Harrisburg R-VIII

The Bulldog Express

Spring 2025

FROM THE DESK OF THE SUPERINTENDENT

UPCOMING EVENTS

ELEMENTARY CARNIVAL

Elementary Carnival Flyer
Elementary Carnival Spirit Week
Carnival Donation Flyer

PARENTS AS TEACHERS

PAT Informational Flyer

PAT Big Truck Event

April 5, 2025

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Elementary Parking Lot

Big Truck Graphic

SCHOOL MARKET GRAND OPENING

School Market FAQs

IMPORTANT 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

iMPORTANT IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS GRAPHIC

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.

2024-25 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

We have made it into fourth quarter of the school year, and that is hard to believe. It has been a great school year. Spring is always a busy time here are a few of the highlights coming up quickly.

Preschool Screening

We will hold our annual spring screening event on Wednesday, April 16th, 2025 at the Harrisburg Christian Church. The screening will be for students who turn three, or four, before August 1, 2025 and have not previously been screened by the district. To sign up for a timeslot please contact Nurse Jackie at 573-777-5421. If you have questions regarding he program please call Mr. Burris at 573-875-0290

Elementary Carnival

The elementary school will host our annual school carnival in the North Campus Gym on Thursday, March 20th, 2025:

5:30 PM-Kona Ice & Concessions

6:00-Games, Raffles, Silent Auctions

7:30-King & Queen Crowning

MAP Testing

Students in third, fourth and fifth grade will participate in the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) the last week in April and the first week in May. Students in third, fourth and fifth grade are tested in the areas of Math and Reading. Our fifth graders will also be tested in Science. MAP testing covers most of the curriculum students have learned in these subject areas throughout their time in elementary school in these subject areas. We encourage students to put forth their best effort on the MAP test.

#GOBULLDOGS!
Gabe Burris

Upcoming ELEM Events

March 20 - Elementary Carnival

March 21 - Friday Fiesta (MAP Recognition)

March 22-March 31 - Spring Break

April 1 - PTO Meeting 6:00 PM in North Campus Library

April 5 - PAT Big Truck Event

April 16 - Pre K screening

April 18 - Friday Fiesta

April 22-May 2 - MAP testing

April 24 - MUSART @ 5:00

April 28 - School in Session

May 13 - Kindergarten Graduation

May 15 - 5th Grade Graduation


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 Schoolers and 5th graders will elevate to the status of Middle Schoolers. We have had a tremendous school year so far and we're looking to finish strong.

Spring Top Dawg Recipients

Congratulations to the following students for receiving the Top Dawg Award this spring: Logan Woods, Rylan Smiley, Lilian Hirner, Claire Wilder, Jase Price, Hattie Arnall, and Austin Ryden.

MAP Testing

This year MAP testing will be from April 28th through May 9th. It is essential 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 the conference and surrounding schools. We would appreciate expressing to your child how important it is to try 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

March 17 - School in Session

March 21 - MS/HS Career Fair

March 22-31 - Spring Break

April 15 - EOC Testing for Algebra I students

April 24 - MUSART @ 5 pm

April 25 - MS Dance 7-9 pm

April 28 - School in Session

April 28 - MS MAP Testing Begins

May 07 - 6th Grade Business Day

May 08 - 6th Grade Field Trip to Hannibal

May 09 - 7th Grade Field Trip to City Museum

May 09 - 8th Grade Field Trip to Worlds of Fun

May 12 - School in session

May 16 - Last Day of School

June 02 - Summer School Begins

June 27 - Last Day of Summer School

HIGH SCHOOL NEWS
Kyle Fisher
High School Principal

It’s hard to believe we have less than two months of school left! We have had a very busy spring semester at the high school and have several upcoming events, as well.

Top Dawg

On March 12, we held our Spring Top Dawg Award Ceremony. Top Dawgs are recognized for a variety of qualities including, but not limited to, character, integrity, scholarship, and willingness to help others. The high school had nine Top Dawg Award recipients. Those students were Charlotte Canote, Nash Sublett, Chase Gray, Poppy Spry, Riley Dickerson, Brody Still, Mary Raines, Ryder Crites, and Kennedy Miller. Congratulations to these students!

Career Fair

On March 21, we will host our annual Career Fair. Students in grades 6-12 have filled 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 26 different career fields come and present to our students, several of which are 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 22 - Friday, May 2. 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 two weeks. 

Kyle Fisher

Upcoming HS Events

March 21 - Career Fair

April 2 - ACT 

April 17 - NHS Blood Drive @ 1:00

April 24 - MUSART @ 5:00

May 8 - Academic Banquet @ 6:00

May 14 - Jr/Sr Tea @ 8:00

May 18 - Graduation @ 2:00

Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook and Twitter (@harrisburgr8), as well as our new website, for all the latest news about the high school. Go Bulldogs!

ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES NEWS

Bulldog Athletics Logo


Chris Ackman, AD

ackmanc@harrisburg.k12.mo.us

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

Sports/Activities Information

Congratulations to the Harrisburg Bulldog girls and boys basketball teams on winning the Class 2 District 7 tournament at Glasgow! This is the first time since 2008 that both teams won their district in the same year.

Congratulations to the Harrisburg Lady Bulldogs who finished with a 22-7 record! They fell in the Class 2 Sectional to Tipton. We are proud of the players and coaches!

Congratulations to the Harrisburg Bulldogs who finished the season 24-5! They had a big win over Slater in the Class 2 Sectional but fell to Canton in the Class 2 Quarterfinal game. Congratulations to the players and the coaches on a tremendous season!

Our spring sports seasons have begun with practices starting on March 3rd. Student-athletes should have a valid physical, preparticipation form, insurance, athletic handbook signed, and pay the athletic/activity fee of $25 to participate this spring.

Good luck to all of our Bulldogs during the spring seasons! #BulldawgPride

Spring Sports Schedules

HS Baseball

HS Boys Golf

HS Track & Field

MS Track & Field

ANNUAL STUDENT ACTIVITY FEE: $25

Gate Fee for All 7-12 Events:

Adults = $5

Children/Students = Free

Senior Citizens (62+) = Free

Pricing Image Athletics

COUNSELOR'S CORNER

RACHEL CHOTT - HEMS COUNSELOR

Rachel Chott

Important Dates:

March 21: Career Day at HHS

COURNTEY HASEKAMP - HS COUNSELOR

Courtney Hasekamp

Important Dates:

March 21: Career Day at HHS

April 2: ACT at HHS

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Immunization reminders graphic

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.

Booster Club Graphic

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

Dolly Parton Imagination Library Logo

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.

Eligibility table for Free and Reduced Lunch Status