Boy spends break holding bad grades sign

KENDALL, Fla., March 12 (UPI) -- A Florida middle school student who brought home three failing grades said he is spending his spring break holding a sign on a street corner.

Michael Bell Jr., a Kendall 7th grader, said his parents decided to have him hold the sign at a busy intersection after he brought home three failing grades on his report card, WSVN-TV, Miami, reported Monday.

"Hey, I want to be a class clown. Is it wrong?" the front of the sign reads.

The back of the sign reads: "I'm in the 7th grade and got 3 F's. Blow your horn if there's something wrong with that."

The boy's parents said they are hoping the punishment will inspire Michael to get better grades.

"I don't know any other way, I'm trying to reach him. He doesn't want to be reached, and this is my last resort," Michael Bell Sr. said.

Bell said he and his wife are making sure Michael is safe and that he has plenty of food and water.

The younger Bell said he is already planning changes for the new marking period.

"I'm sorry that it has to get to this point and that when I get back to school, I'm going to do better," he said.