"It's Always a GREAT day to be a Bruin"
BMS Mission Statement
The Mission of Butler Middle School is to foster rights, respect and responsibility in a supportive school community that ensures all students achieve high levels of learning.
BMS Belief Statements
- Student learning is the chief priority of the school and is the primary focus of all decisions impacting the work of the school.
- Students are most successful when actively engaged in the learning process and are provided with varied course offerings and instructional approaches.
- Each student is a valued individual with unique learning styles and physical, social, emotional and intellectual needs.
- Students, teachers, administrators, parents and the community share the responsibility for advancing the school’s mission.
- Teaching and promoting exemplary citizenship is fundamental to the success of our students and to the preservation of our nation’s democracy.
History of Butler Middle School
Butler Middle School, home of the Bruins, is one of eight middle schools in the Canyons School District. BMS is located in the city of Cottonwood Heights. The community was established in 1877 and called the Butler Precinct. Today our school proudly carries on under the Butler name.
While the original building opened in the 1964-1965 school year, a new building was constructed and opened in the 2013-2014 school year. Designed by VCBO Architecture and constructed by Hughes General Contractors, the physical building was designed to accommodate 1000 students. Currently our student population is 920.
Under the direction of Mr. Marlin A. Fairbourn, the school’s first principal, Butler opened as a junior high school serving students in grades 7, 8, and 9. With a change of educational philosophy, there was a move throughout the Jordan School District to incorporate the “middle school” concept. As a result, beginning in the 1979-80 school year, the sixth grade students were moved from the elementary to middle school and the ninth grade students were moved from middle school to the high school setting. Butler Middle School, therefore, became a middle school serving grades 6, 7, and 8. In the late 1980’s due to financial and population demographics, the Jordan School District changed the configuration back to the original grade divisions.
In 2009, the Canyons School District was created as a separate district from Jordan School District. Then in the 2013-2014 school year, Canyons School District reconfigured all middle schools to the 6-7-8 grade configuration. Presently, Butler Middle School serves grades 6, 7, and 8. This configuration allows for our school to better meet student needs through grade level teaming and a stronger alignment with middle school philosophy.
Since Mr. Fairbourn, there have been eight principals at Butler Middle School (pictures are in our Main Hall): Ms. Beverly Ashby, Ms. Marsha Morgan, and our present principal, Ms. Paula Logan. Assistant Principals have been Ms. Kim Baker, Ms. Corrie Barrett, Mr. Mark Montigue, Ms. Stacy Kurtzhals, Mr. Doug Graham, Mr. Jesse Hennefer, Mr. Jody Wihongi, Mr. Doug Hallenbeck, Ms. Sara Allen, and Mr. Dan Ashbridge.
Our current administrative staff is:
Ms. Paula Logan, Principal (Utah Secondary Principal of the Year 2020-2021)
Ms. Genny Poll, Assistant Principal for students with last names A-L
Ms. Halley Nelson, Assistant Principal for students with last names M-Z
Butler Middle School has housed as many as 1,640 students and as few as 864. BMS currently serves a student body of 920. These students come from diversified and varied socioeconomic backgrounds. In the fall of 2020, Butler Middle had the following ethnic make-up: 75.1% Caucasian; 13.2% Hispanic; 8.3% Multiple Races; 1.4% Asian; 1% Pacific Islander; 1% African America/Black; 0.3% Native American. Current we have 4.3% of our students who are English Language Learners.
Our motto is “It’s always a GREAT day to be a Bruin.” The GREAT theme is seen throughout the school and in our student expectations.
In the sixty years since Butler Middle School opened its doors, the school has proven its value. Visitors to our school are impressed with the high academic performance of the students and the warm and caring atmosphere. BMS students are known for their respectful behavior and their inclusive and caring treatment of peers. Secretaries in our offices are an impressive group of ladies who are friendly and helpful. Faculty and staff are committed to doing all they can to build student success.
Butler Middle School students consistently perform well on all state and national assessments and often lead the district in their scores on state tests. Staff members work to improve their skills and develop programs that support the success of all students.
All classrooms at Butler Middle are equipped with the latest advances in classroom technology including audio-enhancement systems, ceiling mounted projectors, white boards, and document cameras. Each student has a chromebook device and as a school we have additional mobile laptop, iPad and iPod labs. There is an excellent school media center (The GREAT Room) where students have access to a variety of books and online resources.
In addition to their core classes, Butler Middle School students choose from a diverse selection of elective courses including instrumental and choral music, dance, theatre, art, ceramics, world language (French, and Spanish), FCS, and technology courses. We house two Dual Language Immersion Programs—French and Mandarin Chinese.
At BMS we enjoy the services of an active PTSA whose members are in the school often to lend support to students and teachers. BMS also has an active and strong School Community Council. We are grateful to the parents who volunteer their time and efforts and to those many who support our school in other ways.
BMS staff members are noted for their commitment to preparing students for success in their future educational endeavors, careers and personal lives. They are true to the school mission,
“The mission of Butler Middle School is to foster
rights, respect, and responsibility
in a supportive school community
that ensures all students achieve high levels of learning.”
