Hillsboro Primary

🐰🥚 This Saturday, Hillsboro: don’t miss this!
The Hillsboro Annual Easter Egg Hunt is happening at Bridle Ridge Acres (The Farm) and it’s shaping up to be a great morning for families.
📅 Saturday, March 28
⏰ 11:00 AM
📍 Bridle Ridge Acres
🚗Park at Hillsboro Primary School/ Parking at the farm is limited to Handicap Parking.
✔️ 6,000+ eggs
🎁 100 prizes
🐇 Easter Bunny arriving before the hunt
This event is FREE thanks to amazing community sponsors.
And there’s more: The Lions Club will host a Beeping Egg Hunt at noon for children with visual impairments.

Have you signed-up your student(s) for the 2026-2027 school year?

Families in the Hillsboro R-3 School District can now start using the Annual Online Registration page for the 2026–27 school year.

Here is the link to sign-up: https://www.hsdr3.org/page/annualregistration

The registration window opens March 23 and runs through May 1, giving parents and guardians of current students, time to review and update important information for their students before the next school year begins.

💙🤍Please help the Primary building celebrate Ms. Audra Day as our Teacher of the Year and Mrs. Mel Wigger as our Support Staff Member of the Year. Ms. Day is one of our kindergarten teachers and Mrs. Wigger serves as an early childhood paraprofessional. These ladies are representative of the hard work and dedication placed daily in the care and learning of our littles. Congratulations!💙🤍

✍️For your planning purposes this week:
😀We have school Monday and Tuesday.
👩‍🏫🧑‍🏫Teachers will be on a Professional Development Day on
👉Wednesday, March 18th.
🙌Spoiler Alert: This means no school for students on March 18th!
👉Thursday, March 19th & 20th: Students and Teachers will be on Spring Break.
🏖️Relax. Be Safe. Have Fun.

Families in the Hillsboro R-3 School District are about a week away from the start of Annual Online Registration for the 2026–27 school year. The registration window opens March 23 and runs through May 1, giving parents and guardians of current students, time to review and update important information for their students before the next school year begins.

Here is a link to the website where you can register students: https://www.hsdr3.org/page/annualregistration

Annual Online Registration is required for all returning students and is completed through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. During the process, families will verify and update items such as contact information, emergency contacts, health information, transportation details and required district agreements.

One of the most important steps families should prepare for ahead of time is providing a current proof of residency. The document must be from the current billing cycle or within the last 30 days, and it can be uploaded directly into the system as a photo or PDF.

Families who do not currently have proof of residency in their own name and are living with another household in the district will need to complete a District Affidavit of Residency form, which requires notarized signatures and supporting documentation.

In case you missed it!
It's time to share some key dates for the 2026-2027 School year. The picture below illustrates the full calendar.

📚 First Day of School
Students will begin the new school year on Monday, August 24th, 2026.

Missouri law requires public school districts to set their opening date no earlier than 14 calendar days before the first Monday in September. The law was originally implemented to accommodate the Missouri State Fair and support local tourism. While it can create scheduling challenges (especially when districts must meet the required 1,044 hours of instruction) Hillsboro R-3 has structured the calendar to ensure students receive the instructional time they need.

🦃 Thanksgiving Break
There will be no school November 25th–27th, 2026, for Thanksgiving Break.
Students will be dismissed at the end of the day on Tuesday, November 24th, and will return to class on Monday, November 30th, 2026.

🎄 Christmas Break
Christmas Break begins after an early dismissal on Tuesday, December 22nd, 2026, which is also the last day of the first semester.
Students will be off from December 23rd, 2026 through January 4th, 2027, and classes will resume on Tuesday, January 5th, 2027.

🌷 Spring Break
Spring Break is scheduled for March 22nd–29th, 2027.
Students will return to school on Tuesday, March 30th, 2027.

🎓 Tentative Last Day of School
The tentative last day of school is Wednesday, May 26th, 2027.
As always, this date could shift if additional snow days or emergency closures occur during the year.

⏰ Weekly Late Start Reminder
Families will also notice that Wednesdays are designated as a one-hour late start day throughout the school year. This consistent schedule allows for important staff collaboration and professional learning while maintaining instructional hours for students.

The full 2026–2027 calendar is attached for your reference. We encourage families to review it and mark important dates as you begin planning for the upcoming school year.

🐾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.

📣 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!

❤️ 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

February is 😁 Dental Health Month🦷 and we recently had some amazing guests from Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. Erin Rodgers, an alumni of the district, works there and she thought of our students for their dental presentation. We loved having their team teach us all about our teeth, eating healthy snacks, brushing properly, and visiting the dentist regularly. We can't thank them enough for spending the morning with us!

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

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

The Class of 2039 is the next to join the ranks of the Hillsboro R-3 School District.

Can you believe it?!

Here's what you need to know:

Kindergarten Online Enrollment & Registration begins February 9th

Children must be 5 years old by July 31, 2026 to enroll

March 12th: In-Person Screening from 4p-8p on March 12th (By Appointment Only)

April 25th: In-Person Screening from 8:30a-3:30p (By Appointment Only)

Current Early Childhood Center Students don't need screening appointments

Call 636.789.0050 to make a screening appointment

Weblinks will be live on February 9th

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

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