Harrisburg R-VIII School District

Please join us for the monthly PTO Meeting (Harrisburg Parent/Teacher Organization preK-12) tonight Tuesday (March 11) at 6 p.m. in the elementary teacher's lounge which is near the library or by Zoom. There is a book fair this week so the library is unavailable as a meeting spot. Hope to see you tonight! 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

Introducing our 3-5 Elementary School 2025 King & Queen Candidates! 3A - Charley Long & Drew Richards 3B - Noah Hardin & Sadie Ramer 4A - Drelyn Beckham & Ainslee Samuels 4B - Henry Carey & Sofia Brake 5A - Wyatt Wilhite & Aubree Heuer 5B - Tate Beach & Norah Moxley

Introducing our K-2 Elementary School King & Queen 2025 Candidates! KA - Emmett Furlong & Maddie Spellman KB - Beckett Clatterbuck & Kassie Machetta 1A - Cyrus Berry & Josephine Carey 1B - William Fike & Jackie Dietiker 1C - Sawyer Martin & Aaliyah Murphy 2A - Camryn Havrum & Maggie Beck 2B - Brandon Mandley & Aly Zettler

Today is School Maintenance Appreciation Day and we are blessed with the best. The admin team had this to say about our crew: “Our maintenance team is the best around. Each of them truly cares about making Harrisburg the best possible school for our students, and that really shows in their work ethic every single day. We appreciate the flexibility, effort and craftsmanship our maintenance team puts into our buildings and facilities. They have a wide variety of skills that not only help keep our schools functioning, but in top condition. Matt, Rob, and Clark thank you for all you do for our students, teachers, and community.” We also want to give a big shoutout to our 2024-25 high school staff of Bryce Ott, Caleb Sager, and Jayson Eskew who kept our grounds looking great through the summer mowing season and to Ryder Crites who has worked tirelessly alongside our maintenance staff through these brutal winter days to clear our parking lots and sidewalks. #BulldawgPride

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: Today’s featured teacher is Mrs. Sydney Lukefahr. Mrs. Lukefahr joined the Harrisburg staff this school year as our 4th and 5th grade Learning Specialist. Before becoming a Bulldog, Mrs. Lukefahr taught 6th grade special education in the East Prairie School District. When we asked her team to share about Sydney, they were quick to respond: “Sydney is a phenomenal addition to the 4-5 team. She came to Harrisburg with so much knowledge. She has created phenomenal relationships with her students who often seek her presence even during recess time. She is extremely dedicated to serving her students and prioritizing their learning.” - Tessia Balke, 5th Grade teacher “Sydney has been a wonderful addition to our team. In her short time in the district Sydney has worked hard to build relationships with students, colleagues and in the community. Mrs. Lukefahr is hard working and always well prepared. We are glad to have her as part of our team.” - Gabe Burris, Elementary Principal “Sydney is constantly sharing ideas and strategies to help engage and support all learners. Her collaboration is key to ensuring our students are successful. We recently had an abundance of indoor recess days. It was evident to see the positive way she has impacted students by witnessing the number of students that wanted to go to her room for indoor recess. Her door is always open to students and teachers. She has been an uplifting, involved, and inspiring addition to our school.” - Sarah Earlywine, 5th Grade teacher “Sydney brings such a positive attitude to each day. She is constantly finding ways to lift up those around her by sharing bounty from her own garden, baking yummy treats, or offering a listening ear and ideas to problem solve. She has made relationships quickly with students and they adore her!” - Corrine Hill, 4th Grade teacher Thank you, Mrs. Lukefahr for the many ways you are positively impacting the students of Harrisburg Elementary. We are very fortunate to have you on our team! #BulldawgPride

March PTO meeting is being moved to next Tuesday March 11 at 6pm so we can support the girls basketball game tomorrow night. Good luck bulldogs! The meeting will be in the elementary/middle school library or by zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82299551944?pwd=gzb7LKOAohMxBz2NRi1NP4husKNppS.1 Meeting ID: 822 9955 1944 Passcode: 884107 One tap mobile +13092053325,,82299551944#,,,,*884107# US

March is School Board Appreciation Month and we are honored to recognize the men and women who have served and who currently serve on the Harrisburg R-VIII Board of Education. Thank you for your commitment to the staff, students, and families of our district. #BulldawgPride

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: Today’s featured teacher is Mrs.Taylor Lazinger. Mrs. Lazinger teaches third grade at Harrisburg Elementary. Prior to becoming a Harrisburg Bulldog, Taylor spent four years as a fifth grade teacher in the Southern Boone School District. Taylor and her 3rd grade partner teacher Kami Drollinger are a phenomenal teaching team. When asked for a quote to share about her partner, Ms. Drollinger replied “I’ve just been waiting to brag on her! Taylor cares deeply for each of her students as individuals, taking the time to understand their needs and helping them grow academically and personally. She puts her heart into supporting her students and always finds creative ways to assist them. She is super resourceful and is FULL of ideas for making things more engaging. Taylor's passion for teaching is evident in everything she does. I am so lucky to be her teammate- she inspires me everyday!” Elementary Principal Gabe Burris shared “Taylor has been an awesome addition to our team! It is easy to see the connection she has made with her students when you walk into her classroom. She has a unique way to make learning fun and engage her students. Her knowledge of the curriculum is top notch. Most of all she is a great teammate that is always willing to lift others up and help someone out. We're glad she is a Bulldog!” Thank you, Mrs. Lazinger, for the countless ways you inspire your students each and every day! #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

ELEM & MS BULLDOG FANS: Come get your Cheek Cheers at breakfast tomorrow to get your game face on for Courtwarming 2025! We will also have Cheek Cheers available for purchase in the commons at the Chuck-A-Duck table during the game tomorrow night. All proceeds benefit the Class of 2026 Senior Trip! #cheekcheers

HEY BULLDOG FANS, are you entered for a chance to win a great gameday experience? We'll be drawing TOMORROW DURING THE PEP RALLY for a chance to be an honorary member of the Varsity Basketball team and Varsity cheer squad. Don't miss out on the full experience on GAME DAY February 17th VS the Salisbury Panthers

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: This week’s featured teacher is Mrs. Lori Canole. Lori has built a career out of early childhood and elementary education. When we asked her how many years she has worked with children or in an educational environment, she responded with “too many years to even count”. After volunteering in our district for many years, Lori began impacting our students and staff in an official capacity when she was hired in 2003 as a paraprofessional. She has supported numerous programs and grade levels in our elementary since that time and in each role has brought a level of skill, work ethic, and adaptability that is incomparable. Despite being exceptional at working with her fellow teachers, Lori’s legacy will certainly be that she truly and genuinely cares about the students that she supports every day. You need only to stop by the 4 year old preschool program where Lori currently works alongside Kimberly Eaton to witness this. They are not just her students - they are “her kids” and she treats them all with love, grace, and an understanding that can only come from years of dedication to hundreds of “her kids”. “Lori is one of a kind! We are lucky to have her working with our preschool Bulldogs. Her nurturing and caring nature helps create a great learning environment in the classroom. She and Mrs. Eaton make a great team that help our littlest learners thrive.” - Elementary Principal, Gabe Burris Thank you, Mrs. Lori Canole, for continuing to leave your indelible mark on the students and staff of Harrisburg School District. We are truly fortunate that you are a Bulldog for Life! #BulldawgPride

HEY BULLDOG FANS: Get your game face on tonight in the HS Commons and support the Senior Class of 2026 as they fundraise for their senior trip! #cheekcheers #BulldawgPride

Please join us for the monthly PTO Meeting (Harrisburg Parent/Teacher Organization preK-12) tonight (Feb 4) at 6 p.m. in the elementary/middle school library or by Zoom. 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

FBLA students travelled to MACC for the district competition on Friday. Seventeen students medaled and eight students qualified for the State Competition in Springfield. The State Qualifiers are Ava Grindstaff, Charlotte Canote, Audrey Reedy, Kiley Rosson, Lindsey Burbridge, Alicia Worden, Sadie Williamson, and Aaron Niemeier. Congratulations to all of the participants!

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: This week we have a special edition of TFT. It is School Counselor’s week and we have two of the very best at Harrisburg. Mrs. Rachel Chott has been in education for six years and has spent the last five of those years as our K-8 grades counselor. In addition to the exceptional work that she does with our elementary and middle school students in her counseling program, Mrs. Chott also helps to plan the annual Career Day for 6-12 grade students, organizes middle school career exploration trips, and serves on the middle school Student Success Team, SEL Team, and the district CTA Committee. Jeff Wardrip, Middle School Principal, shared “Mrs. Chott has been an absolute lifesaver for our middle school students. She is always going above and beyond to help our students have all the tools to thrive not only in school but also in life. Her empathy and helping hand are also extended to our staff, and community members. Mrs. Chott, thank you for all you do for our students, staff, and community.” Mrs. Courtney Hasekamp began her career in School Counseling at Harrisburg High School two years ago. She brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to our high school students and staff as she provides guidance and support to assist students with academic and personal challenges and facilitates quality programming that helps our high school students succeed in school and in life. In addition to the numerous responsibilities that come with being a high school counselor, Mrs. Hasekamp also teaches a College and Career Readiness Course, plans and facilitates our annual Career Day, and is an assistant high school softball coach. “Mrs. Hasekamp does a tremendous job as our High School Counselor. She is always there for students when they need someone to talk to, and she works tirelessly to ensure that all the needs of our students are being met.” - Kyle Fisher, high school Principal Thank you, Mrs. Chott and Mrs. Hasekamp, for the dedicated work that you do to ensure that the needs of all of our students and staff are met each and every day. We are so incredibly fortunate to have your time, talents, and innumerable skills available to our district. #BulldawgPride

Please consider taking a moment to sign up as a Harrisburg School R8 supporter on the Box Tops for Education App. It's easy and it's a great way to support our district. Thanks for your help!

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: Today’s featured teacher is Ms. Carlie Hartle. Ms. Hartle has a degree in early childhood education and elementary education from Stephen’s College and teaches our 3 year old integrated Pre-K class at Harrisburg Elementary. This is her third year in education and her second year as a Harrisburg Bulldog. Principal Gabe Burris shared that “Carlie is always quick to build relationships with students. Ms. Hartle is always looking for creative ways to engage her students, and perfect her craft. Carlie is always willing to go above and beyond the call of duty to make sure students' needs are met. We are lucky Carlie is a Bulldog and thankful for all she does for our youngest Bulldogs.” Pre-K partner teacher Kimberly Eaton added “Ms. Hartle has been a great addition to the Preschool program this year! She gives her students so much love and also helps them meet school expectations with gentle guidance and lots of smiles. It's great to have Carlie as a Harrisburg Bulldog!” Thank you, Ms. Hartle, for the many ways you positively impact your students and school community each and every day. #BulldawgPride

HEY BULLDOG FANS, do you want a chance to win a great gameday experience? Enter a chance to be an honorary member of the Varsity Basketball team and Varsity cheer squad. GAME DAY February 17th VS the Salisbury Panthers The winner will be announced at the PEP RALLY ON February 14TH.

The annual Harrisburg Spelling Bee was this morning. Our elementary and middle school winners will advance to the Regional Bee in Columbia in March. Congratulations to all of our participants and winners!