Our students showed focus, perseverance, and a lot of grit this past week. We also want to thank our families for prioritizing attendance, it made a big difference in keeping testing smooth and consistent for everyone.
A huge shoutout to our staff for the preparation, encouragement, and support you provided leading up to and throughout testing. Your work sets our students up for success.
And a special thank you to our high school wrestlers for sharing their “getting ready to compete at state” message at our assembly, and to our cheerleaders for bringing the energy and pep on Monday morning. Those moments helped set the tone for a strong week.
The cost is $20 per student and the extended deadline to submit a clear baby photo is Thursday, April 23rd. You can turn in the photo and payment to the school office.
This is a fun opportunity to be included in a memorable section of the yearbook!
Questions? Contact Mrs. Harrel at 719-346-5440.
If you answered yes to that question, we’d love for you to check us out! Visit our employment page at https://www.burlingtonk12.org/page/employment to explore the opportunities available—we’re hiring for a variety of positions.
Come join our team and make a difference!
#CougarPride
🏃➡️HS Track at Merino 9 AM
Live Results: https://live.athletic.net/meets/67726
⚾️Baseball at Limon V/JV 4:30 PM
#NeverSlack
Road construction has moved past our campus. BES will return to normal dismissal/pick up procedures for after school today. Thanks for your patience over the past few days.
Colorado Rockies Field Trip – Permission & Details (Grades 5–9)
Dear BMS Parents,
We are excited to celebrate our students’ academic success—including our 2025 CMAS achievement of reaching the Green Zone—with a field trip to see the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday, May 6th (grades 8/9) and Wednesday, May 20th (grades 5-7)!
Trip Details:
* We will depart BMS at 9:00 AM (game starts at 1:10 PM) for both days.
* Students will be provided a sack lunch to eat on the bus.
* Each student will receive a food voucher (included in the trip cost) for a hot dog and small drink at the game.
* Please note: the stadium is cashless (debit/credit cards only for additional purchases).
* We will leave the stadium around 5:00 PM (or earlier) and return to school that evening.
* Students should bring extra snacks for the ride home (these will remain on the bus during the game).
*Below is other important information to know before you go including the bag policy.
Cost: $20 per student, which includes the game ticket and food voucher.
* Payment and permission slips are due by April 29th for grades 8/9 and May 5th for grades 5-7.
Important Reminder: Students must continue to meet attendance and behavior expectations leading up to the trip in order to attend.
Please return the signed permission slip along with payment to the BMS Office by the deadline.
Thank you for your support—we’re looking forward to a fun and rewarding day for our students! ⚾
Shown left to right: Marcus Hernandez, Jane Giberson, Mya Deubler, Hailey McDaniel, and Ainzlie Thompson.
Current Superintendent: Shane Walkinshaw
District and Board Secretary: Rebecca Stewart
Hiring Consultant: Dr. Walt Cooper
Board of Education members: Grant James, Casey McDaniel, Justin Carter, George Homm, Tara Penny, Craig Schaal, Darren Bennett
I am excited to be the next Burlington School District Superintendent and to move back to the area. I hope to build on all the great things BSD has done and take us one step forward. I am looking forward to working with staff, administrators, and the Board of Education to make BSD the best it can be for all students, both academically and in activities.
Mike Waters is an experienced educational leader with over 30 years in public education, including more than two decades as a superintendent. He currently serves as Superintendent of USO 102 in Cimarron, Kansas, where he leads a PreK-12 district of approximately 600 diverse students and oversees an $8 million budget. Throughout his career, he has held leadership roles in Kansas and Nebraska, guiding districts of varying sizes through growth, innovation, and strong financial stewardship.
Dr. Waters holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Southwestern College and brings a strong background in mathematics education and school administration. He is recognized for his ability to secure funding, improve facilities, and implement programs that expand student opportunities, including successful bond initiatives, grant acquisition, and the development of community partnerships.
A respected voice in education, Dr. Waters has served on numerous state committees and boards, contributed to professional publications, and received the Doug Moeckel Distinguished Service Award. He remains actively involved in his community and professional organizations, demonstrating a continued commitment to advancing education and supporting student success.
"I'm excited about the experience and energy Mike is bringing with him from 23 years of being a superintendent" -Grant James
"Mr. Waters will bring a steady hand to the helm" -George Homm
"I have the highest level of confidence in Mike Waters' abilities in leading the district" -Craig Schaal
"I look forward to seeing Mike in Cougar colors and leading our district" -Tara Penny
"I'm excited to see what Mike Waters is able to accomplish with his 23 years of Superintendent experience" -Casey McDaniel
''I'm excited to welcome Mike Waters to Burlington and can't wait to see the positive impact he will bring to our district and our community" -Justin Carter
"All the surveys told us don't settle, go after the best. We would like to present Dr. Mike Waters." -Darren Bennett
Message from the Board:
The board would like to thank community members and staff for their input in helping to determine the criteria for our initial search. We would also like to thank Mr. Shane Walkinshaw for his guidance through this process and our board secretary Rebecca Stewart for all her extra effort during this time. A big thank you to Walt Cooper of McPherson & Jacobson for bringing us such outstanding candidates in this difficult hiring environment. Thank you all so much!
CMAS Starts and ABC Countdown Continues! Click here for the BES weekly newsletter: https://app.smore.com/n/7u19a
