TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: This week’s featured teacher is Mrs. Megan Breece. Mrs. Breece has been a teacher for four years and has returned to her alma mater this year to teach 2nd grade.
Elementary Principal Gabe Burris shared that “Megan has been a great addition to our second grade team! We are glad to have her expertise, experience and easy going attitude as a part of our team. She is always willing to help others out and go the extra mile to meet her students' needs.”
Mrs. Breece was born and raised in Harrisburg and graduated from Harrisburg High School in 2016. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Columbia College and spent her first three years teaching 2nd grade at Southern Boone Elementary before coming back to her hometown. We are thrilled to have Megan back at Harrisburg! #BulldawgPride
You are invited to Harrisburg Schools' annual Veterans Day Program "Honoring All Who Served" on Friday, November 8, 2024 at 9:00 AM in the High School Gym. There will be a reception for all Veterans and guests immediately following the program.
“Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.” - Peter Drucker
Thank you, Mr. Combs, for your leadership and commitment to making Harrisburg R-VIII School District a great place for all students, educators, and staff. #BulldawgPride
In preparation of our 2024 Veterans Day Program we are collecting images of our local Veterans and Servicemen and Women for a slideshow that will play during the event. If you would like to submit a photo for this presentation, please send it by email to Nathan Carey at careyn@harrisburg.k12.mo.us by November 6, 2024. Any submissions received after this deadline will be included in future programs starting in 2025. #BulldawgPride
TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: Today’s featured teacher is Mrs. Kimberly Strawn. Mrs. Strawn has been working in education for 26 years and has spent the last 11 of those at Harrisburg School District.
Mrs. Strawn currently works with our youngest Bulldogs in Mrs. Monroe’s Pre-K classroom as a Paraeducator.
Katie Monroe shared “Kimberly is a great teacher to work with. She is super organized, has great ideas to share, and cares deeply for our students. She is very observant about how students are feeling and always goes the extra mile to help students with their needs. She is great at teaching our preschoolers how to do things independently- a task that requires lots of patience. She is invaluable to our preschool program!”
Elementary Principal Gabe Burris shared that “Kimberly is a tremendous asset to our Preschool program. She is always in the right place at the right time and willing to go above and beyond to help in any way that she can - we’d be lost without her.”
In addition to her role in our preschool program, Mrs. Strawn served as a senior sponsor in 2023-24, has been actively involved with our Parents and Teachers Organization over the years, and is the current President of the Harrisburg Band Booster Club.
Thank you, Mrs. Strawn, for the many ways you support our district with your time and talents. #BulldawgPride
The 2024 School & Community Flu Clinic will be held Thursday, November 7. Consent forms for the free school clinic will be sent home with all elementary students, are available in the MS and HS office, and can be printed from the link below. Please return the consent form by Friday, October 25 if you would like your student to receive the flu vaccine on Nov. 7. The Community Flu Clinic will be held in the Community Room (Administration Building) from 3:30-6:00 PM. Please see flyers for more details and email Jackie Wardrip at wardripja@harrisburg.k12.mo.us for more information.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Cj8cush0dMQJUZned3EhcHCLbEX-T7pK/view?usp=sharing
TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: Today’s featured teacher is Mrs. Molly Halterman. This is Mrs. Halterman’s ninth year in education and she has spent all of those years as a Harrisburg Bulldog. Mrs. Halterman started her teaching career as a 2nd grade classroom teacher and, after a brief hiatus from teaching after the birth of her two children, returned to Harrisburg this year as our 2nd & 3rd grade Learning Specialist. In this role Mrs. Halterman works closely with classroom teachers to ensure that all students are receiving individualized instruction and support.
Special Services director Carmen Combs shared that “Molly is a fantastic addition to our team in her new role of learning specialist. As an experienced former classroom teacher, we are excited for Molly to use that expertise in all facets of teaching and learning to support our students.”
Elementary Principal Gabe Burris added "We are glad to have Molly back on our team! She is a great asset to our students! Molly is always willing to go the extra mile to make sure student needs are met! "
In addition to the work that she does with those two grade levels, Mrs. Halterman also serves on the Elementary Instructional Support Team that uses data to identify the needs of all students in the building. She also serves on our Community Teachers Association Calendar Committee and Social Committee.
We are thrilled to have Mrs. Halterman back on staff at Harrisburg Elementary this year. #BulldawgPride
We are so thankful to the men and women who work tirelessly each day to ensure our buildings are clean and safe. Thank you to Blakemore Cleaning and each and every one of our team members who do this important work. We appreciate you! #BulldawgPride
TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: Today’s featured teacher is Mr. Caiden Webb. Mr. Webb has been a teacher for six years and started his career in Harrisburg in 2019 as a student teacher working with Mr. Chris Ackman. He returned to Harrisburg High this year to teach part-time while working on his PhD at the University of Missouri.
Mr. Ackman shared that “As a student teacher Mr. Webb did an amazing job and made quite the impression on students by developing connections with them. We were excited to learn that he was returning to Columbia from Sullivan, Illinois where he had been teaching and would return to Harrisburg as a faculty member.”
Mr. Webb is teaching Current Events, Dual Credit Government, Dual Credit Geography, Dual Credit American History to 1865, and Dual Credit American History from 1865 in the 2024-25 school year.
In addition to his part-time role at Harrisburg, he teaches classes and conducts research at Mizzou, lives in Columbia with his fiancé, and is so glad to have the opportunity to be back at Harrisburg.
Welcome back to Harrisburg, Mr. Webb. We are glad to have your expertise and experience available to our students this year. #BulldawgPride
TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: This week’s featured teacher is Mrs. Katie Monroe. Mrs. Monroe has been an educator for 15 years and has spent the last 11 of those years in public education at Harrisburg Elementary as a Pre-K teacher in our 4 year old program.
You only need to step into Katie’s Pre-K classroom to understand the gift she has for guiding our youngest students in self-discovery, imaginative learning, and problem solving with a growth mindset attitude. Her classroom is a vibrant and safe place for students to explore and learn.
Partner teacher, Kimberly Eaton, shares that “Katie has been a great mentor to me as a new Preschool teacher over the past year and a half. She is always thinking of new ways to engage our littlest Bulldogs in the classroom and is always able to go with the flow when things change. I love working with her and sharing ideas to make school and learning fun in Pre-K! I am so thankful I get to work with her everyday!”
Kindergarten teacher Brianne Overfelt adds that “Katie’s calm, patient demeanor makes her a great fit for the preschoolers. She provides a fun learning environment that keeps kids engaged and excited about school.”
Outside of her busy classroom, Mrs. Monroe also sponsors our elementary Lego Club, serves on the district Professional Learning Committee, elementary Carnival Committee, and district Sustainability & Compost Team.
Thank you, Mrs. Monroe, for all that you do for your students, colleagues, and community. #BulldawgPride
COMMUNITY MEMBERS: Our annual Bulldog Express newsletters have gone digital!
If you are a community member who does not work or have students in our district and did not get signed up for our July newsletter, be sure to sign up now to receive the Fall newsletter by email on October 25, 2024.
If you have students in or work in our district, you will automatically receive our digital newsletters at the email address on file with the district.
You will also always find them linked to our district website, app, and social media accounts.
If you would like to continue receiving a hard copy of this newsletter in the mail, please call the administration office at 573-875-5604.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfEewKLhEhOPsV9NW2SfxOCj1NHc8mYym76SiJvPXgiQgjudg/viewform?usp=sf_link
TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: This week’s featured teacher is Mrs. Amy Hunziker. Mrs. Hunziker has been a teacher for 12 years. This is her first year as a Learning Specialist at Harrisburg Middle School where she also serves on the Middle School Student Success Team.
Some fun facts about Mrs. Hunziker: she is married to the Girls Varsity Basketball Coach, has 3 kids - Lorelai (11th grade), Hayden (7th grade), and Grant (1st grade), loves coffee, cooking, and biking the Katy Trail.
MIddle School Principal, Jeff Wardrip shared that “Mrs. Hunziker is a top-notch educator; we are fortunate to have her on our team. She makes it a point to get to know all of her students and help them in any way she can. Mrs. Hunziker, thank you for all you do for our students, staff, and community.”
Carmen Combs, Director of Special Services adds “Amy comes with a wealth of experience working with diverse styles of learners. Amy is an integral part of our Middle School education team and provides teachers and students extensive support when needed to improve the success of our middle school students. We are so happy Amy, her husband Jaryt and their 3 children have joined the Bulldog family!” #BulldawgPride
🎟️2025 Senior Class🎟️ is offering a Homecoming Tailgate Raffle THIS Friday at the football game!! Buy your tickets ($10 each) by contacting a senior this week or at the game! Drawing will be 4th quarter of game. Brats, patties, chicken wings, summer sausage, a smoked chicken, andouille sausage and Coney dogs!
MEET OUR NEW BULLDOGS: We’ve added a few new faces to our excellent staff of educators at Harrisburg R-VIII this year. Welcome to our new Bulldog staff members. #BulldawgPride
TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: Today’s featured teacher is Mrs. Charlyn Crowley. Mrs. Crowley is a 32 year veteran teacher and returned to her alma mater 21 years ago to teach. She was an elementary and middle school classroom teacher for 30 years and, after retiring two years ago, decided to continue sharing her time, talent, and incredible educational experience as a library assistant in the high school.
The positive impact Mrs. Charlyn Crowley has made on the hundreds of students, staff, and community members she has taught and worked alongside over the years is unquestionable. A few of her high school colleagues shared the following:
“Charlyn’s presence and expertise is such a blessing to our students, staff, and to me personally. Her ability to exude calm in chaotic and stressful situations is truly a gift. She is a natural leader and problem solver among her colleagues and, most importantly, genuinely cares about her students. She takes time to get to know each and every high school student in the building. She celebrates them, listens to them, comforts them, and supports them. She is truly authentic in her compassion and commitment and I am so very thankful to be able to learn from her each day.” - Jennie Simpson
“Charlyn was my teaching mentor when I started 3 years ago. Her willingness to answer and help me out with every question I asked means the world to me.” - Cameron Mackey
“Charlyn has a very calming presence while in the storm of education. She is always positive towards the students and staff.” - Chris Ackman
“Charlyn’s dedication to students is super hero-like! She always has a smile and I enjoy working with her!” - Christy Segress
“Charlyn makes me want to be a better teacher by the way she cares for every student and by putting her all into each student every day. She is there if anyone needs help whether it is teachers or students.” - McKenzie Wanner
Thank you Charlyn Crowley for your life-long dedication to education, to your students, and to your community. We are all better because of you. #BulldawgPride
Harrisburg Parents and Teachers Organization (PTO) will meet Tuesday Sept 3 at 6 p.m. in the elementary/middle school library. This organization does fundraising to support our classrooms preK-12. This organization is for Harrisburg Parents and Teachers for grades preK-12. Our big fundraiser of the year is selling cookie dough. The organization also tries to think of other fundraisers so we can buy things for the classroom and help support teachers in the classrooms. They also support our teacher appreciation week.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://umsystem.zoom.us/j/93413693045?pwd=UTJiMFBBekZLL29yY1Q4dVBHZlZ5UT09
Meeting ID: 934 1369 3045
Passcode: 292178
One tap mobile
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TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: This week’s featured teacher is Mr. Jaryt Hunziker. Coach Hunziker has been an educator for 24 years. Prior to becoming a Harrisburg Bulldog he taught and coached in the Scotland County, Boonville, and School of the Osage districts.
He is enjoying his first school year in Harrisburg and is teaching 7th Grade PE, High School Walk/Jog/Run, High School Health, and Academic Support this semester.
In addition to his full teaching schedule, Coach Hunziker is excited about his first season as head coach of the Lady Bulldogs Basketball team.
A few fun facts about Coach Hunziker are that his wife Amy also teaches in the Harrisburg School District as a Learning Specialist at the middle school and he has an identical twin brother, Heath, that lives in Normal, IL.
High School Principal Kyle Fisher shared: “Coach Hunziker has been a tremendous addition to the Bulldog community. His coaching record speaks for itself, but he is also an outstanding teacher and a great role model for all our students. We are very fortunate to welcome the entire Hunziker family to Harrisburg!” #BulldawgPride
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education celebrated the recent statewide expansion and funding of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library on Tuesday, August 27 at the Folly Theater in Kansas City. Dolly Parton shared the history of the Imagination Library and performed for the audience. Toby Class, Library Media Specialist, and Dana Byrd, Parents as Teachers Coordinator, were invited to join the celebration as a result of our district's efforts to bring the Imagination Library to Harrisburg in June 2023. #showmemorebooks
If you have a child age birth to five years, you may register them to receive one free book per month at https://imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability/.
The deadline to apply for the Missouri SuN Bucks Summer Food Program has been extended to August 31, 2024. Please look over this information to determine if your family is eligible and apply if you did not do that in May when this program was first announced. If you have any questions about this program, please contact District Food Services Director Lisa Baker at bakerl@harrisburg.k12.mo.us.
OFFICIAL NEWS RELEASE
Missouri has been approved to administer Summer EBT 2024. This program is a dedication and commitment between the lead agency, the Department of Social Services (DSS), along with DESE. Summer EBT provides Missouri children who are eligible for free and reduced-price school meals the opportunity to receive critical nutrition benefits. Households who need to apply can submit the application online by August 31, 2024. Families can use the Missouri SuN Bucks Eligibility Navigator to see if they need to complete an application.
Eligible families will receive a one-time $120 benefit per eligible student. The funds will be loaded onto an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card and mailed to the household address or loaded onto a SNAP household member’s card.
Families with children who meet the criteria will receive an EBT card by mail, or the benefit will be added to their existing EBT card. Criteria for automatic eligibility includes:
The household already participates in SNAP or Temporary Assistance; including extended eligible household members, or
The child is age 7-17 and in foster care, homeless, a migrant, or
The child attends a school that offers the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program and the household income meets the requirements for free or reduced-price school meals.
Families and other stakeholders with questions about the Missouri SuN Bucks Program should contact DSS directly. For additional information, resources, and frequently asked questions about the Missouri SuN Bucks program, please visit the DSS SuN Bucks webpage.
DESE, Food and Nutrition Services
573-751-3526
TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: This week’s featured teacher is Ms. Tessia Balke. Ms. Balke has been an educator for four years having started her career as a 5th Grade teacher in Jamestown. She is starting her second year as a Harrisburg Bulldog this year and will return to her role as a 5th grade classroom teacher after serving as a 4th & 5th grade Learning Specialist for our district last year.
In addition to her busy classroom schedule, Coach Balke dedicates countless hours to our high school and middle school student athletes in her roles as Head Softball Coach, Assistant Track & Field Coach, and Co-FCA Sponsor. She also lends her time and talent to numerous building and district committees and initiatives. She serves on the Elementary Instructional Support Team, 3rd-5th Grade Professional Learning Committee, and is a member of our district CTA where she serves on the social committee.
Partner teacher, Sarah Earlywine shared “Tessia and I just began our partnership in teaching and I absolutely love having her constant support and encouragement right next door. Her passion for teaching is contagious. She naturally accommodates her instruction to reach all learners in her classroom. Our fifth graders are eager to tell me about the engaging activities they do with Miss Balke in math and science. Her genuinely caring heart and inviting classroom create such a welcoming atmosphere for all who enter. Our district is blessed to have her impacting our students in the classroom, on the softball field, and during their track and field season. Miss Balke, thank you for inspiring our students in the classroom and beyond.”
Prior to her career in education, she played softball at State Fair Community College where she received her Associate Degree beforeI transferring to the University of Central Missouri where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Masters of Science Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. This will be the last school year we’ll get to call her Coach Balke as she and her fiance Blake will get married in June, 2025.
Principal Gabe Burris adds “Tessia is a valued member of our team. She goes above and beyond to make sure learning activities are planned just right for students. Tessia is always willing to help out with whatever is needed, whether covering an extra recess duty, or helping her partner teacher. Tessia also makes an impact on students district wide through softball and track. Thank you for the time and effort you put into our students.” #BulldawgPride
