Hawkins County Schools
200 North Depot Street Rogersville, TN 37857  Phone: (423) 272-7629 Fax: (423) 272-2207
 
   
 
Behavior Definitions
Elementary    /   Middle/High

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Hawkins County Middle / High School Behavior Definitions



INFRACTION		 MINOR INFRACTION                 EXAMPLES                                        These are to be dealt with by teacher MAJOR INFRACTION EXAMPLES                                                These result in an office referral             DEFINITION
Abusive/ inappropriate language Unsuitable use of words, calling names, and /or use of inappropriate tone in a conversational manner not directed at any one person.  Examples:  stupid, ugly, shut up, idiot Swearing/cursing directed at others in a demeaning or provoking nature. Examples are:  Bitch, "F" you... Also, swearing at or use of inappropriate language at faculty/staff - shut up, d@*@ you, h@** no…ANY THING sexual, religious or racist in nature is ALWAYS Major.  Any use of words, phrases, language or gestures that are sexual and/or derogatory in nature or inappropriate for the school environment.
Fighting/ physical aggression Inappropriate touching that does not result in injury.  Example:  Horseplay - regarded as horseplay by all parties involved. Physical contact with the intent or having the outcome to cause injury.  Examples:  punching, hitting, pushing down, tackling, and/or biting.  In addition, instigating or promoting a fight. An exchange of blows or assault of physical blows such as hitting, slapping, pushing, shoving, etc. This includes students who instigate fights. 
Disrespect/Defiance/noncompliance/insubordination Examples: Inappropriate or mocking tone of voice, rolling eyes, asking redundant questions such as what did I do or why…  Refusal or noncompliance after one request by an adult to stop the behavior(s). Refusal or noncompliance after two requests from an adult to immediately stop the behavior.  Examples are: found in the minor area.   Any behavior, activity, or action deliberately undermining any school personnel's authority
Lying/cheating Lying to get out of trouble - does not endanger or implicate others.  Example - white lie or a lie by omission of fact.  Cheating - willingly coping another's work or answers or letting some one copy your work or answers.  Inadvertent plagiarism. Lying to get another in trouble or a lie that leads to another student in trouble.  Cheating -willingly coping another's work or answers or letting some one copy your work or answers.  In addition, overt and purposeful plagiarism.  Changing ones grade or score on any school or school related work. Lying: Making a statement which one knows to be untrue       Cheating: Using dishonest methods to gain academic advantage
Harassment/bullying Actions such as:   flipping the bird, inadvertent comments that make another uncomfortable…The occurance would only be minor if not a pattern of behavior Repeated (more than one time) verbal abuse, touching, gestures, giving of pictures &/or notes, following, directly and willfully spreading rumors that could be socially or emotionally detrimental.  ALWAYS major - racial, religious, ethnic or sexual remarks. Inappropriate comments and/or unwanted verbal, physical, or emotional advances.  See also Title IX section of Student Handbook regarding Sexual Harrassment
Tardy   Middle School: 1st class tardy                High School: Tardies 1-5 Middle: 2nd class tardy and above    High School: 6th and above Tardy if a student is not through the classroom door when the bell rings or at the appointed time if bells do not ring
Skip class/truancy Never a minor infraction Being in any area not specifically given permission to be in to willfully miss or "get out"  of class or event.   Skip Class: Deliberate failure to attend class                                                 Truancy: An absence for an entire school day, a major portion of the school day, or activity during the school day for which the student is scheduled without appropriate permission or documentation 
Property damage/vandalism Damage that can be repaired to pre - infraction state with little or no effort and/ or funds.  Any damage that can not be reversed or repaired with a reasonable amount of effort and/ or funds. Any intentional action that damages school property. Students/guardians will be required to pay for damages
Forgery/theft Never a minor Theft of any item is always MAJOR.  Forgery - reproducing another's signature on any document.  Forgery: Falsification of any document                                    Theft: Stealing school or personal property from faculty, school employees, or other students
Dress code violation Any violation that can be altered in the classroom to bring the clothing item into compliance with  the dress code. Examples: turning a shirt inside out (go to bathroom area to do this), rolling down the waist band of a skirt, putting a belt or improvised belt on to prevent sagging pants, putting on a jacket. Any violation that requires altering beyond the classroom environment.  All examples referred to in the Handbook. See also Student Handbook for Dress code.  Clothing and accessories that are disruptive to the school operation and interferes with classroom procedures - is a distraction
Technology violation Being off task while using computer.  Accessing benign web addresses not authorized by a teacher.. Intentionally trying to or access material that is inappropriate, offensive, or otherwise blocked.  Bypassing filters, downloading without permission..  Altering or adding to any existing area of the computer. Technology use that is not in support of education and research and is not consistent with the educational objectives of the school.  See Student Handbook for Acceptable use Policy
Inappropriate public displays of affection Never a minor Kissing, hugging,Sitting on lap, inappropriate touching Any public displays of physical contact other than holding hands
Inappropriate school location In the bathroom during an unscheduled break. In the locker outside of designated times, during lunch, etc...  Intentionally, being in any inappropriate area not approved by the current teacher of record. Being in an unauthorized area of the building or grounds
Multiple Rule Violations (code as Disruption in SWIS) Never a minor infraction Any ODR offense after the predetermined by school minor classroom rule violation. Any minor ODR offense
Use/possession of tobacco Never a minor infraction Smoking, possession or use of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco or paraphernalia (matches, lighters, spit bottles, etc.) Possession and/or use of tobacco and/or tobacco paraphernalia at school or at any school-sponsored activity.
Use/possession of alcohol Never a minor infraction Being under the influence of, possessing or using alcohol Possession and/or use of or being under the influence of alcohol at school or at any school-sponsored activity.
Use/possession of drugs Never a minor infraction. Being under the influence of, possessing or using drugs.  See Hawkins County handbook for definition of the word "drug" Zero-Tolerance Offense; Possession and/or use of or being under the influence of illegal drugs; possession of drug paraphernalia at school or at any school sponsored activity.
Use/ Possession of weapons Never a minor infraction Razor blades, Pocket knives, guns (real or look-alikes), or other objects readily capable of causing bodily harm Zero-Tolerance Offense; Possession of firearms or dangerous weapopn on school property or during school related activity.
Failure to do assigned discipline (code as Other in SWIS) Not doing or completing assigned discipline. After predetermined minor infraction this will become major. Based on class/ school policy. Failure to do any assigned discipline for any previous misbehavior.
Use/possession of weapons Never a minor infraction See Hawkins County handbook for definition and consequence. Possession of firearm or dangerous weapon on school property or during a school sponsored activity. 
Electronic devices (code as Unknown in SWIS) Never a minor infraction. use of any electronic device  - cell phone, Ipod, MP3 players, PSPs… Using is defined as being seen or heard by any school personnel.
Illegal walkout of class (code as Arson in SWIS) Never a minor infraction. Self-explanatory Walking out of class without school officials knowledge or permission.