When a position opened up on the Burroughs administration team this year, school leaders rounded up another Burro for the slot.
Assistant Principal Elijah Colpitts — a 2002 Burroughs graduate — is the third member of the all-alumni leadership team, along with Principal Carrie Cope (BHS ’90) and Assistant Principal Chris Ostermann (BHS ’80).
Colpitts previously taught Social Studies for Burroughs and worked as a Student Support Center TOSA (Teacher on Special Assignment).
“My background as a Burroughs student has a great influence on all of the decisions I make,” said Colpitts. “As hard as it may be to believe, I experienced many of the highs and lows our students face when I was a student here. School was not always an easy process for me, and I faced significant challenges as a student, but I overcame them with hard work and the help of supportive adults and peers.”
Colpitts began supporting the administrative team last year and stepped in full time to replace departing Assistant Principal Cody Pearce, who has since taken a job in Colorado. Among other tasks, Colpitts’ responsibilities include activities, CAASPP assessments, attendance, working with campus security and supervisors, the Student Support Center, study contracts, and technology.
“My day-to-day job is filled from the time I arrive to the time I leave with activities,” said Colpitts. “I am much more involved with extracurricular activities than I was as a teacher. There are parts of this job that are similar to my old job, specifically in the ways that I support students and staff. The foundation of my job is helping teachers be in the best position to support students, and I really enjoy this.”
Colpitts left the classroom a few years ago to run the school’s Student Support Center. Under his efforts, the SSC emerged as a place where students could go to get support for any number of concerns, not just a place to go when they were kicked out of class or in crisis.
Principal Cope alluded to Colpitts’ efforts in the SSC as one of many strengths he brings to the administration team.
“He is very patient when working with students and teachers, and he has a calm demeanor,” said Cope. She also praised his technological know-how and his easy-going attitude.
“Mr. Colpitts is a team player and willing to help out wherever it is needed,” added Cope. “He’s a great addition to the BHS administration team.”
Another trait Cope sees in Colpitts is a willingness to learn or try new things — something Colpitts hopes to instill in BHS students this year.
“I am looking forward to all of our students exploring new things, discovering new interests and success for themselves,” said Colpitts. “You will get as much out of your experience in school as you put into it. If you are present and engaged with your classes, you will learn and grow in amazing ways. If you allow yourself to be vulnerable and try new things, you will discover parts of yourself that will open new pathways for your future and your happiness. School can be challenging but can also be some of the most fun experiences you will have.”
