Harrisburg R-VIII School District

"The greatest gift of leadership is a boss who wants you to be successful." —Jon Taffer HAPPY PRINCIPALS' DAY to Mr. Burris, Mr. Wardrip, and Mr. Fisher. We deeply appreciate the way they engage, lead, and inspire the students and staff of our district each and every day. #Bulldawgpride

Harrisburg fifth graders attended the annual Earth Day Celebration hosted by the MO Department of Natural Resources on April 25. Alayna Heithold won this year's state-wide Earth Day slogan contest and was honored at the opening ceremony. Alayna was presented with an Earth Day proclamation signed by Governor Mike Kehoe, a $50 gift card, and a Missouri rock and mineral set. #BulldawgPride @MoStateParks

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: This week’s featured teacher is Mrs. Lindsey Heinlein. Mrs. Heinlein joined the Harrisburg R-VIII Substitute Teaching staff this year. When asked what her favorite part of guest teaching in the district was, she responded “getting to work with all grade levels”. Lindsey and her husband have 4 kids, Weston (3rd grade), Piper (2nd grade), Lucille (Little Bulldogs), William (Little Bulldogs). She will be coaching high school softball next year and is looking forward to meeting everyone and being a part of the community. Thank you, Mrs. Heinlein for dedicating your time and talents to the students and athletes of Harrisburg R-VIII. #BulldawgPride

The last day to order a yearbook is coming up on April 30th. There is no guarantee that there will be any additional yearbooks to purchase after that date. You can purchase online at jostensyearbooks.com. Regardless of the age of your student, please make sure to choose Harrisburg High School when ordering. If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Hemme at hemmea@harrisburg.k12.mo.us.

"No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another. Thank you." ~ Joseph Addison When you enter our buildings, it will be their faces that first welcome and greet you. Our administrative professionals are, without question, the heart of our buildings. We are truly grateful for the way they manage the expected and unexpected events that occur every single day of their school year. What a blessing it is to have such knowledgeable, skilled, and talented individuals in our Harrisburg School District family. Thank you Becky, Cara, Rebekah, Keely, and Ruby! #Bulldawgpride

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: Today's featured teacher is Ms. Judy Corbin. Though she retired in 2020 after twenty years of service to the Harrisburg School District as an Instructional Aide and Library Assistant, she returned in 2023 as a substitute teacher. When asked what her favorite part of substitute teaching in Harrisburg has been, Judy's response was "the kids - I just love the kids". Thank you, Judy Corbin, for the many years of dedication and service that you have given to the students of Harrisburg R-VIII School District. We are thankful that you have been a Bulldog For Life! #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 Shannon Griggs and her team of drivers taking such good care of our students and families. #BulldawgPride

Harrisburg PTO is hosting Teacher Appreciation Week again this year the first week of May (May 5-9).  We are have a Wicked Theme planned for this year.   We could use donations of gift cards for teacher prizes.  These gift cards could be something you purchase, have on hand, or from your own business.  We have about 80 staff we are trying to get prizes for. We also have a teacher meal on Tuesday that we could use donations for.  We would also like to have baked goods at each school (3 schools) all week. We could also use some notes of appreciation to teachers that week. Teacher Appreciation Week Needed Items:https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0444A9A923A1FC1-56248114-teacher  Teacher Meal Sign Up for Items to Send In: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0444A9A923A1FC1-56248148-teacher Here is the plan for each day: Mon May 6 PD Day: Because of You, We Defy Gravity! Start your day with coffee and breakfast (and yes…there will be munchkins!).              Munchkins;  Dunkin Donut Holes               Tues May 7 Emerald City Celebration Enjoy Lunch in Teachers’ Lounge:Pulled Pork/chicken, buns, salad, chips, cole slaw, potato salad, baked beans, mac and cheese, dessert Wed May 8   Flying Monkeys! Banana Split Bar Banana Splits in the Teachers loungeCoffee from Tom’s Coffee Thurs May 9 Wicked Sweet Treats Make your own “snacklebox” with your favorite candies! Green and Pink Snacks and a “wicked refreshing” hydration station in the teachers’ lounge! Fri May 10 You’re So POPular popcorn bar and a can of “pop” (soda)! Thanks for your help! Nicole Fritts PTO Co-Secretary Teacher Appreciation Week Chair Harrisburg R-VIII Harrisburg, MO  65256

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: Today’s featured teacher is Mr. Justus Whitaker. Mr. Whitaker has been working as a substitute teacher in the Harrisburg School District for the past three months. When asked about his favorite part of guest teaching in our district, Mr. Whitaker replied “The close community and the teachers that care about their students.” Justus graduated from Harrisburg in 2021 and will graduate from Mizzou in May with a degree in business management. He is also completing an education minor and will be teaching high school business next year in Columbia! Thank you, Mr. Whitaker, for dedicating your time to the students and staff of Harrisburg Schools! #BulldawgPride

Harrisburg Easter Celebration is today from 1:00-2:30 pm at Harrisburg Lion's Club Park for toddlers to 2nd grade. Bring your basket. Easter Egg Hunt Times: 1-2 years old is at 1:15 pm , 3-4 years old 1:30 pm, 5 years/kindergarten 1:45 pm, Grade 1-2 at 2 pm

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: Today’s featured teacher is Mr. Clark Chickering. Mr. Chickering has worked as a substitute teacher in the Harrisburg school district for the past three years in addition to also driving morning, afternoon, and trip bus routes. Before beginning his substitute teaching experience in Harrisburg, he also substituted in the Marshall School District. When asked about his favorite part of substitute teaching in our district, Mr. Chickering responded “Being able to work with young people across the District. Helping them to both achieve their educational goals as well as helping them to navigate the many challenges that they will face in life is quite rewarding. It helps that Harrisburg has great Teachers who go out of their way to ensure that I, as a Sub, have what I need but also who care deeply for their students.” We are incredibly fortunate to have Mr. Chickering among our regular substitute teachers in the district. #BulldawgPride

8th grade took a field trip to MACC Columbia Campus to explore careers in Health Science, Surgical Tech, LPN & RN, and Mechatronics.

8th grade took a field trip to MACC Columbia Campus to explore careers in Health Science, Surgical Tech, LPN & RN, and Mechatronics.

HAPPY PARAPROFESSIONAL DAY to the incredible staff of specially trained and credentialed educators who support and work with our students each and every day. Paraprofessionals are "the heartfelt heroes. Using their talents to help students discover their own. Dedicating their time and energy each day to the students in their care, and doing it all while meeting the individual needs of many." - Teresa Kwant We are blessed to have such skilled educators working with the students of Harrisburg School District. Thank you! #Bulldawgpride

Please join us for the monthly PTO Meeting (Harrisburg Parent/Teacher Organization preK-12) tonight Tuesday (April 1) at 6 p.m. in the elementary/middle school library. Hope to see you tonight! Reminder there is also a dine in night at 5 Guys (2703 Broadway Bluffs Drive, Columbia, MO) tomorrow night from 4-7 p.m. We received 50% of the profits last year from this fundraiser. Thanks for supporting it last year. It was a great fundraiser for us! Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82299551944?pwd=gzb7LKOAohMxBz2NRi1NP4husKNppS.1 Meeting ID: 822 9955 1944 Passcode: 884107 One tap mobile +13092053325,,82299551944#,,,,*884107# US Nicole Fritts PTO Co-secretary

Time is running out to purchase a senior ad in the 2025 yearbook. Families can purchase an ad for a 2025 senior that includes photos of your choice & a short congratulatory message. Ads are $50 for a 1/4 page and can be purchased online at jostensyearbooks.com or email Mrs. Hemme at hemmea@harrisburg.k12.mo.us. Ads must be purchased by March 31st.

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY (special extended Wednesday edition): Harrisburg Elementary has been blessed with two amazing student teachers this year. In today’s special edition we would like to celebrate these two incredible educators, Allie Canote and Gabby Hochwender, as they prepare to graduate and officially enter the teaching profession. Allie Canote will obtain her Bachelor’s of Science in Education with an emphasis on Elementary Education. She shares that she chose a career in education because “I was fortunate to have amazing teachers who inspired my love for learning. Their guidance and support showed me the profound impact a great teacher can have on a student’s life. Coming from a family of educators, I have always looked up to their commitment to shaping young minds. I want to continue that legacy by creating a classroom where students feel supported, challenged, and excited to learn. One of the most rewarding aspects of student teaching at Harrisburg has been the school’s family atmosphere. Everyone is willing to lend a helping hand, creating a supportive environment. It has been especially meaningful to be back at the school I attended, working alongside amazing teachers. A long-term goal of mine is to mentor a student teacher and give back the same support and guidance I’ve received. I can’t wait to watch them grow in confidence and skill just as I have through my own experience. One of my favorite student teaching moments is our Circle Share every Tuesday morning. I love hearing about the students’ weekends and seeing how excited they are to share with their classmates. It’s a simple routine, but truly brightens my morning. One last thing I’d share is how absolutely blessed I am to have Becca Pekkarinen as my mentor teacher. She is the perfect example of an extraordinary teacher. She has taught me so many things already and I can’t wait to continue on for the rest of the school year. I just adore her!” Becca had the following to say about Allie: “Allie takes the time to really get to know the needs of the students and has made great connections with them. They already love her. She makes lessons very engaging with her creative ideas and she is going to be an amazing teacher.” Gabby will graduate with a degree in Elementary Education. She shared that “I will graduate with my degree in Elementary Education. I grew up in the world of teaching through my Mom being a teacher, but my own love of children and natural tendencies to connect with them lead me to the undeniable truth that I love being in a classroom and teaching students to learn and grow! I so love Harrisburg! It reminds me so much of my hometown, and I love the small-town connections that are so evident throughout the building. The love of the community reflects through how stellar its children are- they truly have hearts of gold! Long-term, my teaching goals are to build strong relationships with my students, and to give them a deep understanding of content. I want all my students to know how loved they are and to have confidence in the things they have been taught. One of my favorite student teaching memories is a day where I got to be the substitute teacher for my kids. We got to laugh and learn together and I got to continue those personal connections with them. BEST! DAY! EVER! I have been so incredibly blessed to spend the last of my time earning my degree in Harrisburg. I love these kids and this community so much. Go Bulldogs! Gabby’s supervising teacher, Mrs. Taylor Lazinger, shared “Miss Hochsender is such an amazing 3rd grade student teacher. She sees the good and strengths in each of our students and builds up our classroom community with her positive presence. Miss Hochwender is loved by many students in our building and we are so thankful she is with us at Harrisburg. Miss H brings energy, creativity, and fun to each day. Her joy for teaching is contagious! We cannot wait to cheer her on as she begins her teaching journey!” “It has been great to have Allie and Gabby in our building this year as Senior Year Onsite Students from Mizzou. We have enjoyed watching, and helping them grow during their student teaching experience at Harrisburg. Their passion for teaching, and enthusiasm for learning has made an impact on our staff and students. We wish them well in their future teaching endeavors, and know they will continue to inspire and make a difference!” - Gabe Burris Thank you Miss Canote and Miss Hochwender for the outstanding work you have done in your student teaching experience this year. Your future students and colleagues are incredibly fortunate to have such passionate and skilled educators. #BulldawgPride

The small-but-mighty yearbook staff celebrates meeting their deadline with 7 Brew. If you have not purchased a yearbook yet, you can purchase online at jostensyearbooks.com.

Check out the latest issue of our District Digital Bulldog Express Newsletter featuring important upcoming events and information and video interviews with Superintendent Steve Combs and Athletic Director Chris Ackman. #BulldawgPride https://harrisburg.edurooms.com/engage/harrisburg-r-viii/newsletters/the-bulldog-express-spring-2025 You can always find current and previous issues of our District newsletters on the Bulldog Express Newsletter Page of the school website. https://www.harrisburg.k12.mo.us/o/harrisburg/page/bulldog-express

When: Saturday April 12 Where: Harrisburg High School Commons Time: 9:30-11:30 a.m.. Harrisburg PTO is hosting their 3rd annual free vendor event for the community, "April Showers Bring May Flowers". Please come and shop local vendors. Find some Easter and Mother's Day gifts. Bring a friend!