ATTITUDE ADJUSTING: The L.A. school district forbids...

ATTITUDE ADJUSTING: The L.A. school district forbids flunking students just because they don’t come to class--but many Valley high schools now do just that. Freed from that rule, Birmingham, Chatsworth, Kennedy and Taft give “Fs” for missing 15 or 20 classes a semester (B1). Other schools are interested. . . . Says one principal: “Some students have an attitude that attendance is not important. We want to change that attitude.”

BARS OF MATRIMONY: Movie judges sentence defendants with a scowl, then marry them with a benevolent smile. In real life, some won’t, like San Fernando Judge Michael Hoff who says it’s “a farce to wish them well” after clapping them into prison. Hoff refused to marry singer Rick James and Tanya Hijazi when he sentences them today for assaulting a woman during an orgy (B8) . . . So they lined up a minister for a quick courtroom ceremony before heading to separate cells.

DRESS STRESS: The day it dawns on kids that they are ready, very willing and--by their lights--quite able to choose their own clothes is the last easy day in a parent’s life. By choosing their own clothes--no matter how outrageous--kids are taking an important step toward autonomy. How should parents react? Experts say go with the flow. See Parenting, Page 3

MAKING THE GRADE: School progress reports go out shortly, saying Johnny can’t read. Should parents help? That could make things worse, a veteran teacher says, because “the parent may not have the necessary skills, or is too emotionally involved . . ..” Answer: The right tutor. See Parenting, Page 6

THRILL OF THE HUNT: Pick a gizmo, from citrus juicers to toothbrush holders, and one of the Valley’s 25,000 collectors is sure to treasure it. . . . When life is dull, says one, “collecting gives you that adventure.” See Valley Life! Page 10