Where are we headed in our schools? We are working on everything making it better for our children. Better teachers, more materials to help with the learning.

But, the children are not there. About 40 percent of our students are not at school mentally. Their bodies are in the seats and their little minds are on the other side of town (dealing with problems at home and even at school.)

What do we do? We are making sure everything is learning perfect and in order, but what good is it if our children are not learning? The behavior is out of control, the children do not know how to separate their home life from school. They do what they want to and their parents allow them to do so. Parents tell the children you have rights. Yes they do, but to do what they will or may is not their rights. Their rights are to get a good education.

Well, you cannot get one if you are not being taught how to control your behavior at home. It’s all right however you act in school. You just lost your RIGHTS!

If you notice, our schools have been on a downward direction since we took God out of the equation. And until you put Him back we are headed for destruction. Where there is no God there is no control.

I have been in the school district for over 40 years and this is the worst I’ve seen. Students are disrespectful, angry and their parents haven’t said or done anything. The law says you cannot make your child behave — by spanking, or speaking in a serious tone. But a lot of times the tone of your voice makes all the difference. Most of the rule-makers today can look back on their youths and can remember their parents or grandparents disciplining them and it was not all positive.

Positive is wonderful when you have done the right thing and praise is given. They told you what you did wrong in such a way you knew they were not playing with you; they meant business. We must be positive where it’s needed and firm where it’s needed. When you do the wrong thing, correction is given not praise.

The Bible says to train the child in the way he should go — not let go wild. The parents’ examples are a joke. The children see everything in the book and some that have not been published yet.

Dear God, there better be a change soon before it cannot be turned around. We are losing our children every day.

Put God back in our school and see the change in our city, state and the world. We all must start praying today, so that we can get our children back on track.

Annie Chiles

Vicksburg