Some teachers don’t just teach… they grow confidence.
Congratulations to Mrs. Misty Aubuchon, our April Staff Member of the Month, recognized for embodying what it truly means to nurture. She challenges students to think differently, reminds them it’s okay to struggle, and helps them find the confidence to keep going until they succeed. The impact is real. You can see it in her students, who are learning to speak up, take risks, and believe in themselves.
That kind of classroom changes lives. 💙
Congratulations to Mrs. Misty Aubuchon, our April Staff Member of the Month, recognized for embodying what it truly means to nurture. She challenges students to think differently, reminds them it’s okay to struggle, and helps them find the confidence to keep going until they succeed. The impact is real. You can see it in her students, who are learning to speak up, take risks, and believe in themselves.
That kind of classroom changes lives. 💙
Sometimes the most powerful lessons come from the people our students already look up to.
Jeff Stringer, a U.S. Navy veteran and volunteer Junior High football coach, recently spoke with our Military Appreciation class about his service and experiences. For many of our students, it was a special moment to see Coach Stringer in a different way.
He was sharing his story with Mrs. Sharon Luster and Mrs. Mary Stephenson's classrooms.
Thank you, Mr. Stringer, for your service to our country, your time with our students, and the example you continue to set for our Hawks. 🇺🇸 #HawkPride
Jeff Stringer, a U.S. Navy veteran and volunteer Junior High football coach, recently spoke with our Military Appreciation class about his service and experiences. For many of our students, it was a special moment to see Coach Stringer in a different way.
He was sharing his story with Mrs. Sharon Luster and Mrs. Mary Stephenson's classrooms.
Thank you, Mr. Stringer, for your service to our country, your time with our students, and the example you continue to set for our Hawks. 🇺🇸 #HawkPride
Chris Miller recently visited our Military Appreciation classes to share his story of service in the U.S. Army, including his time in Afghanistan. Many in our community know him as a former Hillsboro teacher and a current parent, which made his message even more meaningful for our students.
Moments like this bring real perspective into the classroom.
Thank you, Mr. Miller, for your service to our country and for taking the time to invest in our students.
#HawkPride
Moments like this bring real perspective into the classroom.
Thank you, Mr. Miller, for your service to our country and for taking the time to invest in our students.
#HawkPride
You still have time.
May 7th is the deadline.
“Kiss a Senior Goodbye”
Before our 2026 seniors walk across that stage, you have a chance to make it personal. Write a note. Share a memory. Offer a few words they’ll carry with them long after graduation day.
💌 Anyone can participate. Parents, friends, former teachers, community members… even those who just want to say “we’re proud of you.”
👉 Messages and donations are due May 7th
📍 Email Cyndi Heitert at heitert_cyndi@hsdr3.org for details
May 7th is the deadline.
“Kiss a Senior Goodbye”
Before our 2026 seniors walk across that stage, you have a chance to make it personal. Write a note. Share a memory. Offer a few words they’ll carry with them long after graduation day.
💌 Anyone can participate. Parents, friends, former teachers, community members… even those who just want to say “we’re proud of you.”
👉 Messages and donations are due May 7th
📍 Email Cyndi Heitert at heitert_cyndi@hsdr3.org for details
Congratulations to our 2026 Prom King and Queen, Jackson Marks and Ashley Hilton!
#HawkNation
The pictures you see are from Prom on May 2, 2026.
#HawkNation
The pictures you see are from Prom on May 2, 2026.
Summer School 2026: NEW Links & Why Now Is the Time to Get Signed Up!
Summer School is right around the corner in Hillsboro R-3, and now is the time for families to make sure their students are registered.
This year’s program will run from Thursday, May 28 through Tuesday, June 23, offering students across all grade levels a valuable opportunity to stay engaged, build skills, and prepare for the upcoming school year. With strong interest already building, families are encouraged to complete registration sooner rather than later to ensure placement.
Link to K-4th Grade Sign-up Forms: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeHtK2aEgB7eq9SMK3_Kw22vSiYDekVCIY_V2-7g0dnVv1oug/viewform
Link to 5th-12th Grade Sign-up Forms: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSejVELhdU-8zQzyKbdUQTAoXCJq1JxTUK4YMjjfbZQSz5fiyA/viewform
Summer School is right around the corner in Hillsboro R-3, and now is the time for families to make sure their students are registered.
This year’s program will run from Thursday, May 28 through Tuesday, June 23, offering students across all grade levels a valuable opportunity to stay engaged, build skills, and prepare for the upcoming school year. With strong interest already building, families are encouraged to complete registration sooner rather than later to ensure placement.
Link to K-4th Grade Sign-up Forms: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeHtK2aEgB7eq9SMK3_Kw22vSiYDekVCIY_V2-7g0dnVv1oug/viewform
Link to 5th-12th Grade Sign-up Forms: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSejVELhdU-8zQzyKbdUQTAoXCJq1JxTUK4YMjjfbZQSz5fiyA/viewform
🎭 Hawks On Stage Presents: 12 Angry Pigs!
Join our Intermediate drama group for a fun and engaging performance on Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9 at 7:00 PM in the high school theater.
🎟️ Tickets: $5 for adults | $3 for students
Come out and support our talented young performers—you won’t want to miss it!
Link to purchase tickets: https://hillsborointermediate.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=200526240&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExRVZ1UlZURUZFdkZJQXFJU3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR58O5tA5pVaaNAs50liVPcA5n0YPIfUdCX8UR2Z_bmZVQiHIwEZoRWA_-1DDA_aem_vEgHdFseuOH9mWQKJo2pSA
Join our Intermediate drama group for a fun and engaging performance on Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9 at 7:00 PM in the high school theater.
🎟️ Tickets: $5 for adults | $3 for students
Come out and support our talented young performers—you won’t want to miss it!
Link to purchase tickets: https://hillsborointermediate.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=200526240&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExRVZ1UlZURUZFdkZJQXFJU3NydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR58O5tA5pVaaNAs50liVPcA5n0YPIfUdCX8UR2Z_bmZVQiHIwEZoRWA_-1DDA_aem_vEgHdFseuOH9mWQKJo2pSA
🎨✏️ From Sketch to Shelf… it’s happening!
You may remember Mr. Mike Wattle’s Masters of Cartooning and Illustration class. These students don’t just draw. They study the greats, break down techniques, and bring their own ideas to life.
Now they’ve entered a whole new phase… publishing mode. 🖨️📚
Take a look at these behind-the-scenes moments as students assemble their very own comic books, piece by piece, just like a real production line.
This is creativity, collaboration, and real-world application all rolled into one.
#BoroBuilt
You may remember Mr. Mike Wattle’s Masters of Cartooning and Illustration class. These students don’t just draw. They study the greats, break down techniques, and bring their own ideas to life.
Now they’ve entered a whole new phase… publishing mode. 🖨️📚
Take a look at these behind-the-scenes moments as students assemble their very own comic books, piece by piece, just like a real production line.
This is creativity, collaboration, and real-world application all rolled into one.
#BoroBuilt
Have you been to the Art Expo yet?
It showcases art found in every school in the Hillsboro R-3 School District.
There is still time tonight and tomorrow, night at the Civic Center! 🎨
Hours are 4pm to 7pm.
Here are 4 quick things you need to know from the Spring Edition of The Nest: News From Hawk Nation:
1️⃣ Students are getting ahead
Real-world certifications, college credits, and hands-on learning are setting our students up for success after graduation.
2️⃣ We’re investing in our schools:
Facility upgrades and new opportunities are creating even better learning environments for our students.
3️⃣ Results you can be proud of 🏆:
From state championships to academic success, our students are achieving at a high level across the board.
4️⃣ Learning looks different here:
Engaging, real-world experiences are happening in classrooms every day across the district.
This is Hawk Nation in action. It’s worth your time.
👉 Read the full issue here: https://www.hsdr3.org/article/2847910
1️⃣ Students are getting ahead
Real-world certifications, college credits, and hands-on learning are setting our students up for success after graduation.
2️⃣ We’re investing in our schools:
Facility upgrades and new opportunities are creating even better learning environments for our students.
3️⃣ Results you can be proud of 🏆:
From state championships to academic success, our students are achieving at a high level across the board.
4️⃣ Learning looks different here:
Engaging, real-world experiences are happening in classrooms every day across the district.
This is Hawk Nation in action. It’s worth your time.
👉 Read the full issue here: https://www.hsdr3.org/article/2847910
Every school day starts and ends with them.
Our bus drivers are often the first smile our students see in the morning and the last wave they get in the afternoon. They safely transport what matters most to us, and they do it with care, patience, and consistency that doesn’t go unnoticed.
On Bus Driver Appreciation Day, we want to say THANK YOU to our Hillsboro R-3 drivers for everything you do for our kids… every route, every mile, every day. 💙🚌
Our bus drivers are often the first smile our students see in the morning and the last wave they get in the afternoon. They safely transport what matters most to us, and they do it with care, patience, and consistency that doesn’t go unnoticed.
On Bus Driver Appreciation Day, we want to say THANK YOU to our Hillsboro R-3 drivers for everything you do for our kids… every route, every mile, every day. 💙🚌
We’re THIS close… let’s finish it, Hawk Nation.
✈️This one is personal. We recently learned a student in our district has a grandfather heading on an Honor Flight next month.
Let’s help send him and others like him.
Hillsboro High students are raising money to sponsor a veteran for an Honor Flight and they’ve already hit $500+ toward their $800 goal.
📅Now the challenge has been extended to May 4 to give our community one more shot to step up.
💙 Donate to a class or just give what you can
🏆 Winning class gets a movie on May 8 + bragging rights
💪Let’s finish strong.
#HonorFlight #BoroBuilt
✈️This one is personal. We recently learned a student in our district has a grandfather heading on an Honor Flight next month.
Let’s help send him and others like him.
Hillsboro High students are raising money to sponsor a veteran for an Honor Flight and they’ve already hit $500+ toward their $800 goal.
📅Now the challenge has been extended to May 4 to give our community one more shot to step up.
💙 Donate to a class or just give what you can
🏆 Winning class gets a movie on May 8 + bragging rights
💪Let’s finish strong.
#HonorFlight #BoroBuilt
Due to the potential for changing weather conditions, Hillsboro R-3 School District will implement a 3-hour early release on Monday, April 27, 2026.
This proactive decision is being made to ensure that all students and staff are able to arrive home safely before conditions worsen. Due to the geographic size of the district, bus routes require several hours to complete, and releasing early allows us to avoid travel during potentially hazardous conditions.
Please note: There will be no afternoon Early Childhood classes on Monday.
Any additional changes or cancellations related to activities and athletics will be communicated tomorrow.
We understand that schedule changes can be challenging, and we appreciate your flexibility as we prioritize the safety of our students and staff.
Please continue to monitor district communication channels for any additional updates.
Thank you for your support.
Dr. Jon Isaacson
Superintendent
This proactive decision is being made to ensure that all students and staff are able to arrive home safely before conditions worsen. Due to the geographic size of the district, bus routes require several hours to complete, and releasing early allows us to avoid travel during potentially hazardous conditions.
Please note: There will be no afternoon Early Childhood classes on Monday.
Any additional changes or cancellations related to activities and athletics will be communicated tomorrow.
We understand that schedule changes can be challenging, and we appreciate your flexibility as we prioritize the safety of our students and staff.
Please continue to monitor district communication channels for any additional updates.
Thank you for your support.
Dr. Jon Isaacson
Superintendent
Did you see this? Two Hillsboro Elementary students with the "Catch of the Day" this week at Bridle Ridge Acres. 2nd graders Kora Cooper and Reece Pritchard reeled in some fish and threw them back while visiting the farm. Their pictures are prominently posted on the marquee from April 24th until May 2nd. Go take a look!
“C is for Camping…and a whole lot of fun! ⛺🔥
Our Primary students took learning "outside the classroom" this week (well, really we stayed inside for the most part but you get the idea!) for ‘Letter C Day’ in their ABC Countdown!
Teachers Dedert, Sutterer, Spisak and Jarvis all teamed up to create a full camping experience! Students rotated through activities like making s’mores, designing campsite maps, playing bingo, and even heading outside to search for animal tracks.
Safe to say…this was one ‘camping trip’ they won’t forget anytime soon! 🐾🍫”
Our Primary students took learning "outside the classroom" this week (well, really we stayed inside for the most part but you get the idea!) for ‘Letter C Day’ in their ABC Countdown!
Teachers Dedert, Sutterer, Spisak and Jarvis all teamed up to create a full camping experience! Students rotated through activities like making s’mores, designing campsite maps, playing bingo, and even heading outside to search for animal tracks.
Safe to say…this was one ‘camping trip’ they won’t forget anytime soon! 🐾🍫”
🎓 “Kiss a Senior Goodbye” 💙
It’s hard to believe, but the final days for the Class of 2026 are almost here.
Before they walk across that stage, you have a chance to make it personal. Write a note. Share a memory. Offer a few words they’ll carry with them long after graduation day.
💌 Anyone can participate. Parents, friends, former teachers, community members… even those who just want to say “we’re proud of you.”
Each message becomes part of a special delivery during their final week. A simple note can mean more than you think.
👉 Messages and donations are due May 7
📍 Email Cyndi Heitert at heitert_cyndi@hsdr3.org for details
Let’s make sure every senior feels it.
It’s hard to believe, but the final days for the Class of 2026 are almost here.
Before they walk across that stage, you have a chance to make it personal. Write a note. Share a memory. Offer a few words they’ll carry with them long after graduation day.
💌 Anyone can participate. Parents, friends, former teachers, community members… even those who just want to say “we’re proud of you.”
Each message becomes part of a special delivery during their final week. A simple note can mean more than you think.
👉 Messages and donations are due May 7
📍 Email Cyndi Heitert at heitert_cyndi@hsdr3.org for details
Let’s make sure every senior feels it.
💙 It is hard to tell who was cheering louder…
Today at the Jefferson County Special Olympics in De Soto, our athletes gave it their all. But just as powerful were the smiles, the high-fives, and the pure joy shared between competitors and their buddies.
This was not just about events or medals. It was about encouragement, connection, and celebrating every moment together.
You could see it in every race, every cheer, every hug. A reminder that sometimes the biggest wins are not measured at the finish line.
#BoroBuilt
Today at the Jefferson County Special Olympics in De Soto, our athletes gave it their all. But just as powerful were the smiles, the high-fives, and the pure joy shared between competitors and their buddies.
This was not just about events or medals. It was about encouragement, connection, and celebrating every moment together.
You could see it in every race, every cheer, every hug. A reminder that sometimes the biggest wins are not measured at the finish line.
#BoroBuilt
🧁🌸 Spring cupcakes + hands-on fun = a pretty sweet night
Hillsboro FCCLA is hosting a Spring Cupcakes decorating class for students in grades 3–6, and this one is going to fill up fast.
Students will learn how to decorate 6 different spring-themed cupcakes and take them home to show off (or eat 😄). The class is led by our FCCLA and Culinary students, so it is a great chance to learn from the pros.
📅 Tuesday, April 28
⏰ 6:00 to 7:30 pm
📍 Hillsboro High School
💲 $20
👉 Register in Infinite Campus
Hillsboro FCCLA is hosting a Spring Cupcakes decorating class for students in grades 3–6, and this one is going to fill up fast.
Students will learn how to decorate 6 different spring-themed cupcakes and take them home to show off (or eat 😄). The class is led by our FCCLA and Culinary students, so it is a great chance to learn from the pros.
📅 Tuesday, April 28
⏰ 6:00 to 7:30 pm
📍 Hillsboro High School
💲 $20
👉 Register in Infinite Campus
💥 Knock Out Competition for a Great Cause.
📆We could really use your help today through this Thursday!
Our National Honor Society is kicking off a class competition to support something truly meaningful… sending veterans on Honor Flights 🇺🇸
Last year, our students helped sponsor two veterans, and they are aiming to do it again with a goal of $1,600.
Here is how you can help:
✔ Donate to a specific class (just label your envelope and send the money in with your student)
✔ Or make a general donation
✔ Pennies and paper money add points, silver coins subtract
All donations go directly to the Greater St. Louis Honor Flight.
🏆 Bonus: The winning class earns a movie in the theater.
This is a great opportunity for our students and community to come together and give back to those who have served.
💬 Let’s show our support. Every donation makes a difference.
📆We could really use your help today through this Thursday!
Our National Honor Society is kicking off a class competition to support something truly meaningful… sending veterans on Honor Flights 🇺🇸
Last year, our students helped sponsor two veterans, and they are aiming to do it again with a goal of $1,600.
Here is how you can help:
✔ Donate to a specific class (just label your envelope and send the money in with your student)
✔ Or make a general donation
✔ Pennies and paper money add points, silver coins subtract
All donations go directly to the Greater St. Louis Honor Flight.
🏆 Bonus: The winning class earns a movie in the theater.
This is a great opportunity for our students and community to come together and give back to those who have served.
💬 Let’s show our support. Every donation makes a difference.
Making connections.
Putting in the work.
Showing up every single day.
Serving others and answering the call.
Leading with heart.
Congratulations to Ashley McNail and Justin Lawson on being named Teacher of the Year and Support Staff Person of the Year. Your impact makes a difference across Hillsboro R-3.
Ashley McNail is an English and Language Arts teacher at the Junior High School and Justin Lawson is an HVAC Technician in the Maintenance Department.
#BoroBuilt
