Harrisburg R-VIII School District

Roses are red Violets are blue Send someone a candy gram Maybe they'll send you one too! BULLDOGS: Don't forget to purchase your Candy Grams. Forms were sent home in elementary Friday folders last week and are available from any building office if you need more forms. Thank you for supporting the Senior Class of 2026 as they raise money for their Senior Trip to Disney World! #BulldawgPride

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: Today’s featured teacher is Ms. Kami Drollinger. Ms. Drollinger joined our elementary staff this year as one of our third grade classroom teachers. Elementary Principal Gabe Burris shared “Kami has been a great addition to our team. Her passion for her students and teaching and learning is evident in everything she does. Her energy is contagious! She is always willing to go the extra mile to make learning fun for the students in her classroom!” Partner teacher Taylor Lazinger added “Kami is so much fun to work with. She is enthusiastic, flexible, and brings joy to our third grade team. Kami has created an engaging classroom environment, and it's fun to see her connect with students. Keep up the amazing work; you are making a difference every single day! I am grateful to have such a wonderful teammate!” "Ms. Drollinger is a fantastic addition to our district. She always has a smile on her face when she greets her students in the mornings, setting a positive tone for the day. Her infectious enthusiasm and joyful personality brighten our hallways, making a wonderful impact on everyone around her. Ms. Drollinger is dedicated to meeting her students’ needs, and her genuine care for each student is evident in all she does." - Molly Halterman, 3rd Grade Learning Specialist This is Ms. Drollinger’s first year of teaching. She shared the following about being a Harrisburg Bulldog: “ I am having so much fun! Everyone at Harrisburg has made me feel so welcomed and I love it here. I graduated from Mizzou in May and my favorite subject is math. (I'm looking forward to next year when I can hopefully say I'm involved in more!)”

Please join us for the monthly PTO Meeting (Harrisburg Parent/Teacher Organization preK-12) tonight (Jan 7) at 6 p.m. by ZOOM ONLY. Due to the weather we will only meet over Zoom and NOT in person. 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

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: Today’s featured teacher is Mrs. Kari McKinzie. This is Mrs. McKinzie’s tenth year in education and her first year serving in our elementary building as a paraprofessional educator. Mrs. McKinzie is currently working alongside Brianne Overfelt in the Kindergarten classroom. Mrs. Overfelt shared that “Kari has made it a point to get to know our kindergartners well. She is in tune with their needs and has no problem jumping in to help out. She has a great sense of humor, she is a go-getter and I look forward to working with her everyday.” Elementary Principal Gabe Burris added “We are lucky to have Kari help out with our kindergartners! She is always in the right place at the right time and always willing to help out. Kari is able to provide support to our students in several ways whether that is pulling them for small groups, reading to them, or helping them with certain tasks in the classroom.” Mrs. McKinzie and her family moved to Harrisburg from the St. Louis area. Kari shared “We are excited to be a part of the community! My husband, John and I have been married for 22 years. We have two daughters. Avelina is a Senior and Mira is in 8th grade. We also have a dog, Curry (yes named after Steph) and he is 6 years old. We are huge Chiefs fans! We love to attend sporting events as well as watch anything basketball! Thank you for making us feel so welcome!” We are truly thankful to have Mrs. McKinzie’s experience and expertise in the elementary classroom and are happy to welcome the entire McKinzie family to our community! #BulldawgPride

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: Today’s featured teacher is Ms. Hannah McCrary. This is Ms. McCrary’s first year teaching first grade at Harrisburg Elementary and her fifth year in education. Before becoming a Harrisburg Bulldog, she taught for two years in Hallsville and for three years in Columbia. Her first grade partner teachers shared the following: “Hannah does a great job coming up with activities that are both beneficial and fun for students. She is helpful and she always has a positive attitude. I really enjoy working with her and I'm so glad that she is part of our first grade team!” - Ms. Carlee Wilt "It’s been great adding Hannah to our team this year! She is always willing to pitch in and help prep things for our learning activities and has lots of good ideas for helping students be successful in the classroom. We’re lucky to have her!" - Mrs. Samantha Carey Elementary Principal Gabe Burris added that “Hannah has been a great addition to our team. Her positive attitude and calm approach to the classroom are contagious. She puts in a tremendous amount of effort making sure things are just right for her students. We are fortunate she chose to be a Bulldog!” Thank you, Ms. McCrary for all that you do everyday for your students and school. #BulldawgPride

Please join us for PTO (Harrisburg Parent/Teacher Organization preK-12) tonight (Dec 3) at 6 p.m. in the elementary/middle school library. If you can't make it in person here is the Zoom link for this year. 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 Hope to see you tonight! Nicole Fritts PTO Co-secretary

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: Today’s featured teacher is Mr. Conner McBride. Mr. McBride has spent the last several years lending his talents to our elementary teachers and students as a Paraprofessional Educator. Anyone in education knows that it takes a special person to be a successful Paraeducator. You need strong communication skills, patience, a positive attitude, empathy for students, the ability to collaborate effectively with teachers and staff, and a willingness to learn. Conner more than demonstrates all of these qualities. When asked to describe the impact he makes each day, his elementary colleagues shared the following: Conner is an integral part of our building. He is willing to do whatever it takes to help students succeed. He is a team player that is willing to do whatever is asked of him. He is quick to make connections and form relationships with students. We appreciate everything Conner does for our team and are lucky to have him! - Elem. Principal Gabe Burris Mr. McBride has been an invaluable part of our school community, consistently going above and beyond to support our students. As a recess teacher, he has built strong, meaningful relationships with the children, fostering a sense of trust and camaraderie. His presence in classrooms has been equally impactful, where his kindness, patience, and genuine care for students shines through. Students truly adore him, not just for his supportive guidance but also for the warmth and positivity he brings to every interaction. We are so grateful for all the ways Mr. McBride has enriched the lives of our students and our school. - Mrs. Kelley Burt Conner is such a huge asset to our school. He not only helps out a ton in the classroom, but makes connections with students in every room he is in. He has been helping out in 4th grade lately and we are so happy to have him! The kids love playing games at recess with him and sharing stories and talking with him at recess or in the hallways. He is always so patient and kind with each student he sees. We are lucky to have Conner! - Mrs. Corrine Hill Thank you, Mr. McBride for the many ways you positively influence and impact your students everyday! #BulldawgPride

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: This week’s featured teacher is Mrs. Lydia Miller. Mrs. Miller has been lending her time, talents, and immense knowledge to the Harrisburg R-VIII School District for over a decade. Before that, she volunteered her time in a number of capacities including serving as a very active member of our Parent Teacher Organization. As a Parents as Teachers Parent Educator, Lydia spent years serving the youngest Bulldogs in our school district and their families. From helping to organize events to providing services and resources, Lydia’s dedication to her PAT families always went above and beyond. As an elementary paraprofessional, Lydia now serves some of those same students in the classrooms that she works in to provide instructional support. Parents as Teachers Coordinator Dana Byrd shared that “Lydia is a great asset to the district! She is reliable, intentional, warm, kind and caring with the kids that she works with. As a coworker, she is a team player and friend. Harrisburg is so lucky to have her working in the district!” Thank you, Mrs. Miller, for your dedication to your students, colleagues, and to the Harrisburg R-VIII School District. #BulldawgPride

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: This week’s featured teacher is Ms. Carlee Wilt. Ms. Wilt started her teaching career three years ago at Harrisburg Elementary. She teaches 1st Grade with partner teacher Samantha Carey who shared…”Carlee does an amazing job showing students she cares about them by greeting them with a smile at the door each morning and is always coming up with ideas to make learning fun and engaging for our first graders! I am so blessed to teach alongside her everyday!” Ms. Wilt graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education in 2022 and is currently in graduate school to earn a Master's degree in Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum with an emphasis in Elementary Education. Ms. Wilt shared “I absolutely love my job, school district, and the people I work with!” Thank you Ms. Wilt for the energy and joy you bring to your classroom each and every day. #BulldawgPride

HAPPY SUBSTITUTE TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY! A HUGE thank you to all of our incredible substitute teachers! Your dedication, flexibility, and commitment to our students make a world of difference every day. Whether you're stepping in for a day or a week, we appreciate all you do to keep our classrooms running smoothly and our students learning. You are truly appreciated, and we’re grateful for your hard work and positive impact! If you are interested in substitute teaching in the Harrisburg R-VIII School District, please see the information included in this post. This position requires a Missouri substitute teaching certificate. Substitute teachers have flexible hours and lesson plans are provided. Substitute Teacher Application https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1774009/Substitute_Teacher_Application.pdf

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: This week’s featured teacher is Mrs. Natalie Dixon. Mrs. Dixon has been an educator for 17 years. She is enjoying her first year as a Harrisburg Bulldog with her Kindergarten class. Partner teacher, Brianne Overfelt share that “Natalie is easy going and ready to handle anything that comes her way. She is dedicated to ensuring that her students are successful in the classroom and goes above and beyond for them.” Natalie is currently finishing up her final two classes and will have her Elementary Math Specialist Degree through the University of Missouri. She has a Masters of Education in Differentiated Instruction. In addition, she has participated in the MU Wipro program and completed LETRs training Session 1 and 2. We are thrilled to have her experience in the classroom and with literacy instruction in our district. “It takes a big heart to shape little minds” - unknown Thanks, Mrs. Dixon, for having a heart for education and for the many ways you support your students and their families each day. #BulldawgPride

Happy National Parents As Teachers Day! Today we celebrate our district PAT Coordinator Dana Byrd and Parent Educator Emily Furlong and the families they partner with to support the educational goals of our youngest Bulldogs. 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

REMINDER: Community Flu Clinic today from 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM in the Harrisburg Administration Building Community Room. See flyer for more information.

Please join us for PTO (Harrisburg Parent/Teacher Organization preK-12) tonight (Nov 5) at 6 p.m. in the elementary/middle school library. If you can't make it in person here is the NEW Zoom link. T 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 We are also seeking help with some of our PTO events . Here is a survey to fill out to share when you would like to help: https://forms.gle/ZfK2v7xhSj8SsqX19 Hope to see you tonight! Nicole Fritts PTO Co-secretary

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: This week’s featured teacher is Mrs. Dana Byrd. Dana has been working in education at Harrisburg R-VIII for the past seven years in our Parents as Teachers Program. Elementary Principal Gabe Burris shared “Dana has transitioned to the Program Coordinator role this year and has done a great job of coordinating all program events, training, and organization. Dana does a wonderful job of staying in touch with families, answering questions, providing information and being a tremendous asset to our district and parents. We are thankful for the collaboration that she provides to our preschool teachers, as well as others. Dana works hard to make sure parents have the resources they need.” Prior to moving to Missouri with her family, Dana was employed as a social worker in the state of Pennsylvania. She shared that she “loves working in the district and community with our littlest Bulldogs and their families.” Thank you for everything that you and the Parents as Teachers Program do for our district, Mrs. Byrd! #BulldawgPride

Students have enjoyed our Storybook Pumpkin Patch in the library. This afternoon they will be on display outside of the elementary office.

Check out the latest events and news from Harrisburg R-VIII in our Fall Bulldog Express Newsletter. https://harrisburg.edurooms.com/engage/harrisburg-r-viii/newsletters/the-bulldog-express-fall-2024

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: Today’s featured teacher is Mrs. Alexandra Geisler. This is Mrs. Geisler’s first year of teaching and we’re thankful to have her at Harrisburg Middle School teaching 7th & 8th grade Life and Earth Science. Mrs. Geisler holds a dual Bachelors of Science in Geology and Geography. She was a Resource Planner for the Kansas Water Office for three years where her work included educational initiatives. She also spent a year working for Veterans United before taking some time to be home with her two children. Mrs. Geisler grew up in Glasgow, MO and comes from a family that is very involved in the school community. Her husband, Devon, is also a teacher and coach at Harrisburg and both of her parents were volunteer coaches. Mrs.Geisler also has experience coaching cheerleading, basketball, and track. She shared that “due to my experiences and interests, stepping into the classroom and sharing my love for science, learning, and the outdoors has been a natural transition for me.” Middle School Principal Jeff Wardrip adds that “Mrs. Geisler is doing a tremendous job. She makes it a point to bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm to learning about Science. Mrs. Geisler, thank you for all the effort you give to our students, staff, and community.” #BulldawgPride

HONOR FLIGHT FUNDRAISER: Our Student Council members district-wide are teaming up to raise funds to send a Veteran to his or her memorial in Washington DC. Please see the flyer for dates and please send your donations to any building office or with your student. Elementary students will be bringing home information in their Friday folders tonight. Checks should be made out to "Central Missouri Honor Flight". We will accept donations through November 6th. Thank you for your help in honoring our Veterans! #BulldawgPride

The Literati Book Fair is coming! Join us for an intergalactic adventure on November 4-8, or shop online now at fairs.literati.com to find books for all ages. Every purchase benefits our school.