
Each day last week brought a new activity to celebrate the opportunity to learn by every student in attendance! Chalk Art, Scavenger Hunts, Charades and so much more – Mystery Week was a blast!





This month’s Family Bulletin Board is here! Find the full set of flyers and community resources on Instagram or ParentSquare.



We’re back with our second Thriving Together feature, highlighting the incredible people who make a difference for students every day.
This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Mrs. Vargas, our counselor at Empire Elementary. Mrs. Vargas supports students and families by creating a safe place to share, teaching skills for problem-solving, and helping kids feel confident. Whether she’s in the classroom leading lessons or meeting one-on-one with students, she is a steady source of encouragement and support. Scroll down to hear her practical tips for starting the year strong and join us each month as we continue to share wisdom from the heart of our schools.
This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Mrs. Vargas, our counselor at Empire Elementary. Mrs. Vargas supports students and families by creating a safe place to share, teaching skills for problem-solving, and helping kids feel confident. Whether she’s in the classroom leading lessons or meeting one-on-one with students, she is a steady source of encouragement and support. Scroll down to hear her practical tips for starting the year strong and join us each month as we continue to share wisdom from the heart of our schools.





Learn English with Confidence! Free Adult English Classes for EUSD families, in partnership with LearningQuest!
Program Highlights:
- Free classes & materials
- Free childcare
- Welcoming for all levels
When: Tues & Thurs Sept 30 – Apr 16
6:00PM–8:00 PM Empire Elementary 5201 1st St, Modesto, CA 95351
Call Adriana (209-606-6799) or Juliana (209-750-7228) to register.
Spots fill fast! Sign up today!





Free Money for Your Child’s Future? Yes, Really! California is investing in your child’s future through CalKIDS, a free program that provides money for college or career training for eligible California students. Check out our News Feed below to learn more.



This month’s Family Bulletin Board is here! Find the full set of flyers and community resources on Instagram or ParentSquare.



The Harvest Carnival is returning to Hughes! In addition to the carnival, Trunk or Treat has been added!
If you are interested in participating, please fill out the form and return it As Soon As Possible!
Forms were sent home today in Blue Folders!


Did you miss the 25/26 After School SignUps?
Sign up on the waitlist using the link or QR Code.
https://forms.gle/eP9tNxF29JfoL9bb8
Good evening Empire Union School District families,
We are pleased to share with you that our After School Program will be offered to all our TK-8th-grade students for the 2025-2026 school year. All campuses within the Empire Union School District will host an after-school program for students. Please see our FAQ to learn about the program offering.
AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What do I need to do for my child to attend the after-school program?
For your child to attend the after-school program, you must complete the Google registration form.
What are the hours of the after-school program?
The after-school program is offered from dismissal until 6:00 pm (6:08 pm for middle school) on all school days.
What grades are allowed to attend the after-school program?
Students in TK-8th grades are eligible to attend the program on their campus.
Is the after-school program offered at my school?
Yes, the after-school program is offered at all campuses within EUSD.
Is this the same after-school program currently offered at my child’s school?
Yes, this is the same program currently being offered, with the exception that it is now offered to all grades.
How much does the after-school program cost?
The after-school program is offered to each student at no cost.
Does the after-school program offer my child a snack or a meal?
Yes, all students will be provided a ‘supper’ daily. It is provided by our food service department
How long does my child have to be in the program?
Each day your child attends the program, they must remain in the program for one hour after the dismissal bell. For example, if your child is dismissed from school at 2:30 pm, the soonest they are able to be checked out from the program is 3:30 pm.
How many days per week does my child have to attend?
We ask that families commit to at least three days per week for middle school/daily for elementary schools.
How do I contact the after-school program?
Hughes Elementary
Before 4 pm: (209) 527-1330
After 4 pm: (209) 524-6325
Traci Fuller, Site Coordinator
Sign up on the waitlist using the link or QR Code.
https://forms.gle/eP9tNxF29JfoL9bb8
Good evening Empire Union School District families,
We are pleased to share with you that our After School Program will be offered to all our TK-8th-grade students for the 2025-2026 school year. All campuses within the Empire Union School District will host an after-school program for students. Please see our FAQ to learn about the program offering.
AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What do I need to do for my child to attend the after-school program?
For your child to attend the after-school program, you must complete the Google registration form.
What are the hours of the after-school program?
The after-school program is offered from dismissal until 6:00 pm (6:08 pm for middle school) on all school days.
What grades are allowed to attend the after-school program?
Students in TK-8th grades are eligible to attend the program on their campus.
Is the after-school program offered at my school?
Yes, the after-school program is offered at all campuses within EUSD.
Is this the same after-school program currently offered at my child’s school?
Yes, this is the same program currently being offered, with the exception that it is now offered to all grades.
How much does the after-school program cost?
The after-school program is offered to each student at no cost.
Does the after-school program offer my child a snack or a meal?
Yes, all students will be provided a ‘supper’ daily. It is provided by our food service department
How long does my child have to be in the program?
Each day your child attends the program, they must remain in the program for one hour after the dismissal bell. For example, if your child is dismissed from school at 2:30 pm, the soonest they are able to be checked out from the program is 3:30 pm.
How many days per week does my child have to attend?
We ask that families commit to at least three days per week for middle school/daily for elementary schools.
How do I contact the after-school program?
Hughes Elementary
Before 4 pm: (209) 527-1330
After 4 pm: (209) 524-6325
Traci Fuller, Site Coordinator

Thriving Together: Meet Our Instructional Coaches
We’re kicking off our new monthly series with EUSD’s Instructional Coaches , Monique Preciado, Katrina Haskin, and Kandance Jenkins. This month, they share strategies to help children handle back-to-school anxiety and start the year strong.
We’re kicking off our new monthly series with EUSD’s Instructional Coaches , Monique Preciado, Katrina Haskin, and Kandance Jenkins. This month, they share strategies to help children handle back-to-school anxiety and start the year strong.





Smiles, high-fives, and fresh beginnings! Our EUSD schools are buzzing with excitement as students and staff kick off a brand new year together. Want to see more first-day smiles and special moments? Follow us on Instagram @Empireunionsd for more photos of our amazing students in action all year long!
¡Sonrisas, chócalas y nuevos comienzos! Nuestras escuelas de EUSD están llenas de energía mientras damos inicio juntos a un nuevo año escolar. Quiere ver más sonrisas y momentos especiales del primer día? Síganos en Instagram @Empireunionsd para más fotos de nuestros increíbles estudiantes durante todo el año escolar.
¡Sonrisas, chócalas y nuevos comienzos! Nuestras escuelas de EUSD están llenas de energía mientras damos inicio juntos a un nuevo año escolar. Quiere ver más sonrisas y momentos especiales del primer día? Síganos en Instagram @Empireunionsd para más fotos de nuestros increíbles estudiantes durante todo el año escolar.





Free lunch and groceries all summer long! When school is out, it can be harder for families to access regular meals. Luckily, many local programs offer free food and meals for kids and families during the summer.



Your summer just got easier! Our Summer Family Fun Guide is filled with free and low-cost activities to keep your kids learning, exploring, and having fun all summer long. From local events to creative at-home ideas, there’s something for everyone. Download it now and start planning your best summer yet!



Hughes Elementary Wins 1st Place at Science Olympiad! Check out our News Feed below or our Instagram @Empireunionsd, to see more photos of this event!

Take advantage of the Hughes Hot Pre-Summer Spirit Wear Sale! Choose from hundreds of designs and garments that are delivered to your home in days! You'll save 20% off the entire site! Featuring new product lines from Under Armour!
Use code: SUMMER Shop at
https://1stplace.sale/12866

Congratulations Miss Aghassi! Stanislaus County Teacher of the Year!

Head over to our News Feed to learn about free community resource events happening this month!


Congratulations to the Hughes Science Olympiad, which competed on Saturday at Walnut Elementary School in Turlock! Hughes took 1st Place in Stanislaus County! Thank you, staff and families for your support! Hard work pays off! Great job!

Congratulations to the Husky Football team for their hard work on Friday at Johansen High School! We are proud of you!

Meet Mrs. Bauer, our Capistrano Elementary School Counselor and our featured counselor this month!



Science Olympiad @ Walnut School beginning at 8:30 a.m. Good luck Scholars!
When: Saturday, May 3!