The following are letters from Southwest Area Superintendent Irene Jordan and new Interim Principal William Kohut regarding changes at South High School (1700 E. Louisiana Ave). If anyone is interested in enrolling at South for the 2002-2003 school year, walk-In registration days will be held August 6 and 7. School starts August 19.

The complete text follows:

Members of the South High School Community,

Since the close of the school year in May, a couple of important events have taken place which impact the South High School community. On Friday, June 7, 2002 Dr. Shawn Batterberry announced his resignation from the Denver Public Schools. Dr. Batterberry has departed South High School to pursue new educational endeavors.

The administration of the Denver Public Schools has appointed an Interim Principal at South High School. This appointment will facilitate a smooth transition and allow the South High School CDM to have input into the appointment of a permanent principal. The Southeast Area Office is pleased to announce that Mr. William Kohut will serve as Interim Principal for the 2002-2003 school year.

Mr. Kohut has been a staff member at South High School for 14 years serving as a teacher, student activities director, and assistant principal. He brings to this position a strong knowledge of South High School and the South High School Community. Many of you who have had the opportunity to work with him know how dedicated he is to South High School. I have a great deal of confidence that Mr. Kohuth will provide the kind of leadership that will support the continued excellence of South High School.

Sincerely,
Dr. Irene Martinez Jordan
Southeast Area superintendent

Dear Parents and Students,

Greetings from South High School! As I begin my new role as Interim Principal at South High School I want to take a few moments to share with you my vision, and two important goals for South High School during the 2002-2003 school year.

My vision for South High School is to develop an environment where students, staff, and parents work together to enhance student achievement and develop a thriving educational center within the community. After reflecting on my past 14 years at South High School I have developed two goals for the start of this school year. I hope to open lines of communication with the South High School community and facilitate a process that will lead to more parental participation. My second goal is to work with the entire staff to provide all students with a challenging and rewarding experience, both academically, and through participation in activities.

Over the past few years the staff of South High School has worked hard to develop many programs that correlate to my vision. Many exciting programs are in place for the start of this school year. South High School has developed a new Advanced Placement track for students with an expanded offering of courses, the Academy Programs keep on growing, and partnerships with local colleges continue to form. Additionally, South High School will implement a new literacy program this fall that includes the addition of a reading and writing center. These programs are all vital to the success of our students.

Together, we can make a difference, and I hope the start of this school year will be the beginning of a new journey for South High School. I look forward to working with you to make South High School a premier high school.

If at any time you should have a question, please feel free to call me at 303-698-6041. Have a terrific summer and look for important registration information in late July.

Sincerely,
William M. Kohut
Interim Principal
South High School