May 14, 2026

Hughson Unified School District celebrated Staff Appreciation Week from May 4 to 8 with a full week of sweet and savory gifts of gratitude. It’s an opportunity, as the name implies, to show appreciation to staff for their efforts, especially as end-of-year activities ramp up. Parent volunteers with the Parent-Teacher Club were central to many of the celebrations. Throughout the week, administrators and parent volunteers share a message of support and appreciation.

“It is a fun way to end the year,” Superintendent Brenda Smith said.

From the district office, each site and department received a delivery of Panera bagels on behalf of the District Cabinet and Board of Trustees. Smith sent out a video each morning featuring HUSD’s Wheel of Prizes, with chances for staff to win one of six gift cards each day, donated by the district’s vendors: Gilton, IC Electronics, Mo-Cal, TPH, MHD Group, and Champion Industrial.

“Hughson Unified is a very special place to work, and it is easy to see the camaraderie that has been built amongst colleagues,” Smith said. “We have a wonderful community that we serve and are very thankful for the families that support us and entrust their students to us. Our staff is dedicated to meeting the needs of our students, which is done through a positive and safe learning environment where our students are nurtured and cared for.”

Staff from all departments contribute to creating a positive and safe learning environment at Hughson schools. “We are fortunate to have maintenance, transportation, food service, clerical, and support staff who work alongside our instructional staff every day,” Smith said. “Each person plays a vital role in our district, and we work together to do what is needed for our students. As a result, we are a part of a district that is thriving.”

Those roles are vital to supporting and enriching schools with increasing enrollment over the past six years, some of the county’s top academic scores, and strong extra-curricular offerings for students.

At Hughson’s schools, celebrations centered largely on dining. Hughson High School staff enjoyed a Panda Express lunch, breakfast burritos from Ag Boosters, and donuts from Athletic Boosters.

At Ross Middle School, there was a PTC Burrito Bar; Lunchtime Nachos; Pizza for lunch; a Baked Potato Bar Lunch sponsored by Parent-Teacher Club with support from Texas Roadhouse; and a staff lunch together featuring Chipotle Mexican Grill.

At Fox Road Elementary School, the Parent-Teacher Club created treats for staff each day, centered on the theme “We'd be a circus without you.” Inside the staff room, decorated with circus-themed décor, staff enjoyed freshly made flavored popcorn and candy on Monday. On Tuesday, teachers filled out a room service card, selecting a list of treats to be delivered that day. On Thursday, staff ate catered mac and cheese with all the fixings. On Friday, each staff member received a bundt cake, and teachers were given an Amazon Gift Card from the Parent-Teacher Club.

At Hughson Elementary School, a 90s-themed event organized by the Parent-Teacher Club included make-your-own-lunchable, a create-your-own-bouquet flower bar, aguas frescas, a special sandwich lunch, and craft-your-own pen, tote or hat. The school provided burritos from David’z Taco, a gift basket and a tote bag raffled off by Raising Cane’s with more things sprinkled throughout the week.

“One of the things that I have always appreciated about HES is the dedication of the staff. They very much care about their students. No child's need goes unnoticed,” Hughson Elementary School Principal Megan Reisz said. “People work incredibly hard to provide our students with what they need. We do big things for our students, including making sure they have the items they need in order to be successful. I often have numerous staff members step in when a student is in need. I can say the same for the staff on campus; when someone is in need, they are usually wrapped in support. It is what we do here.”