Threats/Verbal Abuse/Disrespect

SAFE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND CONDUCT

Serious or persistent verbal action that prevents an orderly, neutral, and peaceful learning environment is **prohibited.** Students must respect each other and 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, or national origin.
• Handicapping condition or intellectual ability.

Violations may result in disciplinary action up to **10 days Out-of-School Suspension (OSS).**

**Bullying** is deliberately hurtful behavior repeated often or on isolated occasions, by which one student or a group of students deliberately intimidates or harasses another.

• Name calling, teasing, physical abuse (e.g., hitting, pushing).
• Taking of personal possessions, forcing others to hand over money, or forcing others to do things against one’s will.
• Sending abusive text messages, instant messages, internet emails, and phone messages.

Bullying acts may be motivated by but not limited to:
Racist bullying, sexual bullying, bullying about sexual orientation, bullying about socioeconomic status, disability, appearance, racial or ethnic origin.

Wilkes County Schools has adopted a **strict policy regarding bullying.** Staff will **investigate and pursue administrative action for all reported cases of bullying.**