Principal of Innovative School to Be Honored

Over the last decade and a half, Imperial Middle School’s innovative programs in math, reading, science and counseling as well as its community projects routinely have been recognized and imitated for their success.

Now, the honor will go to Betty Bidwell, the principal at the helm of the La Habra school’s programs for 15 years. The Assn. of California Administrators, a professional organization of principals, superintendents and other school officials throughout the state, next month will give her the prestigious Middle School Administrator of the Year award.

Bidwell, who has passed up opportunities to become a district administrator, says she’s doing the job she most enjoys.

“I still have things I want to improve at my school,” Bidwell said Monday in her office, where pictures and gifts from current and former students, teachers and parents decorate the walls. “It still excites me.”

Her mission is to continually improve academic achievement. “I really believe if kids are happy, they will do well in school,” she said.

Under Bidwell’s leadership, Imperial recently became the only school in the state to get a seismometer. It’s hooked up to a computer in a science class, where students check out daily earthquake reports all over the world.

She implemented a program in which reading is taught in every academic subject, and every teacher participates in a project that teaches students conflict resolution and leadership skills. The popular Peer Assistance League, in which students help each other with homework, was created and launched at Imperial 10 years ago.

Imperial also is one of four in the state that serves as a model for other schools. It received the state’s highest honor, the “California Distinguished School Award,” in 1992 and 1994.

“I really admire her style and everything she’s done,” said language arts teacher Robert T. Caplinger, an Imperial alumnus.

Added La Habra City School District Supt. Richard Hermann: “Betty cares about each student. . . . She really gives them their start on the road to educational success.”