I thought it was strange that Arnold was getting away being late to his middle school/ junior high class. What caught my attention was when his teacher Miss Chung told Arnold that this was his third time late to school in a week.

I think most schools required all students arriving late to report to acquire a late or admittance slip from the front office. That's what I clearly remember from attending public school in the 1980s. If you happened to be late twice within the same week, you spent your day at the detention center (in-school-suspension). Your parents were contacted immediately and you didn't see your friends or teachers that day.

I just thought it was strange that school administration wasn't on top of that. I mean Arnold was coming in so late (what was shown) that the dismissal bell sounded.