FROM THE DESK OF THE SUPERINTENDENT |
Dear Harrisburg Families,
As we enter the final months of the school year, I want to thank our students, staff, and families for making this such a meaningful and successful year. Our classrooms are filled with learning, our students continue to achieve great things, and our staff remains deeply committed to providing the very best opportunities for every child. Harrisburg has always taken pride in its schools, and that tradition continues today.
At the same time, we are looking ahead to important decisions that will shape the future of our district. On April 7, 2026, our community will consider a $0.50 operating tax levy increase, which includes restoring the Proposition C rollback. This question comes at a time when school districts across Missouri are facing financial pressure from multiple directions.
At the state level, funding increases have not kept pace with rising costs. At the federal level, COVID-relief funds that helped support staffing and programs have ended. Locally, our costs continue to rise in order to attract and retain quality staff and maintain programs for students.
Because of these realities, the district has already begun making reductions and adjustments for next school year. These decisions are difficult and are made only after careful consideration. This is an important decision for our community. I encourage every eligible voter to learn more and participate in the election.
Voter Registration Deadline: March 11, 2026
Election Day: April 7, 2026 Sincerely,
Steve Combs
Superintendent |
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PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES |
ELEMENTARY: 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM in Elementary Classrooms MIDDLE SCHOOL/HIGH SCHOOL: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM in HS Commons |
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PARENTS AS TEACHERS PROGRAM |
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VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE AT HHS |
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DISTRICT CELL PHONE POLICY |
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 |
| Harrisburg R-VIII School District
2025-26 School Calendar
Four-Day Option-No School on Mondays except where noted 3rd Quarter March 6 - End of 3rd Quarter.
4th Quarter March 9 - Parent/Teacher Conferences
Mar. 16 School in Session
Mar. 24-Mar. 30 No School - Spring Break
Apr. 27 School in Session
May 11 School in Session
May 15 Last Day of School and End of 4th
Qtr.
May 17 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 23, and the seventh make-up day is April 6. Daily Bell Schedule: 7:54 am - 3:45 pm Board of Education Meetings 6:00 PM at the Administration Building: Feb. 9, Mar. 9, Apr. 13, May 4, June 8, July 13 |
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS |
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ELEMENTARY NEWS
Gabe Burris
Elementary Principal
Preschool Screening
Our annual preschool screening is set for Thursday, April 15th at the Christian Church. This event is for students enrolling in our preschool for the first time and for the 2026-2027 school year. Students that have previously been screened do not need to be screened again. To be eligible for the program a student needs to turn 3 or 4 before August 1, 2026. Program structure is dependent on student needs. In the past we have operated three and four year old classrooms, but this is subject to change based on student needs. If you have any questions about the program call Mr. Burris at 573-875-0290. If you'd like to schedule a screening call Nurse Jackie at 573-777-5421.
MAP Testing
MAP testing will take place in the elementary school beginning on April 27th and ending on May 8th. Students in third, fourth and fifth grade will test during this time period. During this time period students will test four or five times, not all nine days. Classroom teachers will give further details about specific testing days in their newsletters.
Student Council
Mrs. Earlywine and Mrs. Hill will be taking elementary student council members to the Central Missouri Food Bank on March 16th as part of their community service project. Students will help package food for families in need and take a tour of the facility. This is a great experience for our students to learn about community service and helping others.
Hearts Across America
During January and February Mrs. Lazinger's third grade class worked on a mailing project. Their goal, with the help of parents and community members, was to receive mail from all fifty states. When the students received mail they would form a response and mail it back. The response was overwhelming! They were able to not only receive mail from all fifty states, but also a couple pieces of international mail. The students learned a lot about geography and letter writing. Some highlights include mail from Drew Lock of the Seattle Seahawks, a letter from the United States Navy Cargo Ship Washington Chambers, and a postcard from the island of Kauai in Hawaii. Thank you to all of the parents, grandparents, friends and family that helped the students achieve their goal!
#GOBULLDOGS!
Gabe Burris Upcoming ELEM Events March 9-13: Book Fair
March 18th: Elementary Carnival March 20th: Friday Fiesta March--21-March 30: Spring Break April 7: PTO Meeting 6:00 PM in North Campus Library April 11: PAT Big Truck Event
April 15: Pre K screening April 24: Friday Fiesta (MAP Recognition) April 27-May 8: MAP testing April 23: MUSART @ 5:00 May 12: Kindergarten Graduation
May 14: 5th Grade Graduation |
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MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS
Jeff Wardrip
Middle School Principal
As we turn out of the last corner and head down the straight-away we can certainly see the finish line in sight. Soon, 8th graders will become high school students and 5th graders will elevate to the status of “Middle Schoolers”. I would like to thank all the parents, teachers, bus drivers, cooks, custodians, maintenance workers, etc... that have made this such a great school year. Let's work hard and finish strong!! MAP Testing
This year, MAP testing will be from April 27th through May 8th. It is important that students get plenty of rest, eat breakfast, and most importantly, put forth their best effort. Parents, this is an excellent opportunity to see how your child measures up to other students in the state, as well as students in the conference and in surrounding schools. We would appreciate it if you could express to your child how important it is to do their best on their MAP assessments this Spring. We don’t expect them to be the best; we just want them to try their best. 6th Grade will test in English and Math, 7th Grade in English and Math, and 8th Grade in English, Math, and Science. If you have any questions or concerns about MAP testing this Spring feel free to give us a call.
It’s a Great Day to be a Bulldog!
Jeff Wardrip Upcoming MS Events 03/13 - MS Dance 7-9 pm
03/20 - MS/HS Career Fair 03/21-03/30 - Spring Break 04/23- MUSART @ 5 pm
04/27 - MS MAP Testing Begins 05/06 - 6th Grade Field Trip to Hannibal 05/07 - 7th Grade Field Trip to KC Zoo 05/08 - 8th Grade Field Trip to Six Flags 05/13 - 6th Grade Business Day
05/15 - Last Day of School 06/01 - Summer School Begins 06/26 - Last Day of Summer School |
| HIGH SCHOOL NEWS
Kyle Fisher
High School Principal
It’s hard to believe that we are almost halfway through the 2nd semester! We have had a very busy spring semester at the high school and have several upcoming events, as well. Speech & Debate
Our speech & debate teams have done a great job during the spring semester. Our speech team, which is led by Mr. Clemons, is made up of KyAnn Langdon and Marie Bergfield. They compete in the discipline of Duo Interpretation and will compete in the District Speech Tournament at Moberly on Saturday, February 28.
Mr. Messick has started a high school debate team, and it is made up of four members: Ella Long, Alana Isringhausen, Cooper Peters & Nathan Bassett. This is the first time in several years that we have had a debate team at Harrisburg, and all four students have done an excellent job. They will also compete in Districts on February 27-28 at Moberly. FBLA On January 30, Harrisburg took twelve students to District FBLA. Of those twelve students, three were able to qualify for state. Under the leadership of Ms. Moody, the team of Kourtney Strawn, Izzie Twenter-Savvenas, and Audrey Reedy finished 2nd in Hospitality and Event Management. These three students will compete at State FLBA in Springfield on April 3. Congratulations to Ms. Moody and all of our FBLA students!
Career Fair
On March 20, we will host our annual Career Fair. Students in grades 6-12 will fill out career interest surveys and will have the opportunity to visit with several presenters that align with their career interests. In total, we will have 20-25 different career fields come and present to our students, with several of the presenters being Harrisburg alumni. Thank you to Mrs. Hasekamp for her time and effort organizing such a great event!
EOC Exams End of Course Exams (EOCs) will take place at the high school from Tuesday, April 21 - Friday, May 8. Students in the following classes will be required to take EOCs: English 9, English 10, Biology, Algebra I, Algebra II, and Government. It is extremely important that students are in attendance during those three weeks.
Upcoming HS Events March 5 - ACT March 9 - Parent Teacher Conferences 1:00-7:00 March 20 - Career Fair April 16 - NHS Blood Drive @ 1:00
April 23 - MUSART @ 5:00 May 7 - Academic Banquet @ 6:00 May 13 - Jr/Sr Tea @ 8:00 AM May 17 - Graduation @ 2:00
Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook and Twitter (@harrisburgr8), as well as our website, for all the latest news about the high school. Go Bulldogs! Kyle Fisher |
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ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES NEWS |
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| | You can follow on social media for updates to Harrisburg Bulldog athletics and activities on the following: |
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 R-VIII Schools partners with FACE (Family Access Center of Excellence) Boone County.
Dennisa and Melissa work closely with Mrs. Hasekamp and Mrs. Chott to provide additional services and resources to our students, families, and staff. Please feel free to contact Dennisa Niles at dniles@missouri.edu if you have any questions regarding services provided by FACE. |
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For over 25 years, Box Tops for Education has given families an easy way to earn for schools with products they already buy. Today, you can find hundreds of participating products throughout the store — and all you need is the Box Tops app. You can even connect your Walmart and Box Tops account. Once the accounts are connected, participants can use the saved payment method in their Walmart wallet to buy Box Tops products and earn for our school without scanning or submitting a receipt. Please consider joining the next time you shop. It's an easy, free way to provide financial support to our district. Our goal is to have 100 supporters each month. Use referral code QBHT60B1.
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Harrisburg School District 2025-26 Meal Prices & Fees |
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
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.
Booster Club 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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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 |
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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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