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.
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.
✨ Prom 2026 is coming! ✨
📅 Saturday, May 2
⏰ 6:00–10:00 PM
📍 Orlando Gardens – St. Louis
🎟 Tickets: $70 each
Tickets will be sold April 6–April 17 in Room 306 during A-Shift HawkTime.
🚫 No ticket sales on Wednesdays
🚫 No tickets sold after April 17
💳 Important: Tickets must be purchased in person at school (credit, cash, or check payable to Hillsboro High School).
Credit card payments will NOT be accepted online.
👗 Juniors & Seniors only may purchase tickets.
Outside guests must complete required forms before tickets can be purchased.
📄 Prom Agreement and Guest Forms will be available starting March 12 outside Room 306.
📧 Questions? heitert_cyndi@hsdr3.org
📅 Saturday, May 2
⏰ 6:00–10:00 PM
📍 Orlando Gardens – St. Louis
🎟 Tickets: $70 each
Tickets will be sold April 6–April 17 in Room 306 during A-Shift HawkTime.
🚫 No ticket sales on Wednesdays
🚫 No tickets sold after April 17
💳 Important: Tickets must be purchased in person at school (credit, cash, or check payable to Hillsboro High School).
Credit card payments will NOT be accepted online.
👗 Juniors & Seniors only may purchase tickets.
Outside guests must complete required forms before tickets can be purchased.
📄 Prom Agreement and Guest Forms will be available starting March 12 outside Room 306.
📧 Questions? heitert_cyndi@hsdr3.org
During Thursday, March 5th's JAG state competition, Lillian Griffin was named the 2026-2027 JAG President. She is the top officer out of 118 JAG programs in 78 Missouri schools. This is a huge honor that no Hillsboro student has ever held. She will travel to Washington DC next school year. Congratulations Lillian!
The picture provided is courtesy of the JAG-Missouri Facebook page.
The picture provided is courtesy of the JAG-Missouri Facebook page.
🗣️Just announced: Our Level Up Awards along with our February Students of the Month!
🙌Give these students a high-five when you see them.
🙌Give these students a high-five when you see them.
Congratulations to our February Students of the Month and Level Up award recipients! ❤️
🐾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.
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.
Congratulations to Mrs. Jan Hoth for being nominated as February's Staff Member of the Month. The word of the month was Encouraging. Those that nominated her stated, "Students report that she is kind, encouraging, teaches the students good techniques, has high energy, and helps/cares for ALL students!"
"Jan radiates positivity and encouragement. Students report connecting to her and her sparking their learning. She is a great teacher and overall person!"
"Jan radiates positivity and encouragement. Students report connecting to her and her sparking their learning. She is a great teacher and overall person!"
NICO BROOKS - 3rd Place State Finish!
Nico Brooks has captured her second medal at the State Wrestling Championships. Nico is the first two time medalists for the Girls Wrestling Program.
Congratulations Nico and Coaches!
Nico Brooks has captured her second medal at the State Wrestling Championships. Nico is the first two time medalists for the Girls Wrestling Program.
Congratulations Nico and Coaches!
📣 Hillsboro R-3: This Conversation Matters.
Byrnes Mill Police Department is hosting a Parent Seminar on Teenage Drug & Alcohol Use on:
📅 Monday, March 9
⏰ 5:00–7:30 PM
📍 Northwest High School Cafeteria
This free event is designed to help parents and caregivers:
-Recognize signs of teen drug and alcohol use
-Understand current trends
-Learn how to have meaningful conversations at home
-Access helpful community resources
Families from across Jefferson County, including Hillsboro R-3, are welcome to attend. Student are also welcome.
There is no cost to attend and no RSVP required.
If you’ve ever wondered:
“Would I know the signs?”
“How do I even start that conversation?”
“What resources are available locally?”
This seminar is for you.
Byrnes Mill Police Department is hosting a Parent Seminar on Teenage Drug & Alcohol Use on:
📅 Monday, March 9
⏰ 5:00–7:30 PM
📍 Northwest High School Cafeteria
This free event is designed to help parents and caregivers:
-Recognize signs of teen drug and alcohol use
-Understand current trends
-Learn how to have meaningful conversations at home
-Access helpful community resources
Families from across Jefferson County, including Hillsboro R-3, are welcome to attend. Student are also welcome.
There is no cost to attend and no RSVP required.
If you’ve ever wondered:
“Would I know the signs?”
“How do I even start that conversation?”
“What resources are available locally?”
This seminar is for you.
This Saturday Feb 28th, the Sweetheart dance is at the high school from 7-10 pm. During the dance NHS will be offering a snack cart with all of the proceeds going to St. Jude.
Participate in the spirit week this week as well! 💗
❤️ 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
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
Our very own HS art student, Divine Badua, is enrolled in the Bob Ross art contest! Please use the link to VOTE for her so she can win! If she wins, her art will be displayed in a museum, she will appear on The Joy of Painting, and win $20,000!
The link to vote: https://artistickid.org/2026/divine-1ad6
Students in Mr. Wattle’s High School Art class are practicing the techniques of illustration and cartooning from the masters ✍️
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
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
Congrats to Brittany Ijames, our January Staff of the Month! The character word was Awe-Inspiring. 🩵
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!
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
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
Congratulations to our January Students of the Month and Level Up award recipients! 🤍
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.
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.”
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.”
