We honored our Veterans today at the High School with a breakfast and an assembly. We are grateful for your service! 💙🇺🇸
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! 🌳🎭
Hillsboro High School Principal Mark Groner has announced his plans to retire at the conclusion of the 2025–2026 school year, marking the end of an extraordinary 30-year career in education.
Mr. Groner has served as principal of Hillsboro High School since 2020, following more than 15 years as assistant principal and activities director. Before moving into administration, he was a social studies teacher and basketball coach, dedicating nearly his entire career to the Hillsboro R-3 School District.
Throughout his time in education, Mr. Groner has been recognized for his leadership, mentorship, and steady presence, leaving a lasting impact on the district and the countless students, staff, and families he has served.
“Few individuals have given as much of themselves to our students as Mark Groner over the nearly three decades he worked at the high school,” said Hillsboro R-3 School District Superintendent, Dr. Jon Isaacson. “His leadership, care, and consistent commitment have made a lasting impact on Hillsboro High School and our district. While we will miss him in his role, we know his influence will continue and his heart will always remain with Hillsboro students.”
The Hillsboro R-3 School District has posted the principal position and is in the process of selecting the best candidate to succeed Mr. Groner. The district anticipates hiring his successor at the December School Board meeting.
Mr. Groner’s retirement will officially conclude at the end of the 2025–2026 school year.
Mr. Groner has served as principal of Hillsboro High School since 2020, following more than 15 years as assistant principal and activities director. Before moving into administration, he was a social studies teacher and basketball coach, dedicating nearly his entire career to the Hillsboro R-3 School District.
Throughout his time in education, Mr. Groner has been recognized for his leadership, mentorship, and steady presence, leaving a lasting impact on the district and the countless students, staff, and families he has served.
“Few individuals have given as much of themselves to our students as Mark Groner over the nearly three decades he worked at the high school,” said Hillsboro R-3 School District Superintendent, Dr. Jon Isaacson. “His leadership, care, and consistent commitment have made a lasting impact on Hillsboro High School and our district. While we will miss him in his role, we know his influence will continue and his heart will always remain with Hillsboro students.”
The Hillsboro R-3 School District has posted the principal position and is in the process of selecting the best candidate to succeed Mr. Groner. The district anticipates hiring his successor at the December School Board meeting.
Mr. Groner’s retirement will officially conclude at the end of the 2025–2026 school year.
No school on Tuesday, November 11
In honor of Veterans Day, we take time to reflect, remember, and thank all who have served our country.
#HawkPride #ThankYouVeterans
In honor of Veterans Day, we take time to reflect, remember, and thank all who have served our country.
#HawkPride #ThankYouVeterans
Congrats to our October Students of the Month and Level Up recipients! 🧡
Happy Halloween from the High School Staff! Each department dressed up in costume👻 Congrats to the Counseling Department for winning the contest! 💗
The Hillsboro Primary School’s annual Holiday Bazaar Craft Fair will bring festive fun to the community on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Hillsboro Primary School, 101 Leon Hall Parkway.
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.
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.
Please utilize and share this list of Food Banks and other resources for families who might need assistance.
https://mofamilyresources.findhelp.com/
Congrats to Donna McGhee, our October Staff of the Month! The character word this month was Caring. 🧡
Hillsboro High School would like to thank
the Twin City Area Optimist Club for
providing our students with hoodies, hats,
and gloves to stay warm this winter!
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.
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.
NHS is hosting the Annual Safe Halloween this Saturday at the High School from 4-8PM 🎃
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.
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.
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.
HILLSBORO, Mo. — Hillsboro High School will take center stage this Friday, Oct. 10, as part of FOX 2 News’ Pep Zone—a live morning broadcast celebrating school spirit across the St. Louis region.
The excitement kicks off with a pep rally in Gym 1 at 6 a.m., featuring student performances, interviews, and spirited competitions leading up to the Hawks’ Friday night football game against DeSoto. FOX 2 will broadcast live at 6:30 a.m., showcasing Hillsboro’s pride, enthusiasm, and community spirit.
To encourage student participation, high school students who attend the 6 a.m. pep rally will receive free admission to the football game Friday evening.
The community is invited to tune in to FOX 2 News Friday morning to catch the action and join in the excitement.
Go Hawks!
Dear Parents and Guardians,
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
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
Congrats to our September Students of the Month and Level Up recipients! 💛
Love seeing all of our HS students' shining faces in the parade! 😁
Happy Homecoming! Thank you to our clubs, especially STUCO, for organizing a fun assembly 🤩 And great performances by our Band, Cheer, and Hawkettes as always! 💙
Friday, October 3rd is the big day! The Hillsboro R-3 School District is 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. 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.
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.
