About Us
WHAT WE BELIEVE
IN 1899, BETHUNE, COLORADO ORGANIZED THE FIRST SCHOOL DISTRICT IN KIT CARSON COUNTY. IN 1926 IT WAS DECIDED TO PURCHASE 8 ACRES OF LAND THAT THE PRESENT SCHOOL SITS ON. THE NEW SCHOOL WAS COMPLETED IN 1928. THE FIRST GRADUATING CLASS WAS IN 1931. IN 1963 THE LARGE GYMNASIUM WAS ADDED TO THE WEST SIDE OF THE ORIGINAL SCHOOL BUILDING. THE PRESENT INDUSTRIAL SHOP WAS ADDED IN 1974. THE NEW CAFETERIA AND KITCHEN WERE ADDED IN 1995. THE HIGH SCHOOL WAS BUILT IN 1998. THE DISTRICT CONSISTS OF 6 BUILDINGS WHICH INCLUDE A SHOP, JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL, MAIN BUILDING, 2 BUS BARNS AND A DWELLING FOR STAFF. THE CURRENT REPLACEMENT VALUE IS ESTIMATED AT OVER $7.5 MILLION. THE DISTRICT PROVIDES SERVICES TO ABOUT 110 STUDENTS AND EMPLOYS 30 TEACHERS, SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS AND ADMINISTRATORS.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
SUPERINTENDENT JOHN HADDAN PHONE NUMBER: 719-346-7513
The Community and School District
The Community
The Town of Bethune is located in Eastern Colorado just off Interstate 70 approximately 30 miles from the Kansas border. Bethune is also located 40 miles from Goodland, Kansas, and 160 miles from Denver and Colorado Springs, all of which are excellent areas for shopping. Mountain recreation activities are approximately a four-hour drive away. This bedroom community is home to approximately 500 people. Many residents commute to Burlington or Stratton, Colorado, eight and nine miles away respectively, for employment. Those who work in Bethune derive their main source of income from agriculture. Burlington is home to businesses, shopping, restaurants, churches, doctors and a hospital. Industry in the area includes several feedlots, wind farms and hog finishing facility. Old Town Museum is a 6 1/2-acre historic site that includes 21 fully restored buildings with authentic artifacts from the turn-of-the-century.
Local recreational activities include deer, antelope, pheasant and turkey hunting, fishing, and golf. There are numerous activities for children including baseball, softball, swimming and day camps.
The District
Bethune School District R-5 is home to 115 students Pre-K-12 housed in one elementary building and one junior high/high school building. The District is served by 16 certified teachers, one administrator and 15 classified employees. The District is extremely proud of its 8:1 student- teacher ratio, the zero-dropout rate, and 100 percent graduation rate. Bethune takes great pride in their school and the upkeep of the facilities is exceptional. The connection with the community is well rooted, and many generations of families have attended this school.
“Bethune School produces productive citizens who embody Pride, Principles and Perseverance” is the mission of the Bethune School District. Focused goal areas the District is working on are:
■ Increase student achievement
■ Maintain financial excellence
■Strengthen communications and relationships
■ Enhance support and development of students, staff, and governance team
Some of the special programs the school has to offer are Drama, National Honor Society, Knowledge Bowl, Chess Club, Boys and Girls Basketball, Volleyball, Football, Track, E-Sports, and Student Leadership Advisory Committee. There is also an opportunity for students to take classesthrough Morgan Community College in our V-NETS classroom.