FROM THE DESK OF THE SUPERINTENDENT |
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Greetings Harrisburg R-VIII School District,
As the fall season fills our days with cooler weather and colorful leaves, I want to take a moment to reflect on what a great year it has been so far in the Harrisburg School District. Our students continue to make us proud both inside and outside the classroom, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the support of our families, staff, and community.
We’ve enjoyed a fantastic fall season of activities, filled with accomplishments, excitement, and plenty of #BulldawgPride! From the energy at our games and performances to the dedication shown in our classrooms, our students and staff continue to demonstrate what makes Harrisburg such a special place.
To our parents, patrons, and supporters — thank you for your continued involvement. Whether you’re attending events, volunteering, or cheering from the stands, your support makes a lasting impact on our school community.
I’d also like to invite everyone to two special upcoming events:
USA!! Veterans Day Program – Tuesday, November 11 at 9:00 AM in the high school gym. Join us as we honor and celebrate the brave men and women who have served our country.
🎄 Christmas Concert – Wednesday, December 17 at 6:00 PM. Our students have been preparing a festive evening of music and holiday spirit — it’s sure to be a highlight of the season!
As we wrap up fall, basketball season is right around the corner, and we’re excited to cheer on our players, coaches, cheerleaders, and pep band. The energy and pride that fill our gyms each winter reminds us all what it means to be a Bulldog.
Thank you again for helping make this school year so special. It’s an honor to serve as your superintendent and to lead such an outstanding community of learners, families, and supporters.
Stay connected and up to date by following the Harrisburg R-VIII School District on Facebook, visiting our district website, and following us on X (formerly Twitter) for news, updates, and highlights of all the great things happening in our schools.
GO BULLDOGS!
Steve Combs
Superintendent of Schools
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Parent Teacher Conferences - Nov. 3, 2025
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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.
FAFSA FRENZY: There will be a representative from MOHELA in the High School Library during conferences to assist seniors and their families with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please visit https://studentaid.gov/ for information about the FAFSA and see the Counselor's Corner section in this newsletter for more information. You do not need an appointment to attend.
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2025 Veterans Day Program - Nov. 11, 2025 |
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Veterans Day Slideshow Information |
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Please join us on Tuesday, November 11 at 9:00 AM for our 2025 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 submitted photos last year we will use those again this year. If you would like to submit new or additional photos, please send those by email to Nathan Carey at careyn@harrisburg.k12.mo.us by November 8, 2025. Any submissions received after this deadline will be included in future programs starting in 2026.
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Turkey Trot - Nov. 25, 2025 |
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Christmas Program - Dec. 17, 2025 |
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The 2025 Winter Concert will be Wednesday, December 17 at 6:00 PM in the High School Gymnasium.
Come early to get a great seat. Hot cocoa and funnel cake sale starts at 5:00 PM in the HS Commons.
All Harrisburg Bands, Choirs, and Elementary Singers will be performing.
Hope to see you there!
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IMPORTANT DATES & INFORMATION |
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Immunization Requirements for Incoming Kindergarten, 8th, and 12th Grade Students for the 25-26 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 atwardripja@harrisburg.k12.mo.us.
All incoming K, 8th, & 12th graders have required immunizations. Please refer to the link below for Missouri School Immunization requirements.
2025-26 Immunization Requirements
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25-26 SCHOOL CALENDAR
Harrisburg R-VIII School District
2025-26 School Calendar
Four-Day Option-No School on Mondays except where noted - Approved
Enrollment and Open House
July 29 - New Student Enrollment
August 14 - Open House (6:00 - 7:00 PM)
1st Quarter
August 19 - 1st Day of School
September 29 - School in Session
October 17 - End of 1st Quarter
2nd Quarter
November 3 - Parent/Teacher Conferences
1:00 - 7:00 PM
November 24 - School in Session
Nov. 26 - Dec. 1 - No School - Thanksgiving
Break
December 15 - School in Session
December 19 - End of 2nd Quarter
3rd Quarter
March 6 - End of 3rd Quarter
4th Quarter
March 9 - Parent/Teacher Conferences
1:00 - 7:00 PM
March 16 - School in Session
March 24 - 30 - No School Spring Break
April 27 - School in Session
May 11 - School in Session
May 15 - Last day of school - dismiss at
12:30 PM
May 17 - Graduation
The first five make-up days are included in the school calendar. If additional days are needed, they will be as follows: 6th make up day - February 23, 2026, 7th make up day - April 6, 2026
Daily Bell Schedule: 7:54 am - 3:45 pm
Board of Education Meetings: Held on the 2nd Monday of each month at 6:00 PM in the Administration Building. 2025-26 Meeting dates: Aug. 11, Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Dec. 8, Jan. 12, Feb. 9, Mar. 9, Apr. 13, May 4, June 8, July 13
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District Cell Phone Policy
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Effective for the 2025-26 school year, Harrisburg has adopted a cell phone-free learning environment. This is in compliance with Missouri Law (Senate Bill 68), which requires all public schools to have a policy (see graphic for details) that restricts student use of personal electronic devices throughout the school day.
Please contact your student's building by phone if you need to reach them during the school day.
Elementary: 573-875-0290
Middle School: 573-817-5857
High School: 573-875-5602
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ELEMENTARY NEWS
Gabe Burris
Elementary Principal
Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent teacher conferences will take place Monday, November 3rd, 2025 from 1:00-7:00 PM. Parents should have already received information regarding individual conference times.
Fall Book Fair
The Literati Book Fair will be held in the HEMS Library November 3-7. Our ONLINE STORE is open now and every purchase helps to add new books to our collection. We are asking for volunteers to help run the fair. As a volunteer you might help students make wish lists, find books, or straighten shelves. Please use this SignUp Genius to review available time slots and volunteer if possible. If you can only volunteer for part of a time slot, please indicate that in the comment section. Thank you for supporting our library!
Grade Cards
Elementary students will receive quarterly grade cards on November 3. 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.
Halloween Parade
Elementary students will participate in a short Halloween Parade through the elementary building on Friday, October 31st. Parents are welcome to attend. The parade will begin at 2:10 PM. Classroom parties will follow. Students should bring their costumes to school on Halloween in their backpacks. They will change into costumes prior to the parade. We ask that children NOT wear costumes depicting violence or violent acts. This includes fake blood, gore or imagery that would not be "G rated." Please leave all toy guns, knives and swords at home. Please reserve elaborate costumes, face paint and make-up for trick or treating.
Turkey Trot
We will hold our 8th annual Turkey Trot on Tuesday, November 25th. 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.
Go Dogs!
Gabe Burris
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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. If you're looking for some tips on digital safety, feel free to check out someFamily Tech Tips for Teen Digital Safety.
MS STUCO
Students recently selected their representatives for STUCO. Congratulations to the following student leaders:6th Grade - Tate Beach, Mackenzie Denton, Sabrina Hammond, Alayna Heithold, McKenzie Havrum, Andrew Ivicsics 7th Grade - Binley Arens, Emma Atkins, Laetyn Beach, Ruby Byrd, Carter Carey, Willow Eaton, Charley Mueller, Deegan Parker, Elle Shouse 8th Grade - Elijah Brake, Nick Canote, Bella Hampton, Avery Hill, Rylee Nichols, Jaycee Rosson.
Top Dawg
On Wednesday, October 22, we held our Fall Top Dawg Awards Ceremony. The following Middle school students were Top Dawg Award recipients: Reid Smith, Rhett Clatterbuck, Bryer Jones, Gracie Christopher, Beau Wardrip, and Madison Gastineau. Congratulations to all of these outstanding students!
MS Dance
Our middle school dance is currently scheduled for November 21st from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. This year's theme is Masquerade Ball. Informal, casual dress is recommended; please don't feel obligated to purchase fancy clothes or dresses.
Parent Teacher Conferences
Middle School Parent Teacher Conferences will be held from 1:00-7:00 on Monday, November 3rd. 1:00-3:00 will be reserved for phone conferences for students with low grades, 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
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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 25 at 11:00. This year's HS STUCO Officers are Darrell Sizemore (President), Thomas Harrison (Vice President), Gracie Vaughan (Secretary), Lorelai Hunziker (Historian), Kelson Langdon (Public Relations), and Jillian Stidham (Treasurer).
Parent Teacher Conferences
High School Parent Teacher Conferences will be held from 1:00-7:00 on Monday, November 3. 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 High School NHS held its annual fall blood drive on October 3. Over 40 people donated and 37 units were collected. Congratulations to Mrs. Ayers and all of our NHS members on a successful blood drive, and thank you to all of those that donated!
Top Dawg
On Wednesday, October 22, we held our Fall Top Dawg Awards Ceremony. The following high school students were awarded the Top Dawg Award: Sophie McCune, Marie Bergfield, Emme Shouse, and Roman Schaffer. Congratulations to all of these outstanding students!
Upcoming Events
November 3: Parent Teacher Conferences
November 11: Veterans Day Program
December 17: Christmas Program
Go Bulldogs!
Kyle Fisher
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Courtney Hasekamp
HHS Counselor
Counseling Website
IMPORTANT DATES:
Oct. 1 - FAFSA Opens
Nov. 3 - FAFSA Frenzy in HS Library
Feb. 1 - FAFSA Priority Deadline for MO Residents
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Rachel Chott
HEMS Counselor
Counseling Website
IMPORTANT DATES:
Nov. 13th - 8th Career FT to Warrensburg
Nov 14th - 8th Career FT to MACC
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SENIORS and FAMILIES: We will host a FAFSA Frenzy Event in the High School Library on the evening of November 3 during Parent Teacher Conferences. In order to fill out the form that evening with the assistance of MOHELA, please see this link about applying for your Federal Student Aid Account IDs. The student and parent/guardian both will need IDs in order to apply. https://journeytocollege.mo.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/FSA_ID.pdf
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ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES NEWS |
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Upcoming Winter Sports/Activities Information |
As our fall seasons begin to conclude, we begin to prepare for the winter season. For those who have not participated in a sport or activity, students need to complete the following items.
Updated MSHSAA physical (every two years) MSHSAA Pre-participation form (annual) Signed athletic/activities handbook Pay the $25 athletic/activity fee
MS Basketball & Cheer Practice Date & Time
MS Boys Basketball - Thursday, October 16th @ 3:45 pm MS Girls Basketball - Thursday, October 16th @ 5:30 pm MS Cheer - Tuesday, October 14th @ 4:00 pm
HS Basketball & Cheer Practice Date & Time
HS Boys Basketball - TBD HS Girls Basketball - Monday, November 3rd @ 12:00 am HS Cheer - Tuesday, October 21st
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You can follow on social media for updates to Harrisburg Bulldog athletics and activities on the following:
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Fall Sports/Activities Update |
The school year is off to a great start for our Bulldogs participating in fall sports and activities. There have been many successes through the first couple of months. Our students have been working hard in their preparations to compete. Thank you to the coaches/directors and the students who are participating this fall!!! #BulldawgPride |
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ANNUAL STUDENT ACTIVITY FEE: $25
Gate Fee for All 7-12 Events:
Adults = $5
Children/Students = Free
Senior Citizens (62+) = Free
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Harrisburg School District 2025-26 Meal Prices & Fees
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Elementary Breakfast: $2.25
Elementary Lunch: $3.25
Middle School Breakfast: $2.25
Middle School Lunch: $3.25
High School Breakfast: $2.25
High School Lunch: $3.40
Adult Breakfast: $2.25
Adult Lunch: $4.10
ALL Schools 2nd Breakfast: $1.60
ALL Schools 2nd Lunch Entree: $2.10
ALL Schools Extra Milk: $.60
ALL Schools After School Meals $3.25
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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
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Bulldog Booster Club
25-26
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.
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!
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Box Tops for Education is a quick and easy way to support our school. The Box Tops app gives participants the ability to earn for any school across the country with just the touch of a button. If you buy participating products and use the Box Tops app to scan your store receipt, the app identifies eligible products and awards credit to your school. You can even submit digital or email receipts to earn. Box Tops earnings really add up, but we need your help. Help us to reach our goal of having 100 participants each month. In October, we can earn a bonus if you enter our referral code. Use the QR code and referral code shown and scan or download your first receipt today! |
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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/
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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.
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