
🇺🇸 No school on Tuesday, November 11 🇺🇸
In honor of Veterans Day, we take time to reflect, remember, and thank all who have served our country. 💙
#HawkPride #ThankYouVeterans

"It takes courage to serve your country."
Today, we hosted a Veterans Day Tribute Assembly and breakfast to celebrate and thank our local veterans.
We’re deeply grateful for their service, courage, sacrifice and for sharing their powerful stories with our students.
#VeteransDay | #HawkPride |




Both the boys and girls basketball teams from each school will take part in this effort, creating four opportunities for fans to show their support and stand united in the fight against cancer.
Game Schedule:
Boys: Jan. 13 at De Soto | Feb. 13 at Hillsboro
Girls: Jan. 22 at Hillsboro | Feb. 12 at De Soto
For the past several years, the Hillsboro boys basketball team has hosted Pink Out games during its home and away matchups with De Soto. The event has grown into a meaningful annual tradition, and this year both the boys and girls programs are expanding the effort to bring even more awareness and community involvement.
Visit this link to purchase Pink Out Gear: https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/bqEKMbMktL
Fans can purchase special Pink Out T-shirts and sweaters to wear during the games. For each item sold, $5 will be donated to someone battling cancer within each district. The online store will remain open through Thursday, Nov. 13.


The Hillsboro Primary School’s annual Holiday Bazaar Craft Fair will bring festive fun to the community on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Hillsboro Primary School, 101 Leon Hall Parkway.
This year’s event will include a special visit from Santa Claus, giving families the opportunity to take photos with Santa while enjoying the holiday shopping experience.
The Holiday Bazaar is a family-friendly community event, featuring a wide variety of local artisans and small businesses. Acceptable items include crafts, artwork, antiques, Christmas ornaments, home sales products, and other handmade or retail goods. Vendors selling or promoting alcohol, tobacco, firearms, or other prohibited products will not be accepted.
The Holiday Bazaar will also host the HawkPack Food Drive, collecting donations to support local families within the Hillsboro R-3 School District. Food items such as canned ravioli, Beefaroni, SpaghettiO’s, tuna and chicken packets, and canned Vienna sausages can be dropped off in front of the Primary Library throughout the event.
For more information, contact Hillsboro Primary School at (636) 789-0050.




HILLSBORO, Mo., — The Hillsboro Hawks will host the Sikeston Bulldogs in a Class 4, District 1 MSHSAA Quarterfinal football game on Friday, Oct. 31, at 7 p.m. at Hillsboro High School.
This marks the start of postseason play for the Hawks, who will take the field under the Friday night lights in front of what is expected to be a large home crowd.
Tickets for the game are $5 per person for all spectators ages 6 and older. Cash only will be accepted at the entrance gates. No digital tickets will be sold for this event.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early and help create a spirited atmosphere as the Hawks look to advance in the Class 4 state playoffs.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Hillsboro High School, located at 123 Leon Hall Parkway, Hillsboro, MO 63050.



If you are interested in being a vendor, here is a link to a google drive: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UZOWq_NYGilCKPUBur5tWMAaBeT0c_xH/view
The application window is open through Oct. 28, 2025. Vendors must submit their completed application with payment to the Hillsboro Primary School office.
Booth rentals are $45 per 12-foot space. Vendors may request access to electricity and tables on their application forms, though those who bring their own tables must adhere to the 12-foot maximum length. Due to updated booth spacing (14 feet total, allowing one foot of buffer on each side), specific booth locations from prior years cannot be guaranteed.
The Holiday Bazaar is a family-friendly community event, featuring a variety of local artisans and small businesses. Acceptable items include crafts, artwork, antiques, Christmas ornaments, home sales products, and other handmade or retail items. Vendors selling or promoting alcohol, tobacco, firearms, or other prohibited products will not be accepted.
Each application will be reviewed by the Hillsboro Primary Craft Fair Committee to ensure compliance with event guidelines. Vendors are asked to include a brief product description on their registration form. Accepted vendors will receive an information packet by mail with event setup and logistics details.
This year’s event will also feature a Friday evening setup period on Nov. 7 from 5 to 7 p.m.
For more information, contact Hillsboro Primary School at (636) 789-0050.

The survey is an important tool in helping the district understand how each school is performing in building positive relationships and fostering a caring school community — key goals outlined in Hillsboro’s Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP 2023–2028).
The survey measures progress in two core areas:
Adult-to-Student Relationships: Ensuring students feel supported by caring adults who hold high academic and behavioral expectations.
Student-to-Student Relationships: Fostering healthy, respectful peer interactions that contribute to a positive learning environment.
Students in grades 3–12, staff members, and parents in each building are invited to take part. The survey is brief, completely confidential, and administered by the University of Missouri and DESE. Individual responses are not shared with the district; only summary data is provided.
Once compiled results are available, they will be shared publicly at a Hillsboro R-3 Board of Education meeting and posted on the district’s website.
A sample of the survey questions sent to parents, staff, and students can be found: https://www.hsdr3.org/article/2480944
For questions about the survey, contact Patrick Quinn, Director of Communications, at quinn_patrick@hsdr3.org.


HILLSBORO, Mo. — Hillsboro High School will take center stage this Friday, Oct. 10, as part of FOX 2 News’ Pep Zone—a live morning broadcast celebrating school spirit across the St. Louis region.
The excitement kicks off with a pep rally in Gym 1 at 6 a.m., featuring student performances, interviews, and spirited competitions leading up to the Hawks’ Friday night football game against DeSoto. FOX 2 will broadcast live at 6:30 a.m., showcasing Hillsboro’s pride, enthusiasm, and community spirit.
To encourage student participation, high school students who attend the 6 a.m. pep rally will receive free admission to the football game Friday evening.
The community is invited to tune in to FOX 2 News Friday morning to catch the action and join in the excitement.
Go Hawks!

As we approach the winter season, we want to inform you that the district will continue to utilize Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) days, which allow students to continue their learning from home in the event of a school closure due to inclement weather. This plan enables the district to stay "open" while ensuring student learning continues, without the need to make up lost hours up to 36 hours (6 school days).
What is an AMI Day?
AMI days are designated days when students learn from home due to unforeseen closures, like snow days. On these days, students are expected to complete assignments and teachers will provide support and be available via email, ClassDojo, or other electronic means. This differs from a traditional snow day, where no assignments are required and teachers are not expected to be available.
Traditional Snow Days vs. AMI Days
For the 2025-2026 school year, our calendar includes a total of 171 student attendance days. The district will clearly communicate if a closure will be a traditional snow day or an AMI day through local media and all school communication channels.
● Traditional Snow Day: No assignments are required, and teachers are not available. These are “no school” days.
● AMI Day: Students complete assignments at home, and teachers are available electronically for questions.
What Does This Mean for Students?
On AMI days, students will receive assignments that can be completed at home, either digitally or on paper. Attendance on AMI days is based on the completion of these assignments. Assignments must be turned in upon completion or when students return to school. Students who do not complete assignments will be marked absent. Infinite Campus attendance will be updated the Sunday after each AMI day.
Next Steps and Communication
The district will continue to provide detailed instructions and updates as needed. Our goal is to ensure learning continues smoothly, even during unexpected weather events. The flexibility of AMI days helps us maintain our school calendar while prioritizing the safety of our students and staff.
Sincerely,
Melissa Hildebrand- Associate Superintendent

The Hillsboro R-III Board of Education approved a major HVAC replacement project for Hillsboro High School—an essential investment in the health, safety, and well-being of our students, staff, and community. This project is part of the district’s long-range plan to modernize facilities and ensure safe, reliable facilities.
“We’ve stretched the old system as far as it could go, and now it’s time to move forward with a solution that saves money, improves comfort, and contributes to a stronger future for the district. This project is more than just replacing equipment—it’s a result of strategic planning and careful financial management—balancing energy savings, low-interest financing, and local investment to provide long-term value for our community. ” – Dr. Jon Isaacson, Superintendent.
Why Now?
The current HVAC system, initially installed in the high school building in 1999, is more than 25 years old and well beyond its expected service life. Our maintenance team, led by Director of Maintenance Ray Bess and HVAC technicians Justin Lawson and Chris Etling, has worked tirelessly to extend the system’s lifespan. But frequent breakdowns, rising repair costs, and the difficulty of finding replacement parts (including on eBay) made replacement the most responsible option for the future.
Financial Costs and Stewardship
The district administration is committed to using taxpayer dollars wisely while addressing urgent facility needs.
Cost of the Project - $8.7 million
Use of Capital Savings Funds - $2.5 million down payment from the District Capital Funds
Multiple Financing Sources to Secure the Best Rates and Terms, reducing Interest Costs
$1.6 million energy loan through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at just 2.5% interest. Traditional loan for approximately $4.5 million with Bank of America at 3.9% interest over 15 years.
$60,000 in utility rebates earned through energy efficiency
By blending state energy financing, traditional loans, and local investment, the district can move forward with a plan that balances cost, responsibility, and long-term savings.
“The district has been setting aside funds each year for facility projects, and most of that money will now be committed to paying for this HVAC replacement over the next 10-15 years. That means we’ll have fewer dollars available for other building updates or ‘nice-to-have’ projects during that time. Still, replacing the high school’s system isn’t optional—it’s a necessity. Waiting longer would only cost more and create greater risk of system failure.” - Dr. Jon Isaacson
What’s Included
The project, engineered and managed by Schneider Electric, will replace nearly every major mechanical system in the high school, including:
72 water source heat pumps
2 boilers and 2 fluid coolers
35 exhaust fans
19 rooftop units (RTUs) across all zones of the building
System-wide building automation upgrades for better ventilation, airflow, and compliance
Long-Term Impact
Once complete, the district anticipates a 10% annual reduction in utility costs, adding to the success of earlier energy projects. In Phase 1 (2021), district-wide LED lighting and HVAC upgrades at the Primary School have already saved more than $290,000 in energy costs.
Looking Ahead
“This project reflects years of careful planning, responsible financial management, and a commitment to providing safe, efficient learning environments for our students,” - Dr. Clay LaRue, Assistant Superintendent of Operations
Construction is expected to begin soon, with completion scheduled before the start of school in August 2026. Schneider Electric will oversee the project, working closely with school officials to minimize disruption for students and staff.
The district administration would like to thank the Board of Education, Schneider Electric, and our dedicated maintenance team for their support and work on this critical investment at the High School.

There are several things to keep in mind as we get ready for the event. The Parade Route begins at Hillsboro High School. Lineup for the parade begins at 1:30 at the Hillsboro High School side lot. The parade starts at 2pm. Please note that there will not be any candy thrown from any vehicles. Walkers will hand out candy this year. Beads, streamers, and balloons will be allowed on floats. It's important to keep things safe and the area around the parade route clean.

HILLSBORO, Mo. — October is National Liver Awareness Month, and the Hillsboro R-3 School District is honoring one of its youngest students, Nola Faye Brown, who has shown extraordinary courage in the face of a rare and life-threatening disease.
Nola was diagnosed at just two months old with Biliary Atresia, a condition in which bile ducts in the liver are blocked or damaged, preventing the proper flow of bile. This condition can cause cirrhosis and eventual liver failure. At the time of her diagnosis, Nola had already suffered 54 percent permanent liver damage and was placed on a transplant list while undergoing frequent treatments and specialist visits.
In October 2022, at only one year old, Nola was hospitalized after her mother noticed a yellow discoloration to her skin. Physicians at that time warned that she would not live beyond the age of 2.
Now three years old, Nola has far surpassed those expectations. She has been released from near-daily medical visits to only requiring annual appointments, defying all odds and inspiring everyone around her.
To celebrate Nola’s strength and perseverance, the Hillsboro R-3 School District is inviting students, staff, families and community members to wear green on Friday, Oct. 6 in recognition of National Liver Awareness Month and in honor of Nola’s journey.
“Nola is a true picture of perseverance and strength,” said district officials. “We are so proud of her and invite everyone to join us in celebrating her resilience.”
About Hillsboro R-3 School District
The Hillsboro R-3 School District serves the families of Hillsboro, Mo., and is known as a Destination School District.

Click HERE: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/1e295a6a1c724a5d89ca933a0d64c348?Region=Jefferson&Region2=Jefferson&Region3=Jefferson&Region4=Jefferson&Region5=Jefferson&fbclid=IwY2xjawNHkGxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFianhGTThpQ2tLZndxUHVnAR4DN8B8h5kxBbtn7zewmMe8cGFZVQCaRaWS9r5RcqIrEA2izmCZF1uJO0Np0w_aem_ZwNUorvCQzQuX3gnyRbzzQ
All Medicaid plans are accepted. Most private insurance will be accepted and there will also be a sliding scale available so students can get treated by dentists.
The upcoming visit happens October 21st-October 31st.
Register by October 6th.
Questions? Call 636-267-1501

