March 11, 2024

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Road to Kinder program begins Thursday night for students, parents at Hughson Elementary School

One of the things that set Hughson Elementary School  apart from other schools is its unique Road to Kinder program. Now in its 20th year, the program is an important way for parents and their children to learn about what to expect in kindergarten classes.

All parents and the 110 kindergarten and transitional kindergarten students enrolled thus far for the 2024-25 school year are encouraged to attend two meetings each. This year, the families were divided into two groups. The first group’s meetings will be this Thursday and March 21; the second group is scheduled for April 11 and April 18. All the sessions run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the school.

During Road to Kinder, students will meet kindergarten teachers in the classroom and be exposed to reading, writing, listening and speaking. They will learn about classroom procedures and meet potential classmates. Each child also is given a backpack loaded with school supplies.

“The main goals are to have students become familiar with the campus, the teachers and what going to school will look and feel like when they start with us in August,” said Principal Megan Reisz.

Parents will have an opportunity to talk with school officials and staff about what they and their children can expect. Each session finishes with a group activity for parents and students.

“For parents, the main goals are to share our expectations for success, reviewing the way Hughson Elementary School operates, answering their questions, making them feel comfortable with sending their child to us and offering suggestions of ways they can help prepare their child for their school experience,” Reisz explained. “This time also allows our staff to get to know our incoming students.

”Hughson was the first elementary school in Stanislaus County with the Road to Kinder program, though other districts have since followed its lead. A portion of the program is paid by a grant from First 5 Stanislaus, an organization that is dedicated to giving children and families the best start in life. 

Students are eligible for kindergarten next fall if they turn 5 by Sept. 1, 2024. They can enroll in transitional kindergarten if they turn 5 between Sept. 2 and June 2, 2025.

Parents still can register their children for the next school year. Information is available in English or Spanish at the HES office. For more information, call 883-4412.