Big news for our youngest Hawks!
Beginning Monday, January 5th after the holiday break, Bright Bites Kitchen is coming to the cafeterias at Hillsboro Primary and Elementary Schools. This new menu brings fresh energy to school lunch with chef-inspired meals made from whole-food ingredients designed to be both nutritious and kid-approved. Bright Bites focuses on vibrant flavors, fun presentation, and variety—moving beyond pre-packaged items to meals students will be excited to eat.
Menus will rotate and feature creative options geared to student-friendly favorites.
Families can find the current Bright Bites menu by visiting their school’s website or the district food service page.
Primary School Parents can head here for a breakfast & lunch menu: https://hsdr3.nutrislice.com/menu/primary/breakfast/2026-01-07
Elementary School Parents can head here for a breakfast and lunch menu: https://hsdr3.nutrislice.com/menu/elementary/breakfast
We’re excited to offer this refreshed dining experience that supports healthy choices while keeping lunchtime fun for our students.
Here is a link to apply for job openings with the Hillsboro R-3 School District: https://www.applitrack.com/hsdr3/onlineapp/
Bus Drivers Qualifications & Pay Rate:
The Hillsboro R-3 School District is seeking full-time school bus drivers for the 2025–2026 school year. Bus drivers play a vital role in safely transporting students to and from school, field trips, and district activities in a timely and professional manner. This position includes morning and afternoon routes, along with assigned trips as needed. Drivers are responsible for maintaining a safe, clean, and orderly vehicle; following established routes and schedules; enforcing student safety rules; and communicating effectively with students, families, school staff, and transportation supervisors. Full paid training is provided, including assistance with obtaining a CDL if necessary.
Bus drivers earn $19.75–$28.50 per hour based on experience and education and receive a full benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, and paid time off. Qualified candidates must hold or be able to obtain a valid Class B CDL with passenger and school bus endorsements, pass required physicals, and meet all safety and training requirements. This position is open until filled and offers a rewarding opportunity to support students and serve the Hillsboro community while enjoying consistent hours and strong district support.
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Custodian Qualifications & Pay Rate:
The Hillsboro R-3 School District is seeking custodians for the 2025–2026 school year to support school buildings across the district. Custodians play a critical role in providing students and staff with a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for learning. This full-time, 12-month position is scheduled for evening shifts and includes responsibility for cleaning, disinfecting, and maintaining school facilities, performing routine maintenance tasks, and ensuring buildings are secure and operational. Custodians work closely with building principals and the Director of Buildings and Grounds to support daily operations, special events, and seasonal needs.
Custodians earn $15.50–$22.75 per hour based on experience and receive a full benefits package that includes accrued leave, vacation time, retirement, and health-related benefits. Qualified candidates should have a high school diploma or GED or equivalent experience, demonstrate dependability and strong attention to safety, and be able to perform physical tasks associated with custodial and maintenance work. This position is open until filled and offers a stable schedule, competitive compensation, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the Hillsboro school community.
1. We hope you thoroughly enjoy your time with family and friends during the holiday season. It's also a great way to unwind, rest and catch up on your favorite TV shows.
2. Monday, January 5th is the first day class resumes.
3. Reset routines soon. Re-establish bedtime/wake-up, lay out clothes, pack backpacks and pick a simple breakfast. Consistency beats motivation.
4. Watch for school buses and students at bus stops. Patience matters most. Treat flashing yellow as a warning to prepare to stop. Never pass a bus with red lights/stop arm out. Watch for children darting between cars.
As we wrap up the first semester of the 2025-2026 school year, we would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Here is the link to the December Newsletter in case you missed it a district-wide email: https://hsdr3.edurooms.com/engage/hillsboro-r-3-school-district/newsletters/december-2025-district-newsletter
Inside, you'll find important information, key January dates to add to your calendar, and a special video highlighting Christmas at the Farm. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to an exciting second semester.
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 Driver applicants use this link: https://www.applitrack.com/hsdr3/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Transportation+Department
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.
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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.
Custodial applicants can use this link: https://www.applitrack.com/hsdr3/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Maintenance%2fCustodial
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.”
We're hiring School Bus Drivers!
Link to apply: https://www.applitrack.com/hsdr3/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Transportation+Department
Salary: $19.75-$28.50/hr. depending on experience and education
Benefits: Full Benefit Package including Health, Life, Dental, Vision & PTO Leave Time
Hours: AM and PM Routes and assigned trips as necessary.
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 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.
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.”
In honor of Veterans Day, we take time to reflect, remember, and thank all who have served our country. 💙
#HawkPride #ThankYouVeterans
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.
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.
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
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
The Hillsboro R-3 School District is once again, very excited to get rolling with the tradition of a parade through Hillsboro and all of the events leading up to the Homecoming football game (10/3) and dance at the high school (10/4). There are several things to keep in mind as we get ready for the event. You will see in the picture provides in this post, 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 will start at 2pm. Please note that there will not be any candy thrown from any vehicles. NOTE: 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.
If you have questions about the parade route or would like to take part as a private driver, please email Christy Schacht - schacht_christy@hsdr3.org
HILLSBORO, Mo.-- The Hillsboro R-3 School District is asking the community to wear orange and blue on Monday, Sept. 15, to support Summer Beranek, a 4-year-old student at the district’s Early Childhood Center who is living with Wiedemann-Steiner Syndrome (WSS), a rare genetic condition that affects 1 in 40,000 children worldwide.
Summer has endured six major surgeries, including open-heart surgery at just 3 months old, and has already spent 164 days in Children’s Hospital. She was also the youngest child ever diagnosed with WSS at just 10 days old.
Fun Facts About Summer:
She is the youngest child ever diagnosed with WSS, at only 10 days old.
She is one of just two children worldwide with WSS who was born with micrognathia (a recessed jaw and cleft palate), a 1 in 4 million chance.
She has undergone six major surgeries, including heart surgery, and has become a proud “heart warrior.”
About Wiedemann-Steiner Syndrome (WSS):
WSS is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the MLL (also known as KMT2A) gene on chromosome 11. Clinically described in 1989 and genetically identified in 2012, WSS can lead to global developmental delays, feeding and digestion complexities, sleep challenges, unusual facial features, short stature, and other medical concerns. The condition is autosomal dominant, meaning only one abnormal copy of the gene is needed for a child to be affected.
The Hillsboro R-3 School District encourages parents, students, and community members to wear orange and blue on Sept. 15 as a visible sign of support for Summer and to help raise awareness about this rare syndrome.
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