Press Release

South Principal Is 2001 Colorado NASSP Principal Of The Year

March 7, 2001

Dr. Shawn Batterberry, for seven years the principal of South High School, has been named the High School Principal of the Year by the Colorado Association of Secondary School Principals.

Batterberry is an "exemplary school leader," stated the announcement from the Colorado Association of School Executives.

An assembly at South High School (1700 E. Louisiana Ave.) on Wednesday, March 21 at 10:00 a.m. will honor Shawn. At that time, he will be presented with an award from the Colorado Association of Secondary School Principals and MetLife Resources
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The Colorado and National Principal of the Year Awards program annually recognizes outstanding secondary school leaders who have succeeded in providing high quality learning opportunities for students. The principals are acknowledged by their peers for their exemplary contributions to the profession.

The selection criteria requires that each honoree demonstrate willingness to take risks, anticipate emerging issues, actively implement the goals and objectives of the school, collaborate with teachers to improve education, foster a positive school climate, involve the community in the life of the school, and demonstrate creativity.

Batterberry's many efforts at the school have resulted in the achievement results climbing from the 49th percentile to the 68th percentile on the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (the 50th percentile is considered the national average on such tests). The school has also moved into the top five Denver high schools for test scores.

South High School houses two career academies - the Academy of Travel and Tourism and the Academy of Finance. The school also serves a large population of students who are learning the English language.

The National Principals of the Year (one for middle level and one for high school) will be selected from among the state honorees and will be announced in October, 2001 in Washington, D.C.