading, writing, and social-emotional growth. I want every child to remember they are capable, supported, and valued. I believe having hands-on experiences makes lasting memories; you can have fun while learning, and I hope to bring that to all of my students.

What are your hobbies or interests outside of the classroom? Outside of school, I cherish family time. We love hiking in the mountains, beach trips, snowboarding in winter, and gardening in summer (with plenty of homemade salsa and pasta sauce!).

Looking back, who is a teacher who made an impact in your life? My favorite teacher growing up was my preschool teacher, Mrs. Julie, at Turlock Nursery School — I later had the joy of teaching there myself and even working with my nephew.

Meet Daisy Medina, Hughson High School’s new Spanish Teacher
Daisy Medina

July 29, 2026

Name: My name is Daisy Medina.

Family:I have one younger sister named Carmen, and my parents, Fidencio and Rosalia Medina

School: Hughson High School

Position: Spanish teacher

Experience and Education: I attended Stanislaus State, where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with a minor in Latin American Studies. I then entered the teaching credential program, which gave me the opportunity to complete my student teaching at Hughson High School. This past spring, I earned my Single Subject Teaching Credential in Spanish and my BCLAD authorization.

What attracted you to Hughson? I was drawn to Hughson because I attended Hughson schools and experienced a supportive community and teachers who made a lasting impact on me. I'm excited to return and continue growing as an educator.

What part of the subject you’ll be teaching interests you the most? What interests me most about Spanish is the diversity of the Spanish-speaking world. I enjoy learning about the different cultures and histories, as well as how the language has evolved and developed differently across countries.

What are your hobbies or interests outside of the classroom? Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, trying new coffee shops, going on walks,

and listening to music.

How did you decide to become a teacher? I decided to become a teacher because I was fortunate to have teachers who were supportive and encouraging throughout my education. They made a lasting impact on my life, and they inspired me to become the kind of teacher who supports, encourages, and makes a positive difference in the lives of students.

Looking back, who is a teacher who made an impact in your life? A teacher who had a positive impact on my life was Mrs. Newsome. She always believed in her students and made each of us feel valued. Her passion for teaching and genuine care inspired me to become the kind of teacher who helps every student feel capable and valued. Even throughout my college years, she continued to support me by offering advice and encouragement. Her influence has had a lasting impact on my life, and I am grateful for the support and encouragement she has given me over the years.

Why is your subject important for students to learn, and what do you want them to remember? Learning Spanish is important for students to learn because it gives students the opportunity to communicate with more people, connect across languages, and develop a greater understanding of different cultures. I hope my students remember that learning a language opens doors to new opportunities and builds meaningful connections.