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
November 8th was National Parents As Teachers Day and the Harrisburg R-VIII School District PAT Program, under the leadership of Mrs. Byrd, sets the standard for programming excellence by supporting the families of our youngest students. From coordinating services, providing resources, planning educational events, and leading our Parents As Teachers Advisory Committee, Mrs. Byrd along with Parent Coordinator, Emily Furlong, actively serve as a bridge between families with young children, our school district, and essential community resources.
Before becoming our PAT Coordinator eight years ago, Dana worked for twelve years as a Child Welfare Social Worker in the state of Pennsylvania. She recently completed the credential requirements in home visiting for PAT.
A fun fact about Mrs. Byrd is that she loves to travel and recently took a trip to Italy.
If you would like to know more about the PAT Program, follow the Harrisburg PAT Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/harrisburgPAT and visit the PAT Page of the district website at https://www.harrisburg.k12.mo.us/page/harrisburg-early-learning-partners
The PAT program is available to all families expecting a child or those parenting children that have not yet entered kindergarten who live in the Harrisburg R-VIII School District.
Elementary Principal Gabe Burris shared the following: “Dana and Emily are both major assets to our district as they often provide the first contact for the district with many of our families. As a parent that has had kids in the PAT program, I can say our parent educators definitely go above and beyond to put families in touch with resources, provide information about development milestones, and provide peace of mind in regards to different obstacles of being a parent.”
Thank you Dana and Emily for the many ways you support the youngest Bulldogs and their families in our district. #BulldawgPride
Follow the Harrisburg PAT Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/harrisburgPAT for more information about this wonderful program. #BulldawgPride
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
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. If you can't make it tonight please try to join us another month. We can always use your help and input. The parents love to have the perspective of the teachers.
Hope to see you there!
Nicole Fritts
PTO Co-Secretary
Harrisburg R-VIII
Cara shared that “I started my career at Harrisburg in April of 1998 as a substitute bus driver. I began this journey out of a desire to be a stay at home mom. Raechel and Craig were 3 and 2 at the time. Later Hannah, my youngest, started riding when she was only 6 weeks old and eventually my granddaughter Paisley started riding when she was 11 weeks old and rode for the first year of her life. Most people here probably don't remember that I was also a substitute teacher briefly. I have trained approximately 35 people to drive a school bus and numerous students how to parallel park for their driver's test. I have a passion for transportation and student safety. I loved every minute I spent in transportation and have joked that I bleed yellow. I have loved the transition into my Central office position while still maintaining my morning route and my connection to the students I love to transport.”
In addition to providing support to the entire district through her jobs in Admin and with Transportation, Cara has been one of our basketball programs biggest supporters having kept the official scorebook for years.
We are incredibly fortunate to have your talents and skill working for our district, Cara, and we are thankful you have been a Bulldog for life! #BulldawgPride
Leap into a storybook at the Literati Book Fair! Explore the book fair in person November 3-7, or shop online at literati.com/store. Families may purchase gift cards for students instead of sending cash to school. Every purchase benefits our library.
When asked about her career in education, Lily shared “I started teaching 2nd grade in Tennessee (which is where I’m originally from). Then my husband and I moved to Missouri and I taught 4th grade in Jefferson City. I then taught 2nd grade for two years at Columbia Independent School.”
She also shares that “I am so happy to be teaching in Harrisburg, and being a part of an amazing community! When I’m not at school (teaching 2nd grade), I’m busy chasing my very active two year old son around!”
We are very excited that Mrs. Maxwell has joined our Bulldog teaching staff and hope that she and her second graders have the very best year! #BulldawgPride
READ the latest issue of the Bulldog Express Newsletter featuring important news and information about upcoming events in the Harrisburg R-VIII School District.
In addition to his full-time teaching schedule, Mr. Bronakowski also assists in coaching Middle School football and High School basketball.
Welcome to Harrisburg, Mr. B, we’re excited to have you on the Bulldog Team! #BulldawgPride
JOIN US FOR SENIOR NIGHT AT THE FOOTBALL FIELD! Come cheer on your Harrisburg Bulldogs and enjoy some delicious food featuring the following special items available tonight at the concession stand. Enjoy some great food and help send the Class of 2026 on their Senior Trip! #BulldawgPride
The Harrisburg R-VIII School District is seeking a full-time Bookkeeper to join our central office team. This position handles district accounting, payroll support, and financial reporting.
Please visit our District Employment Page for more information, current salary schedule, and for the application form.
https://www.harrisburg.k12.mo.us/page/employment
