August 12, 2026

The 2026-2027 school year kicked off for Hughson schools on Aug. 11. Here’s a look at each site’s first day.

Hughson Elementary School

At Hughson Elementary School, the year started smoothly with 639 students, ten more than at the start of last year. The school’s youngest students found a welcome addition in the modified and new TK/Kindergarten Playground, complete with a barn play structure, a tractor and new games to play. Another special addition included a new buddy bench, “for children to connect with one another,” Principal Megan Reisz shared.

Along with many returning staff members, two new teachers and new support staff joined Hughson Elementary, who spent the day learning with their students and helping ensure the students had what they needed. “I am most looking forward to continuing to build a cohesive team that keeps student learning at the forefront of what we do, building on the work we have done in past years. The children are always the bright spots of the day, but seeing the staff form relationships with them is truly special,” Reisz said. “I am proud of the staff and their ability to read one another and the students. They know where to be and how to help.”

As Reisz visited classrooms, she saw the usual first-day tears in some eyes, “but within a short time those eyes had dried, and kids were doing great things. You can see them beaming with pride. HES is truly a special place.”

Fox Road Elementary

Things are off to a great start at Fox Road, which saw perfect attendance from its 298 students, 11 more students than last year.

“It is great to welcome all of our new students to campus,” Principal Jeff Persons said, who was out early shaking hands and getting to know the school’s new students. “It is always great welcoming our new fourth graders to campus and seeing their smiles, positive energy, mixed in with a bit of nervousness. Our fifth graders love that they now ‘rule the school.’ Seeing our families, before school, laughing, taking pictures, interacting with staff, and being assured that their children are in an excellent place is always so great.”

Many things are new on campus at Fox Road. “One of the first things everyone noticed is our amazing blacktop renovation,” Persons said. In addition to a new blacktop, the school was painted, students played new games on the wallball court requested by last year’s students, and a new Student Support Center was added. The Student Support Center will have space for an intervention classroom and meeting places for the school psychologist and counsellor. This year, the school added a full-time person to assist with students who might have behavior challenges or need extra support.

“Our first day was incredible,” Person said. “Our teachers and staff members all received training over the past week, and this year's pledge to move from ‘Belief to Commitment: All students will learn’ is something everyone is taking seriously.”

With so many returning long-time teachers, Fox Road staff continue to work to make the campus a wonderful place for students to be, Persons explained. “We continually strive to put all the pieces in place to ensure all students are learning at high levels and create a safe and supportive school environment. We really can feel that we are building on this and I know it is going to make this school year highly effective and fun!”

Ross Middle School

On Tuesday, Ross Middle School welcomes its largest student body in the school’s history, 506 students, 17 more than at the start of last year.

“There is a real sense of growth and excitement on our campus this year. In previous years, Ross had a few open classrooms, but this year, every classroom is occupied by a certificated teacher. We have also welcomed four new staff members to our team: Carolyn Jones, PE; Joseph Hollander, History; Griffin Boyd, History; and Rosemary Diaz, Science. Our new portable classroom, which was delivered in February of last year, is now being utilized by Mrs. Sanchez,” Principal Mary La Rosa said.

As the day began, student leaders enthusiastically greeted students and staff as they arrived on campus. La Rosa observed, “Their energy helped set a positive tone for the day. The feeling across campus was a great mix of excitement and anticipation—with, of course, a few first-day nerves mixed in.” She said, “We are incredibly excited about the year ahead. Welcoming the largest student body Ross has ever had, along with new staff and continued growth, makes this a particularly exciting time for our school community.”

Hughson High School

Seven new teachers join Hughson High School’s staff this year. Enrollment is holding steady at 925 students, just three more than began the 2025-2026 school year. As students walked on campus, they “were very excited about the new pavement, paint, updated classrooms, and the updated bathrooms with more stalls,” Principal Loren Lighthall said. “It feels like a new facility, and the students really enjoyed the updated classrooms and new look of the school.”

The day was busy but full of energy. “It's always invigorating for all of us to get the students back on campus. Staff is excited to see each other, but more excited to see the students,” Lighthall said. It’s an excitement that gives and grows.

“We are excited to welcome our new and returning families back to school!” Superintendent Brenda Smith said, “The first day went extremely well, and we are looking forward to a wonderful school year.”