The goal is very clear-cut. The new principal at Robert Lewis Middle School Betty Bell says the school is going to improve.

&uot;We are going to be a Level 3 school next year, and all students are going to be proficient,&uot; Bell said on her second full day on the job.

And Bell, Assistant Principal Edward Reed and lead teachers are already taking steps to climb levels on the state’s ranking system, which goes up through five.

&uot;We have a new motto, Champions of Excellence,&uot; Bell said. &uot;We believe they are champions and we are going to tell them every day until they deliver Level 3, then Level 4, then Level 5.&uot;

Bell found out earlier this week she would be filling the position vacated earlier in the summer by former principal Cynthia Smith.

Bell has been working with the Natchez-Adams District as the math and science curriculum supervisor most recently but was a teacher for 21 years, including two years at RLMS, before moving into administration.

She was the assistant principal at Morgantown Elementary School and Central Alternative School before working in curriculum.

Though the move to RLMS wasn’t in her plans, she said she feels it was what God wanted.

&uot;I felt that I could make a difference, along with the people in the building,&uot; Bell said.

&uot;I want to be in a place where we can make a difference. I like being on the Cinderella team, being an underdog.&uot;

One of Bell’s biggest goals is changing the public’s perception of RLMS. Other goals include decreasing discipline problems and increasing parental and community support.

The administration has already held a general assembly with students that clearly laid out rules and expectations.

&uot;They seem to be very conscientious of the fact that they know what to do,&uot; Bell said.

She also said teachers would work to improve grades and test scores by making sure students know why they scored poorly and how they can do better next time.

Reed, who is starting his third year at the school, said everyone is re-energized and committed to the new year and the new goals. &uot;I am looking forward to realizing the goals Mrs. Bell and I have set out,&uot; Reed said.

Superintendent Anthony Morris said he was glad to have Bell in the position because of her background.

&uot;One of her main strengths is her knowledge of curriculum,&uot; Morris said. &uot;And she’s been a building administrator before.&uot;