Jimmy breaks down in tears after Judge DeAngelis threatens to take him away from his family and lock him up in juvenile jail. It has come down to this showdown only after repeated counseling in school, warning letters and visits to his home.
Jimmy is no stranger to truancy court. He has missed 58 of a possible 120 school days so far this year and he waits with his father and grandmother to be brought before the judge.
Jimmy lives in the projects just below Ft. Pitt elementary school. On one of his many suspensions (this time for fighting). Jummy hangs out alone as other students return to class.
Jimmy Thornton is one of a growing number of truants in Allegheny County. His parents were divorced after his father was convicted on sexual assault charges against his children. His grandmother begrudgingly takes care of him. His teachers hate…