Hello!  My name is Chris Mendel and I am thrilled to be the principal of David Harrison Elementary, Home of the Harrison Huskies!

I have been a proud educator since 1988 and have taught in Omaha, NE (Howard Kennedy Primary), Lee’s Summit, MO (Prairie View Elementary), as well as right here in Springfield (McGregor and Carver).  I have also worked as an adjunct instructor at Missouri State University.  I earned my first administrative position at Jarrett Middle School in 1999 as an assistant principal.  From there, I was named principal of Sherwood and remained there for four years.  In 2005, I was named principal of Wanda Gray and remained there until December, 2008, when I was named principal of David Harrison.

When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with my two wonderful children, Joey and Emily.  I also am an avid runner and enjoy anytime I can be outside, especially at Table Rock Lake.  I have two shih-tzu dogs, Maggie and Bandit, who keep me busy, also. 

David Harrison is a CQI (Continuous Quality Improvement) school and we are always celebrating what we're doing well and looking for ways to be even better.  In addition to deploying CCI, we are one of four sites which houses the ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) program.  Approximately 50 of our 400 students speak another language other than English.  We also place an emphasis on technology thru TRACKS (Technology Rich Atmosphere Concentrating on Kids' Success.)  There is never a dull moment at David Harrison Elementary!  Feel free to contact me at any time--my door is always open.  Ruff!