Dear Hillsboro ISD Families and Staff,

I am pleased to share several remarkable achievements across our district.

Hillsboro Junior High School was recently named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School. This prestigious award reflects the exceptional dedication of our students and educators. Please join me in congratulating the entire HJHS community on this outstanding accomplishment.

Earlier this month, we had the privilege of hosting Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath at Hillsboro Elementary and Hillsboro Intermediate Schools due to the student achievement growth seen at both campuses during the 2023-2024 school year. We were proud to showcase how our campuses are effectively preparing our students for academic success.

Finally, I would like to recognize our principals for National Principals Month:

• Principal Carter at Hillsboro Elementary School
• Principal Tucker at Hillsboro Intermediate School
• Principal Harvell at Hillsboro Junior High School
• Principal Hayes at Hillsboro High School

They are passionate about education, focus on student academic success, and strive to create collaborative learning environments for students and staff. They are stellar examples of the type of principal you want leading a campus.

Looking ahead, I am excited to continue celebrating our students' achievements, both in academics and extracurricular activities, throughout October.

Sincerely,

Darrell G. Brown PH.D.
Superintendent of Schools

October 1st

• National Principals Month
• Dyslexia Awareness Month

October 2nd

• School Custodian Appreciation Day

October 4th

• Student Holiday & Staff Development Day

October 5th

• World Teachers' Day

October 6th

• National Coaches Day (Athletic and Instructional)

October 7th

• HISD Board of Trustees Meeting

October 8th

• Wear Red for Dyslexia Awareness Month and World Dyslexia Day

October 11th

• Student & Staff Holiday

October 14th

• Student & Staff Holiday

October 14th - 18th

• National School Lunch Week

October 15th

• Coffee with Carter at HES from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

October 16th

• PSAT Test for 8th, 9th, and 10th Grade

October 21st - 25th

• National School Bus Safety Week

October 25th

• Student Holiday & Staff Development Day

October 28th - November 1st

• Red Ribbon Week

November 1st

• Student & Staff Holiday

The U.S. Department of Education named Hillsboro Junior High School (HJHS) a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School. HJHS is one of 356 schools selected nationwide and one out of 31 in Texas. This prestigious recognition highlights schools that excel in academic performance and serve as models of effective and innovative practices for educators across the nation.

Hillsboro ISD's current 8th, 9th, and 10th grade students contributed to the achievement of this award. Their high scores on STAAR tests caught the attention of the Texas Education Agency and now the U.S. Department of Education.

Earning this award was possible due to the dedicated team at HJHS. Educators, staff members, and administrators embraced continuous learning, welcomed constructive feedback, and established high expectations for all.

A National Blue Ribbon Award is an honor for our entire community. HJHS will proudly display a commemorative flag and banner to celebrate the achievement.

Please follow this link to view the announcement video: https://buff.ly/2XEbzF9

or this link to view HJH's awards webpage: https://buff.ly/3XSLaPU

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona recognized 356 schools this week as the 2024 cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools. Hillsboro Junior High School (HJHS) is one of 31 schools selected from Texas.

Hillsboro ISD had the privilege of hosting Texas Education Agency's Commissioner, Mike Morath, Texas State Representative Angelia Orr from District 13, and ESC Region 12 for a visit to Hillsboro Elementary and Hillsboro Intermediate Schools. Our visitors met with several students and staff members and learned about the factors contributing to the campus's anticipated A rating for the 2023-2024 school year.

Please follow this link to view more photos from the visit: https://buff.ly/3XOjMTi.

Happy National Principals Month to our fantastic principals! We are extremely lucky to have Principal Carter at HES, Principal Tucker at HIS, Principal Harvell at HJHS, and Principal Hayes at HHS. They embody our district's core beliefs through their passion for education and emphasis on fostering a successful school community and learning environment.

Please join us in the celebrations on our HISD Facebook and Instagram pages by leaving a comment!

The district invites students and staff members to recognize Dyslexia Awareness Month and World Dyslexia Day by wearing red on Tuesday, October 8th!

The Hillsboro High School Homecoming Court looked dazzling on the Dr. John P. Erwin Football Field! Congratulations to the nominees and students selected for the 2024 Homecoming Court.

The Hillsboro High School Varsity Football Team concluded an unforgettable Homecoming week by defeating the West Trojans!!

Thank you to the Hillsboro businesses who participated in the downtown decorating contest. We were thrilled to bring back an old tradition and loved the turnout! Congratulations to the top three winners:

• 1st Place: City of Hillsboro Annex Building
• 2nd Place: CASA of Hill County
• 3rd Place: Main Florist

Students put their first 6 weeks of learning to the test with Curriculum-Based Assessments (CBAs), which monitor student progress in concepts and skills taught. The following students earned 100%! Congratulations to all of these students on starting the year strong!

• 7th Grade Social Studies
• 8th Grade Social Studies
• 7th Grade Science
• Algebra
• 8th Grade Math

HIS celebrated more than 70 students with perfect attendance in the first 6 weeks of the 2024-2025 school year.

We love seeing our students every day! Did you know student attendance is an indicator of student success and graduating on time? Every Day at HISD Matters!

National Hispanic Heritage Month is off to a great start! This week, 6th grade students in Mrs. Elliott's Social Studies class presented their research projects on Hispanic countries including Cuba, Columbia, and Mexico. Hillsboro High School students in Señor Rangel's Spanish Classes created an informational board highlighting Hispanic pioneering figures shaping our future. Stay tuned for next month's Hillsboro Highlights for a full recap of Hispanic Heritage Month at HISD.

Don't forget to visit our Hillsboro ISD Facebook Page for spotlights of our students and staff members!

Congratulations to Tasha Bell! Staff members voted for her because she is always willing to help, organizes the math relays, and leads the Sunshine Committee! Thank you for all you do.

Congratulations to Daisy Abreu! HIS says she is always willing to step in when needed and is passionate about helping people find their talents. Thank you, for your dedication to others.

Congratulations to Mireya Villasenor Merino! She was selected for her awesome work with the campus's Newcomer and English as a Second Language students. Thank you for being a stellar Eagle.

Congratulations to Alyssa Stringer! The HHS leadership team says her dedication to HHS students and her exceptional contributions to the campus are inspiring for all staff. Also, the high enrollment in her art classes each day is a testament to her skill and passion. We are thankful for you.

This Saturday, October 5th, is World Teachers' Day! We are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated and talented group of educators at HISD. They go above and beyond every day to inspire and support students' growth and learning.

We invite you to join us in celebrating HISD teachers through the following activities:

• Writing a thank you note
• Create a piece of artwork or small craft
• Share your favorite story of a current or previous educator on HISD's World Teachers' Day social media post on Saturday
• And whatever other ideas you have to say thank you

The Hillsboro Athletic Hall of Fame Committee is seeking nominations for alumni (students or coaching staff) to be inducted into the Hall of Fame program. The committee is currently looking for candidates for the upcoming Class of 2024. Attached is the official nomination form. When submitting a nomination, please include as much contact information as you can including an email and phone number.

Please contact Tabatha Davis at Tabatha.Davis@hillsboroisd.org if you have any questions or to submit a nomination.

Hillsboro Elementary School welcomed grandparents earlier this month to celebrate Grandparents' Day! The campus was filled with love as students brought their grandparents to art, P.E., the library, or computer lab. Together, they participated in several activities including reading, crafts, sports, computer games, and more. It was a wonderful day for students to show off their skills to their beloved family member.

Please follow this link to view more photos from the day: https://buff.ly/3Mzq6HZ.

The HISD Tip Line is available for students, families, staff, or community members to report concerning behaviors such as bullying, talk of or posts about suicide or self-harm, dating violence, and other dangerous, threatening behaviors.

If you see something, say something with the HISD Anonymous Tip Line.