Students in Mrs. Gross' gifted class learn about coding during a technology lesson.
LOCATION UPDATE: Jr. Hawks Cheerleaders Trick-or-Cheer Clinic!
The HHS Cheerleaders are so excited to host the Jr. Hawks Cheerleaders Trick-or-Cheer clinic on October 24th!
Please note that the clinic location has changed to Hillsboro Junior High due to HVAC work at our original location.
Thank you all for your understanding and flexibility. We can’t wait to spend a spooktacular afternoon cheering, and having Halloween fun with our Jr. Hawks cheerleaders!
The HHS Cheerleaders are so excited to host the Jr. Hawks Cheerleaders Trick-or-Cheer clinic on October 24th!
Please note that the clinic location has changed to Hillsboro Junior High due to HVAC work at our original location.
Thank you all for your understanding and flexibility. We can’t wait to spend a spooktacular afternoon cheering, and having Halloween fun with our Jr. Hawks cheerleaders!
We would like to correct an error made by Leader Publications in the October 15th Voters Guide. The estimated tax levy will be approximately $4.7338 per $100 assessed valuation if Proposition H is approved on November 3, 2026. The Leader erroneously reported the district tax rate of $4.8271 should Proposition H pass.
Here is the correction provided by The Leader Publications that will be in next Thursday, October 22nd's paper.
Correction:
The estimated operating levy of the Hillsboro R-3 School District will be $4.7338 per $100 assessed valuation should a $1.39 tax levy, known as Proposition H, be approved in the Nov. 3 general election. This figure is based on 2025 tax rates. Furthermore, should the ballot measure pass, the Hillsboro R-3 School District would have the third highest tax levy in Jefferson County, behind the Dunklin R-5 and Windsor C-1 school districts. An incorrect figure based on 2026 tax rates was listed in a previous story. The Leader apologizes for the error.
Here is the correction provided by The Leader Publications that will be in next Thursday, October 22nd's paper.
Correction:
The estimated operating levy of the Hillsboro R-3 School District will be $4.7338 per $100 assessed valuation should a $1.39 tax levy, known as Proposition H, be approved in the Nov. 3 general election. This figure is based on 2025 tax rates. Furthermore, should the ballot measure pass, the Hillsboro R-3 School District would have the third highest tax levy in Jefferson County, behind the Dunklin R-5 and Windsor C-1 school districts. An incorrect figure based on 2026 tax rates was listed in a previous story. The Leader apologizes for the error.
Be sure to bring the kids to the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce Boo at the Barn Trunk or Treat event at Bridle Ridge on Saturday, October 17th from 6 to 9pm.
This week is National School Lunch Week! We'll be celebrating in all cafeterias with giveaways and special treats. I've attached the logo I'd like to use on social media, if you can post that for us, please. Below is a short blurb you're welcome to use as well. I sent coloring and activity pages to the Primary and Elementary last week - I know Shannon has already posted this to the Primary's social media page.
Celebrating National School Lunch Week: Oct. 12th-18th
We're bringing the fun of the circus to our cafeterias this week as we celebrate National School Lunch Week! Join us for special treats, fun giveaways, and a celebration of the nutritious meals that help our students learn, grow, and shine!
Celebrating National School Lunch Week: Oct. 12th-18th
We're bringing the fun of the circus to our cafeterias this week as we celebrate National School Lunch Week! Join us for special treats, fun giveaways, and a celebration of the nutritious meals that help our students learn, grow, and shine!
ROLL UP A SLEEVE. HELP SAVE A LIFE.
We talk a lot about what it means to be part of the Hillsboro R-3 community. On Friday, November 6, here’s a chance to show it.
Hillsboro High School is partnering with ImpactLife for a community blood drive, and we’re inviting students and members of our community to take part. One donation can make a very real difference for patients and families who need blood.
🩸 Friday, November 6
⏰ 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
📍 Hillsboro High School — Gym 2
123 Leon Hall Parkway
Hillsboro High School will coordinate sign-ups for students. Community members can schedule their own appointment using the link in the comments or the QR code on the graphic.
And there’s a little something for donors, too: every donation earns rewards, with several options available after you give.
Be part of something bigger. Give blood. Help someone who needs it.
Link: https://login.bloodcenter.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/151691
We talk a lot about what it means to be part of the Hillsboro R-3 community. On Friday, November 6, here’s a chance to show it.
Hillsboro High School is partnering with ImpactLife for a community blood drive, and we’re inviting students and members of our community to take part. One donation can make a very real difference for patients and families who need blood.
🩸 Friday, November 6
⏰ 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
📍 Hillsboro High School — Gym 2
123 Leon Hall Parkway
Hillsboro High School will coordinate sign-ups for students. Community members can schedule their own appointment using the link in the comments or the QR code on the graphic.
And there’s a little something for donors, too: every donation earns rewards, with several options available after you give.
Be part of something bigger. Give blood. Help someone who needs it.
Link: https://login.bloodcenter.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/151691
Wednesday, October 14th is a Teacher Professional Development Day.
No School for students that day.
Enjoy your time off.
No School for students that day.
Enjoy your time off.
Family Movie Night is fast approaching!
Monday, October 26th at Hillsboro Junior High School in the Gym.
Address is 12 Hawk Drive, Hillsboro, MO.
Doors open at 6pm and the movie starts at 7pm.
Bring a blanket or chairs to sit on.
We'll be showing the movie, "Hocus Pocus."
Purchase tickets at the door: CASH ONLY EVENT.
Adults: $5
Students: $3
Kids Under 4 get in free.
Face painting, games, concession stand and a photo booth will be available for all guests.
Contact 636-789-0020 ext 2118 for information.
Email Kristen Maerli at maerli_kristen@hsdr3.org
ALL PROCEEDS go to the Reading Raves Program. Thank you for supporting reading!
Monday, October 26th at Hillsboro Junior High School in the Gym.
Address is 12 Hawk Drive, Hillsboro, MO.
Doors open at 6pm and the movie starts at 7pm.
Bring a blanket or chairs to sit on.
We'll be showing the movie, "Hocus Pocus."
Purchase tickets at the door: CASH ONLY EVENT.
Adults: $5
Students: $3
Kids Under 4 get in free.
Face painting, games, concession stand and a photo booth will be available for all guests.
Contact 636-789-0020 ext 2118 for information.
Email Kristen Maerli at maerli_kristen@hsdr3.org
ALL PROCEEDS go to the Reading Raves Program. Thank you for supporting reading!
HEADS UP: Teacher Professional Development Day is coming on Wednesday, October 14th.
Simply put: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS on October 14th.
Simply put: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS on October 14th.
Calling all future scientists, astronomers and space explorers!
Join us for Family Science Night: Solar System Science at Hillsboro High School!
Families can stop by for an evening of FREE, hands-on science activities — create sun prints, explore the phases of the moon, build a solar system model, discover constellations, experiment with light and even create your own alien!
📅 Thursday, Oct. 15
⏰ 3-7 p.m.
📍 Hillsboro High School — Room 222
🚀 All ages are welcome!
Email czapla_erin@hsdr3.org or morrell_stacy@hsdr3.org
Come explore, create and learn together. We hope to see you there!
Join us for Family Science Night: Solar System Science at Hillsboro High School!
Families can stop by for an evening of FREE, hands-on science activities — create sun prints, explore the phases of the moon, build a solar system model, discover constellations, experiment with light and even create your own alien!
📅 Thursday, Oct. 15
⏰ 3-7 p.m.
📍 Hillsboro High School — Room 222
🚀 All ages are welcome!
Email czapla_erin@hsdr3.org or morrell_stacy@hsdr3.org
Come explore, create and learn together. We hope to see you there!
Apparently, a sense of humor is part of the job description at Hillsboro Primary.
The directions for National Bubble Gum Day were pretty simple: Grab a piece of gum. Blow the biggest bubble you can. Snap a picture. Send it to Principal Shannon Murray.
Teacher, para, custodian—it didn’t matter. Biggest bubble by the end of the day wins.
And the champion?
🏆 Custodian Heather Brock!
We’ll let you look through the pictures and figure out which bubble belongs to Heather. Trust us... you’ll know it when you see it.
Just another day at Hillsboro Primary—and another reminder that sometimes it’s OK to have a little fun at work.
The directions for National Bubble Gum Day were pretty simple: Grab a piece of gum. Blow the biggest bubble you can. Snap a picture. Send it to Principal Shannon Murray.
Teacher, para, custodian—it didn’t matter. Biggest bubble by the end of the day wins.
And the champion?
🏆 Custodian Heather Brock!
We’ll let you look through the pictures and figure out which bubble belongs to Heather. Trust us... you’ll know it when you see it.
Just another day at Hillsboro Primary—and another reminder that sometimes it’s OK to have a little fun at work.
Come join in on the fun of the Hillsboro Halloween Parade and Boo at the Barn! This is the ONLY Halloween Parade in the area! We have several opportunities to participate! Be a part of the parade, have a trunk in the trunk or treat, or volunteer for the event! This event is attended by so many families in our community, lets make it a spooktacular event for all!
Enter your trunk or register for the parade today!
Parade registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSetk4FgG7CGWSAB-yX_6BJ_gP8kfSp4Anj9r8yZ3cM4Ahx20g/viewform
Enter your trunk or register for the parade today!
Parade registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSetk4FgG7CGWSAB-yX_6BJ_gP8kfSp4Anj9r8yZ3cM4Ahx20g/viewform
TWO HOURS THAT COULD HELP YOU SAVE A LIFE.
Hillsboro R-3 is offering a Community & Staff CPR Class on Tuesday, October 13, and this is an opportunity for more than just our employees.
Students interested in babysitting, parents, grandparents, community members: there is no age requirement. Complete the two-hour class and earn a CPR certification that's good for two years.
📅 Tuesday, October 13
⏰ 6–8 p.m.
📍 Hillsboro Elementary Cafeteria
Space is limited and you MUST register in advance.
Here is a Google Form to sign-up and reserve your spot: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeuFgZRdmUd4Tu3mBfdsPWKldMpTx7RAiyaTK91te-MAhhvmQ/viewform
You never know when someone may need help. Two hours of your time could someday make all the difference
Hillsboro R-3 is offering a Community & Staff CPR Class on Tuesday, October 13, and this is an opportunity for more than just our employees.
Students interested in babysitting, parents, grandparents, community members: there is no age requirement. Complete the two-hour class and earn a CPR certification that's good for two years.
📅 Tuesday, October 13
⏰ 6–8 p.m.
📍 Hillsboro Elementary Cafeteria
Space is limited and you MUST register in advance.
Here is a Google Form to sign-up and reserve your spot: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeuFgZRdmUd4Tu3mBfdsPWKldMpTx7RAiyaTK91te-MAhhvmQ/viewform
You never know when someone may need help. Two hours of your time could someday make all the difference
Calling all creative crews, local groups, and community superstars! 🎃🚗
The Guardian Hawks PTO needs your trunk-decorating skills for Boo at the Barn! Grab your group or organization, deck out your ride, and help make Halloween magical for our littles. To kickstart the fun, the PTO is providing a giant starter bag of candy to every participating vehicle.
Ready to join the party? See the flyer to email to reserve your spot!
The Guardian Hawks PTO needs your trunk-decorating skills for Boo at the Barn! Grab your group or organization, deck out your ride, and help make Halloween magical for our littles. To kickstart the fun, the PTO is providing a giant starter bag of candy to every participating vehicle.
Ready to join the party? See the flyer to email to reserve your spot!
🏀 CALLING ALL FORMER HILLSBORO BOYS BASKETBALL PLAYERS! 🏀
It’s time to put the Hawks jersey back on.
Hillsboro High School is launching its first-ever Hawks Hoops Night on Friday, Nov. 20—and we want former Hawks back on the court for our inaugural Alumni Basketball Game!
Any former Hillsboro boys basketball player is invited to play. Whether it’s been a few years or a few decades, this is your chance to reconnect with former teammates, represent the Hawks again and be part of a new tradition.
Hawks Hoops Night begins at 5 p.m. with scrimmages featuring our 2026-27 teams, followed by a Staff vs. Seniors Game and then the Alumni Game. Alumni should arrive no later than 6:30 p.m.
💙 Minimum $20 donation to the basketball program
🏀 Open to all former Hillsboro boys basketball players
📅 Sign up by Friday, Nov. 6
📧 Questions? Coach DJ Hardy at hardy_dj@hsdr3.org
Former Hawks: Who’s ready to get back on the court?
👇 Sign up for the inaugural Alumni Game here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfM75QdmDuudVKgwA1_vh9ydZvDLZdlHdBcfM_urc-es2YYLw/viewform
It’s time to put the Hawks jersey back on.
Hillsboro High School is launching its first-ever Hawks Hoops Night on Friday, Nov. 20—and we want former Hawks back on the court for our inaugural Alumni Basketball Game!
Any former Hillsboro boys basketball player is invited to play. Whether it’s been a few years or a few decades, this is your chance to reconnect with former teammates, represent the Hawks again and be part of a new tradition.
Hawks Hoops Night begins at 5 p.m. with scrimmages featuring our 2026-27 teams, followed by a Staff vs. Seniors Game and then the Alumni Game. Alumni should arrive no later than 6:30 p.m.
💙 Minimum $20 donation to the basketball program
🏀 Open to all former Hillsboro boys basketball players
📅 Sign up by Friday, Nov. 6
📧 Questions? Coach DJ Hardy at hardy_dj@hsdr3.org
Former Hawks: Who’s ready to get back on the court?
👇 Sign up for the inaugural Alumni Game here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfM75QdmDuudVKgwA1_vh9ydZvDLZdlHdBcfM_urc-es2YYLw/viewform
Now seems like a good time to remind you about next Friday's Homecoming Parade!
The Hillsboro R-3 Homecoming Parade will begin at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25th, and travel along Business 21.
Friday will also be an early release day. All Hillsboro R-3 schools will dismiss three hours earlier than their normal dismissal times.
Planning to have a float or participate in the parade? Please complete the parade registration form provided in this post as soon as possible. Registration closes Sunday. You will also notice we have a map of the route.
One important safety reminder: NOTHING may be thrown from a vehicle or float. Walkers may hand candy directly to children along the parade route. This rule is in place to prevent injuries and keep candy and other items from being run over or left along the roadway. Floats that do not follow this requirement will not be allowed to participate in future parades.
Parade participants should also remember:
Floats may not be dropped off until district buses have left the grounds, around noon. Follow the parade lineup information and do not park in front of Hillsboro High School.
Everyone riding on a float must remain seated. Please bring a trash bag and help clean up any trash or decorations near your group before leaving.
Want to be part of the parade? Complete the registration form here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSetXEAVJivkaz.../viewform
Let’s fill Business 21 with Hawk Pride and make Homecoming 2026 a great celebration for our students, families and community!
The Hillsboro R-3 Homecoming Parade will begin at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25th, and travel along Business 21.
Friday will also be an early release day. All Hillsboro R-3 schools will dismiss three hours earlier than their normal dismissal times.
Planning to have a float or participate in the parade? Please complete the parade registration form provided in this post as soon as possible. Registration closes Sunday. You will also notice we have a map of the route.
One important safety reminder: NOTHING may be thrown from a vehicle or float. Walkers may hand candy directly to children along the parade route. This rule is in place to prevent injuries and keep candy and other items from being run over or left along the roadway. Floats that do not follow this requirement will not be allowed to participate in future parades.
Parade participants should also remember:
Floats may not be dropped off until district buses have left the grounds, around noon. Follow the parade lineup information and do not park in front of Hillsboro High School.
Everyone riding on a float must remain seated. Please bring a trash bag and help clean up any trash or decorations near your group before leaving.
Want to be part of the parade? Complete the registration form here: https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSetXEAVJivkaz.../viewform
Let’s fill Business 21 with Hawk Pride and make Homecoming 2026 a great celebration for our students, families and community!
Calling our future Hillsboro Hawks cheerleaders!
The Hillsboro High School Cheer Team is inviting students in grades 1st-4th to take part in the Jr. Hawks Cheerleading Clinic on Saturday, October 24th.
SIGN-UP quickly through Infinite Campus because these camps fill up fast! The deadline to register is October 19th.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn from our Hillsboro High School cheerleaders and coaches, practice new skills and experience what it’s like to be part of the Hawks cheer program.
Take a look at the graphic for registration details and everything families need to know.
We’d love to see our Jr. Hawks there! #BoroBuilt
The Hillsboro High School Cheer Team is inviting students in grades 1st-4th to take part in the Jr. Hawks Cheerleading Clinic on Saturday, October 24th.
SIGN-UP quickly through Infinite Campus because these camps fill up fast! The deadline to register is October 19th.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn from our Hillsboro High School cheerleaders and coaches, practice new skills and experience what it’s like to be part of the Hawks cheer program.
Take a look at the graphic for registration details and everything families need to know.
We’d love to see our Jr. Hawks there! #BoroBuilt
SAVE THE DATE! Our annual Hillsboro Primary Holiday Bazaar returns Saturday, November 7th, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
It’s a great day to shop local vendors, find unique gifts and spend some time with our Hillsboro community.
Interested in being a vendor? Applications will be accepted September 2nd through October 30th. Booths are $45.
Here is the link to sign-up and be a vendor:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vDhURHrl6IutvsAWbSMGFNxt6hBsLoI2/view?fbclid=IwY2xjawUEEwZwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMXJRcnc5TGl3WkZzUHkxeFlzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeeR2KKRHZdMBEsFSEWp7uwe4FkSECiRnfMURd7E9tMv47hdf6M7LNBPrWR5w_aem_Wcyjpfz6L11LRVgIhHiKBA
Dear Vendor,
We are currently planning our Primary School Craft Fair. The craft fair
will be held on November 7, 2025 9am-1:30pm. The Vendor application window
is September 2, 2026 through October 30, 2026. Payment must be submitted
with the application to the Primary School Office.
The rental fee is $45.00 per 12ft booth. Please indicate on the
registration form if you need a table and/or electric. Vendors bringing their
own table must adhere to a maximum table length of 12 foot. Please note
that due to changes in booth size (14ft, 1 foot given on either side) exact
booth placement cannot be guaranteed from the past year.
The Primary Craft Fair is a community, family-friendly event. All
applications are subject to approval by the Primary Craft Fair
Chair/Committee. Applications that seek to sell or advertise items that are
obscene to minors or pervasively indecent/vulgar will be denied. Crafts,
antiques, home sales products, artwork, Christmas ornaments, or anything
else may be sold as long as it does not include alcohol, tobacco, firearms or
any other types of weapons.
Please provide a description of your products on the registration sheet
form. Once an application is accepted, an information packet will be mailed to
you with further instructions.
In addition, we will be offering a Friday evening set up from 5:00-7:00 this
year!
For more information, please call: 636-789-0050. We are looking forward
to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Hillsboro Craft Fair Committee
Hillsboro Primary & Early Childhood
101 Leon Hall Parkway
Hillsboro, MO 63050
636-789-0050
It’s a great day to shop local vendors, find unique gifts and spend some time with our Hillsboro community.
Interested in being a vendor? Applications will be accepted September 2nd through October 30th. Booths are $45.
Here is the link to sign-up and be a vendor:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vDhURHrl6IutvsAWbSMGFNxt6hBsLoI2/view?fbclid=IwY2xjawUEEwZwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMXJRcnc5TGl3WkZzUHkxeFlzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeeR2KKRHZdMBEsFSEWp7uwe4FkSECiRnfMURd7E9tMv47hdf6M7LNBPrWR5w_aem_Wcyjpfz6L11LRVgIhHiKBA
Dear Vendor,
We are currently planning our Primary School Craft Fair. The craft fair
will be held on November 7, 2025 9am-1:30pm. The Vendor application window
is September 2, 2026 through October 30, 2026. Payment must be submitted
with the application to the Primary School Office.
The rental fee is $45.00 per 12ft booth. Please indicate on the
registration form if you need a table and/or electric. Vendors bringing their
own table must adhere to a maximum table length of 12 foot. Please note
that due to changes in booth size (14ft, 1 foot given on either side) exact
booth placement cannot be guaranteed from the past year.
The Primary Craft Fair is a community, family-friendly event. All
applications are subject to approval by the Primary Craft Fair
Chair/Committee. Applications that seek to sell or advertise items that are
obscene to minors or pervasively indecent/vulgar will be denied. Crafts,
antiques, home sales products, artwork, Christmas ornaments, or anything
else may be sold as long as it does not include alcohol, tobacco, firearms or
any other types of weapons.
Please provide a description of your products on the registration sheet
form. Once an application is accepted, an information packet will be mailed to
you with further instructions.
In addition, we will be offering a Friday evening set up from 5:00-7:00 this
year!
For more information, please call: 636-789-0050. We are looking forward
to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Hillsboro Craft Fair Committee
Hillsboro Primary & Early Childhood
101 Leon Hall Parkway
Hillsboro, MO 63050
636-789-0050
The annual Ties & Tiaras dance is an opportunity for Hillsboro R3 girls in grades K-6 to attend a dance with their dads or another adult figure in their lives.
The dance is semi-formal and tickets are available in the Infinite Campus school store. Tickets are $20 per household, so only 1 ticket is needed for each adult no matter how many girls in the household.
The Ties & Tiaras dance is hosted by Hillsboro High School FCCLA and will be held on Saturday, October 3 from 7:00-9:00 pm. at Hillsboro High School.
Optional tee shirts are available for pickup at the dance, but they must be ordered before September 20 at 11:59 pm.
https://logo-daddy-graphics.printavo.com/merch/fccla_ties-tiaras-2026
The dance is semi-formal and tickets are available in the Infinite Campus school store. Tickets are $20 per household, so only 1 ticket is needed for each adult no matter how many girls in the household.
The Ties & Tiaras dance is hosted by Hillsboro High School FCCLA and will be held on Saturday, October 3 from 7:00-9:00 pm. at Hillsboro High School.
Optional tee shirts are available for pickup at the dance, but they must be ordered before September 20 at 11:59 pm.
https://logo-daddy-graphics.printavo.com/merch/fccla_ties-tiaras-2026
Mrs. Towers class adopted a dairy cow named Rosey. She lives on Knebel Farm in Illinois.
We get monthly updates: her growth chart, pictures, videos from the farm, and we do activities learning about dairy cows and nutrients in their milk.
Did you know?: We just learned it only takes two days for milk to get from the cow to the grocery store!
We get monthly updates: her growth chart, pictures, videos from the farm, and we do activities learning about dairy cows and nutrients in their milk.
Did you know?: We just learned it only takes two days for milk to get from the cow to the grocery store!
