Hello, Bearcat Nation!

It's time for another school year and I am excited to see our returning students and their families along with the new Bearcats joining our school! Keep up-to-date on all the happenings through our website, emails, notes home, my monthly Cat Chat and Facebook. My door is always open for questions, suggestions and concerns. I look forward to everything this year brings!

For those who don't know me, her is a little bit about me professionally and personally. This is my 35th year in education. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from University of Nebraska-Kearney, my Master’s in Teaching and Learning from Avila University and my Master’s in Building Administration from Emporia State University. My classroom experience spans 28 years (16 of which were in Burlingame) followed by 2 years as an instructional coach and 4 years as a building administrator intern. This is my 2nd year as Principal. All these experiences have led me to believe that all children are unique and deserve an engaging, safe, educational environment that grows them intellectually, emotionally and socially. It is my goal to establish a culture that enables teachers to flourish, where students are happy and can reach their full potential and families feel welcome. 

Our family moved to Burlingame from Nebraska in 2000.  Scott and I have 4 children and 9 grandchildren.  Kayla is an assistant principal at Shawnee Heights High School and has 2 kids, Lucy, 5 and Theo, 3.  Nikki is the controller at the Ottawa Coop.  She and Adam Fleming have two kids, Oliver, 5 and Micah, 2.  Krista is a senior account manager for McNamara Insurance Company.  She and Aaron Rowley have two kids, Landon, 11 and Myla, 8. Derek works for the Nebraska Department of Roads.  He and Jordan have 3 kids, Braxton, 11, Paicyn, 9 and Emma, 4.  During our free time we enjoy spending time with family, following our grandkids' activities, gardening, woodworking, and cheering for the Huskers. 

I look forward to serving your students, families, and our community.  

#bearcatstrong

Mrs. Shelley Banzhaf