Appropriate Language Norms
What is Respectful Langauge @ HJSH?
Why is Appropriate Language Important?
Houston Jr./Sr. High, first and foremost, is an academic institution. That means that our entire existence revolves around teaching and learning. It's the reason parents and guardians send their students to school and the reason teachers prepare for each day. Inappropriate language, cussing or swearing, has no place in an academic institution.
As teachers and staff continue conversations about how we help students prepare for success, social and situational awareness will be an important aspect. It's critical that behavior matches the social expectations of any given situation. How a person acts at their job can be very different than how they act fishing with their friends.
Expected Student Behavior
Respectful school language means no swearing.
Use replacement strategies or replacement language.
Understand situational awareness/appropriateness.
Respectfully remind peers and hold each other accountable.
Prepare for success in professional environments:
Social - Speech
Academic - Education
Attire - Dress Code
Punctuality - Tardy Consequences
Health/Hygiene
Types of Inappropriate Language & Consequences
Level 1 - This is the ”Stub Your Toe” infraction. A swear word slips out during normal conversation that is non-aggressive (use the one- liner - “Respectful Language Please”)
Level 2 - Trash talking, derogatory language directed towards someone or about someone in a private conversation. Gossip. Disrespectful swearing where the intention is unfriendly or rude. This is an office notification.
Level 3 - Uncontrolled/Aggressive language directed at staff or students. Seeking public attention or audience. This is an office referral.
Appropriate Language One - Liner
When a Level 1 infraction of appropriate language occurs, staff and students will use a one-liner reminder, "Respectful Language Please."
How should a person react when someone says, "Respectful Language Please?" Since it's a low level reminder with no consequence attached, just say "okay" or "thank you" and move on with whatever you were doing at the time. There's no need to argue or get defensive. Keep Calm and Move On....