1. Bellaire Public Schools James R. Emery, Superintendent
204 W. Forest Home Ave. James R. Emery, Secondary Principal
Bellaire, MI 49615-9565 Kristi Poel, Elem/MS Principal
Brad Fischer, Athletic Director
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release Contact:
March 18, 2011 James Emery, Superintendent
Bellaire Public Schools
(231) 533-8015
jemery@bellaire.tbaisd.k12.mi.us
Distinguished School for
‘Exceptional Student Performance’
Bellaire John R. Rodger Elementary recognized for student improvement by
Michigan Department of Education
Bellaire, MI ---- The hard work and dedication of teachers and support staff at John R. Rodger
Elementary School in Bellaire has attracted the attention of the Michigan Department of
Education (MDE) which recently selected the school as a Distinguished School for
“Exceptional Student Performance” for making significant growth in elementary student
achievement results.
John R. Rodger Elementary was one of seven Title I schools in the state of Michigan
identified for making significant growth in student assessment results over a two-year period. By
comparing the ranked lists of proficiency in both English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics
from 2008-09 to 2009-10, Bellaire students show meaningful gains. This was determined by the
number of students moving from one category of proficiency to the next. Growth in both of these
subjects is noted as a significant accomplishment.
The successful results stem from three years of collaboration and strategic development
between John R. Rodger Elementary teachers, TBAISD Instructional Services Team members,
and support staff. Following the model of Response to Intervention (RTI) philosophy the teams
integrate assessment and intervention within a multi-level prevention system intended to
maximize student achievement and reduce behavior problems. With RTI, schools identify
students at risk for poor learning outcomes, monitor student progress, provide evidence-based
interventions and adjust the intensity and nature of those interventions depending on a student’s
responsiveness. Professional Learning Communities are used by teachers to discuss data collected
through scheduled assessments and to share best practices. Elementary Principal Kristi Poel says,
“Our students are increasing their achievement levels thanks to the staff's dedication to
excellence. I am very proud of their commitment to the children in our district.”
Continued>>>
Phone (231) 533-8141 Phone (231) 533-8015 Phone (231)
533-8916
Fax (231) 533-6797 Fax (231) 533-8244 Fax (231) 533-9214
Superintendent/Principal Athletic Office Elementary Principal

2. Bellaire Public Schools James R. Emery, Superintendent
204 W. Forest Home Ave. James R. Emery, Secondary Principal
Bellaire, MI 49615-9565 Kristi Poel, Elem/MS Principal
Brad Fischer, Athletic Director
Page 2: Distinguished School for ‘Exceptional Student Performance’
In a letter sent by the director of MDE Office of Field Services to Bellaire Superintendent James
Emery, the following was said, “We recognize the hard work and dedication necessary to make
significant changes. This accomplishment supports the position of the State Board of Education,
No Child Left Behind (NCLB), and MDE, that ALL students can learn when given great
instruction on a focused and aligned curriculum by dedicated educators and a supportive
community. The efforts of the entire staff are reflected in your student proficiency scores.”
John R. Rodger Elementary School will be recognized and presented with a certificate of
achievement at the Schools Improvement Conference in Lansing in April.
# # # # #
Phone (231) 533-8141 Phone (231) 533-8015 Phone (231)
533-8916
Fax (231) 533-6797 Fax (231) 533-8244 Fax (231) 533-9214
Superintendent/Principal Athletic Office Elementary Principal