Posted on 02/21/2011 9:52:37 AM PST by inflorida
TAMPA Head hanging low, he stood near an East Tampa street corner for nearly four hours Wednesday afternoon.
James Mond III, 15, wore a sign around his neck with a message:
"I did 4 questions on my FCAT and said I wasn't going to do it GPA 1.22 honk if I need (an) education."
People honked. Lots of people.
This was his mother's idea. Ronda Holder, 33, a Tampa hair stylist, said she wanted James to realize the importance of an education, afraid he will otherwise wind up on the street.
"I don't want any of my kids to stand by the side of the road asking for change," said Holder, the niece of a former Tampa police chief.
By Thursday, her plan had a life of its own. A local TV crew turned James' punishment into evening news. Franklin Middle School enrolled the teen in after-school tutoring. The Department of Children and Families came to Holder's home to interview James.
DCF spokesman Terry Field said the punishment might legally be considered bizarre, a form of maltreatment.
Experts cautioned that the punishment was extreme and likely ineffective.
(Excerpt) Read more at tampabay.com ...
I applaud this mom. The experts might consider that mom and dad are experts of the limitations faced by people who do not finish highschool.
I don't think his parents waited until he was 15 to start parenting. From the article, it sounds like he had been doing well until a fairly recent attitude change on his part.
People might wonder if James has a learning disability. He has never been tested, his mother said. Until the middle of seventh grade, his grades were fine.
Still, his GPA is 1.22 HIGHER THAN OBAMA!
The mother’s a hairstylist too. I’ll bet she styled her son’s hair to save money on hoodies. Lady’s brilliant. ;-)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.