Whole District Ariel Photo Taken on Homecoming 2024
Harrisburg R-VIII
FROM THE DESK OF THE SUPERINTENDENT
Greetings,
It is my pleasure to write to you about our wonderful school community. The Harrisburg staff and students continue to enrich our great Bulldog Pride tradition. It has been a busy kickoff to school with significant accomplishments in academics and activities. Our educators and staff work hard to provide a first-rate education and experience. It takes a village to raise a child, and we have that with our great community.
We have several upcoming opportunities to showcase our talented students in the next few months. These events are to be noticed! Follow us on social media platforms like Facebook and "X," and download our app to stay updated. One of my favorite events is our Veterans Day program. It's an excellent opportunity to teach our students patriotism, honor, service, and the American way. It's also the perfect time to show our appreciation for our veterans. We hope you can join us and make this event a memorable experience for our students and veterans.
A great former educator in our district had a quote in her office that stated, "If you are not moving forward, you are falling behind." That motto still rings true today. The school board continues to push our district to new heights and has been phenomenal to work with over the years. We are in the planning stages of a round of improvements to our district, and as they become official, I will send out more information to ask for continued support for The Harrisburg School District.
This will be the second edition of our digital newsletter. My only concern is that we may have people who prefer to read our publication in its paper form. If you know of a grandparent, neighbor, or family member who would like a copy, please contact one of our offices. Jennie Simpson did an excellent job spearheading a sign-up drive last spring, and we just don't want to miss anyone. Thank you so much for taking the time to read our publication. Come check out an event online or in person. #BulldawgPride
Sincerely,
Steve Combs
Superintendent of Schools
UPCOMING EVENTS
Parent Teacher Conferences - Nov. 4, 2024
Elementary:
Elementary parents should have received a link to sign up for a parent teacher conference time. Parents will select a time through SignUpGenius. If you have any questions about your time please reach out to your classroom teacher.
Secondary:
All middle school and high school conferences will be held in the high school commons from 3:00-7:00 PM. From 1:00-3:00 PM, we will do phone conferences for students with low grades. Your building principal will contact you to schedule a conference during this time. You do not have to sign up for a time to meet with teachers in the 3:00-7:00 PM window. During this time, all meetings will be on a first-come, first-serve basis just like they have been in the past. Please try to make sure all conferences are finished by 7:00 PM. If you have any questions, please contact your building principal.
2024 School & Community Flu Clinic
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.
2024 Veterans Day Program
Please join us on Friday, November 8 at 9:00 AM for our 2024 Veterans Day Program honoring all of the Veterans, current and past, who have served our country so bravely. In preparation of our 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.
Our elementary, middle school, and high school student councils are teaming up again in service to our Veterans by hosting a fundraiser competition with the goal of sending at least one Veteran to his or her memorial on an Honor Flight this year. Please help us meet and, hopefully, exceed this goal by sending donations with your student for the contest. If you would like to make a donation to the Honor Flight fundraiser but do not have a student in the district, please feel free to send or deliver your donation to one of our building offices before November 6, 2024.
We are proud to support our Veterans through the Honor Flight Program and thank you for your help to send our local Veterans to Washington DC.
2024 Winter Concert
The 2024 Winter Concert will be Wednesday, December 18 at 6:00 PM in the High School Gymnasium.
All Harrisburg Bands, Choirs, and Elementary Singers will be performing!
Come early to get a great seat. Hot cocoa will be on sale in the HS Commons starting at 5:15 PM.
Hope to see you there!
IMPORTANT DATES & INFORMATION
COMMUNICATION LINKS:
ADMINISTRATION - 573-875-5604
ELEMENTARY - 573-875-0290
MIDDLE SCHOOL - 573-817-5857
HIGH SCHOOL - 573-875-5602
DISTRICT WEBSITE: harrisburg.k12.mo.us
DISTRICT FACEBOOK: Harrisburg R-8 School District
Immunization Requirements for Incoming Kindergarten, 8th, and 12th Grade Students for the 24-25 School Year
Students are required by State Law to be current on all immunizations before entering school and to remain in compliance throughout their school years. If they are not, they will not be allowed into school (or to continue) unless an exemption is signed by the parent/guardian or physician. For more specific information regarding immunizations and exemptions, please contact school nurse, Jackie Wardrip at wardripja@harrisburg.k12.mo.us.
All incoming K, 8th, & 12th graders have required immunizations. Please refer to the link below for Missouri School Immunization requirements.
24-25 SCHOOL CALENDAR
Harrisburg R-VIII School District
2024-25 School Calendar
Four-Day Option-No School on Mondays except where noted - Approved 2/12/24
Enrollment and Open House
Aug. 13 New Student Enrollment
Aug. 14 Teacher's Workday
Aug. 14 Teacher's Workday
Aug. 15 Open House (6:00 - 7:00 PM)
1st Quarter
Aug. 20 First Day of School
Aug. 21 First Day of Preschool
Sept. 16 School in Session
Oct. 18 End of 1st Qtr. (37 days)
Nov. 4 Parent/Teacher Conf. 1-7 p.m.
2nd Quarter
Nov. 25 School in Session
Nov. 27-Dec. 2No School - Thanksgiving
Dec. 16 School in Session
Dec. 20 End of 2nd Qtr. (35 days)
Dec. 23-Jan. 6 No School - Christmas Break
3rd Quarter
Jan. 7 Third Qtr. Begins
Mar. 7 End of 3rd Qtr. (36 days)
Mar. 10 Parent/Teacher Conf. 1-7 p.m.
4th Quarter
Mar. 17 School in Session
Mar. 24-Mar. 31 No School - Spring Break
Apr. 28 School in Session
May 12 School in Session
May 16 Last Day of School and End of 4th
Qtr. (38.5 days)
May 18 Graduation - 2:00 PM
The first five make-up days are included in the school calendar. If additional days are needed, they will be as follows: the sixth make-up day is February 24, and the seventh make-up day is April 7.
Daily Bell Schedule: 7:54 am - 3:45 pm
Board of Education Meetings 6:00 PM at Administration Building: Nov. 11, Dec. 9, Jan. 13, Feb. 10, Mar. 10, Apr. 14, May 12, Jun. 9
NEWS FROM OUR PRINCIPALS
ELEMENTARY NEWS
Gabe Burris
Elementary Principal
It's hard to believe we have finished the first quarter of school! This is most certainly a busy time of the year for elementary students!
Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent teacher conferences will take place Monday, November 4th, 2024 from 1:00-7:00 PM. Parents should have already received information regarding individual conference times.
Fall Book Fair
Our Fall Book Fair will be open Monday, November 4th and conclude Friday, November 8th. We can always use volunteers to help out with the bookfair. If you are interested please reach out to Mrs. Class:(classt@harrisburg.k12.mo.us)
Grade Cards
Elementary students received quarterly grade cards. Usually these come home in a manilla envelope to be signed and returned. However, during first quarter these will be handed out during your parent teacher conference.
Turkey Trot
We will hold our 7th annual Turkey Trot on Tuesday, November 26th. All elementary students will have a chance to walk/run a 1K. The top three finishers in each group will receive a Turkey Trot Medal. We will also have Walnut & Twine on site for this event. Parents are welcome to attend and join in on the fun.
Student Council Honor Flight
Elementary Student Council representatives selected the Honor Flight as their first semester service project. Elementary classrooms will be collecting money for the Honor Flight from October 29th to November 6th.
Friday Fiestas
At our monthly awards assemblies we like to recognize student achievement. If your student participates in any extra curricular activity such as 4H, Cub Scouts, Gymnastics, etc. and you would like them recognized please contact Mr. Burris.
#BulldawgPride
Gabe Burris
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS
Jeff Wardrip
Middle School Principal
The middle school is off to a great start this school year. A big thank you to all the parents who attended open house, we appreciate the love and support you show for our school, teachers, and most importantly your students.
MS STUCO
Students recently selected their representatives for STUCO. Congratulation to the following student leaders: 6th Grade - Emma Atkins, Carter Carey, Mia Neal-Leathers, Ruby Byrd, Willow Eaton, Charley Mueller, Piper Sublett, Zaylee Pollard 7th Grade - Nick Canote, Ava Shouse, Deklyn Stricker, Ashlan Edwards, Avery Hill, Jaycee Rosson, Lyli Pruitt, Reid Smith 8th Grade - Naomi DeMuth, Addy Doss, Audrey Eaton, Camryn Gray, Ella Long, Liv Baker, Addison Marsh, Layla Moxley, Lily Overfelt, Carly Price, and Jackie Stidham.
MS Dance
Our middle school dance is scheduled for November 15th from 7-9 pm. This year's theme is Hollywood Red Carpet. Casual dress is recommended, please do not feel the need to purchase fancy clothes/dresses.
Top Dawg
Congratulations to our Fall Top Dawg Award recipients: Erandi Reinaga-Mendez, Emma Atkins, Ruby Byrd, Ella Long, and John Findlay.
Parent Teacher Conferences
Middle School Parent Teacher Conferences will be held from 1:00-7:00 on Monday, November 4. 1:00-3:00 will be reserved for phone conferences for students, while in person conferences will be from 3:00-7:00 in the HS commons.
It’s a Great Day to be a Bulldog!
- Mr. Wardrip
HIGH SCHOOL NEWS
Kyle Fisher
High School Principal
We are off to a great start at the high school this year! Thank you to all parents and students who attended our Open House. It is always great to be able to welcome our students back for the upcoming school year.
Student Council News
High School Student Council has had a busy start to the school year. In addition to putting on a fantastic Homecoming Week, they are also gearing up for the Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Dinner, which will be held at the Harrisburg Christian Church on November 26 at 11:00. This year's HS STUCO Officers are Macie Ellis & Abbey Clark (Co-Presidents), Alicia Worden (Vice President), Isabella Ryden (Secretary), and Avelina McKinzie (Treasurer).
Parent Teacher Conferences
High School Parent Teacher Conferences will be held from 1:00-7:00 on Monday, November 4. 1:00-3:00 will be reserved for phone conferences for students, while in person conferences will be from 3:00-7:00 in the HS commons.
NHS Blood Drive
The HS NHS held its annual fall blood drive on October 3. Over 50 people donated and 40 units were collected. Congratulations to Mrs. Ayers and all of our NHS members on a successful blood drive!
Top Dawg
On Wednesday, October 16, we held our Fall Top Dawg Awards Ceremony. Congratulations to the following Top Dawg Award recipients: Aaliyah Wilkins, Beau Weathers, Thomas Harrison, Aaron Niemeier, and KyAnn Langdon.
Upcoming Events
November 4 Parent Teacher Conferences
November 8 Veterans Day Program
December 18 Christmas Program
Go Bulldogs!
Kyle Fisher
ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES NEWS
Chris Ackman, AD
You can follow on social media for updates to Harrisburg Bulldog athletics and activities on the following:
X - @HarrisburgAth
Facebook - Harrisburg R-8 School District
Instagram - @harrisburgr8
Upcoming Winter Sports/Activities Information
Basketball is just around the corner for our Harrisburg Bulldogs. Here are important dates regarding practice for our Bulldogs.
MS Boys - First Practice - October 21st - 8:00 am
MS Girls - First Practice - October 17th - 4:00 pm
HS Boys TBA
HS Girls - First Practice - November 4th - 12:00 AM (Midnight Madness)
Important Dates Regarding Basketball Schedule
MS Girls & Boys open their season on November 1st vs. Sturgeon at Harrisburg - 6:00 pm
HS Girls & Boys Jamboree vs. Hallsville & Kirksville on November 9th at Harrisburg - 9:00 am
HS Girls & Boys open their season on November 22nd vs. Sturgeon at Harrisburg - 6:00 pm
ANNUAL STUDENT ACTIVITY FEE: $25
Gate Fee for All 7-12 Events:
Adults = $5
Children/Students = Free
Senior Citizens (62+) = Free
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Harrisburg School District 2024-25 Meal Prices & Fees
Elementary Breakfast: $2.15
Elementary Lunch: $3.15
Middle School Breakfast: $2.15
Middle School Lunch: $3.15
High School Breakfast: $2.15
High School Lunch: $3.30
Adult Breakfast: $2.15
Adult Lunch: $3.30
ALL Schools 2nd Breakfast: $1.65
ALL Schools 2nd Lunch Entree: $2.15
ALL Schools Extra Milk: $.50
ALL Schools After School Meals $3.15
HOMESCHOOLING?
State Statute Section 167.042, RSMO indicates that parents/guardians of school-age children who haven't received a diploma and are being homeschooled should submit a signed, written declaration indicating their intent to homeschool. This declaration helps prevent the child from being flagged as truant by the school district.
The declaration should be mailed to
Harrisburg R-VIII School District
1000 S Harris Street
Harrisburg, MO 65256
Bulldog Booster Club
24-25
We want to take a moment to thank last year’s Corporate Sponsors and Members for all you did for our students. The Booster Club had a record number of sponsors and members. Your contributions have made such a meaningful difference in our mission.
Mission:
The purpose of the Harrisburg Bulldog Booster Club is supporting Harrisburg R-VIII School extra-curricular programs by raising funds, providing equipment, facility improvements, soliciting memberships, promoting participation in extracurricular activities, encouraging attendance at all school-related events, and assisting administration, teachers, and coaches. It is the belief that all extra-curricular events play an integral role in the growth of students and the Harrisburg Bulldog Booster Club is committed to supporting and promoting all extra-curricular programs.
Follow Harrisburg Booster Club on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/HarrisburgBulldogBoosterClub
Here are a few highlights from your contributions and support of the Harrisburg Bulldog Booster Club. With your help we were able to purchase just under $20,000 worth of facility and equipment improvements. We made a facility addition with the construction of a baseball/softball bullpen. We purchased an E-Stim machine for the athletic department, golf bags for the golf team, megaphone and speaker for cheerleading, new poles for pole vault for Track & Field, overhead cubbies and bat rack for the softball dugout, and new shoulder pads and helmets for our youth football program.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!
Harrisburg Bulldog Booster Club
If you have a child under 5 years old and live in the Harrisburg School District, it's time to register for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library! Each child who registers will receive a FREE book in the mail every month until their 5th birthday.
Contact Toby Class for more information at classt@harrisburg.k12.mo.us
Register your child at this link:
https://imaginationlibrary.com/check-availability/
PUBLIC RELEASE
Harrisburg R-VIII School District announced its revised free and reduced price policy for school children unable to pay the full price of meals served in schools under the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. Local education officials have adopted the following family-size income criteria for determining eligibility. Please see this Public Release for more information and CLICK HERE for the printable form to apply.
