A public school principal had some thought-provoking things to say when she spoke to the local Rotary club. Bettye Bell, administrative principal at Robert Lewis Middle School told Rotarians that she and others working in the public schools need their help &045;&045; as mentors and friends.

Bell, in her first year at the school of 800 students in seventh and eighth grades, has made a name for herself during the first semester of the school year, as she has made strict rules to control students’ behavior. The rules of discipline are what she sees as the first step toward improving the school. And parents have not always been cooperative.

Joined by the Rev. Clifton Marvel, who is one of a group of ministers who serve as mentors at the school, Bell told her audience that up to 70 to 75 percent of the children in the middle school have no male role model in the home. Marvel said discipline being enforced by Bell and supported by the Natchez-Adams County School Board must have the support of the community, also. He pointed out that only a few disruptive students make it difficult for the majority of the students to do what they come to school to do &045;&045; learn their lessons.

We support the idea of more community involvement in the public schools. Many ways exist for individuals and businesses to help. Anyone can adopt a class or support a school with volunteer time. And the payback can be enormous for the students, the schools and the people who become involved supporters.Bell emphasized the importance of having strong public schools in order to attract new business and industry. She pointed out that potential industrial developers who visit a city want to know the status of three things &045;&045; public schools, health-care facilities and law enforcement.

We urge Democrat readers to give thought to ways they might make a difference in our public schools. Bettye Bell would be happy to make suggestions.