To achieve its goal of creating a safe learning environment, Suffolk Public Schools will work this year to encourage appropriate behavior in students and staff, the School Board said Thursday.

This objective, which was set in the board’s goal-making work session on Thursday, aims to increase the safety of the students by decreasing conflicts caused by inappropriate behavior both on and off school property.

School Board member Thelma Hinton, who served on the goal-making committee, said altercations at bus stops and during the weekend can spill over into the schools.

However, she said the goal shouldn’t just address behaviors that results in fighting, but also should take aim at anything that creates an unsafe or distracting environment at the schools.

Hinton added the objective should cover dress code violations, and she cited a recent dress code incident at one of the city’s high schools as an example of distracting behavior that impedes the goal to encourage a nurturing learning environment.

She said she was approached by several parents and teachers from the high school that were concerned about a group of boys who were dressing in female clothing, such as dresses and leggings.

Hinton said the board should implement a dress code that addresses these types of behaviors in order to achieve a safe school environment.

She added the boys’ behavior is distracting to other students and could result in the boys getting beat up or harassed by their peers.

Hinton said she doesn’t want to take away their self-expression but thinks they should not be allowed to dress in girls’ clothing during school hours.

Hinton said she and other board members will meet with principals to discuss the need for new rules in the near future.

In addition to the appropriate behavior objective, the schools will also work to decrease the number of building safety concerns as well as develop a plan to re-engage students who have lost interest in helping to maintain a safe environment.

Promoting safety in the schools is one of five goals set by the School Board in a six-year plan to serve the division until 2012.

The other goals are to provide strong leadership, improve student achievement, enhance instruction and professional development and strengthen relationships with parents and the community.

School Board members worked with other school officials to develop objectives for the 2011-2012 school year that are in line with these goals.