By Margaret Voelzke
Central Elementary School began the 2013 school year under a new system of rules. The 25 rules are called “The Bear Essentials” after the school’s mascot. They come from the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, which developed 55 rules that emphasize respect and community building. The Clark system also divides schools into four color-coded teams. At Central, a county school located in Lexington, teams work to earn points by behaving well, helping others and being respectful. Some faculty and Principal Ryan Barber say the system is already changing Central for the better.