Hawk Talk: Stories from a Destination District-Hillsboro R-3 School District

What happens to Hillsboro R-3 Schools if Proposition H passes? What happens if it fails?With Election Day approaching, Superintendent Dr. Jon Isaacson explains what each outcome could mean for Hillsboro R-3 students, families and staff.In Episode 14 of Hawk Talk, we talk about some of the issues that could directly affect families, including:• Daily bus service• Transportation to athletic events and activities• School events• Band and other student activities• District staffing• Programs and services across the districtThis conversation is about what comes next. Dr. Isaacson explains the decisions the district could face under either outcome and why those decisions could affect the school experience for students and families.Before you vote on Nov. 3, take a few minutes to understand what a YES or NO vote on Proposition H could mean for Hillsboro R-3 Schools.Our goal is to make sure our community has the information it needs to make an informed decision.

 What is Proposition H? What does the ballot language mean? How much could it cost you? How does it impact the Senior Citizen Tax Credit? What could Prop H mean for the future of Hillsboro R-3 Schools?

In this episode, we break down Proposition H and the information Hillsboro R-3 voters need before the Nov. 3 election.

We walk through the ballot language, explain how to find your home's assessed valuation and show you how to calculate the estimated impact on your property taxes.

We also look at what Proposition H could support across the Hillsboro R-3 School District, including:

• School safety and controlled access• Understanding the impact on Seniors receiving the Senior Tax Credit• Traffic and transportation improvements• Facility improvements and infrastructure needs• New and improved learning spaces• Improvements designed to support student learning and educational opportunitiesWe also take you inside the latest edition of The Nest, arriving in Hillsboro R-3 mailboxes this week. It includes additional information about Proposition H, district needs and what voters should know before Election Day.Our goal is simple: Give our community the information it needs to understand Proposition H and make an informed decision on Nov. 3.Look for the latest edition of The Nest in your mailbox and learn more about Proposition H at HSDR3.org.

Former Principal Scott Readnour joins Hawk Talk to showcase how you can join the Hillsboro R-III Public Schools Foundation Tee It Up For The Hawks Annual Golf Outing on September 24, 2026. The foundation raises thousands of dollars to help send Hillsboro grads to college and help fund classroom initiatives.

Mr. Scott Readnour joins the podcast this time to talk about the importance of the POW/MIA Vigil happening on September 18, 2026 outside of Hillsboro Intermediate School. It's a Hillsboro R-3 tradition to honor POW/MIA's and their families by holding a 16 hour vigil on POW/MIA Recognition Day. Hillsboro is an official POW/MIA City. Just when you think you know everything about the special day, Scott fills us in on what it's really all about. He also adds in some history too.

What are those first few days of school really like for our youngest Hawks?

In Episode 10 of Hawk Talk, Patrick Quinn sits down with Hillsboro Early Childhood Center Principal Mrs. Amy Phillips to help parents prepare for the beginning of a new school year.

For many families, starting Early Childhood is a major milestone. Mrs. Phillips explains what parents and students can expect, how the school works to make those first days welcoming, and what families can do ahead of time to make the transition easier.

In this episode:

• Why Open House on Thursday, August 20 is so important for Early Childhood families

• How students can meet their teachers, tour the building, visit their classroom, check out the playground, and begin feeling comfortable before school starts

• The best ways for parents to communicate with teachers and stay connected throughout the school year

• What every family needs to know about pick-up and drop-off procedures

• The special experiences and memories that make a child's time at the Early Childhood Center so much fun

Those first school experiences matter, and we want every child and family to begin feeling welcomed, prepared, and excited about what's ahead.

Watch on YouTube, listen, subscribe, and share Hawk Talk with another Hillsboro R-3 family.

The first day of school is a big milestone... for students and parents.In Episode 9 of Hawk Talk, Patrick Quinn sits down with Hillsboro Primary School Principal Shannon Murray to help families prepare for a successful start to the new school year.Whether your child is entering kindergarten for the very first time or returning for first grade, this episode is filled with practical information designed to help your family feel confident before the first bell rings.Here's what you'll learn:✔ What families can expect on the first day of school✔ Why Open House on Wednesday, August 19 (5:00–7:00 p.m.) is one of the most important events before school begins✔ Important pick-up and drop-off procedures designed to keep students safe✔ The exciting learning experiences and opportunities that make Hillsboro Primary School such a special place✔ How our staff creates a safe, welcoming, and caring environment where every child can thriveIf you're the parent of a Hillsboro Primary School student, this is one conversation you won't want to miss.Subscribe & Share

A successful school year begins long before the first day of class.In Episode 8 of Hawk Talk, Patrick Quinn sits down with Hillsboro Elementary School Principal Eric Detweiler to discuss what every elementary family should know before students return on August 24th.From why Open House is one of the most important events of the school year to how parents can help students navigate the unique learning challenges of 2nd and 3rd grade, this conversation is filled with practical advice that every family can use.In this episode, you'll learn:✔ Why attending Open House helps students begin the school year with confidence✔ The academic growth and success challenges students experience during their elementary years✔ Why strong communication between home and school makes a lasting difference✔ Tips from Principal Eric Detweiler to help students start the year prepared and ready to succeedWhether your child is entering Hillsboro Elementary for the first time or returning for another exciting year, this episode will help your family begin the school year informed, connected, and confident.Ask

A new school year brings new opportunities, new experiences, and exciting milestones for Hillsboro Intermediate School students.In Episode 7 of Hawk Talk, Patrick Quinn sits down with Hillsboro Intermediate School Principal Leslie Marchetti to discuss everything families need to know before the first day of school.Whether your child is entering 4th grade for the very first time or returning as a 5th or 6th grader, this episode will help your family start the school year prepared and confident.Here's what you'll learn:✔ Important dates for Parent Orientation Night and Open House and why both events matter. Orientation for 4th Graders on 8/11 from 6p-7p. 5th Grade Orientation on 8/12 from 6p-7p. 6th Grade Orientation on 8/13 from 6p-7p. Open House happens on 8/20 from 5p-7pm.✔ What makes the transition into 4th grade such an exciting milestone✔ Meet Hillsboro Intermediate's new leadership team, including Dean of Students Mrs. Regina Moore and Assistant Principal Mrs. Jan Hoth✔ How the Intermediate School serves as the heart of the Hillsboro R-3 campus, connecting students with new opportunities, experiences, and leadership as they continue to grow✔ Tips from Principal Leslie Marchetti to help students have a successful school year from Day OneWhether you're new to Hillsboro Intermediate or returning for another great year, this episode is packed with helpful information every family should know before August 24.

Get ready for an incredible school year at Hillsboro Junior High! In this episode of Hawk Talk, host Patrick Quinn sits down with HJH Principal Dr. Bill Murphy to discuss everything parents and students need to know to start the year strong. From crucial calendar dates and schedule pickups to new elective courses and library upgrades, Dr. Murphy shares a comprehensive roadmap for navigating the unique junior high years with patience and TLC.

What we cover in this episode:

• 📅 Setting Up Your Calendar: Key dates to know, including the first day of school on August 24th, and why Dr. Murphy recommends starting a sleep routine by August 1st.
• 🏫 Open House Details: Information on the upcoming open houses for the 7th grade (August 18th) and 8th grade (August 20th), where students can pick up schedules and practice with their lockers.
• 👥 New Parent Orientation Meetings: Why parents are encouraged to attend one of the two orientation sessions on August 10th (at noon or 6:00 PM) to discuss teenage development and junior high expectations.
• 🔬 Inside the Academic Lab (ACL): How this structured daily 30-minute period helps students complete projects, get targeted teacher help, and earn fun rewards like gym time and board games.
• 🎨 Exciting Campus Upgrades: A look at the newly refreshed white-and-blue gym, the installation of brand-new scoreboards, and welcoming regional Teacher of the Year Becky Solomon as the new librarian.
• 🥦 New Electives & Pipelines: Highlights of the hands-on Agriculture in America class at Bridal Ridge greenhouse, expanded coding, and a global "Taste of Cultures" culinary class.
• ✈️ Student Travel Plans: A recap of this summer's memorable student trip to Washington, D.C. and a sneak peek at plans for next year's trip along the Colonial Coast.
• 🎶 The Legend of "Murf Math": To wrap up, we explore the creative classroom roots of Dr. Murphy's 20-year career. Learn how he used to fight math anxiety by rewriting the lyrics to popular pop songs on his YouTube channel, Murf Math!

Whether you are preparing a seventh-grader for their first day or helping an eighth-grader get ready for high school, this episode is packed with practical advice to ensure your family is prepared.

Subscribe, listen, and let’s get ready for another great year! Hawk Talk is proudly sponsored by Schneider Electric.

New Principal, New School Year, and New Routines. Patrick Quinn and Mr. Billy Reece talk about Reece's first year as the lead building principal at Hillsboro High School. It comes with new expectations, new safety procedures and new routines that everyone will get used to quickly. You'll also hear about important dates that each grade level student will want to know about before the first day of school gets here on August 24th. Enjoy. Like, Listen and Subscribe!