Behavior Expectations
We must show respect for the property and rights of others in our school community. Each student has the right to learn. Each teacher has the right to teach. Conduct which threatens these basic rights is unacceptable.
Bus Behavior
All students riding buses are expected to conduct themselves in such a manner that the drivers are not disturbed or distracted in their efforts to drive the buses safely. Riding the bus is a privilege, not a right.
Refer to the bus contract for more information on bus procedures and expectations.
Expectations
Physical Assault or Personal Injury: No student shall assault, or cause, or attempt to cause, physical injury to any student or school employee on or off campus or on school-sponsored trips or events.
Fighting: No student shall resolve a disagreement or attempt to resolve a disagreement with another student through a struggle or with the use of physical force (i.e. blows, slapping, hair pulling, pushing, punching, kicking, etc). Students involved will be subject to assault, public affray, and/or destruction of school property charges. Students who engage in watching; encourage through providing information that creates an altercation; and any other involvement leading to an altercation will be subject to disciplinary consequences including out-of-school-suspension. Self-defense does not include returning swings or physical contact with the individual. Students will receive appropriate discipline as determined by the administration who return punches, blows, slaps, pulls or pushes, and kicks. Keep in mind that fighting will result in a minimum of an out of school suspension and notification to law enforcement.
Reasonable Force: North Carolina law (G.S. 115C-390-391) provides that school personnel may use reasonable force…to control behavior or to remove a person from the scene in situations when necessary:
● To quell a disturbance threatening injury to others
● To obtain possession of weapons or other dangerous objects on the person or within control of a student
● For self-defense
● For the protection of persons or property
● For the protection of persons or property
Search and Seizure: The school and school facilities are the property of the Wilkes County Schools. No items in violation of the civil laws or school policies should exist on school property (such as drugs, weapons, etc). Students and student vehicles can be searched at the discretion of the administration.
Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment. Such conduct has the purpose of unreasonably interfering with an employee’s work or student’s educational performance by creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. When evidence of sexual harassment is established, disciplinary action will be taken. Examples of sexual harassment include:
● unwelcome touching
● suggestions or demands for sexual involvement
● implied promises of preferential treatment or threats relating to sexual favors
● pressure for sexual activity
● continued or repeated offensive sexual flirtations, advances, or propositions
● sexually degrading words used toward an individual or to describe an individual
● suggestive objects, illustrations (pictures), telecommunications of a sexual or threatening nature
Stealing: No student shall steal or attempt to steal from a fellow student, faculty, or staff member. Students are not to be in possession of stolen items at school, on school-sponsored transportation, or at school-sponsored events. This will result in disciplinary action.
Threats/Verbal Abuse/Disrespect: Serious or persistent verbal action that prevents an orderly and peaceful learning environment is prohibited. Students must respect not only each other but respond to written or verbal directions given by all school personnel. Cursing or using vulgar or abusive language, including remarks intended to demean a person’s race, religion, sex, national origin, handicapping condition, or intellectual ability are specifically prohibited. A student will be subject to disciplinary action for violations. Bullying is deliberately hurtful behavior repeated often over a period of time or on isolated occasions, by which one student or group of students deliberately intimidates or harasses another. Specific acts of bullying may include but are not limited to name calling, teasing, physical abuse (e.g., hitting, pushing, pinching, or kicking), taking of personal possessions, sending abusing text messages, instant messages, internet emails, and phone messages, forcing others to hand over money, forcing others to do things against one’s will, attacking others in a way due to religion, gender, sexuality, disability, appearance, racial, or ethnic origin. Specific reasons that motivate bullying acts may include but are not limited to the following: racist bullying, sexual bullying, bullying about sexual orientation, bullying about socioeconomic status or disability. Wilkes County Schools has adopted a strict policy regarding bullying and staff will investigate and pursue administrative action for all reported cases of bullying.
Tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, and electronic vaporizers: We are committed to creating a safe, orderly, clean and inviting school for all students and staff members. The Board of Education also supports state laws that prohibit the selling or distribution of tobacco products to minors and federal law prohibiting smoking in all school buildings. In support of the Board of Education’s commitments and state and federal law, students are prohibited from using or possessing any tobacco product or electronic cigarette. An electronic cigarette is defined as a cigarette-shaped device containing a nicotine-based liquid that is vaporized and inhaled, used to simulate the experience of smoking tobacco (1) in any school building, school vehicle or on the school grounds at any time; (2) at any school-related activity, including athletic events; or (3) at any time when the student is subject to the supervision of school personnel, including field trips.