Hillsboro R-3’s The Nest Earns National Communication Award
District newsmagazine recognized by national school public relations organization for excellence in public education communications
By The Jefferson Review
Hillsboro R-3’s The Nest earned national recognition from the National School Public Relations Association.
HILLSBORO — The Hillsboro R-3 School District has earned national recognition for its community newsmagazine, The Nest.
The National School Public Relations Association awarded the district an Award of Merit in the 2026 Publication and Digital Media Excellence Awards for the Winter 2025 edition of The Nest. The national awards program recognizes outstanding work by school communication professionals across the country, with entries judged on writing, design, organization, and overall effectiveness in communicating with families and the community.
For Hillsboro R-3, the award places the district among school systems across the country recognized for strong public education communications.
Superintendent Dr. Jon Isaacson said the recognition reflects the work of a team committed to telling the district’s story well.
“Awards like this are never the result of one person; they reflect a team committed to excellence,” Isaacson said. “Tracy Sitze and Scott Readnour have poured countless hours into creating a publication that informs, celebrates, and connects our community. I am incredibly grateful for their dedication and proud that their work has earned national recognition while showcasing the outstanding students, staff, and programs that make Hillsboro R-3 such a special place.”
The Nest is published throughout the school year and includes district news, student achievements, classroom highlights, financial updates, staff recognitions, and upcoming events. The newsmagazine is mailed to every household in the district twice a year and published digitally each quarter.
The award-winning Winter 2025 edition highlighted student success, district initiatives, financial stewardship, and community engagement.
Isaacson said the publication has become an important part of how the district keeps families and residents connected.
“Strong communication builds trust, and The Nest has become an important part of our commitment to keeping our community informed and engaged,” he said.
The publication is produced through a collaboration between District Grant Writer and Community Relations Coordinator Scott Readnour and Hillsboro teacher Tracy Sitze. They work with building principals, district leaders, and contributors across the district to provide timely and transparent information to Hillsboro families.
The district is currently preparing the Summer 2026 edition of The Nest, which is expected to be mailed to district residents in July. That edition will include back-to-school information, district updates, student and staff highlights, and a look ahead to the 2026-2027 school year.
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