Math is America&8217;s weakness. Middle school students are typically the lowest performing students in K-12 education. Combine both factors and you&8217;ve got the Achilles heel of our educational system.

Across the nation, middle school children historically score low on math exams. Educational experts are aware of the problem and are working to fix it, but its not always that easy.

Based on scores released Thursday, Robert Lewis Middle School did the nearly unbelievable. Seventh- and eighth-graders improved their math scores. And for that, Natchez should celebrate. Throw a party, even.

Our middle school children did not and will not improve without all of us. Principal Bettye Bell is the first to tell you that. She may be a great principal with a staff of great teachers, but students don&8217;t succeed without parents, neighbors, city leaders and friends.

Bell is quick to attribute the success of last year to a group of ministers who spent time mentoring in the school. And she&8217;s quick to beg for more support for the coming year.

The RLMS students met their goal, a goal middle school students across the country struggle to reach. We have to reward them.

Next time you pass a RLMS student, pat him on the back, congratulate him, throw him a party. And make sure you tell them we expect no less next year.

Our students will only reach as far as we set the bar.