Parents. Employees. Taxpayers. Grandparents. Business owners. Alumni. Community members.
This survey is for all of you.
As Hillsboro R-3 evaluates the future needs of our schools, we want every District resident to have an opportunity to share what they believe should be priorities for the years ahead.
The survey has been shared throughout our community on social media and was mailed to every household in the District in the latest edition of The Nest.
But we're not finished listening.
The survey is still open, and if you haven't participated, we hope you'll take a few minutes to do so today.
Take the survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HillsboroR3PlanningNest
Then, continue the conversation with us in person.
COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSION
Thursday, August 27
6:30 p.m.
Hillsboro Intermediate School, Board of Education Room

Every Intermediate School parent should watch this before August 24.
The first day of school is exciting, but it also comes with questions.
What do parents need to know? What can students expect? How can families help make this a successful school year?
In this episode of Hawk Talk, Hillsboro Intermediate Principal Leslie Marchetti answers those questions and more.
Here's why you'll want to watch:
• Important dates for Parent Orientation Night and Open House
• Meet the new leadership team, including Dean of Students Regina Moore and Assistant Principal Jan Hoth
• Tips to help your child feel confident and ready for Day One
• Why 4th, 5th, and 6th grade are some of the most important years in a student's educational journey
If your child attends Hillsboro Intermediate, this is a podcast that could make a big difference before the school year begins.
Parents and guardians of Hillsboro Intermediate students are invited to attend our Parent Orientation Nights before the first day of school!
Each grade level will have its own dedicated evening, giving families the opportunity to meet our staff, learn about classroom expectations, ask questions, and get ready for an exciting new school year.
Orientation Schedule:
📅 Tuesday, August 11
4th Grade • 6:00–7:00 p.m.
📅 Wednesday, August 12
5th Grade • 6:00–7:00 p.m.
📅 Thursday, August 13
6th Grade • 6:00–7:00 p.m

What about important vacation dates for the 2026-2027 school year?
Link to Open House and vacation dates: https://www.hsdr3.org/article/3027035

Link to Dr. Murphy's appearance on Hawk Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqH8R2jIQu8
Planning a family vacation during the holidays or spring break? Scheduling appointments?
We've put together a 2026-2027 Student Vacation Planner that highlights every extended school break and school holiday throughout the year, making it easier to plan ahead.
Whether you're looking for a long weekend or planning your next family getaway, this quick reference guide has you covered.
✔ Labor Day Weekend
✔ Thanksgiving Break
✔ Christmas Break
✔ Spring Break
✔ Holiday weekends
✔ Teacher Professional Development Days
Take a screenshot, save this post, or share it with family members who help care for your children.
Here's to a great 2026-2027 school year!

Tuesday, July 21st, we had a great turnout for our first Community Engagement Session, and one thing became clear: the people of Hillsboro care deeply about our schools.
Parents, employees, taxpayers, and community members came together to share ideas about our school buildings, student safety, learning environments, and the educational experiences we want to provide for the next generation of Hawks.
If you joined us, thank you. Your ideas matter.
If you couldn't attend, there's still time to have your voice heard.
Our next Community Engagement Session will be held:
Thursday, August 27
6:30 p.m.
Board of Education Room
Hillsboro Intermediate School
No decisions have been made. That's exactly why your participation is so important.
The choices we make in the years ahead will impact students, families, staff, and our entire community for generations to come. Before those conversations move forward, we want to hear from as many people as possible.
Bring your spouse. Bring your neighbors. Bring your friends. If you care about the future of education in Hillsboro, we hope you'll join us.
If you haven't already, please take a few minutes to complete our community survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HillsboroR3Planning
You can also watch the full July 21st Community Engagement Session on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XiKi7BbVh4



Find Out Your Child's Teacher!
K-6 Families: Watch Infinite Campus Messages on Monday, July 20th!

This week, nearly 20 new educators took their first steps as members of the Hillsboro R-3 family.
Some are returning home as proud Hillsboro graduates. Others are joining us from outside the district or coming back to the teaching profession. But today, they all became part of something special.
They experienced what it means to be a Destination District, met the people they'll be working alongside, and discovered why we're proud to call ourselves #BoroBuilt.
In just a few weeks, they'll be welcoming students into their classrooms and helping shape the future of Hillsboro R-3.
Please join us in welcoming our newest educators to Hawk Nation!




The Hillsboro R-3 Board of Education has been recognized as one of only 26 school boards in Missouri to receive the 2026 Missouri School Boards' Association Governance Team Award.
The award recognizes school boards and superintendents who go beyond the basics by investing in professional development, leadership training, community engagement, and advocacy for public education.
Behind every important decision is a commitment to learning, collaboration, and serving students, staff, and taxpayers.
Congratulations to our Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Jon Isaacson on this outstanding achievement.

It's called Hawk Talk. Every show is available on our YouTube Channel and on your favorite podcast platform.
Each week we talk about the important things that are happening across our district. Since we're in the middle of summer, we're tackling everything from how we budget for the future and the planning involved to make sure all students are well-equipped to learn when the school year begins.
Link to watch Episode 2 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iv6j-sMYs5E&t=479s

Ask and you shall receive.
In order of each grade level, here’s when our series of Open Houses will take place.

Please join us in welcoming Ms. Jennifer Welker to Hillsboro High School as our newest Assistant Principal. A proud Hillsboro High School graduate, Jennifer returns to her alma mater after serving as Dean of Students at Hillsboro Intermediate School and building a reputation as a caring, student-centered leader. Many of you may already know Ms. Welker but let's take a closer look at what brought her back as a leader to Hillsboro High School.
Her passion for education, strong relationships with students, and commitment to helping every child succeed make her a wonderful addition to the Hillsboro High School leadership team. Welcome to Hillsboro High School, Ms. Welker! #BoroBuilt

For Mr. Jason Gillman, Hillsboro isn't just where he'll be working, it's where his story began. A 2001 Hillsboro High School graduate, Jason is returning to his alma mater as Assistant Principal after more than two decades of serving students as a teacher, coach, and school leader. Many of you may already know Mr. Gillman but let's take a closer look at what brought him back to Hillsboro High School.
Please join us in welcoming Mr. Gillman home. We're proud to have one of our own helping lead Hillsboro High School into the future. #BoroBuilt

Now is a good time to get on it.
Early Childhood Center does not have a Supplies List!
Link to the Primary School List: https://www.hsdr3.org/o/hillsboro-primary/page/kindergarten-and-1st-grade-supply-checklists
Link to the Elementary School List: https://www.hsdr3.org/o/hillsboro-elementary/page/2nd-grade-3rd-grade-supply-list
Link to the Intermediate School List: https://www.hsdr3.org/o/hillsboro-intermediate/page/4th-6th-grade-supply-lists
Link to the Junior High School List: https://aptg.co/Nq50vD

Please be safe. All District Offices will be closed on Friday, July 3rd.






Link to the website list: https://www.hsdr3.org/o/hillsboro-primary/page/kindergarten-and-1st-grade-supply-checklists
Printable 1st Grade List: https://aptg.co/QGn937
Hillsboro R-3 Primary School Supply List
1st Grade Supply List 26-27
Essentials:
Backpack large enough to hold folders
Pencil box (8x5) labeled with name
2 Plastic folders labeled with name
1 Kid’s pair of Fiskars scissors labeled with name
6 glue sticks
1 large eraser
24 pack of sharpened Ticonderoga #2 pencils
3-24 packs of crayons
4 pack of Black Expo Chisel Tip (large) dry erase markers
2 large boxes of tissues
1 roll of paper towels
1 pair of headphones (NO earbuds)
1 container of baby wipes
Optional/Class Donation:
Glue sticks
Crayons
Black Chisel Tip Expo dry erase markers
Ziploc bags (gallon, quart, snack-please choose one)
**Please be on the lookout for “Welcome Back” communication from your child’s teacher, as it may have other class supplies needed for the upcoming school year.**
Here's a handy dandy 2026-2027 School Supplies List for Kindergarten students at the Primary School.
Link to the website list: https://www.hsdr3.org/o/hillsboro-primary/page/kindergarten-and-1st-grade-supply-checklists
Printable Kindergarten List: https://aptg.co/yX_DF0
Hillsboro Primary
Kindergarten Supply List
2026-2027
1 pair Fiskars’ Scissors
4 packages of 24 count Washable Crayola Crayons
24 #2 Ticonderoga SHARPENED pencils
16 Elmers’ goes on purple glue
4 count black Expo brand dry erase markers
1 box tissues
1 container baby wipes (unscented, sensitive)
1 hard plastic pencil box
2 plastic folders with pockets AND prongs
Backpack (no rollers AND big enough for a folder to fit in)
Beach towel
Headphone (with cord, NO earbuds)
OPTIONAL
1 roll paper towels
1 box washable Crayola markers
Ziplock bags (sandwich/quart or gallon size)
1 coloring/activity book
Brown or white paper lunch bags
1 bottle of hand sanitizer
1 container of fragrance free baby wipes (no Clorox/Lysol)
Above is the general supply list for our incoming kindergarteners. Each Kindergarten teacher mails out their specific class supply list at the end of July. Please be on the lookout for your student’s class letter.
Stay connected with the stories, people, and moments that make our District a Destination District.
Beginning July 6th, tune in to Hawk Talk, the official podcast of the Hillsboro R-3 School District.
Throughout the year, we'll take you behind the scenes with conversations featuring:
🎓 Students
🍎 Teachers
🏫 School and District Leaders
🤝 Staff who make a difference every day
💙 Community partners
📚 Programs, opportunities, and classroom experiences that prepare students for success
Even though it's summer, the work of educating and inspiring students never stops. Before the first day of school in August, we'll be sharing the stories that keep our community informed, engaged, and connected.
🎧 Episode 1 premieres July 6!
Listen wherever you get your favorite podcasts, or watch every episode on the Hillsboro R-3 School District YouTube Channel.
Because every student has a story. Every school has a mission. And every conversation helps connect our community.

