March 19, 2025

One of the things that set Hughson Elementary School  apart from other schools is its unique Road to Kinder program. Now in its 21st 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 111 kindergarten and transitional kindergarten students enrolled thus far for the 2025-26 school year are encouraged to attend two meetings each. Once again this year, the families were divided into two groups. The first group’s meetings will be this Thursday and March 27; the second group is scheduled for April 3 and April 11. 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 a chance 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.

“This is an opportunity for our administrators and teachers to share the expectations for success with parents, review the way Hughson Elementary operates, answer their questions, make them feel comfortable with sending their child to us and offer suggestions of ways they can help prepare their child for school,” said Lily Madrigal, the school’s Healthy Start coordinator.  

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, 2025. They can enroll in transitional kindergarten if they turn 5 between Sept. 2 and June 2, 2026.

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 (209) 883-4412.