Harrisburg R-VIII School District

ELEM & MS BULLDOG FANS: Come get your Cheek Cheers at breakfast tomorrow to get your game face on for Courtwarming 2025! We will also have Cheek Cheers available for purchase in the commons at the Chuck-A-Duck table during the game tomorrow night. All proceeds benefit the Class of 2026 Senior Trip! #cheekcheers

HEY BULLDOG FANS, are you entered for a chance to win a great gameday experience? We'll be drawing TOMORROW DURING THE PEP RALLY for a chance to be an honorary member of the Varsity Basketball team and Varsity cheer squad. Don't miss out on the full experience on GAME DAY February 17th VS the Salisbury Panthers

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: This week’s featured teacher is Mrs. Lori Canole. Lori has built a career out of early childhood and elementary education. When we asked her how many years she has worked with children or in an educational environment, she responded with “too many years to even count”. After volunteering in our district for many years, Lori began impacting our students and staff in an official capacity when she was hired in 2003 as a paraprofessional. She has supported numerous programs and grade levels in our elementary since that time and in each role has brought a level of skill, work ethic, and adaptability that is incomparable. Despite being exceptional at working with her fellow teachers, Lori’s legacy will certainly be that she truly and genuinely cares about the students that she supports every day. You need only to stop by the 4 year old preschool program where Lori currently works alongside Kimberly Eaton to witness this. They are not just her students - they are “her kids” and she treats them all with love, grace, and an understanding that can only come from years of dedication to hundreds of “her kids”. “Lori is one of a kind! We are lucky to have her working with our preschool Bulldogs. Her nurturing and caring nature helps create a great learning environment in the classroom. She and Mrs. Eaton make a great team that help our littlest learners thrive.” - Elementary Principal, Gabe Burris Thank you, Mrs. Lori Canole, for continuing to leave your indelible mark on the students and staff of Harrisburg School District. We are truly fortunate that you are a Bulldog for Life! #BulldawgPride

HEY BULLDOG FANS: Get your game face on tonight in the HS Commons and support the Senior Class of 2026 as they fundraise for their senior trip! #cheekcheers #BulldawgPride

Please join us for the monthly PTO Meeting (Harrisburg Parent/Teacher Organization preK-12) tonight (Feb 4) at 6 p.m. in the elementary/middle school library or by Zoom. 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

FBLA students travelled to MACC for the district competition on Friday. Seventeen students medaled and eight students qualified for the State Competition in Springfield. The State Qualifiers are Ava Grindstaff, Charlotte Canote, Audrey Reedy, Kiley Rosson, Lindsey Burbridge, Alicia Worden, Sadie Williamson, and Aaron Niemeier. Congratulations to all of the participants!

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 six years and has spent the last five 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, SEL Team, and the district CTA Committee. Jeff Wardrip, Middle School Principal, shared “Mrs. Chott has been an absolute lifesaver for our middle school students. She is always going above and beyond to help our students have all the tools to thrive not only in school but also in life. Her empathy and helping hand are also extended to our staff, and community members. Mrs. Chott, thank you for all you do for our students, staff, and community.” Mrs. Courtney Hasekamp began her career in School Counseling at Harrisburg High School two 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 an assistant high school softball coach. “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

Please consider taking a moment to sign up as a Harrisburg School R8 supporter on the Box Tops for Education App. It's easy and it's a great way to support our district. Thanks for your help!

TEACHER FEATURE TUESDAY: Today’s featured teacher is Ms. Carlie Hartle. Ms. Hartle has a degree in early childhood education and elementary education from Stephen’s College and teaches our 3 year old integrated Pre-K class at Harrisburg Elementary. This is her third year in education and her second year as a Harrisburg Bulldog. Principal Gabe Burris shared that “Carlie is always quick to build relationships with students. Ms. Hartle is always looking for creative ways to engage her students, and perfect her craft. Carlie is always willing to go above and beyond the call of duty to make sure students' needs are met. We are lucky Carlie is a Bulldog and thankful for all she does for our youngest Bulldogs.” Pre-K partner teacher Kimberly Eaton added “Ms. Hartle has been a great addition to the Preschool program this year! She gives her students so much love and also helps them meet school expectations with gentle guidance and lots of smiles. It's great to have Carlie as a Harrisburg Bulldog!” Thank you, Ms. Hartle, for the many ways you positively impact your students and school community each and every day. #BulldawgPride

HEY BULLDOG FANS, do you want a chance to win a great gameday experience? Enter a chance to be an honorary member of the Varsity Basketball team and Varsity cheer squad. GAME DAY February 17th VS the Salisbury Panthers The winner will be announced at the PEP RALLY ON February 14TH.

The annual Harrisburg Spelling Bee was this morning. Our elementary and middle school winners will advance to the Regional Bee in Columbia in March. Congratulations to all of our participants and winners!

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