***Congratulations to Pam Burrus, 2003 Kansas Distinguished Principal!
The Kansas Association of Elementary School Principals (KAESP) selected the 2003 Kansas Distinguished Principal of the year at its fall conference in Wichita . Pam Burrus, principal of Washington Elementary School in Olathe http://schools.olathe.k12.ks.us/washington/vision.html was chosen as exemplifying the highest standards of excellence in the profession.
In fall 2004, Ms. Burrus will travel as a National Distinguished Principal http://www.naesp.org/ContentLoad.do?contentId=924 , to Washington , D.C. for two days of activities planned to honor and bring well-deserved recognition to the educators chosen by all states, the District of Columbia , and private and overseas schools.
Pam Burrus has been a professional educator since 1972. She began her career in DeSoto , Kansas , moved to Iowa , and then in 1980 moved back to Kansas to teach in Olathe District Schools. Pam taught kindergarten, first grade, and sixth grade during her teaching years. Her career as an elementary school principal began in 1988 when she opened Briarwood Elementary School in Olathe . From 1992 to the present she has served as principal of Washington Elementary School in Olathe .
Mrs. Burrus received her Bachelor's Degree from Mid America Nazarene College in Olathe . She has a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction and a second Masters in Educational Administration from Emporia State University . During her career she has been a facilitator for Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People." Pam has also worked with Florida Sprint and the Florida Lee County Education Foundation to train Florida teachers in applying Total Quality Management principles to school improvement.
She is a member of KAESP and NAESP. During her membership, she has served as Continuing Committee Member and President of KAESP. She also served as the Kansas NAESP representative. As a member of KAESP, she was chair of New Principals' Workshop, Fall Conference, and SCA convention.
Ms. Burrus is active in her community. She has served as president of the local chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma as well as president/chair of the Hidden Glen Arts Festival. Also, over the last ten years, she has been an executive board member of the Olathe Area Youth Symphony. Pam was recognized by Mid America Nazarene College for the "Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award." She is a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Her drive and motivation to be an advocate for children was instilled early in her life by her mother - a person who believed that it is the responsibility of every adult to see to the well being of each child.
Other finalists for the Kansas Distinguished Principal award this year were: Deborah Ayers-Geist, Valley Heights Elementary http://www.valleyheights.org/ , Blue Rapids, KS; Dr, Marilyn Herr, Sunflower Elementary http://www.usd385.org/schools/sun/sun.html , Andover, KS; Jan Strecker, Graber Elementary Graber Elementary http://www.usd308.com/graber/index.htm , Hutchinson, KS; Larry Campbell, Washington Elementary http://usd388.k12.ks.us/DefaultFolder/wgshome.html , Ellis, KS; and David Losey, St. John-Hudson Elementary, St. John, KS.
Friends of Education Awards
District 1
Bev Knapp, Volunteer through the Foster Grandparent Program Nominated by Randall Renoud, Wellsville Elementary- Wellsville
District 2
Christal " Cocoa " Simmons, Community Resource- Family Development Specialist Nominated by Johnny Fields, Williams Elementary- Topeka
District 3
Jerry Whitworth, Business Partner/Parent, Nominated by Carla Mueller, Jefferson Elementary- Iola
District 4
Clearwater PTO Parent Volunteers, Nominated by Diane Nickelson, Clearwater Elementary- Clearwater
District 5
Russell County Fire Dept.- District #3 Volunteer Fire Department, Nominated by Elton Armbrister, Natoma-Paradise-Waldo Elementary
District 6
Paul's Grocery Store Jim Chansler- Co-Owner, Nominated by Donna Hilton, Stafford Elementary- Stafford
