students late to class during fight

By JULIE FINLEY

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ &045; A Thursday morning fight at Robert Lewis Middle School led to mass suspensions Friday and a stern message that certain behaviors will not be tolerated.

Principal Bettye Bell said a fight between two students became a larger problem around 8:05 a.m. when the tardy bell rang and a large group of students, roughly 200, did not report to class.

The group of students was gathering around the fight in front of the school and additional pushing and shoving occurred, Bell said.

The students were given a second warning to get to class and Bell said several ministers, a counselor, teacher, security guard and herself verbally told the students to head to class.

After the second warning Bell told teachers to man their doors and record names of students not in the class.

The students not in class received one day of suspension to be taken Friday or traded for Saturday detention.

&uot;We are trying to make sure we have order and a safe environment,&uot; Bell said. &uot;It was not a riot situation but it was the type of fight that could have developed into a riot had the students stayed outside in chaos.&uot;

Exact numbers of students suspended were not available and Bell would not estimate, but did say 40 students would report to dentition today.

Superintendent Anthony Morris said he was unsure of the exact number of suspensions but said a rough estimate would be between 75 and 100.

Bell and Morris said they fielded several calls and visits from upset parents throughout the day Friday.

&uot;Safety, discipline and academics are most important,&uot; Bell said. &uot;We had close to 600 who came in and followed the school rules.

&uot;The decisions that I make will not always be pleasing to all.&uot;

Bell, who started as the new RLMS principal in August, has said improving discipline and academics are top priority for the school.

Morris said he respects Bell’s decision and thinks she is working hard toward improving RLMS.

&uot;This is an example of that discipline,&uot; he said. &uot;It’s just like junior high students to want to rush up and see what’s going on and a number of them were late getting to class. I have to give her credit.&uot;

The students who chose to attend school Friday will report for detention today at 8 a.m. and stay until noon. Bell said it will be a detention setting, but said the students will be using the time to work on their math and language skills for the annual Mississippi Curriculum Test, a statewide test that carries high stakes for the school and the students.

&uot;We are here to change our school academically and behaviorally,&uot; Bell said. &uot;We want them to know there are consequence for your behavior.&uot;

Bell and Assistant Principal Edward Reed will be in the building today manning the detention.