Honor student placed in jail for tardiness and truancy at school (Houston: real estate, home) - Texas (TX) - City-Data Forum

Haver · 05-26-2012, 01:07 AM

Honor student placed in jail for tardiness and truancy at school | kvue.com Austin

Hi,

Came here hoping to catch the local angle on this news story, but I guess no one has started in on it yet. Just wondering if there is a story behind the story, seems a bit weird to me but I'm not trying to start a fight or anything. I'm just trying to understand all the facts here. Also looking for local blogs with comments on this issue.

Any comments and local insight on this? I ask because I'm not from around here, so I feel as if I might be missing something significant. I'm ... having trouble trying to stay neutral and not voice an opinion.

Thanks.

crone · 05-26-2012, 05:38 AM

Truancy is a problem. The school gets paid by the state per kid in a seat when attendance is taken each day. Willis is not getting their $10 a day for her. She might as well just drop out and get them in big trouble. The district has to account for their drop outs.

LostInHouston · 05-26-2012, 09:04 AM

Sounds like it's her parents and legal guardians that need to be thrown in jail. A full time and a part time job for a high school student? I know in Michigan, high school students were limited to how many hours they could work during the school week, and also limited on how late they could work at night.

chris_ut · 05-26-2012, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LostInHouston

Sounds like it's her parents and legal guardians that need to be thrown in jail. A full time and a part time job for a high school student? I know in Michigan, high school students were limited to how many hours they could work during the school week, and also limited on how late they could work at night.

From what I saw her parents got divorced and moved out of state and she stayed behind to finish school but has to work to support herself. Seems like a dick move by the judge to give her a criminal record.

tsongz · 05-26-2012, 11:37 AM

As an Honor student, I've experienced the rigors of school and work at the same time, and it's enough to make anyone want to miss school. Especially since High School honestly doesn't teach you anything you can't learn on Google nor does it teach any necessary life skills. If they had Wealth 101 or wealth 201 or how to close a real estate deal, I would take high school more seriously. Now her, working full time and part time, that's tremendous respect on my part to her and still attending school.

Now, in the state's viewpoint, I also understand that their livelihood depends on the student's attendence. And in the eyes of the law, everybody is equal. It would be baised to treat an honor student differently than a drop out student, and therefore the judge made that decision. So this is really about an ethical and moral dilemma. Should the judge give her sympathy or treat her the same?

Topaz · 05-26-2012, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsongz

It would be baised to treat an honor student differently than a drop out student, and therefore the judge made that decision. So this is really about an ethical and moral dilemma. Should the judge give her sympathy or treat her the same?

I like what a commenter said on the news last night. It is the judge's job to impart wisdom and use discretion, so if the law allows some leeway here, he should have used it.

Sounds like the honor student would be better off finishing school via a home study arrangement if that is possible. That way, she can juggle all the commitments better and then the public school will lose ALL the funding they currently get for her.

Dopo · 05-26-2012, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Topaz

I like what a commenter said on the news last night. It is the judge's job to impart wisdom and use discretion, so if the law allows some leeway here, he should have used it.

They always doing it when they send rich people to "rehab"

Topaz · 05-26-2012, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dopo

They always doing it when they send rich people to "rehab"

Exactly.

savanite · 05-26-2012, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsongz

Now, in the state's viewpoint, I also understand that their livelihood depends on the student's attendence. And in the eyes of the law, everybody is equal. It would be baised to treat an honor student differently than a drop out student, and therefore the judge made that decision. So this is really about an ethical and moral dilemma. Should the judge give her sympathy or treat her the same?

that is a good question.

In my opinion, the judge or the school should not treat honor students the same. They should receive special privileges due to their demonstrated proficiency.

If someone at work does an exemplary job, they are rewarded, with a raise, a promotion, a special parking place, maybe a status symbol of employee of the month. The idea is that if you reward something, you get more of it.

If the school wants to get more exemplary students, they must reward them. If our society wants more exemplary citizens, it likewise must reward them. It's just that simple.

houstonlol · 05-27-2012, 01:53 AM

Welcome to texas, home of the new world order. Oh, and that body of yours...isn't really yours. The state owns it in the name of public safety. Have a nice day, and remember...think of the children like we tell you to, or we'll think of the children for you, in the name of freedom and democracy.