Hillsboro R-3 School District

🐾LIVE Search Dogs. Real Demonstrations. One Night Only.
Join us for Family Science Night with Gateway Search Dogs and see science in action.
📅 Thursday, March 12
⏰ 4–7 PM (🚪 Doors open at 3 PM)
📍 Room 224 – Hillsboro High School
🐶 5–6 professionally trained search dogs
🧭 Trailing demonstrations
🔎 Live find scenarios
🧪 Human remains detection skills
The dogs will rotate through classrooms so you can experience multiple demonstrations up close.
Bring the kids. Bring your curiosity.
Come and go as your schedule allows.

Congratulations to Mrs. Jan Hoth for being nominated as February's Staff Member of the Month. The word of the month was Encouraging. Those that nominated her stated, "Students report that she is kind, encouraging, teaches the students good techniques, has high energy, and helps/cares for ALL students!"
"Jan radiates positivity and encouragement. Students report connecting to her and her sparking their learning. She is a great teacher and overall person!"

📣 K–5 Families: One More Chance!
There’s still one final opportunity to attend an in-person parent meeting about our new Before & After School program, Right At School.
📅 Wednesday, March 4th
⏰ 6:00–7:00 PM
📍 Primary School Cafeteria
Learn about flexible scheduling, summer programming, drop-in options, discounts, and how this partnership will expand care opportunities for Hillsboro families with no increase in current rates.
If you missed the virtual sessions, this is your chance to ask questions and get the details before registration opens March 9th.
We hope to see you there!

📣 Hillsboro R-3: This Conversation Matters.
Byrnes Mill Police Department is hosting a Parent Seminar on Teenage Drug & Alcohol Use on:
📅 Monday, March 9
⏰ 5:00–7:30 PM
📍 Northwest High School Cafeteria
This free event is designed to help parents and caregivers:
-Recognize signs of teen drug and alcohol use
-Understand current trends
-Learn how to have meaningful conversations at home
-Access helpful community resources
Families from across Jefferson County, including Hillsboro R-3, are welcome to attend. Student are also welcome.
There is no cost to attend and no RSVP required.
If you’ve ever wondered:
“Would I know the signs?”
“How do I even start that conversation?”
“What resources are available locally?”
This seminar is for you.

❤️ You Could Save a Life.
Join us for our Community & Staff CPR Class on
📅 Wednesday, March 18
⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Hillsboro R-3 Primary School Cafeteria
🔗Register below!
This class is open to everyone — including students. Our nurses are often asked if younger students can participate, and the answer is yes. The younger, the better.
Learning CPR gives you the confidence and skills to act in an emergency. We hope you’ll save the date and consider joining us.
Sign-Up Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeuFgZRdmUd4Tu3mBfdsPWKldMpTx7RAiyaTK91te-MAhhvmQ/viewform

Students in Mr. Wattle’s High School Art class are practicing the techniques of illustration and cartooning from the masters ✍️

Now is a great time to make your choice for the Hawk Award: Outstanding Service to School or Community!
The award recognizes employees and volunteers who have demonstrated exceptional achievement, dedication, or service to the Hillsboro R-III School District or the broader community.

Here is the link to vote: https://aptg.co/cMfrmL
Please send the form in an attachment to noack_betsy@hsdr3.org

If you know someone whose dedication, leadership, or service truly embodies the Hawk spirit, we encourage you to submit a nomination. Forms are available in all district offices. Click on the story below for the link to nominate.
Completed nomination forms may be sent to Betsy Noack at the Central Office by mail or email at noack_betsy@hsdr3.org.
Central Office mailing address is:
Hillsboro District Office
100 Leon Hall Parkway
Hillsboro, MO 63050
📅 Nomination deadline: Friday, Feb. 20, 2026
Let’s take a moment to recognize the individuals who make Hillsboro R-III a stronger, more caring place—one Hawk at a time

There will be no school on Wednesday, February 11th. It's a Teacher Professional Day. That means no school for students. Enjoy your day off and we'll see students again on Thursday.

Hillsboro R-3 is hiring FULL-TIME SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS!
Link to application: https://www.applitrack.com/hsdr3/onlineapp/default.aspx...
Pay: $19.75–$28.50/hr
Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance & PTO
Schedule: AM and PM routes + assigned trips
If you love working with kids, want stable hours, and enjoy being part of the school community, we want to meet you!

It's Your Choice: Teacher of the Year nominations now open across Hillsboro R-III
Each year, the Hillsboro R-III School District honors outstanding educators by recognizing one full-time classroom teacher, librarian, guidance counselor or similar position from each building to compete for the title of District Teacher of the Year. The program highlights educators who demonstrate excellence in teaching, dedication to students and a positive impact on their school community.

Nominations are open to peers, students, parents or guardians, and district patrons. Nomination forms must be submitted by March 6, 2026. A finalist will be selected from each attendance center, with the District Teacher of the Year chosen by a district committee.

Nomination forms can be completed online at this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeLSw1v38RMc6rgZXE46b05tnpNH4EcaNsbzQ8VVFzBsH9p7Q/viewform

Attention Hillsboro Hawks Bands alumni!
Do you miss playing? Do you want to perform at Hillsboro again? You’re in luck. The Hillsboro Hawks band is going to have its 3rd annual Pep Band Alumni night.
When: Friday, February 20th - Varsity Boys Basketball vs. the Perryville Pirates
Where: Hillsboro High School
Time: Rehearsal @ 5 pm in the band room; Game @ 7 pm
Wear your old Hillsboro Band shirt or Hillsboro Hawk gear or a Blue shirt and come make some awesome music to cheer on the Hawks Basketball team!
If you can make it or have questions, please contact Mr. Dedert at dedert_timothy@ hsdr3.org. Hope to see you there.

Hillsboro R-3 announces hiring of two assistant high school principals

Jan. 28, 2026 — Two Hillsboro High School graduates will help lead Hillsboro High School when the 2026-27 school year begins this fall. Jenny Welker, a 2007 graduate, and Jason Gillman, a 2001 graduate, will assume their roles as assistant principals beginning July 1.

Welker moves over to Hillsboro High School after more than 10 years teaching fifth grade at Hillsboro Intermediate, following a career start at Gateway Science Academy in St. Louis. She is a third-generation Hillsboro graduate. In 2025-2026, she also served as the first dean of student conduct at Hillsboro Intermediate School.

Welker earned a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in elementary education from Truman State University. She also holds a specialist degree in K-12 building leadership from Northwest Missouri State University.

Gillman is a third-generation Hillsboro alumnus who currently resides in the district. He joins Hillsboro R-3 after serving as assistant principal at Herculaneum High School in the Dunklin R-5 School District. Gillman brings more than 20 years of experience in education as a teacher, coach, and administrator.

Gillman earned a specialist degree in educational administration from Southeast Missouri State University and a Master of Science in educational administration from Missouri Baptist University.

Superintendent Dr. Jon Isaacson said, “Jenny and Jason both bring a strong connection to Hillsboro as alumni and employees, and a clear understanding of what our students, staff, and families expect from our high school. They combine professional experience with a genuine commitment to this community and our district. Working alongside Mr. Reece, I am excited about what this new leadership team will bring as they support teachers and create a positive, focused learning environment for our students.”

There will be no school on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, in the Hillsboro R-3 School District, due to continued poor conditions in areas of the district.

Student and staff safety remains our priority.

The district will operate on an AMI Day.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and stay safe!

Dr. Jon Isaacson

The Hillsboro R-III Board of Education is accepting nominations for the Hawk Award for Outstanding Service to School and/or Community. The award recognizes employees and volunteers who have demonstrated exceptional achievement, dedication, or service to the Hillsboro R-III School District or the broader community.

An online nomination form is available here: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ogbl#inbox/FMfcgzQfBZhxGKSFHMFknkqWmhVhdHxB?projector=1&messagePartId=0.1

All district employees and volunteers are eligible for nomination. Completed nomination forms should be submitted to Board Secretary Betsy Noack at the Central Office, either by mail or by email at noack_betsy@hsdr3.org. The deadline for nominations is Friday, Feb. 20, 2026.

Central Office mailing address:

Hillsboro District Office

100 Leon Hall Parkway

Hillsboro, MO 63050

Due to ongoing winter weather-related conditions, all Hillsboro R-3 practices and extracurricular activities are canceled for today, Tuesday, January 27, 2026. This includes all evening activities and events across the District.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Stay Safe!

Dr. Jon Isaacson

Due to continued weather-related conditions, the Hillsboro R-3 School District will be closed on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

Please note the following details:

*Students will have an AMI Day.

*There will be no practices or activities in the morning.

*A final determination regarding afternoon and evening practices and activities will be made no later than 11:00 AM on Tuesday.

We appreciate everyone’s patience and flexibility as we continue to monitor conditions. While our campuses are in good shape, side streets and subdivisions remain challenging, and safety remains our top priority.

Please continue to monitor district communication for updates.

Stay safe,
Dr. Jon Isaacson

We are in the middle of the winter season, and 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

Sign-Up Now as Girls on the Run set to inspire 3rd–5th graders at Hillsboro Intermediate
Link to sign up: https://www.pinwheel.us/register/index/26SPProgram?sid=2e61961cf2d4499583d2fb2b3f5a46c7

Girls on the Run, a nationally recognized after-school program designed to empower young girls through movement and life skills, will be offered this spring at Hillsboro Intermediate School. The program is open to girls in grades 3rd–5th and is scheduled to begin the week of March 2nd, with sessions held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Girls on the Run combines physical activity with interactive lessons focused on confidence, teamwork, goal-setting and emotional well-being. Over the course of eight weeks, trained coaches guide participants through engaging activities that encourage healthy habits, friendship and self-esteem. The season concludes with a noncompetitive 5K event on May 9th, where each participant runs or walks alongside an adult running buddy, such as a parent or guardian.

The program fee is $75, with scholarships, sibling discounts and payment plans available. Payment is not due at the time of registration. General registration is open from Jan. 12th through Feb. 22nd. If space remains, late registration will be available from Feb. 25th through March 6th, or until the team reaches capacity.

Families may register online at gotrstl.org or by calling (314) 862-6266. For additional information, families may contact Hillsboro Intermediate School or reach out to program contacts at silhavy1@gmail.com or taryngriffin1731@gmail.com.

This announcement pertains to everyone in the Hillsboro School District:

Hillsboro High School will recognize breast cancer survivors during its Pink Out basketball game on Thursday, Feb. 13th, as the Hillsboro and De Soto boys varsity teams face off. As part of the event, the Hillsboro R-3 School District is planning a special halftime presentation honoring breast cancer survivors from the school community. Families are invited to submit photos of loved ones who have battled breast cancer to be included in the tribute.

HOW TO SUBMIT PHOTOS OF SURVIVORS AND SHOW TRIBUTE TO THEM

Photos must be submitted electronically by Friday, Feb. 6th, and sent to mueller_katie@hsdr3.org.

Submissions should include the survivor’s first and last name and their connection to the district, such as a student relationship or staff role. Families may also choose to share additional details, including the type of breast cancer and important milestones in the survivor’s journey.

DINNER TO HONOR SURVIVORS AND FAMILY- HOW TO SIGN-UP FOR THE DINNER

In partnership with the local chapter of the national Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), Hillsboro High School will also host a dinner for survivors and their families beginning at 5 p.m. in the school library prior to the game. Survivors will receive free admission to the game, and families wishing to attend the dinner are asked to RSVP by completing the provided Google Form. The event is designed to honor survivors, raise awareness, and show support for those impacted by breast cancer within the Hillsboro community.

The Hillsboro R-3 School District is preparing 8th grade students and their families for the transition to high school through a series of classroom visits and an upcoming parent meeting focused on academic planning and expectations. On Feb. 10th, 12th and 13th, Hillsboro High School counselors will visit eighth-grade Social Studies classes to meet with students, discuss course options, and outline expectations for the freshman year. By the end of that week, students are expected to complete their high school course selections for the 2026–27 school year.

8TH GRADE PARENT MEETING HAPPENS INSIDE THE HIGH SCHOOL THEATER

In addition to classroom visits, families are strongly encouraged to attend the 8th Grade Parent Meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 10th, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Hillsboro High School Theater. Counselors will share information on course selection, earning credits, graduation requirements, career cluster planning, A+ eligibility, testing and opportunities to earn college credit while in high school.

MEETING RECOMMENDATION

The meeting is especially recommended for families with their first high school student, as it provides an opportunity to ask questions and better understand the transition process. In the event of inclement weather, the meeting will be rescheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 17th, from 6 to 8 p.m.