Bell City schools proud of academics

By Matt Asher

In light of the recent article on area school report cards by Mark Bliss, I felt compelled to write on behalf of the Bell City School District's teachers and students.

We have recently been maligned in the Southeast Missourian over various issues related to our school and our students. However, for some reason, we are often left out of the mix when it comes time to praise the academic accomplishments of our area students. I am writing to inform readers about the accomplishments of the students in the Bell City School District.

Bell City schools compares favorably to the schools listed in the initial Southeast Missourian report. Bell City had the following ranks in each of the individual graded categories:

Attendance rate 3rd 95.5%

High school grad rate 1st (tie) 100%

College attendance rate 7th 57.1%

Student-teacher ratio 3rd 16-to-1

Highly qualified teachers 7th 93.4%

Average teacher experience last 9 years

Teacher's w/advanced degrees last 18.8%

Average teacher salary last $28,329

Students advanced/proficient CA 7th 43.7%

Students advanced/proficient MA 6th 43.35%

ACT composite 11th 19.8

Suspension rate 1st (tie) 0

The teachers and students of this district know that we have a great school. Our school community is dedicated to creating productive citizens for the future. Teachers and students alike work hard on a daily basis to ensure that this is accomplished. We understand that we have some weaknesses, but we are looking for ways to improve. We label our successes on the foundation that we strive to get better everyday.

We recently received confirmation that we have made Distinction in Performance from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. We have received this honor four out of the last five years.

We also are rated in the top 10 for highest performing schools in the state's Missouri Assessment Program testing in fourth-grade math and 11th-grade communication arts.

We appreciate the Southeast Missourian's continued coverage of our athletic teams. However, we would also like to be recognized for the summation of our school successes. I feel that inclusion in newspaper pieces such as the article on school report cards will do just that.

Thank you for your consideration in this matter, and we hope to be included in subsequent features relating to school success.

Matt Asher is principal of Bell City High School.