Hillsboro R-3 School District

Parents, please take a look at the email sent to K-6th grade parents on Friday, December 5th. It has details on two virtual meetings taking place on December 10th and February 24th. The links for the virtual meetings are also in the email sent to parents. There will be an in-person meeting on March 4th with a location to be determined.

Have you signed up your 5th or 6th grader for this year's Winter Mixer? You have to do it the school store!
It's a great chance for all Hillsboro 5th and 6th graders to mingle and bond. There will be Saucy's Pizza slices, soft drinks, dodgeball, facepainting, Survivor Relay Races, Photobooths, and Holiday games to be played!
It all gets underway at 3:30pm on Friday, December 5th until 6pm.

Now is a great time to remind you that we are still collecting new & unwrapped toys at all of our district buildings. Each holiday gift will be given to children of all ages. Drop-off bins are waiting for your donation until December 12th.

Thank you to the St. Louis Blues Street Team for coming to Hillsboro Elementary School on Monday, December 2nd. Our 2nd and 3rd grade students enjoyed learning from the great instructors. Our learners were tested on their "puck" handling. The Blues Street Team showed students how to handle the puck, pass it and shoot it. Thank You!

Here is a reminder about AMI Days vs. Snow Days as we prepare for all scenarios moving forward. Each day, we will let students, staff and parents know what the expectation is during inclement weather.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

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 HHS Drama Department presents "As You Like It" again this Saturday at 7:00pm and this Sunday at 2:30pm. 🎭 Come and see this Shakespeare comedy for a mere $5 for students and $10 for adults! Tickets are sold at the box office one hour before the show. 🎟️ Photos by yearbook student, Riley Bagi 📸

REMINDER:
The Hillsboro R-3 School District will be closed Wednesday, November 26 through Friday, November 28 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

This extended break provides families the opportunity to spend valuable time together, catch up with loved ones, and safely travel to holiday destinations ahead of Thanksgiving Day.

District leaders encourage students, staff, and families to take this time to rest, reflect, and enjoy the season with gratitude. Classes will resume on Monday, November 30.

The Hillsboro R-3 School District wishes all families in the community a safe and joyful Thanksgiving holiday.

The Hillsboro R-3 School District is actively recruiting for three critical support roles that contribute to school success every day: paraprofessionals, bus drivers, and custodians. These positions provide excellent opportunities for individuals who want to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students and in the community.

Link to all jobs available in the Hillsboro R-3 District: https://www.applitrack.com/hsdr3/onlineapp/default.aspx

Paraprofessionals
Paraprofessionals at Hillsboro R-3 work directly alongside classroom teachers and support the learning journey of students across multiple grade levels. Responsibilities include assisting with instruction, supervising lunch or recess duties, helping small groups of students, preparing materials, and supporting one-on-one needs. Salary range is $17.00-$21.00 per hour depending on education and years experience.

Candidates benefit from a role that is dynamic and student-focused, offering the chance to foster positive learning experiences and student growth. Previous postings show pay rates varying by experience and assignments, and the district offers full benefits in many cases. Applications are submitted via the district employment portal under the “Support Staff” category.

Bus Drivers
The school district’s transportation department is looking for dedicated individuals to serve as bus drivers — an opportunity to be a visible and trusted presence in students’ daily lives. According to the district’s job announcement, pay ranges from $18.50 to $27.25 per hour depending on experience, and no prior bus driving experience is required as paid training is provided.


Bus drivers at Hillsboro R-3 are responsible for safely transporting students to and from school and approved activities, maintaining vehicle inspections and logs, and contributing to a safe school-transportation system.

This position offers competitive compensation, entry-level training, and a chance to serve the community in a meaningful way — ensuring students arrive safely, ready to learn.

Custodians
Custodial staff play a vital role in creating a safe, clean, and efficient environment where students and staff can thrive. At Hillsboro R-3, custodians maintain school facilities year-round, performing duties such as floor care, disinfecting restrooms and drinking fountains, cleaning windows and classrooms, and supporting building events.

The district offers full-time, 12-month opportunities with benefits, with starting pay ranging from approximately $15.00 to $22.75 per hour, depending on experience. For candidates who enjoy being active, completing hands-on work, and contributing to a positive learning environment, a custodial role at Hillsboro R-3 offers job stability and the chance to support students behind the scenes.

These support roles represent meaningful ways to join the district’s mission: “Together, we educate and inspire the learners of today and the learners of tomorrow.”

The HHS Drama department is presenting Shakespeare's "As You Like It" on: -Nov 15th at 8pm -Nov 16th at 2:30pm -Nov 22nd at 7pm -Nov 23rd at 2:30pm It's a silly romp through the forest featuring wrestling, clowns, disguises, and political intrigue! 🌳🎭

🇺🇸 Honoring Our Heroes 🇺🇸
"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 |

HILLSBORO, Mo. — The Hillsboro and De Soto basketball programs are joining together this winter to raise awareness and support for individuals and families affected by cancer through a series of Pink Out games.

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.

Jr. High Veterans Tribute Assembly and Breakfast Nov. 10, 2025 🇺🇸

Please utilize and share this list of Food Banks and other resources for families who might need assistance. https://mofamilyresources.findhelp.com/

Hillsboro to Host District Quarterfinal Football Game on Halloween Night

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.

Rockin' Hawks took their show on the road down to the elementary today!

Red Ribbon Week Starts Monday! #JustSayNo

The Hillsboro Primary School is accepting vendor applications for its annual Holiday Bazaar Craft Fair, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Hillsboro Primary School, 101 Leon Hall Parkway.

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.

Each year, the Hillsboro R-3 School District takes time to listen to its students, staff, and families. This fall, the district is participating in the School Climate & Culture Survey, administered independently by the University of Missouri and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

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.