National School Bus Safety Week | October 19th-23rd, 2026
Our Students. Our Responsibility. Their Safety.
Every school day, Hillsboro R-3 bus drivers transport students to and from school. Keeping those students safe is a responsibility we all share.
This week is National School Bus Safety Week, and we're reminding everyone in the Hillsboro community to slow down, stay alert and follow Missouri's school bus safety laws.
🚗KEY DRIVER LAWS IN MISSOURI
Flashing Yellow Lights: A school bus is preparing to stop. Slow down, use caution and prepare to stop.
Flashing Red Lights and Stop Arm Extended: STOP! Students may be getting on or off the bus. Never pass a stopped school bus when its red lights are flashing and its stop arm is extended unless a specific legal exception applies.
Two-Lane Roads: Drivers traveling in BOTH directions must stop for a school bus displaying its red warning lights.
Four-Lane Roads: Drivers traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop. Missouri law provides an exception for drivers traveling in the opposite direction on roads with four or more lanes.
Stay Alert: Watch for children near bus stops, intersections and neighborhoods. Never drive distracted around a school bus.
To our Hillsboro R-3 bus drivers and transportation staff: Thank you for the important work you do every day to keep our students safe.
Hillsboro, let's work together to protect our most precious passengers!
Our Students. Our Responsibility. Their Safety.
Every school day, Hillsboro R-3 bus drivers transport students to and from school. Keeping those students safe is a responsibility we all share.
This week is National School Bus Safety Week, and we're reminding everyone in the Hillsboro community to slow down, stay alert and follow Missouri's school bus safety laws.
🚗KEY DRIVER LAWS IN MISSOURI
Flashing Yellow Lights: A school bus is preparing to stop. Slow down, use caution and prepare to stop.
Flashing Red Lights and Stop Arm Extended: STOP! Students may be getting on or off the bus. Never pass a stopped school bus when its red lights are flashing and its stop arm is extended unless a specific legal exception applies.
Two-Lane Roads: Drivers traveling in BOTH directions must stop for a school bus displaying its red warning lights.
Four-Lane Roads: Drivers traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop. Missouri law provides an exception for drivers traveling in the opposite direction on roads with four or more lanes.
Stay Alert: Watch for children near bus stops, intersections and neighborhoods. Never drive distracted around a school bus.
To our Hillsboro R-3 bus drivers and transportation staff: Thank you for the important work you do every day to keep our students safe.
Hillsboro, let's work together to protect our most precious passengers!
We had a great morning last Friday at our Donuts with Dad event!
Thank you to all the dads and special guests who joined us! We loved seeing everyone spend some quality time together and appreciate you starting your day with us
Thank you to all the dads and special guests who joined us! We loved seeing everyone spend some quality time together and appreciate you starting your day with us
Hillsboro High School students and families will be traveling to Thailand and Cambodia in June of 2028.
If you're interested in joining us, please RSVP for one of the informational parent meetings this week. Adventure awaits!
Click the links to RSVP to attend either Wednesday or Thursday's Parent Meetings.
Wednesday, October 21st: https://rsvp.eftours.com/7349gv7
Thursday, October 22nd: https://rsvp.eftours.com/yjj2w4p
In Ms. Mann’s class, Early Childhood Center class, Tucker’s mom came and shared her career as a photographer, to go with our theme-Faces and Places in Our Community.
Students in Mrs. Gross' gifted class learn about coding during a technology lesson.
LOCATION UPDATE: Jr. Hawks Cheerleaders Trick-or-Cheer Clinic!
The HHS Cheerleaders are so excited to host the Jr. Hawks Cheerleaders Trick-or-Cheer clinic on October 24th!
Please note that the clinic location has changed to Hillsboro Junior High due to HVAC work at our original location.
Thank you all for your understanding and flexibility. We can’t wait to spend a spooktacular afternoon cheering, and having Halloween fun with our Jr. Hawks cheerleaders!
The HHS Cheerleaders are so excited to host the Jr. Hawks Cheerleaders Trick-or-Cheer clinic on October 24th!
Please note that the clinic location has changed to Hillsboro Junior High due to HVAC work at our original location.
Thank you all for your understanding and flexibility. We can’t wait to spend a spooktacular afternoon cheering, and having Halloween fun with our Jr. Hawks cheerleaders!
We would like to correct an error made by Leader Publications in the October 15th Voters Guide. The estimated tax levy will be approximately $4.7338 per $100 assessed valuation if Proposition H is approved on November 3, 2026. The Leader erroneously reported the district tax rate of $4.8271 should Proposition H pass.
Here is the correction provided by The Leader Publications that will be in next Thursday, October 22nd's paper.
Correction:
The estimated operating levy of the Hillsboro R-3 School District will be $4.7338 per $100 assessed valuation should a $1.39 tax levy, known as Proposition H, be approved in the Nov. 3 general election. This figure is based on 2025 tax rates. Furthermore, should the ballot measure pass, the Hillsboro R-3 School District would have the third highest tax levy in Jefferson County, behind the Dunklin R-5 and Windsor C-1 school districts. An incorrect figure based on 2026 tax rates was listed in a previous story. The Leader apologizes for the error.
Here is the correction provided by The Leader Publications that will be in next Thursday, October 22nd's paper.
Correction:
The estimated operating levy of the Hillsboro R-3 School District will be $4.7338 per $100 assessed valuation should a $1.39 tax levy, known as Proposition H, be approved in the Nov. 3 general election. This figure is based on 2025 tax rates. Furthermore, should the ballot measure pass, the Hillsboro R-3 School District would have the third highest tax levy in Jefferson County, behind the Dunklin R-5 and Windsor C-1 school districts. An incorrect figure based on 2026 tax rates was listed in a previous story. The Leader apologizes for the error.
Be sure to bring the kids to the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce Boo at the Barn Trunk or Treat event at Bridle Ridge on Saturday, October 17th from 6 to 9pm.
Who says Halloween fun has to involve costumes and candy?
We're bringing a little Halloween excitement into the kitchen with our Hawks Jr. Chefs Class!
Hillsboro R-3 students in grades 3–6 are invited to enjoy a fun, Halloween-themed cooking experience at Hillsboro High School.
Here's what parents need to know:
📅Wednesday, October 28th
🕰️6:00–7:30 p.m.
🏫Hillsboro High School
💵Cost: $20 per student
✅Only 24 spots are available!
Registration is open through the Infinite Campus School Store and closes once 24 students have signed up.
If your child enjoys cooking, getting creative or trying something new, this could be a fun way to celebrate Halloween!
Don't wait. Once those 24 spots are filled, registration closes!
We're bringing a little Halloween excitement into the kitchen with our Hawks Jr. Chefs Class!
Hillsboro R-3 students in grades 3–6 are invited to enjoy a fun, Halloween-themed cooking experience at Hillsboro High School.
Here's what parents need to know:
📅Wednesday, October 28th
🕰️6:00–7:30 p.m.
🏫Hillsboro High School
💵Cost: $20 per student
✅Only 24 spots are available!
Registration is open through the Infinite Campus School Store and closes once 24 students have signed up.
If your child enjoys cooking, getting creative or trying something new, this could be a fun way to celebrate Halloween!
Don't wait. Once those 24 spots are filled, registration closes!
This week is National School Lunch Week! We'll be celebrating in all cafeterias with giveaways and special treats. I've attached the logo I'd like to use on social media, if you can post that for us, please. Below is a short blurb you're welcome to use as well. I sent coloring and activity pages to the Primary and Elementary last week - I know Shannon has already posted this to the Primary's social media page.
Celebrating National School Lunch Week: Oct. 12th-18th
We're bringing the fun of the circus to our cafeterias this week as we celebrate National School Lunch Week! Join us for special treats, fun giveaways, and a celebration of the nutritious meals that help our students learn, grow, and shine!
Celebrating National School Lunch Week: Oct. 12th-18th
We're bringing the fun of the circus to our cafeterias this week as we celebrate National School Lunch Week! Join us for special treats, fun giveaways, and a celebration of the nutritious meals that help our students learn, grow, and shine!
ROLL UP A SLEEVE. HELP SAVE A LIFE.
We talk a lot about what it means to be part of the Hillsboro R-3 community. On Friday, November 6, here’s a chance to show it.
Hillsboro High School is partnering with ImpactLife for a community blood drive, and we’re inviting students and members of our community to take part. One donation can make a very real difference for patients and families who need blood.
🩸 Friday, November 6
⏰ 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
📍 Hillsboro High School — Gym 2
123 Leon Hall Parkway
Hillsboro High School will coordinate sign-ups for students. Community members can schedule their own appointment using the link in the comments or the QR code on the graphic.
And there’s a little something for donors, too: every donation earns rewards, with several options available after you give.
Be part of something bigger. Give blood. Help someone who needs it.
Link: https://login.bloodcenter.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/151691
We talk a lot about what it means to be part of the Hillsboro R-3 community. On Friday, November 6, here’s a chance to show it.
Hillsboro High School is partnering with ImpactLife for a community blood drive, and we’re inviting students and members of our community to take part. One donation can make a very real difference for patients and families who need blood.
🩸 Friday, November 6
⏰ 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
📍 Hillsboro High School — Gym 2
123 Leon Hall Parkway
Hillsboro High School will coordinate sign-ups for students. Community members can schedule their own appointment using the link in the comments or the QR code on the graphic.
And there’s a little something for donors, too: every donation earns rewards, with several options available after you give.
Be part of something bigger. Give blood. Help someone who needs it.
Link: https://login.bloodcenter.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/151691
Wednesday, October 14th is a Teacher Professional Development Day.
No School for students that day.
Enjoy your time off.
No School for students that day.
Enjoy your time off.
Family Movie Night is fast approaching!
Monday, October 26th at Hillsboro Junior High School in the Gym.
Address is 12 Hawk Drive, Hillsboro, MO.
Doors open at 6pm and the movie starts at 7pm.
Bring a blanket or chairs to sit on.
We'll be showing the movie, "Hocus Pocus."
Purchase tickets at the door: CASH ONLY EVENT.
Adults: $5
Students: $3
Kids Under 4 get in free.
Face painting, games, concession stand and a photo booth will be available for all guests.
Contact 636-789-0020 ext 2118 for information.
Email Kristen Maerli at maerli_kristen@hsdr3.org
ALL PROCEEDS go to the Reading Raves Program. Thank you for supporting reading!
Monday, October 26th at Hillsboro Junior High School in the Gym.
Address is 12 Hawk Drive, Hillsboro, MO.
Doors open at 6pm and the movie starts at 7pm.
Bring a blanket or chairs to sit on.
We'll be showing the movie, "Hocus Pocus."
Purchase tickets at the door: CASH ONLY EVENT.
Adults: $5
Students: $3
Kids Under 4 get in free.
Face painting, games, concession stand and a photo booth will be available for all guests.
Contact 636-789-0020 ext 2118 for information.
Email Kristen Maerli at maerli_kristen@hsdr3.org
ALL PROCEEDS go to the Reading Raves Program. Thank you for supporting reading!
HEADS UP: Teacher Professional Development Day is coming on Wednesday, October 14th.
Simply put: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS on October 14th.
Simply put: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS on October 14th.
Calling all future scientists, astronomers and space explorers!
Join us for Family Science Night: Solar System Science at Hillsboro High School!
Families can stop by for an evening of FREE, hands-on science activities — create sun prints, explore the phases of the moon, build a solar system model, discover constellations, experiment with light and even create your own alien!
📅 Thursday, Oct. 15
⏰ 3-7 p.m.
📍 Hillsboro High School — Room 222
🚀 All ages are welcome!
Email czapla_erin@hsdr3.org or morrell_stacy@hsdr3.org
Come explore, create and learn together. We hope to see you there!
Join us for Family Science Night: Solar System Science at Hillsboro High School!
Families can stop by for an evening of FREE, hands-on science activities — create sun prints, explore the phases of the moon, build a solar system model, discover constellations, experiment with light and even create your own alien!
📅 Thursday, Oct. 15
⏰ 3-7 p.m.
📍 Hillsboro High School — Room 222
🚀 All ages are welcome!
Email czapla_erin@hsdr3.org or morrell_stacy@hsdr3.org
Come explore, create and learn together. We hope to see you there!
Come on out this Friday and catch the boys soccer in action vs the visiting Northwest Lions. Only a few home games left in the season. #BoroBuilt
We are excited to welcome Lieutenant Colonel (retired) John Atwell as our guest speaker for the Veterans Assembly on November 13th.
Lieutenant Colonel Atwell is a 1997 Hillsboro High School graduate. He served 27 years in the Army.
We can’t wait to hear from Lieutenant Colonel Atwell!
Lieutenant Colonel Atwell is a 1997 Hillsboro High School graduate. He served 27 years in the Army.
We can’t wait to hear from Lieutenant Colonel Atwell!
A special day with some very special people!
Hillsboro Intermediate School welcomed grandparents and special guests for Grandparent/Special Person’s Day!
It’s a chance for our students to share a little bit of their school day with someone special. Getting a short tour of the school, enjoying a quick song performance, sitting and talking, enjoying a snack together and making a stop at the Book Fair.
Our students look forward to this tradition every year, and it’s easy to see why!
Here are a few moments from Mrs. Boyer’s and Mrs. Sansoucie’s classes. Thank you to all of our grandparents and special guests who spent part of their day with us!
Hillsboro Intermediate School welcomed grandparents and special guests for Grandparent/Special Person’s Day!
It’s a chance for our students to share a little bit of their school day with someone special. Getting a short tour of the school, enjoying a quick song performance, sitting and talking, enjoying a snack together and making a stop at the Book Fair.
Our students look forward to this tradition every year, and it’s easy to see why!
Here are a few moments from Mrs. Boyer’s and Mrs. Sansoucie’s classes. Thank you to all of our grandparents and special guests who spent part of their day with us!
The Frank Schultz Invitational is Saturday (10/3) starting at 8:30am.
Come support our Junior High and High School Cross Country runners!
The Farm will be showcased by 20 High School CC Teams and 10 Middle School CC Teams for the Frank Schultz Invitational!
Traveling Tom's will make a guest appearance along with Kona Ice. Also, we will have a small concession stand and t-shirts for sale
Come support our Junior High and High School Cross Country runners!
The Farm will be showcased by 20 High School CC Teams and 10 Middle School CC Teams for the Frank Schultz Invitational!
Traveling Tom's will make a guest appearance along with Kona Ice. Also, we will have a small concession stand and t-shirts for sale
Apparently, a sense of humor is part of the job description at Hillsboro Primary.
The directions for National Bubble Gum Day were pretty simple: Grab a piece of gum. Blow the biggest bubble you can. Snap a picture. Send it to Principal Shannon Murray.
Teacher, para, custodian—it didn’t matter. Biggest bubble by the end of the day wins.
And the champion?
🏆 Custodian Heather Brock!
We’ll let you look through the pictures and figure out which bubble belongs to Heather. Trust us... you’ll know it when you see it.
Just another day at Hillsboro Primary—and another reminder that sometimes it’s OK to have a little fun at work.
The directions for National Bubble Gum Day were pretty simple: Grab a piece of gum. Blow the biggest bubble you can. Snap a picture. Send it to Principal Shannon Murray.
Teacher, para, custodian—it didn’t matter. Biggest bubble by the end of the day wins.
And the champion?
🏆 Custodian Heather Brock!
We’ll let you look through the pictures and figure out which bubble belongs to Heather. Trust us... you’ll know it when you see it.
Just another day at Hillsboro Primary—and another reminder that sometimes it’s OK to have a little fun at work.
