Poverty in Panola County

I went to a public school in Mississippi, so I have witnessed poverty in a school before.  However, at New Albany High School there was a relatively low amount of visibly impoverished kids.  Sure, we had plenty of poor kids at New Albany, but it never seemed like a big deal.  Needless to say, things are a little bit different at North Panola High School.  It seems that at least ninety percent of the kids are dealing with true poverty, and I don't think that is an exaggeration.

I have made a few observations about the effects of poverty on the children at North Panola.  Firstly, I think the poverty experienced by these kids has created a culture in which education is not as valued as is being able to defend one's self verbally and physically.  There are a lot of angry kids at North Panola High School, and I think this is because of the environments these kids have grown up in.   Losing one's reputation seems to be more important to the kids at North Panola than losing one's opportunity for education. 

I have also noticed that without fail the kids with more money do much better in school.  When I am on duty outside the school I notice what kind of cars these kids get dropped off in or whether or not they walk to school.  Every time I have seen a kid I know get out of a nice car on his way to school he or she is doing well in my class.  When I see a kid getting out of a not so nice car he or she is doing poorly in my class.  Poverty and academic performance seem to be directly linked in this instance. 

The kids that I know pay for lunch inevitably do better in school as well.  I do not know why money seems to have such an effect on academic performance.  My only guess is that the more fortunate kids grow in more stable environments where they are encouraged to do well.  Academic achievement is deemed more valuable than maintaining a "rep."