READ the spring issue of THE BULLDOG EXPRESS NEWSLETTER featuring important news and information about upcoming events in the Harrisburg R-VIII School District.
https://harrisburg.edurooms.com/engage/harrisburg-r-viii/newsletters/the-bulldog-express-newsletter-spring-2026
https://harrisburg.edurooms.com/engage/harrisburg-r-viii/newsletters/the-bulldog-express-newsletter-spring-2026
PAT Families: Join us tomorrow morning for this fun event!
Thank you to Jessica Shaw for speaking to Ms. Moody's Intro to Business class yesterday about starting a business in Harrisburg. She told the story of Walnut & Twine and how the restoring of a historic building is worth it! Thank you Jessica for sharing your incite, your story, and how everything is figure-out-able!
#entrepreneurship #introtobusiness #fbla
GUEST SPEAKER Shauna Woods of Woodsmore Designs
Ms. Moody's Intro to Business class enjoyed having Shauna speak yesterday about entrepreneurship and how to start your own business! Thank you Shauna for coming!
Ms. Moody's Intro to Business class enjoyed having Shauna speak yesterday about entrepreneurship and how to start your own business! Thank you Shauna for coming!
TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: This week’s featured teacher is Mrs. Jaimie Sublett. Mrs. Sublett has been an integral part of our Elementary teaching team for the past 16 years.
In addition, Mrs. Sublett serves on the PLC Leadership Team, Academic Advisory Cabinet, Career Ladder Committee, and CTA Salary Committee. She also coaches youth softball.
Mrs. Sublett completed her Ed.S. degree in K-12 Leadership in December and has hopes of becoming an elementary Principal someday.
As the Title I Math Coordinator and teacher for our elementary school, Mrs. Sublett makes an incredible impact on her students. You need only to ask her colleagues about this impact to understand how important the work that she does for our students is every day.
“Jaimie supports our elementary students in math with patience and purpose. She breaks down math skills into manageable steps and helps students build a strong foundation. I’m grateful to work alongside her!” - Susan Canote
“Jaimie consistently goes above and beyond for not only students, but teachers too! She makes math fun and accessible for all and the students love playing work place games with her or solving problems together when she comes into our rooms. They look forward to math camp activities she plans each trimester. We are truly lucky to have her in our building!” - Corrine Hill
“Jamie has been so great to work with. She cares about the students. She is always willing to have a conversation with you about what we are working on with kids in math.” - Natalie Dixon
“Jaimie's commitment to supporting all learners—meeting them where they are and helping them grow with confidence—is truly inspiring. She works tirelessly to ensure every student has access to the tools, strategies, and encouragement they need to succeed in mathematics. Beyond her work with students, she empowers teachers by providing thoughtful resources, research-based strategies, and meaningful instructional support that enhances classroom teaching and drives student achievement. Her collaboration, expertise, and positive spirit make a lasting impact across our entire school community. Our entire school is so grateful for the difference you make every day!” - Sarah Earlywine
“Not only is she my sister-in-law, but she’s also one of my favorite coworkers. Her positivity, intelligence, and kind spirit make her an absolute joy to work with.” - Meghan Sublett
Thank you, Mrs. Jaimie Sublett for your commitment to the students, teachers, and community of Harrisburg R-VIII Schools. We are very blessed to have your talents and expertise in our school district where you continue to build a foundation of confidence and critical thinking that will serve our students for a lifetime. #TitleIMath #BulldawgPride
In addition, Mrs. Sublett serves on the PLC Leadership Team, Academic Advisory Cabinet, Career Ladder Committee, and CTA Salary Committee. She also coaches youth softball.
Mrs. Sublett completed her Ed.S. degree in K-12 Leadership in December and has hopes of becoming an elementary Principal someday.
As the Title I Math Coordinator and teacher for our elementary school, Mrs. Sublett makes an incredible impact on her students. You need only to ask her colleagues about this impact to understand how important the work that she does for our students is every day.
“Jaimie supports our elementary students in math with patience and purpose. She breaks down math skills into manageable steps and helps students build a strong foundation. I’m grateful to work alongside her!” - Susan Canote
“Jaimie consistently goes above and beyond for not only students, but teachers too! She makes math fun and accessible for all and the students love playing work place games with her or solving problems together when she comes into our rooms. They look forward to math camp activities she plans each trimester. We are truly lucky to have her in our building!” - Corrine Hill
“Jamie has been so great to work with. She cares about the students. She is always willing to have a conversation with you about what we are working on with kids in math.” - Natalie Dixon
“Jaimie's commitment to supporting all learners—meeting them where they are and helping them grow with confidence—is truly inspiring. She works tirelessly to ensure every student has access to the tools, strategies, and encouragement they need to succeed in mathematics. Beyond her work with students, she empowers teachers by providing thoughtful resources, research-based strategies, and meaningful instructional support that enhances classroom teaching and drives student achievement. Her collaboration, expertise, and positive spirit make a lasting impact across our entire school community. Our entire school is so grateful for the difference you make every day!” - Sarah Earlywine
“Not only is she my sister-in-law, but she’s also one of my favorite coworkers. Her positivity, intelligence, and kind spirit make her an absolute joy to work with.” - Meghan Sublett
Thank you, Mrs. Jaimie Sublett for your commitment to the students, teachers, and community of Harrisburg R-VIII Schools. We are very blessed to have your talents and expertise in our school district where you continue to build a foundation of confidence and critical thinking that will serve our students for a lifetime. #TitleIMath #BulldawgPride
Celebrating FBLA Week!
The Harrisburg FBLA Chapter celebrated National FBLA Week this past week with activities each day.
Tuesday - T-shirt Tuesday - Members wore their chapter shirts while select Members attended CTSO Legislative Day in Jeff City.
Wednesday - New Member Lunch - Members invited future members for fun activities in Ms. Moody's that included decorating sugar cookies!
Thursday - Color Team Thursday - Each color team wore their team color to earn points on the chapter point system.
Friday - Fundraiser Friday - All purchases from the snack shop will be donated and matched by the chapter to the Alzheimer's Association, which is the one of FBLA's service projects.
#fbla #mofbla #fblaweek @fbla_national
We are in need of volunteers to run our Literati Book Fair the week of March 9-13. As a volunteer you might help students make wish lists, find books, or straighten shelves. Please review the available slots and click on the button to sign up. If you can only volunteer for part of a listed time slot, please indicate that in the comment section. Thank you! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4FAFA729A4F4CF8-62326268-2026
Thank you to Matt Clark for speaking to Ms. Moody's Digital Media class today about your journey through Journalism school and into broadcasting! Also thank you for your feedback on the work the class has done so far this year!
TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: In honor of National School Resource Officer Appreciation Week, we have another special installment of TFT this week to recognize and celebrate the dedication and invaluable service of our School Resource Officer, Eli Burkholder. This is Officer Burkholder’s fifth year serving as SRO in the Harrisburg R-VIII School District where he spends time in all three buildings working with students of all ages going above and beyond to keep our school safe while building meaningful relationships with students, families, faculty and staff.
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
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
Youth basketball players are being recognized at the ball game tonight so we are going to move the monthly PTO meeting.
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
---
One tap mobile
+16469313860,,84836178164# US
Hope to see you there!
Nicole Fritts
PTO Co-Secretary
Harrisburg R-VIII
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
---
One tap mobile
+16469313860,,84836178164# US
Hope to see you there!
Nicole Fritts
PTO Co-Secretary
Harrisburg R-VIII
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 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
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!
TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: This week’s featured teacher is Dr. John Golzy. Dr. Golzy teaches high school calculus, college algebra, trigonometry, and statistics. This is his 4th year at Harrisburg and his 27th year in education.
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
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
Our district's annual spelling bee was held this morning. Our elementary students did a terrific job. Congratulations to our second place speller, Xander Moore, and our 2026 Champion, Chase Cole! Chase will represent Harrisburg in the Columbia Missourian Regional Spelling Bee in Columbia on March 17.
TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: This week’s featured teacher is Mr. Ryan Harms. Mr. Harms has been in education for eleven years and has spent all of those years teaching at Harrisburg R-VIII. Over the course of his educational career, Mr. Harms has been a substitute teacher, a paraprofessional, a 3rd grade classroom teacher, and a 5th grade classroom teacher. He has been teaching 6th grade math, ELA, and academic support for the past four years on our fantastic middle school team.
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
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
Reminder that the Mid-Missouri Invitational by Ramey Basketball has its own admission for this Friday & Saturday. Harrisburg Bulldog Booster Club passes, along with students free and senior citizens getting free admission do NOT apply. We are sorry for any inconvenience, as this is a Ramey Basketball event.
Friday: $5 for ages 5 and up
Saturday: $15 for adults & $10 for ages 5 - 17
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!
Class 2027 Junior and Parent Meeting 6:30 p.m. at high school library tonight Wednesday 1/14/26 to learn more about Senior Trip 2027 to Walt Disney World, Universal, and the beach.
Today, January 13 is our monthly PTO meeting at 6 p.m. in the elementary/middle school library. If you can't make it in person here is the link to follow.
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
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
TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: This week’s featured teacher is Mrs. Brianne Overfelt. As both a graduate of Harrisburg Schools and kindergarten educator in this district for 21 years, Mrs. Overfelt truly embodies what it means to be a Bulldog For Life.
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
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
