This week's spotlight story on page 1 takes an in-depth look at how the faculty and students of R.L. Austin Elementary School in Georgiana have turned their school around through the help of Principal Alton Abrams and his simple approach to education.

To Abrams, a child that has responsibility and is held accountable will become a better student. And, Abrams has used that approach to develop a group of motivated, interested young people, affectionately known as nerds, who not only take pride in achieving their educational goals, but also take pride in their school.

The results have been higher test scores, better academics and improved conduct and are evidence that when education is approached by appealing to a student's self worth and self esteem there is nothing that cannot be accomplished.

However, parents should remember that a child's education begins at home. Parental involvement is the key to a student's success and we join the Butler County Board of Education in encouraging parents to stay involved in the education of our county's students.

The county is blessed with some fine educators who are determined to see that Butler County students have the same advantages as students in more affluent school districts, but without the help of parents they can find themselves fighting an up-hill battle.

Find a way to get involved in the education of a child. The child will benefit, and the rest of us will as well.