June 30, 2026

As June comes to a close, Hughson students are wrapping their time in summer school and in the After School Program summer activities. This year, the ASP Summer Explorers Program enrolled around 250 students between TK and Seventh grade. Some attend morning sessions at Fox Road Elementary, then head over to the program in the afternoon.

The programs run from June 1 to 26.

Summer Explorers Program keeps students growing

Each week during the Summer Explorers program, program leaders focus student academic and enrichment lessons around a mini theme under the umbrella of the explorers theme. There are contests and competitions throughout the week that build team spirit within each classroom, and on-site and off-site events each week that coordinate with the theme.

Each class created its own team name and banner and competed weekly to become the ASP Explorers Competition Champions. Dress up days close up each week with special themes. Field trips included Fresno Zoo, Ten Pin Fun Center, John's Incredible Pizza, and a visit learning about rattles, scales, and tales with Reptile Ron.

Summer learning programs keep students growing throughout the summer and helps to keep many of the skills learned during their school year fresh in their minds. Field trip opportunities and on-site presenters move learning outside the classroom walls. The program likewise gives students a chance to stay connected to friends and grow in social skills.

The mission of the after school community is to pursue excellence in training students and adults for the common good of the community. Serving each other with integrity, courtesy, and compassion; and in all endeavors provide fair opportunity to achieve dreams. Community partners who helped make this summer program happen included Wal-Mart, Pizza Factory, J & J farms, Ram Farms, Panda Express, John's Incredible Pizza, Yosemite Lanes, McHenry Bowl, Laser Quest, Modesto Nuts, Cold Stone Ice Cream, Sacramento Zoo, Rockin' Jump, Heaven Snow, Frito Lay Funworks, Boomers, Winchester Mystery House, McDonald's, Island Waterpark, and Hughson Unified School District.

Summer Learning Programs keep students growing throughout the summer. Students who attend have the potential of increasing their skills by one-third of grade level in many ASP Explorer subjects.

Summer School gives students an extra boost

Jeff Persons, who serves as principal for the TK to seventh grade summer school program said 212 students are enrolled this year. Even with the increase he has seen that students still benefit from smaller class sizes and more personalized instruction. “While summer school is open to every student, teachers work hard to reach out to students who can use an extra boost into the next year of school.”

The day begins with breakfast and ends with lunch before students can head to the After School Program, ensuring that those enrolled in summer school do not miss out on the fun field trips happening throughout the month.

At Ross Middle School, 75 students are enrolled in summer school, making up credits and gaining extra academic support. Students rotate to three different teachers: Mrs. King, Mr. Jepson, and Mr. Montgomery, and attend three hours a day. “It is a great, relaxed time for students to be in a different academic environment. Fridays are our favorite because students earn attendance incentives, and we have a gift card drawing, as well as the option to spend K-9 Kash on Otter Pops,” Principal Mary La Rosa said.

Over at Hughson High School, 120 students are expected to complete summer classes, held this year at the Hughson Alternative Education site due to construction at Hughson High School.

“At HHS, the goal of summer school is to ensure that students are on track for graduation, so they are making up for missing credits. With the success of our summer school program and interventions, such as Pack Time, PLCs, and Homework Help, the number of students at our continuation school has significantly decreased,” Assistant Principal Natalie Moring said. “As a result, we have more students graduating at Hughson High School with fewer students on the ineligibility list.”

According to Principal Loren Lighthall, at one time the high school had as many as 21% of its student population on the ineligibility list. With interventions in place, that number is at an all-time low, only 76 students, or 8.5%. “In combination with high CAASPP scores, it proves that the interventions that HUSD and HHS have been effective,” Moring said.

In addition to summer school through Hughson Unified School District, Stanislaus County offers an online summer school option. Those who are credit deficient attend the county summer school, as well as students using it for advancement or to meet A-G requirements for a UC or CSU. Currently 129 students are enrolled through that program and meet weekly with an assigned teacher.

Counseling staff are likewise working with students who are enrolled in dual enrollment classes through Modesto Junior College. By taking summer college courses, students will cut down the amount of time required to complete a bachelor's degree, saving college costs in the long run. Students who submit their college coursework to the HHS registrar, will also receive high school credits that assist in meeting graduation requirements.

“These programs give students a launchpad to propel them into the next school year. Every student can use an extra boost and as we remind students at our weekly assemblies, they are champions for being committed to learning and practicing skills just like the players in the NBA finals or the World Cup!” Persons said. “We are just so thankful for our families and the community for partnering with us to mix high quality learning with summer joy. We know that bringing students to summer school is a choice and we are so thankful for the opportunity to continue to work with our Hughson Huskies in building up and sustaining the skills that they will need in school for years to come.”