Harrisburg R-VIII School District

Harrisburg Easter Celebration is today from 1:00-2:30 pm at Harrisburg Lion's Club Park for toddlers to 2nd grade. Bring your basket. Easter Egg Hunt Times: 1-2 years old is at 1:15 pm , 3-4 years old 1:30 pm, 5 years/kindergarten 1:45 pm, Grade 1-2 at 2 pm

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: Today’s featured teacher is Mr. Clark Chickering. Mr. Chickering has worked as a substitute teacher in the Harrisburg school district for the past three years in addition to also driving morning, afternoon, and trip bus routes. Before beginning his substitute teaching experience in Harrisburg, he also substituted in the Marshall School District. When asked about his favorite part of substitute teaching in our district, Mr. Chickering responded “Being able to work with young people across the District. Helping them to both achieve their educational goals as well as helping them to navigate the many challenges that they will face in life is quite rewarding. It helps that Harrisburg has great Teachers who go out of their way to ensure that I, as a Sub, have what I need but also who care deeply for their students.” We are incredibly fortunate to have Mr. Chickering among our regular substitute teachers in the district. #BulldawgPride

8th grade took a field trip to MACC Columbia Campus to explore careers in Health Science, Surgical Tech, LPN & RN, and Mechatronics.

8th grade took a field trip to MACC Columbia Campus to explore careers in Health Science, Surgical Tech, LPN & RN, and Mechatronics.

HAPPY PARAPROFESSIONAL DAY to the incredible staff of specially trained and credentialed educators who support and work with our students each and every day. Paraprofessionals are "the heartfelt heroes. Using their talents to help students discover their own. Dedicating their time and energy each day to the students in their care, and doing it all while meeting the individual needs of many." - Teresa Kwant We are blessed to have such skilled educators working with the students of Harrisburg School District. Thank you! #Bulldawgpride

Please join us for the monthly PTO Meeting (Harrisburg Parent/Teacher Organization preK-12) tonight Tuesday (April 1) at 6 p.m. in the elementary/middle school library. Hope to see you tonight! Reminder there is also a dine in night at 5 Guys (2703 Broadway Bluffs Drive, Columbia, MO) tomorrow night from 4-7 p.m. We received 50% of the profits last year from this fundraiser. Thanks for supporting it last year. It was a great fundraiser for us! 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

Time is running out to purchase a senior ad in the 2025 yearbook. Families can purchase an ad for a 2025 senior that includes photos of your choice & a short congratulatory message. Ads are $50 for a 1/4 page and can be purchased online at jostensyearbooks.com or email Mrs. Hemme at hemmea@harrisburg.k12.mo.us. Ads must be purchased by March 31st.

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY (special extended Wednesday edition): Harrisburg Elementary has been blessed with two amazing student teachers this year. In today’s special edition we would like to celebrate these two incredible educators, Allie Canote and Gabby Hochwender, as they prepare to graduate and officially enter the teaching profession. Allie Canote will obtain her Bachelor’s of Science in Education with an emphasis on Elementary Education. She shares that she chose a career in education because “I was fortunate to have amazing teachers who inspired my love for learning. Their guidance and support showed me the profound impact a great teacher can have on a student’s life. Coming from a family of educators, I have always looked up to their commitment to shaping young minds. I want to continue that legacy by creating a classroom where students feel supported, challenged, and excited to learn. One of the most rewarding aspects of student teaching at Harrisburg has been the school’s family atmosphere. Everyone is willing to lend a helping hand, creating a supportive environment. It has been especially meaningful to be back at the school I attended, working alongside amazing teachers. A long-term goal of mine is to mentor a student teacher and give back the same support and guidance I’ve received. I can’t wait to watch them grow in confidence and skill just as I have through my own experience. One of my favorite student teaching moments is our Circle Share every Tuesday morning. I love hearing about the students’ weekends and seeing how excited they are to share with their classmates. It’s a simple routine, but truly brightens my morning. One last thing I’d share is how absolutely blessed I am to have Becca Pekkarinen as my mentor teacher. She is the perfect example of an extraordinary teacher. She has taught me so many things already and I can’t wait to continue on for the rest of the school year. I just adore her!” Becca had the following to say about Allie: “Allie takes the time to really get to know the needs of the students and has made great connections with them. They already love her. She makes lessons very engaging with her creative ideas and she is going to be an amazing teacher.” Gabby will graduate with a degree in Elementary Education. She shared that “I will graduate with my degree in Elementary Education. I grew up in the world of teaching through my Mom being a teacher, but my own love of children and natural tendencies to connect with them lead me to the undeniable truth that I love being in a classroom and teaching students to learn and grow! I so love Harrisburg! It reminds me so much of my hometown, and I love the small-town connections that are so evident throughout the building. The love of the community reflects through how stellar its children are- they truly have hearts of gold! Long-term, my teaching goals are to build strong relationships with my students, and to give them a deep understanding of content. I want all my students to know how loved they are and to have confidence in the things they have been taught. One of my favorite student teaching memories is a day where I got to be the substitute teacher for my kids. We got to laugh and learn together and I got to continue those personal connections with them. BEST! DAY! EVER! I have been so incredibly blessed to spend the last of my time earning my degree in Harrisburg. I love these kids and this community so much. Go Bulldogs! Gabby’s supervising teacher, Mrs. Taylor Lazinger, shared “Miss Hochsender is such an amazing 3rd grade student teacher. She sees the good and strengths in each of our students and builds up our classroom community with her positive presence. Miss Hochwender is loved by many students in our building and we are so thankful she is with us at Harrisburg. Miss H brings energy, creativity, and fun to each day. Her joy for teaching is contagious! We cannot wait to cheer her on as she begins her teaching journey!” “It has been great to have Allie and Gabby in our building this year as Senior Year Onsite Students from Mizzou. We have enjoyed watching, and helping them grow during their student teaching experience at Harrisburg. Their passion for teaching, and enthusiasm for learning has made an impact on our staff and students. We wish them well in their future teaching endeavors, and know they will continue to inspire and make a difference!” - Gabe Burris Thank you Miss Canote and Miss Hochwender for the outstanding work you have done in your student teaching experience this year. Your future students and colleagues are incredibly fortunate to have such passionate and skilled educators. #BulldawgPride

The small-but-mighty yearbook staff celebrates meeting their deadline with 7 Brew. If you have not purchased a yearbook yet, you can purchase online at jostensyearbooks.com.

Check out the latest issue of our District Digital Bulldog Express Newsletter featuring important upcoming events and information and video interviews with Superintendent Steve Combs and Athletic Director Chris Ackman. #BulldawgPride https://harrisburg.edurooms.com/engage/harrisburg-r-viii/newsletters/the-bulldog-express-spring-2025 You can always find current and previous issues of our District newsletters on the Bulldog Express Newsletter Page of the school website. https://www.harrisburg.k12.mo.us/o/harrisburg/page/bulldog-express

When: Saturday April 12 Where: Harrisburg High School Commons Time: 9:30-11:30 a.m.. Harrisburg PTO is hosting their 3rd annual free vendor event for the community, "April Showers Bring May Flowers". Please come and shop local vendors. Find some Easter and Mother's Day gifts. Bring a friend!

Please join us for the monthly PTO Meeting (Harrisburg Parent/Teacher Organization preK-12) tonight Tuesday (March 11) at 6 p.m. in the elementary teacher's lounge which is near the library or by Zoom. There is a book fair this week so the library is unavailable as a meeting spot. Hope to see you tonight! 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

Introducing our 3-5 Elementary School 2025 King & Queen Candidates! 3A - Charley Long & Drew Richards 3B - Noah Hardin & Sadie Ramer 4A - Drelyn Beckham & Ainslee Samuels 4B - Henry Carey & Sofia Brake 5A - Wyatt Wilhite & Aubree Heuer 5B - Tate Beach & Norah Moxley

Introducing our K-2 Elementary School King & Queen 2025 Candidates! KA - Emmett Furlong & Maddie Spellman KB - Beckett Clatterbuck & Kassie Machetta 1A - Cyrus Berry & Josephine Carey 1B - William Fike & Jackie Dietiker 1C - Sawyer Martin & Aaliyah Murphy 2A - Camryn Havrum & Maggie Beck 2B - Brandon Mandley & Aly Zettler

Today is School Maintenance Appreciation Day and we are blessed with the best. The admin team had this to say about our crew: “Our maintenance team is the best around. Each of them truly cares about making Harrisburg the best possible school for our students, and that really shows in their work ethic every single day. We appreciate the flexibility, effort and craftsmanship our maintenance team puts into our buildings and facilities. They have a wide variety of skills that not only help keep our schools functioning, but in top condition. Matt, Rob, and Clark thank you for all you do for our students, teachers, and community.” We also want to give a big shoutout to our 2024-25 high school staff of Bryce Ott, Caleb Sager, and Jayson Eskew who kept our grounds looking great through the summer mowing season and to Ryder Crites who has worked tirelessly alongside our maintenance staff through these brutal winter days to clear our parking lots and sidewalks. #BulldawgPride

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: Today’s featured teacher is Mrs. Sydney Lukefahr. Mrs. Lukefahr joined the Harrisburg staff this school year as our 4th and 5th grade Learning Specialist. Before becoming a Bulldog, Mrs. Lukefahr taught 6th grade special education in the East Prairie School District. When we asked her team to share about Sydney, they were quick to respond: “Sydney is a phenomenal addition to the 4-5 team. She came to Harrisburg with so much knowledge. She has created phenomenal relationships with her students who often seek her presence even during recess time. She is extremely dedicated to serving her students and prioritizing their learning.” - Tessia Balke, 5th Grade teacher “Sydney has been a wonderful addition to our team. In her short time in the district Sydney has worked hard to build relationships with students, colleagues and in the community. Mrs. Lukefahr is hard working and always well prepared. We are glad to have her as part of our team.” - Gabe Burris, Elementary Principal “Sydney is constantly sharing ideas and strategies to help engage and support all learners. Her collaboration is key to ensuring our students are successful. We recently had an abundance of indoor recess days. It was evident to see the positive way she has impacted students by witnessing the number of students that wanted to go to her room for indoor recess. Her door is always open to students and teachers. She has been an uplifting, involved, and inspiring addition to our school.” - Sarah Earlywine, 5th Grade teacher “Sydney brings such a positive attitude to each day. She is constantly finding ways to lift up those around her by sharing bounty from her own garden, baking yummy treats, or offering a listening ear and ideas to problem solve. She has made relationships quickly with students and they adore her!” - Corrine Hill, 4th Grade teacher Thank you, Mrs. Lukefahr for the many ways you are positively impacting the students of Harrisburg Elementary. We are very fortunate to have you on our team! #BulldawgPride

March PTO meeting is being moved to next Tuesday March 11 at 6pm so we can support the girls basketball game tomorrow night. Good luck bulldogs! The meeting will be in the elementary/middle school library or by zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82299551944?pwd=gzb7LKOAohMxBz2NRi1NP4husKNppS.1 Meeting ID: 822 9955 1944 Passcode: 884107 One tap mobile +13092053325,,82299551944#,,,,*884107# US

March is School Board Appreciation Month and we are honored to recognize the men and women who have served and who currently serve on the Harrisburg R-VIII Board of Education. Thank you for your commitment to the staff, students, and families of our district. #BulldawgPride

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: Today’s featured teacher is Mrs.Taylor Lazinger. Mrs. Lazinger teaches third grade at Harrisburg Elementary. Prior to becoming a Harrisburg Bulldog, Taylor spent four years as a fifth grade teacher in the Southern Boone School District. Taylor and her 3rd grade partner teacher Kami Drollinger are a phenomenal teaching team. When asked for a quote to share about her partner, Ms. Drollinger replied “I’ve just been waiting to brag on her! Taylor cares deeply for each of her students as individuals, taking the time to understand their needs and helping them grow academically and personally. She puts her heart into supporting her students and always finds creative ways to assist them. She is super resourceful and is FULL of ideas for making things more engaging. Taylor's passion for teaching is evident in everything she does. I am so lucky to be her teammate- she inspires me everyday!” Elementary Principal Gabe Burris shared “Taylor has been an awesome addition to our team! It is easy to see the connection she has made with her students when you walk into her classroom. She has a unique way to make learning fun and engage her students. Her knowledge of the curriculum is top notch. Most of all she is a great teammate that is always willing to lift others up and help someone out. We're glad she is a Bulldog!” Thank you, Mrs. Lazinger, for the countless ways you inspire your students each and every day! #BulldawgPride

In honor of National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day, we recognize and celebrate the dedication and invaluable service of our School Resource Officer, Eli Burkholder. Thank you for the many ways you work to build relationships and to keep our school and community safe! #SROAppreciationDay #BulldawgPride