|
Fitzsimmons Middle School opened January 1980. The school is one of the pioneer middle schools in the state, implementing the team concept, block scheduling, and GO classes, which are the key elements of middle school philosophy. In 1992 the school was enlarged to include a gymnasium, locker room, and four classrooms. In 2001 the existing facility was given a facelift and a two-story addition attached to the gymnasium. The addition houses our high school academic wing, the eighth grade students, a new library, and a spectacular eating area called the Canyon Room.
The school is named after Jesse Ball (J. B.) Fitzsimmons, a lifetime resident of Shawnee and Park County. Jess’s father, Charles, homesteaded the area which is now known as Burland. Jess grew up with his brother, Perry, farming and ranching. As a young man, Jess followed in his dad’s footsteps and joined the forest service and served the people in Park County as a forest ranger from 1916-1936. After retiring from the forest service, Jess was either appointed or elected county commissioner for three terms until 1974. While working as a forest ranger and commissioner, Jess continued to run his Hereford cattle ranch with as many as 500 head. One of the biggest events in the Canyon was the semi-annual cattle drive right up hwy 285 to Geneva Park. As a local cattle rancher and personality, Jess was known in the county for his wit, honesty, and extreme hard work.
|
