Wellington History

  Wellington Junior High School

4001 Wilson Avenue
Wellington, CO 80549 • 488-6600   488-6602 (FAX)

Principal:   Alicia Durand
Assistant Principal:  Michael Martin
Counselor:  Bill Peisner
Grades: 7 – 9
Enrollment: 340
School colors: Maroon & white
School mascot: Bald Eagle

Mission:  Educate every student every day!

Web site: eweb.psdschools.org/schools/welljh

History

Wellington Junior High School opened in 1964 after serving as Wellington High School since 1926. The achievements of the high school students are on display in main entrance of the school, including photos of all the graduates and a short biography about Wellington High School’s most famous graduate, United States Supreme Court Justice Byron White.  The old high school building was torn down in 1993 to make way for our new, state-of-the-art building.  An addition of four classrooms was made in 2002 to address growth in the area.  Wellington Junior High School has several distinguished administrators who have contributed to the success of the school including Ed Rice, principal, Tom Ruhser, assistant principal, Richard Kreutzer, principal.  The Wellington Junior High School Drysdale Gymnasium is named in memory of Bob Drysdale, a teacher and coach here for 17 years, who is honored each year with several awards in his name.  Courage Park, a park adjacent to WJHS property, is named for Nick Gaucher, our 9th grade student, who fought cancer bravely and taught us all about courage, grace and the power of friendship.  

The staff of Wellington Junior High School is made up of the best educators in this area.

 Learning culture

WJHS’s primary purpose is to educate all students to help them fully achieve their potential.
We recognize teaching and learning must be interactive and meaningful and appropriate to
each student’s development and learning style.  WJHS strives to be a safe, nurturing school
where self-confidence, self-worth, achievement and initiative are promoted.  Academic environment
At WJHS, we work together as staff, students, parents and community to:

• Set measurable school goals for which we are accountable.  • Establish and practice high, measurable expectations in classrooms, on our school grounds and in the community, during

academic classes, student activities, and in student leadership.  • Teach fundamental and advanced skills as required by the PSD curriculum, state standards and the school community.  • Support interdisciplinary learning and encourage growth to ensure each student reaches his or her full potential.

• Provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for learning.  • Promote a productive work ethic, and listen to students’ needs.  • Enable students to face, survive and excel in society, keep current with technology, and use critical thinking and reasoning skills.