Behavior Expectations

All decisions related to student behavior are guided by the Wilkes County Board of Education's educational objective to teach responsibility and respect for cultural and ideological differences, as well as by the board's commitment to creating safe, orderly, and inviting schools. Student behavior policies are provided to establish (1) expected standards of student behavior; (2) principles to be followed in managing student behavior; (3) consequences for prohibited behavior or drug/alcohol policy violations; and (4) required procedures for addressing misbehavior. Please refer to WCS Policy 4300, Student Behavior, for more information. Violations of the Code of Student Conduct must be dealt with in accordance with the guidelines established in the school's behavior management plan (see WCS Policy 4302, School Plan for Management of Student Behavior).

Students must comply with the Code of Student Conduct in the following circumstances:

while in any school building or on any school premises before, during, or after school hours;
while on any bus or other vehicle as part of any school activity;
while waiting at any school bus stop;
during any school-sponsored activity or extracurricular activity;
when subject to the authority of school employees; and
at any place or time when the student’s behavior has or is reasonably expected to have a direct and immediate impact on the orderly and efficient operation of the schools or the safety of individuals in the school environment.

PBIS: Our schools follow the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework. PBIS is a part of our daily curriculum and is developed by each school to improve student behavior. It is used with all students across all environments (classroom, lunchroom, restrooms, hallways, playgrounds, buses) to help schools create effective learning environments. All schools in Wilkes County implement this behavior support system.

Why do we use Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports? Schools that implement school-wide positive behavior interventions and supports are interested in identifying and teaching expected student behaviors, finding ways to reinforce and reward those behaviors, and enforcing consistent, meaningful consequences when violations occur. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports is a planned approach to addressing students' behavioral needs in a school. Parents are important to success, and many choose to use a similar system at home. Our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports consists of three steps:

→ Step 1: Identify and Teach Expected Behavior

Our schools have identified expectations across all environments, particularly in areas where data indicate improvements are needed. These expectations will vary across different areas of the school (cafeteria, classroom, etc.). Examples of expected behaviors in all areas of our school are taught within the first two weeks of school and retaught after long breaks (or as needed). The expectations are clearly posted throughout the buildings.

→ Step 2: Positively Reinforce and Reward Expected Behaviors

When students meet school-wide expectations, school staff will note their success with positive reinforcement. Students will earn points or tickets by showing positive behavior. These points/tickets will be used for a variety of incentives that students can earn, such as Fun Friday and classroom rewards. Extra rewards might include weekly drawings, special privileges, or recognition during student assemblies. All staff (principal, teachers, lunchroom staff, bus drivers, librarians, custodians, etc.) will use the system.

→ Step 3: Enforce Meaningful Consequences for Violations

In addition to teaching and rewarding positive behaviors, our schools have identified a consistent way to respond to problem behavior when it occurs. This will help everyone to know what behaviors violate the expectations. Problem behaviors typically fall under the categories of minor or major problems. Minor behaviors are handled by building staff or the classroom teacher, and major violations are managed by administrative staff. ** Note: 4 minor discipline incidents equal one office discipline referral.

Levels of School-Wide Support: Schools that use Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports create and maintain supports to meet the needs of all students. These supports are based on the understanding that specific behaviors need to be taught, not just expected. However, even with Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports in place, about 10-15% of students will need additional support to be successful. A continuum of support is described below.

→ Tier 1: Universal systems of support (school-wide behavior support)

Behavioral support is provided for ALL students throughout the school. These supports might include: social skills instruction, proactive positive discipline, taught behavior expectations, active supervision and monitoring, positive reinforcement, fair and corrective discipline, parent collaboration, or other means.

→ Tier 2: Small group systems of support

This level of support provides additional help for 10-15% of students who need more support. Interventions are more intensive and are for a smaller number of students. They are often provided in small groups and include social skills groups, conflict resolution, self-management programs, adult mentors (checking in), small-group instruction, or other means.

→ Tier 3: Targeted systems of support (focused on the individual child)

These systems of support are intensive and for a few students with problem behaviors. These supports are used when universal and group/classroom supports are not effective in teaching behavioral skills in all settings. About 5% of students need this more intensive level of support. It might include: individual academic support, intensive social skills instruction, functional behavior assessments (FBA), behavior intervention plans (BIP), supervision and monitoring, interagency collaboration, intensive collaboration with family, intensive family-based interventions when appropriate, or other means.

Family Involvement in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports

Teaching a behavior that schools expect to see works best when there is consistency across home and school settings. When a student has challenging behavior at school, a strong partnership between the school and family is important. Family involvement is a key feature when developing positive behavior support plans for students with special needs. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports is a school-wide approach to helping all students learn to self-manage behaviors. However, parent involvement is extremely important in all aspects of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. When parents are involved, children's outcomes are better.

RRES Behavior Matrix: The Blue Jay Way

Attribute	Classroom	Hallways	Cafeteria	Recess	Restroom	Dismissal
R Respectful	Use kind words Wait your turn Actively listen Voice level 1	Keep hands, feet, and belongings to yourself Walk quietly Voice level 0	Follow directions Use good manners Voice level 2	Take turns Follow directions Voice level 4	Give other kids their space Always flush Voice level 2	Follow directions Use your walking feet Voice level 2
R Responsible	Take care of yourself Follow directions	Use your walking feet Follow directions	Use your time to eat and talk to your friends Clean up after yourself	Tell an adult when someone needs help Listen for directions	Clean up after yourself Get the job done quickly	Keep hands, feet, and belongings to yourself Keep your bookbag zipped
E Engaged	Try your best every day Participate in class	Be aware that others are learning Stay in your place in line	Help other students in need Pay attention Stay in your place in line	Be a good sport Include everyone	Wait your turn Turn the water off when you're finished	Listen to all adults and radios Be patient
S Safe	Keep hands, feet, and belongings to self Stay in your personal space	Walk on the right side Pay attention to your surroundings	Stay in your seat Watch where you are going Stay in your personal space	Use recess equipment the right way Stay in your area	Wash your hands with soap and water Keep water in the sink	Stay in your seat Sit with bottom to bottom, back to back, and feet on the floor

Disciplinary Actions

Minor and Major student Discipline incidents are documented in Infinite Campus and are part of a student’s record. Wilkes County Schools use this digital platform to document and track incidents of student behavior. It supports teachers and administrators in recording discipline referrals, monitoring patterns, and using data to promote a positive school climate through consistent practices. Behavior incidents are categorized as minors or majors.

Minor Behaviors	Major Behaviors
Classroom/Teacher-Managed	Office/Admin-Managed
Inappropriate Behaviors/Language Non-directed profanity, rude gestures Name calling, teasing/put-downs Use of inappropriate words, such as "shut up," "sucks," etc. Minor Physical Contact Unsafe play/horseplay, running in building, pushing, tackling, tripping, unnecessary touching Defiance/Non-Compliance Refusal to follow rules, uncooperative behaviors, temper tantrums, arguing Disrespect Out of assigned area Inappropriate statements to peers Littering, unprepared, off task Rolling eyes, talking back Disruptive behavior (interrupting instruction) Excessive talking out/calling out, tattling Repeatedly out of seat/area Throwing non-dangerous objects Talking/excessive distracting others Dress Code Violation Refer to dress code in handbook Disrespecting Property Using any equipment for any purpose other than its intended use including personal and school property Inappropriate Use of Technology Using personal or school technology in an inappropriate, but minor way (e.g., not on approved website, cell phone interrupts class).	Fighting/Physical Aggression/Assault Punching, hitting, slapping, kicking, biting, hair pulling, pinching, scratching, forceful push that results in fall/injury, excessive horseplay, etc. Flipping furniture, throwing large or dangerous items Bullying/Harassment/Communicating Threats Verbal exploitation of a sexual and non-sexual nature Repeated use of teasing/name calling Intimidation Serious verbal. gesture, or physical threats Repetitive Behaviors 4 minor incidents of the same behavior Aggressive/Abusive Language Profanity/swearing toward others Sexually inappropriate comments Blatant verbal disrespect toward staff Theft/Vandalism/Forgery In possession of, having passed on, or being responsible for removing someone else's property Signing a person's name without that person's permission Participating in an activity that results in destruction or disfigurement of property Violation of WCS Policies Inappropriate use of Technology Substantial Disruptions to the Learning Environment Possession or use of Weapons, Dangerous Substances, Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco, or Vapes Bomb Threat, Arson, Possession or use of Weapons, Property Damage, Vandalism, Forgery/Theft Bullying, Sexual Harassment Academic Dishonesty

Minor Behaviors

Major Behaviors

Classroom/Teacher-Managed

Office/Admin-Managed

Inappropriate Behaviors/Language

Non-directed profanity, rude gestures
Name calling, teasing/put-downs
Use of inappropriate words, such as "shut up," "sucks," etc.

Minor Physical Contact

Unsafe play/horseplay, running in building, pushing, tackling, tripping, unnecessary touching

Defiance/Non-Compliance

Refusal to follow rules, uncooperative behaviors, temper tantrums, arguing

Disrespect

Out of assigned area
Inappropriate statements to peers
Littering, unprepared, off task
Rolling eyes, talking back

Disruptive behavior (interrupting instruction)

Excessive talking out/calling out, tattling
Repeatedly out of seat/area
Throwing non-dangerous objects
Talking/excessive distracting others

Dress Code Violation

Refer to dress code in handbook

Disrespecting Property

Using any equipment for any purpose other than its intended use including personal and school property

Inappropriate Use of Technology

Using personal or school technology in an inappropriate, but minor way (e.g., not on approved website, cell phone interrupts class).

Fighting/Physical Aggression/Assault

Punching, hitting, slapping, kicking, biting, hair pulling, pinching, scratching, forceful push that results in fall/injury, excessive horseplay, etc.
Flipping furniture, throwing large or dangerous items

Bullying/Harassment/Communicating Threats

Verbal exploitation of a sexual and non-sexual nature
Repeated use of teasing/name calling
Intimidation
Serious verbal. gesture, or physical threats

Repetitive Behaviors

4 minor incidents of the same behavior

Aggressive/Abusive Language

Profanity/swearing toward others
Sexually inappropriate comments
Blatant verbal disrespect toward staff

Theft/Vandalism/Forgery

In possession of, having passed on, or being responsible for removing someone else's property
Signing a person's name without that person's permission
Participating in an activity that results in destruction or disfigurement of property

Violation of WCS Policies

Inappropriate use of Technology
Substantial Disruptions to the Learning Environment
Possession or use of Weapons, Dangerous Substances, Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco, or Vapes
Bomb Threat, Arson, Possession or use of Weapons, Property Damage, Vandalism, Forgery/Theft
Bullying, Sexual Harassment
Academic Dishonesty

Minor Incident Referrals

1st Minor: Conference and reteach with student, contact parents

2nd Minor: Conference and reteach with student, contact parents

3rd Minor: Above + referral to counselor

4th Minor: Above + referral to office

In-School Suspension: Any student assigned in-school suspension (ISS) for a full day by the administration will report to the office from 7:50 until 3:05 pm. Students who have received multiple in-school suspensions may be suspended from school by the administration. Students may also be considered for alternative placements if behavior is a continuous issue. If a student is assigned to ISS for a full day by the administration, they may not attend any school functions, field trips, or sporting events, or participate in any sport (practice and/or game).

Dismissal, Suspension, and Expulsion: Suspension and/or expulsion of a student from school is considered the most serious punishment. A student may be suspended for a particular act or for repeated or consistent acts or violations of policy. The basis for the suspension and expulsion of students in public schools is outlined in G.S. 115C-391. The principal of a school or his designee shall have authority to suspend for a period of 10 days or less any student who willfully violates policies of conduct established by the local school board; provided that a student suspended pursuant to this subsection shall be provided an opportunity to take any quarterly, semester, or grading period examinations missed during the suspension period. Any student whose actions endanger the health or well-being of students or staff will be assigned OSS. Students who violate the substance abuse policy will be assigned to OSS. They must make up work in accordance with the county attendance policy. The suspended student is forbidden from entering any school or any school grounds (except for a prearranged conference with an administrator), attending any day or night school functions, including weekend functions of the Wilkes County Schools, or riding a school bus during the term of the suspension. Violation of this provision shall be cause for additional disciplinary action.

Harassment/Bullying: At our school, we want every student to feel safe, respected, and valued. Bullying or harassment of any kind is not allowed—whether it happens in the classroom, on the playground, on the bus, online, or during any school activity. This includes teasing, threats, name-calling, spreading rumors, physical harm, unwanted touching, or hurtful online messages. Bullying is when someone repeatedly tries to hurt, upset, or intimidate another person, especially when there's an imbalance of power (like being older, stronger, or more popular). Harassment includes unwelcome or inappropriate behavior, including sexual comments or touching, or targeting someone based on things like race, religion, disability, or appearance.

If your child experiences or sees bullying or harassment, please report it right away to a teacher, counselor, or school administrator. Reports can be made in person, in writing, or anonymously. We take all reports seriously and will investigate to make sure every student feels supported. Staff members are required to report bullying when they see it. No one will be punished for reporting in good faith—and false reports are not allowed. We believe in teaching kindness, problem-solving, and respect, and we will take action to restore a positive environment when needed. Together, we can help every student thrive!

School Disruptions: No student shall, by the use of passive resistance, noise, threat, fear, intimidation, coercion, force, violence, or any other form of conduct, intentionally cause the disruption of any lawful function, mission or process of the school to which he is assigned or any other school in the school system, nor urge any other student to engage in such conduct. No student shall, on or off school premises, engage in any protest, march, picket, or sit-in or similar activity which has as its purpose the disruption of any lawful function, mission, or process of the school to which the student is assigned or to any other school in the school system (G.S. 115C-391; 115C-288g).

Destruction of Property (WCS Policy 6550 Vandalism): Vandalism is the willful destruction of school property, equipment, or materials. The Wilkes County Board of Education will not tolerate vandalism and may pursue criminal prosecution and take any available legal action to recover the loss. All losses that may be due to vandalism will be reported and recorded in accordance with procedures established by the superintendent. The principal will immediately notify the superintendent or designee of any forcible entry that results in theft and/or damage to school property. Board of Education policies on student behavior will apply to any student who has participated in vandalizing school property.

Substance Abuse (WCS Policy 4325): Unauthorized or illegal drugs and alcohol are a threat to safe and orderly schools and will not be tolerated. Students are prohibited from possessing, using, transmitting, selling, or being under the influence of any of the following substances: narcotic drugs; hallucinogenic drugs; amphetamines; barbiturates; marijuana or any other controlled substance; synthetic stimulants; any alcoholic beverage or other intoxicating liquor; or any chemicals, substances, or products procured or used with the intention of bringing about a state of exhilaration or euphoria or of otherwise altering the student's mood or behavior. Students are prohibited from possessing, using, transmitting, or selling drug paraphernalia or counterfeit (fake) drugs.

Bomb Threats: Bomb threats are very serious offenses and will be addressed in an official, legal manner. Offenders will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

False Fire Alarms: Pulling a fire alarm falsely is against the law. Anyone who falsely pulls a fire alarm will be prosecuted.

Cell Phones: Cell phones may not be used or visible during instructional time. Students who use their cell phones or other technology to disseminate threats, communicate false information, cyberbully other students, or publish photographs taken at school or at home that disrupt the learning environment or raise questions about student safety will face discipline as determined by WCS Policy and the school administration. Discipline is at the discretion of the superintendent and school administration.

Reasonable Force (CPI) (School Board Policy 4302): At Wilkes County Schools, your child’s safety and well-being are our top priorities. While most behavior concerns are handled with support and guidance, there are rare times when trained staff may need to take extra steps to protect students or others. Here’s what parents should know about how and when these methods may be used:

Physical Restraint: This means holding a student briefly to keep them or others safe. It is only used if a student has something dangerous (like a weapon), A fight needs to be stopped, someone is at risk of being hurt, a student is causing serious damage, and it’s part of a behavior plan or used to guide or calm a student safely. Physical restraint is never used to punish a student.

Mechanical Restraint: This refers to the use of a device that limits movement (such as a safety harness on a bus). It’s only used when it's part of a child’s special plan (IEP or 504), when a student is being transported safely, or when someone is in danger. Strapping or tying a student down is not allowed.

Seclusion: Seclusion means a student is placed alone in a room that they cannot leave. This is only allowed when a student is in danger of hurting themselves or others; it is written into their behavior plan; an adult stays close by and monitors the student the entire time; and the room is safe and approved for this use. Seclusion cannot be used as a punishment.

Isolation & Time-Out: Isolation is when a student is alone in a safe space and may leave when they choose. Time-out is a short break from the group to help a student regain control. Teachers may use time-out as a normal classroom tool.

Search and Seizure: To maintain a safe and orderly school environment, administrators have the right to conduct reasonable searches of students and their belongings when there is reasonable suspicion that the student may have illegal or unauthorized items (WCS Policy 4342).

If a student freely and knowingly consents to a search, reasonable suspicion is not required.
Refusing a reasonable search may lead to disciplinary consequences.
Searches of a student’s person will be conducted in private by a staff member of the same gender, with an adult witness when possible.
If there’s reason to believe a student has something immediately dangerous, a more thorough search may be conducted, but only with the superintendent's approval (unless waiting would risk student safety).

What’s Never Allowed: Some actions are never acceptable in our schools. These include any harmful or painful treatments, withholding meals, using extreme noise or bad smells to punish, blocking a student’s vision, or denying access to the restroom.

If an incident occurs, the principal will notify you as soon as possible; you’ll receive a written report within 30 days; and you’ll be given a school contact to follow up with.

Corporal Punishment (Board Policy 4302): Believing that other forms of discipline are more appropriate with children of all ages, the Wilkes County Board of Education prohibits the use of corporal punishment. No principal, assistant principal, teacher, substitute teacher, any other school system employee, or volunteer may use corporal punishment to discipline any student. Corporal punishment is all forms of physical punishment, including, but not limited to, spanking, paddling, or slapping.

Personal Valuables and Prohibited Items

Every effort will be made to teach honesty, but we ask that students not bring large sums of money or valuable items such as jewelry to school. The school will not be responsible for any lost or stolen items and will not make any efforts to recover them.

The following items are not permitted at school:

Guns or Knives: It is a violation of state and federal laws to carry guns, knives, or other concealed weapons on school grounds.
Fireworks: State and federal laws prohibit the selling or use of fireworks on school property.
Skateboards: For safety and insurance reasons, skateboards, wheeled skates, or sneaker skates are not permitted at school.
Radios, boomboxes, electronic or battery-powered game devices, CD/MP3 players, laser pointers, cameras, and other electronic devices deemed inappropriate by school personnel are not permitted on school grounds except on special occasions designated by the school, such as field trips, festivals, reward days, etc.
Rolling book bags are not permitted.
Chewing gum is not allowed at school or on the bus.
Cell phones may not be seen or heard during instructional time (see WCS policy 4304)

Table displaying behavior expectations in various school contexts, aligned to the attributes respectful, responsible, engaged, and safe.