Now, if a student is late three times the consequence is Saturday detention. Larry Naifeh said he believes the ''little'' things indicate a larger problem. Naifeh said many students lack discipline. A lot of the behavior is deviant behavior that could turn into criminal behavior,'' Naifeh said. Discipline should begin at home, Naifeh said.
Most families have two working parents, which leaves children home alone.
Lack of supervision easily translates into lack of discipline, he said. Naifeh and others also stressed the importance of positive, adult role models for teens. Phil Lovelace, Voyager Program associate director, said many of the at-risk students who find their way into his program come from households without men. Their families lack structure and the youths feel directionless. Carla Iacona, Michigan City Junior High principal, said truancy tops her list.