If you missed the feature that aired two years ago on KRCGthat featured Officer Burkholder and the importance of the work he does in our school district and community, you can watch it at https://youtu.be/3zTZZo0Bw9o?si=Lbz_V2cxeRFnJLBA
We are incredibly thankful for all of the dedicated law enforcement professionals that serve school districts across the country as School Resource Officers but we consider ourselves fortunate to call Officer Burkholder ours. Thank you for the many ways you dedicate your time to keep our school and community safe! #SROAppreciation #SchoolResourceOfficer #ThankAnSRO #SchoolSafety #BulldawgPride
PTO Meeting is being moved to next Tuesday February 10 at 6 p.m. in the elementary/middle school library. If you can't make it in person here is the link to follow.
https://harrisburg-k12-mo.zoom.us/j/84836178164?pwd=tIdjmGegpDrtMTBIIZAZonoOicAUpd.1
Meeting ID: 848 3617 8164
Passcode: 65256
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One tap mobile
+16469313860,,84836178164# US
Hope to see you there!
Nicole Fritts
PTO Co-Secretary
Harrisburg R-VIII
Mrs. Rachel Chott has been in education for seven years and has spent the last six 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, PBIS Team, and the district CTA Committee.
Mrs. Chott shared “I’ve always loved working with kids and helping others, so being a school counselor truly feels like the perfect fit for me. One of my favorite parts of the job is building relationships with students and getting to know each of them individually. I feel really lucky to be part of such a caring school community and to work alongside staff who share the same passion for helping students grow and thrive!”
Mrs. Courtney Hasekamp began her career in School Counseling at Harrisburg High School three 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 our high school A+ Coordinator. .
“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 #NSCW26 #NationalSchoolCounselingWeek #SchoolCounselor
Valentine’s Day
is coming soon ! Kisses are due by February 10th!
To celebrate those we care about,
the 2027 Senior Class is selling
small treat bags full of “Kisses”.
These "Kisses" may be sent to any student, staff or teacher preK-12th grade.
Each bag only $1.00!
“Kisses” will be delivered on
Valentine’s Day, along with a
special note from you!
♥ Anyone can purchase a bag of “Kisses”. Elementary
teachers will have order forms available for sale in their
classrooms. The offices will also have order forms for the
high school/middle school students.
♥ Parents are welcome to place orders, too! You can fill
out the back of this flier and send in money to your
child’s teacher. You can also stop by the office or
send in money with a note and we will be happy
to fill the form out for you!
♥ Let those you care about know you’re
thinking about them with some
Valentine’s Day Kisses!
The 2027 Senior Class
thanks you for your support!
Before becoming a Harrisburg Bulldog, Dr. Golzy spent 21 years teaching undergraduate Civil Engineering and Mathematics, and graduate level Education and Business Courses. At the high school level, Dr. Golzy taught for 2 years in Buffalo, NY and 4 years in Fayette.
Students agree that Dr. Golzy’s classes are challenging and intense, but feel that his humor and teaching style make the difficult math courses much more enjoyable. One student described arriving to class one day to find tissues on all the tables because, as Dr. Golzy told them with a smirk, “today will be crying day” because of the difficult concept they were about to tackle. Other days, he tells them to “add a smiley face” when they breeze through an easier lesson. It is obvious to every student that is fortunate to learn from him, that Dr. Golzy genuinely cares about them.
When he’s not teaching math concepts to high school students, Dr. Golzy enjoys hiking, gardening, cooking and baking, and woodworking.
Principal Kyle Fisher shares: “we are thrilled that our students have access to Dr. Golzy’s experience with high quality in-person instruction in his college level courses at Harrisburg.”
Thank you Dr. Golzy! #BulldawgPride
Middle School Principal Jeff Wardrip shared “Mr. Harms is a valuable member of the middle school team. Whether it's in the classroom, during his lunch break, or after school Esports club, he makes it a point to get to know all of his students and help them in any way he can. Thank you Mr. Harms, for all you do for our students, staff, and community.”
In addition to his teaching duties, Mr. Harms also coaches our middle school eSports team, serves on our district Salary and Career Ladder Committees, and is a member of our Academic Advisory Cabinet.
Upon retiring from the US Army where he was both an Air Defense Artillery and Satellite Communications sergeant, Mr. Harms received his Master’s Degree in Teaching as a result of his VA benefits.
A fun fact: Mr. Harms loves the martial arts and holds a black belt in combat jujitsu and a Bronze Level Coach’s Certification with USA Wrestling.
When asked to describe what it’s like to work alongside him, partner teacher Marsha Gipson had this to say: “Mr. Harms is a wonderful teaching partner and a friend. He is an exceptional teacher who takes the time to understand his students and leaves an impact that reaches far beyond the classroom. It has truly been a blessing to work alongside him as a co-teacher for the past four years. He is a tremendous asset to our Middle School team. Mr. Harm is one of the best!”
Well said, Mrs. G. and we couldn’t agree more! Thank you, Mr. Harms! #BulldawgPride
Friday: $5 for ages 5 and up
Saturday: $15 for adults & $10 for ages 5 - 17
Each year, the Daniel Boone Regional Library sponsors a contest for first through sixth graders in their outlying communities, challenging them to design new covers for their favorite books. They select two winners in each community (one from 1st-3rd grades and one from 4th-6th grades). The 2025 winners from Harrisburg were 3rd grader Brooke Spellman and 5th grader Philip Smith. Brooke and Philip will each receive a Barnes and Noble gift card, courtesy of DBRL. Their covers will be on display at DBRL and may be viewed online at DBRL 2025 Book Cover Contest Winners. Congratulations, Brooke and Philip!
PTO is a preK-12th grade parent/teacher organization that fundraises and supports the school district. Without their help we would not have many of the technologies or classroom items in the classroom that we do now.
Monthly PTO Zoom link.
https://harrisburg-k12-mo.zoom.us/j/84836178164?pwd=tIdjmGegpDrtMTBIIZAZonoOicAUpd.1
Meeting ID: 848 3617 8164
Passcode: 65256
---
One tap mobile
+16469313860,,84836178164# US
+19292056099,,84836178164# US (New York)
Hope to see you there!
Nicole Fritts
PTO Co-Secretary
Harrisburg R-VIII
In addition to a very busy teaching schedule, Mrs. Overfelt has also been a Senior Sponsor for the past year for the Class of 2026, serves on the Elementary PBIS Team, Teachers Leading Teachers Team, Principal’s Advisory Committee, CTA, and Academic Advisory Cabinet.
“Brianne has been a wonderful teaching partner to work with. As I am new to the district,she has been extremely supportive and helpful in all areas. She is always willing to try new ideas and engage in thoughtful discussions about whatever needs to be accomplished. I truly am enjoying working with her.” - Natalie Dixon
“We are lucky to have Mrs. Overfelt as part of our staff! As a veteran kindergarten teacher she has helped shape the earliest learning experiences for countless students. Mrs. Overfelt is a well respected team member that is always willing to go the extra mile to help students, parents and staff members! We are grateful for her instructional expertise and the lasting impact she continues to have on our community and students.” - Gabe Burris, elementary Principal
Thank you, Mrs. Overfelt! We are incredibly fortunate to have your expertise and genuine compassion for and commitment to students in our district. #BulldawgPride
TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: This week’s featured teacher is Mrs. McKenzie Wanner. Mrs. Wanner has been an educator for the past 17 years. The last 7 of those years have been in a public school setting at Harrisburg R-VIII School District.
As a High School Learning Specialist, Mrs. Wanner primarily supports English 9, Math, and Science courses by co-teaching with or providing support to teachers and students. This requires a great deal of organization and flexibility to manage being in as many places that will benefit from her expertise and support as possible throughout the busy school day.
In addition to the full teaching schedule that she maintains, Mrs. Wanner also serves our district as an assistant middle school softball coach, high school student council advisor, and member of our high school Student Success Team. And, if that wasn't enough, she also helps to coach both of her daughter’s youth softball and basketball teams.
“Mack is the best! She bends over backwards for teachers as well as students and there is no better person to have with you in your corner as a coach, teacher, and friend. Thanks Mack for being YOU!” - Juli Hackethal (High School Science/Head Middle School Softball Coach)
“McKenzie can do just about anything she puts her mind to! She goes above and beyond to make sure students get the help they need. She is also a great listener when you need to work out problems and tries to do every and all things. She’s great!” - Christy Segress (Partner HS Learning Specialist)
Mrs. Wanner is currently completing coursework to earn a Master’s of Education Degree in Educational Diagnostics to become a certified School Psychological Examiner in the State of Missouri. We are incredibly fortunate to have her numerous talents, skills, and tireless dedication in our school district. Our students and staff are better because of Mrs. Wanner. #BulldawgPride
Coach D has been teaching for thirteen years this fall and has been a Harrisburg Bulldog for his entire career in education.
He spent his first four years as a first grade teacher before moving into a K-8 Physical Education position in 2016.
“Coach D. is a tremendous asset to our elementary and middle school team. He is always finding new and meaningful ways to engage students in the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle.” - Jeff Wardrip, Middle School Principal
In addition to his busy classroom schedule, Coach D has been part of the Harrisburg Football Program since its inception thirteen years ago and currently coaches middle school and high school football, middle school and high school basketball, and is the Youth Sports Coordinator for all youth sports in our district.
“Coach Debenito is a great teacher and coach for the district. He always goes above and beyond what is expected to provide opportunities for all students. He has been a tremendous leader in our youth programs for the past two years. Our district is better because of Coach Debenito” - Chris Ackman, Harrisburg R-VIII Athletic Director
Thank you, Coach Debenito, for the numerous ways that you support our students and community. We are incredibly grateful for your dedication to the Harrisburg R-VIII School District. #BulldawgPride
It was a fantastic morning at the 8th Annual Turkey Trot. We started our morning with our 4 year old Preschool classes who did a special warm up stretch with Keller before their race. They all did such a great job and earned Turkey Trot ribbons for their effort! Up next were our elementary and middle school racers. Every single student did a fantastic job running their race at the track and then enjoyed a trip to the concession stand where Walnut & Twine was on site with their delicious muffins, rice krispie treats, and hot cocoa to warm up our athletes!
Congratulations to the top finishers in each age division.
K-1 Grades Girl's Race : 1st - Elsie, 2nd - Maite, 3rd - Taylor
K-1 Grades Boy's Race : 1st - Colt, 2nd - Emmet, 3rd - Jace
2-3 Grade Girl's Race: 1st - Piper, 2nd - Lily, 3rd - Savvy
2-3 Grade Boy's Race: 1st -Jaxton 2nd - Sullivan, 3rd - Finley
4-5 Grade Girl's Race: 1st - Madison, 2nd - Ayvree, 3rd - Kellyn
4-5 Grade Boy's Race: 1st - Drelyn, 2nd - Jett, 3rd - Jaxon/Grady (tied for 3rd with a photo finish)
MS Girl’s Race: 1st - Bryer, 2nd - Emma, 3rd - Deegan
MS Boy’s Race: 1st - Hayden, 2nd - Austin, 3rd - Logan
In between each student event there were some special races between the Thanksgiving Turkey and Spike. Thank you to Nurse Jackie, Mrs. Simpson, and Coach Debenito for running this holiday event and to our special guest runners, Turkey and Spike, who did a fantastic job and left it all on the track! A very special thank you to Walnut & Twine for providing treats and delicious after race drinks for our Turkey Trotters. #BulldawgPride #TurkeyTrot2025
