Harrisburg R-VIII School District

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: This week’s featured teacher is Mrs. Kelsey Fisher. Mrs. Fisher has been in education for 10 years and has spent all of those years as a Harrisburg Bulldog. Mrs. Fisher taught 1st grade for 8 years and has spent the last 2 years as a Preschool teacher in a three year old program and as a K-1 Learning Specialist. Mrs. Fisher has a natural ability to set firm boundaries with her students and simultaneously ensure that they feel safe, cared for, loved, and encouraged. She leads by example in the way she meets students and colleagues where they are with grace and respect. Mrs. Fisher serves on the Elementary Positive Behavior Intervention and Support Committee and on the District Harrisburg Community Teachers Association. A few of her K-1 colleagues had the following to say about the impact that Mrs. Fisher makes in their classrooms and on students every day: “Kelsey always takes time to collaborate with classroom teachers, checks in to see how we're doing, and gives extra support to students who need it. She is very helpful, kind, and flexible/works around schedules if needed. I'm so thankful that Kelsey is our K1 Learning Specialist!!” “Having Kelsey is like co-teaching. She has gotten to know our students like her own. She advocates for them just as classroom teachers do. She is there to meet students at their level and give them what they need, when they need it. I couldn’t do it without her. She’s amazing!” “Kelsey is amazing! She touches the lives of so many students each day. She is in constant motion so that she can get to as many kids as possible in one day. She gives them strategies to learn information as well as extra time to practice a skill that needs extra work. The kids are excited to see her come into the classroom. She is always willing to help wherever she can. She not only helps students, but teachers as well. She is a wonderful tutor, friend and mentor. We are very lucky to have her in our school district! Thanks for all you do Kelsey!” Thank you, Mrs. Fisher, for the many ways you are making a difference in the lives of so many in your school and community. #BulldawgPride

Our district has partnered with “Team Pearly,” Compass Health Network's mobile dental team! The mobile dental bus will provide preventative and restorative services for students while at school. The school-based dental program prioritizes providing students with a safe and comfortable atmosphere. Compass Health will provide dental services to students eligible for service through this program. Services include examinations, cleaning, X-rays, fluoride, sealants, restorations, extractions, and stainless steel crowns. Consents will be sent home with all elementary students on March 8th, and middle and high school consents will be available in the office. Team Pearly will be on site April 23rd-26th in the Elementary parking lot. Please contact Jackie Wardrip, school nurse, with any questions about the mobile dental program.

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: This week’s featured teacher is Mr. Ryan Lyons. Mr. Lyons has been an educator for 21 years. He taught and coached in New Franklin, Fayette, and Boonville prior to coming to Harrisburg R-VIII. This is his first year as a Harrisburg Bulldog. Mr. Lyons teaches high school geometry, concepts of mathematics, and ACT Prep. In addition to a full teaching schedule, Mr. Lyons also coaches 8th grade boys basketball and JV boys basketball. We are thrilled to have Mr. Lyons on our faculty and coaching staff. Thank you for all that you do for our students and district, Mr. Lyons! #BulldawgPride

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: This week’s featured teacher is Mr. Dan Bachmeier. Coach Bach has been an educator and coach for 42 years. During this storied career, Bach coached alongside Steve Combs in Moberly in the 90’s and in 2006 began his career as a Harrisburg Bulldog when he returned to the bench with Coach Combs. In the past 17 years, Coach Bach has been an incredible coach and teacher to hundreds of students and athletes. In that time he has coached girls basketball, assisted with boys basketball, coached middle school football, assisted with high school football, and is head coach for our youth football program. In his Harrisburg career, Coach Bach has led his Bulldogs to two state titles in girls basketball (2010 & 2012) and four district titles in girls basketball (2008, 2010, 2011, 2012). Coach John Wooden said “a good coach can change a game, a great coach can change a life”. Anyone who has worked with, coached alongside, or has played for Coach Dan Bachmeier would attest that he is a great coach. Those who know him well also know that he is humble and does not like to be in the spotlight, preferring to celebrate the accomplishments of his students and athletes. His career and accomplishments are, however, most definitely worthy of celebration and attention. Thank you, Coach Bach, for dedicating your life to working in education and having such an incredible impact on the lives of so many. #BulldawgPride

HAPPY SCHOOL BUS DRIVER APPRECIATION DAY to our amazing team! They are the first and last faces that many of our students see every day and we are truly blessed to have transportation director Cara Douglas and her team of drivers taking such good care of our students and families. Clark, Gene, Shannon, Rachel, Bill, Kevin, and Cara go above and beyond and are simply the best! #BulldawgPride

We need volunteers March 5-8 to assist students at our Literati Book Fair. If you are interested, please use the SignUpGenius link below. We appreciate your time and support! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4FAFA729A4F4CF8-47658761-2024

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: Today’s featured teacher is Mr. Cameron Mackey. Mr. Mackey has been teaching for 5 years and has spent the last three of those years teaching at Harrisburg. Mr. Mackey currently teaches English 9, English 11, Creative Writing, and Fiction & Film at Harrisburg High. In those classes, he encourages his students to write about topics of interest through the steps of the writing process with meaning and authentic audience in mind. Mr. Mackey has also made free-choice reading a significant focus in his English courses. Allowing students to choose the books they want to read, even if there is an assignment attached, results in more engagement and more motivation to read. If the number of books being checked out from the high school library this year is any indication, this focus has been extremely successful. In addition to a full teaching schedule, Mr. Mackey is also an assistant coach for Middle School football and an assistant coach for track and field. Thank you for all that you do for our students and district, Mr. Mackey! #BulldawgPride

In honor of National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day, we recognize and celebrate the dedication and invaluable service of our School Resource Officer, Eli Burkholder. Thank you for the many ways you work to build relationships and to keep our school and community safe! #SROAppreciationDay #BulldawgPride

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: Today’s featured teacher is Mrs. Rebecca Pekkarinen. Mrs. Pekkarinen has been a teacher for eight years and has spent the last three years teaching 2nd grade at Harrisburg Elementary. Mrs. Pekkarinen is a master of the calm, clear, and kind approach with her students as well as with her colleagues. Through her words and actions she creates an environment of calm both in her classroom and in her interactions with others that is incredibly powerful. “Becca creates a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere for all who enter her classroom. Her love for her students is inspiring. Mrs. Pekkarinen's second grade students are learning that they can be leaders at a young age. They read to Kindergarten students throughout the school year to practice reading fluency and engaging their audience. Her smile is contagious and we are blessed to have her as such a positive light in our building, district, and community.” - Sarah Earlywine, 5th Grade “We are glad to have Becca as a part of our team, her calm nature is contagious. Becca always has a smile on her face and a positive attitude. She spends a lot of time making learning fun and engaging for the students in her classroom.” - Gabe Burris, Elementary Principal Thank you, Mrs. Pekkarinen, for being such an inspiration to your students and colleagues at Harrisburg R-VIII. #BulldawgPride

PTO Meeting Tonight: Tuesday 2/6 at 6pm, Elementary Library or Zoom All are welcome! Join Zoom Meeting: https://umsystem.zoom.us/j/93413693045 Meeting ID: 934 1369 3045 Passcode: 292178 One tap mobile +13052241968,,93413693045# US +13092053325,,93413693045# US

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: “Music is a more potent instrument than any other for education because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul.” - Plato (Source: The Republic) Today’s featured teacher is Mr. Kevin Fearn. If you’ve been in Harrisburg any time at all you have, no doubt, had the opportunity to witness the talent and time that Mr. Fearn, along with his wife Haydan, have poured into building and sustaining our amazing music program at Harrisburg R-VIII. Mr. Fearn has been in music education for the past 11 years and has spent all of those years leading our band, choir, and music programs. In addition to leading an award winning music program, Mr. Fearn has been our resident school dance DJ and a district school bus route driver for the past 10 years. In the Fall of 2023, he also served as Interim Marching Band Director at Central Methodist University while still keeping his regular Harrisburg Marching Band and teaching schedule. Because he pours his passion for music into his work and because the love for what he is doing is obvious, it might be easy to overlook just how much work and time is required to coordinate Marching Band & Pep Band, Band Camps, practices, to prepare students for Band and Choir contests, and to fundraise for Band equipment and trips to competitions. However, Mr.(and Mrs.) Fearn has created a program that is not only impossible to ignore but inspires others to get involved and support. The Band Boosters was established in 2020 and, in conjunction with district and community support, has been fundraising for new uniforms, instruments, and this past December, sent our Marching Band on a chartered bus to perform at The Liberty Bowl in Memphis. “As a senior, it was the last time I would be with the Marching Band and was the first major trip and recognition of our Marching Band.” - Harrisburg Senior Band Member “The parade was my favorite part of the performances. It was so cool to see how many people were there supporting bands.” - Harrisburg Junior Band Member Thank you, Mr. Fearn, for making such a tremendous impact on our students and in our community. #fireup #BulldawgPride

Happy National School Counseling Week to Mrs. Chott and Mrs. Hasekamp. We are very fortunate to have your skills and talents in our district. Thank you for all that you do everyday for our students, staff, and patrons. #BulldawgPride

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: Today’s featured teacher is Mr. Kevin Pekkarinen. Mr. Pekkarinen teaches 7th & 8th grade science. This is his 10th year in education and 1st year as a Harrisburg Bulldog. Mr. Pekarrinen earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri and, while there, played Rugby for the Tigers from 2010-2014. His wife, Rebecca, is also a Harrisburg Bulldog. She teaches 2nd grade at Harrisburg Elementary. Principal Jeff Wardrip shared that “Mr. Pekkarinen has been an excellent addition to our middle school staff. He goes the extra mile to set students up for success. We are fortunate to have him on our team. Thank you, Mr. P, for all you do for our students, staff, and community.” #BulldawgPride

Harrisburg Fundraiser! Valentine's Day Gift! This journal makes a great Valentine’s gift for your ladies young and old, and was created by local entrepreneur Amber Till 💜 Proceeds going towards sending students to American Legion State 🐾 Can text Amber to place order or order directly from Amazon link (please let us know if you order from Amazon). https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-ART-Journal-gratitude-inspirational/dp/B0C9SHFRV2/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2B6EN9OD3810K&keywords=ULTIMATE%20ART%20JOURNAL&qid=1706195192&s=books&sprefix=ultimate%20art%20journa%2Cstripbooks%2C211&sr=1-1&fbclid=IwAR35BSQ7yhNCYqJaTgTdPJC33rF9J8fJ-bjohZJ7zl4f1GpBPmfdVQ7-ZuI

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: Today’s featured teacher is Mrs. Aly Hemme. Mrs. Hemme teaches Personal Finance, Computer Science, Intro to Business, Accounting, and Business law courses at Harrisburg High. She also teaches the Yearbook course and oversees the publication and distribution of the annual Yearbook for Harrisburg R-VIII. This is Mrs. Hemme’s 5th year in education and her 3rd year as a Harrisburg Bulldog. In addition to a full teaching schedule, Mrs. Hemme also sponsors the Future Business Leaders of American Organization for our school and is excited to return with her students to the State FBLA Leadership Conference in April. Thank you, Mrs. Hemme, for being such a positive influence in the lives of your students and fellow staff members every single day. #BulldawgPride

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: “Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” —Theodore Roosevelt Today’s featured teacher, Mrs. Cathy Wilcox, has certainly dedicated her professional life to working hard at work worth doing. Mrs. Wilcox has been an educator for more than 36 years and has spent 34 of those years at Harrisburg both as an elementary classroom teacher and, upon returning to Harrisburg Elementary after retirement a couple of years ago, as a classroom paraprofessional and keyboarding instructor. Anyone who knows Cathy has, no doubt, been the recipient of her genuine attention and kindness. She gives generously of her time and talents - often being the first to volunteer for a task or to offer to help with an event. Throughout her career at Harrisburg she has served on numerous committees and continues to organize and facilitate the annual Spelling Bee for elementary and middle school students. In addition, Cathy has dedicated hours of her time to assist with Harrisburg athletic events. Athletic Directors Chris Ackman and Ryan Richardson had this to say about Cathy’s service to their programs: “Cathy works numerous events for the athletic department from taking gate for our football games, to running the clock for our basketball games and running the scoreboards for softball & baseball. She earned the Missouri Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Distinguished Service Award in May of 2022. Her time and dedication to our student-athletes is a constant every year.” A sincere thank you to Mrs. Cathy Wilcox for your life-long commitment and dedication to the students, staff, and patrons of the Harrisburg R-VIII School District. #BulldawgPride

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: This week’s featured teacher is Ms. Addilyn Hays. Ms. Hays has been teaching for three years and is in her second year at Harrisburg as a Middle School Learning Specialist. As a learning specialist, Ms. Hays works closely with students and teachers to determine individual goals both inside and outside of the classroom and to ensure students have access to the resources needed for success as they work to achieve those goals. In addition to the important work that she does with students and staff, Ms. Hays also serves as an assistant MS softball coach and has organized and led trauma-informed book studies for district staff members in 2023-24.

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: This week’s featured teacher is Mr. Zech Bowman. Mr. (Coach) Bowman has been a teacher for 13 years and has spent the last 8 of those years at Harrisburg High School. In his Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Concepts of Math courses, Mr. Bowman integrates math concepts that are often difficult to understand into approachable and relatable situations that allow his students to practice and to use a hands-on approach to understanding. In addition to a full teaching schedule, Mr. Bowman also coaches high school football and high school track, co-sponsors high school FCA, and serves on the district Academic Advisory Cabinet committee. Thank you Mr. Bowman for the many ways that you support and lead our students at Harrisburg High School. #BulldawgPride

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: This week’s featured teacher is Ms. Gracie Williams. Ms. Williams is almost halfway through her third year of teaching fifth grade at Harrisburg Elementary. Partner teacher, Sarah Earlywine, has this to say about her fellow 5th grade teacher: “Ms. Williams engages students and gives the class a variety of ways to respond in the classroom. Her instruction allows students to carry over learned content related vocabulary into group discussions and partner discussions. Ms. Williams motivates her students by having the class work together and set goals they want to achieve.” Ms. Williams is also involved with several activities and committees in our district. She is the middle school Scholar Bowl coach and serves on the district Dignity & Equity in Education and Carnival committees. Thank you Ms. Williams for all that you do for your students and school. #BulldawgPride

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: This week’s featured teacher is Mrs. Stephanie Harrison. Mrs. Harrison has been an educator at Harrisburg for the past three years. You need only to attend our annual MUSART Festival to witness the remarkable ways that Mrs. Harrison is able to encourage her art students to take risks, imagine, and create. It is astounding what our youngest students are capable of when exposed to the new ideas, techniques, and growth mindset opportunities that she provides in her elementary and sixth grade art classes. In her eighth grade STEAM class, students are challenged to use the five steps of the design thinking process (Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test) using a variety of materials and constraints to improve their critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and collaboration skills. Thank you, Mrs. Harrison, for sharing your passion for the arts and sciences with your students everyday. #BulldawgPride