Cadet Code of Conduct

All students are expected to conform to the Student Code of Conduct at the Maritime Academy of Toledo, on the School premises, at School activities or functions whether on or off the School premises and on transportation to and from School, if paid for or provided by the School and are subject to the School’s disciplinary process when they fail to do so.  Students may also be subject to the School’s disciplinary process for a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, regardless of where it occurs, if the misconduct is directed at School Staff or their property.

Types of Punitive Disciplinary Actions:

After School Detention
Cadets may be assigned to After School Detention for failure to complete classroom work, homework, and/or violations of the code of conduct. When assigned to the detention, Cadets must remain in detention under direct adult supervision for the assigned period of after school days and times. TMAT will make every attempt to notify parents/guardians the day of the violation and the ensuing disciplinary action. Cadets will not be permitted to participate in any extracurricular activities if they are scheduled for the after-school detention. Cadets will receive additional time, up to and including suspension, if while they are in detention, they fail to complete their assigned work, talk, sleep, are insubordinate, or otherwise engage in disruptive or disrespectful conduct. Detention is not intended to be a pleasant environment.  It is intended that cadets assigned to detention will serve their time, behave properly, and earn time off for good behavior whenever possible.   

Finally, cadets who do not comply with detention rules will be given time in Training Deck (In School Suspension).   More than five days of detention assignments may result in either in-school or out-of-school suspensions for future code of conduct violations.  

Any student, who fails to report to After School Detention at the assigned day and time, may be subject to Training Deck (in school suspension) unless prior approval is given by administration.  Chronic failure to report to the detention may result in expulsion. 

Training Deck 
The mission of the training deck is to teach the cadets to take responsibility for their actions in a positive learning environment. 

The cadets will learn and study:

1. Social Skills using the Welcome Aboard Program.
2. Conflict resolution
3. The importance of promptness.
4. How to wear the uniform.
5. Organizational Skills and Techniques
6. Reflective and analytical Thinking

Suspension/Expulsion

Cadets may be suspended for a period of up to ten (10) school days.  In all cases, every attempt will be made to notify the parent/guardian.  A cadet may not participate in school-related activities during the period of suspension while awaiting suspension and/or if the student has been expelled. 

Students may be expelled from the Academy for certain severe and/or continuous infractions of the code of conduct and/or for violation of the Ohio Safe Schools Act.   Cadets may be expelled using the emergency removal board approved policy and procedure and/or the “Intent to Expel” policy and procedure.  

Code of Conduct Violations and Related Consequences

Cadet violations of one or more of the following rules of conduct directed at fellow cadets, employees, or their property may result in disciplinary action including detention, suspension, emergency removal, expulsion, and/or other alternatives deemed appropriate by the Principal and/or Superintendent.  

School-Wide Information System (SWIS)

The Maritime Academy of Toledo utilizes the School-Wide Information System (SWIS) a web-based information system designed for collecting, summarizing and using student discipline data.

SWIS tracks behavioral referrals, including the student, the problem behavior, the adult response, the time of day, and the location in the school. SWIS can be used for evaluating individual students for behavior plans and interventions.

Matrix of Expectations

All students are explicitly taught what it looks like to be Respectful, Accountable and Disciplined in every area at our school. These behavior expectations are clearly displayed throughout the building.

SPECIAL NOTE:

Due to the nature of any offense, TMAT Administration reserves the right to assign any disciplinary action deemed necessary for violations of the code of conduct.  Regardless of where violations occur, a cadet may be suspended or expelled if the misconduct is directed at a TMAT official and/or employee or the property of The Maritime Academy of Toledo official or employee.  A cadet may be suspended or expelled if the cadet’s misconduct occurs off of property that is owned or controlled by the school district, but is connected to school activities.  

The Maritime Academy of Toledo is not responsible for articles of clothing worn to school.  Good judgment should be used in choosing attire.  Generic coats and jackets are encouraged.  Cadets are encouraged to leave expensive clothing, such as leather coats, jackets with team logos, team shoes, etc. at home.   Cadets are cautioned not to bring large amounts of cash or valuables such as electronics, rings, bracelets, or necklaces to school.  

The Maritime Academy of Toledo is not responsible for any cadet’s personal property brought onto the school premises or at school events.  

SPECIAL NOTE:

Due to the nature of any offense, TMAT Administration reserves the right to assign any disciplinary action deemed necessary for violations of the code of conduct.  Regardless of where violations occur, a cadet may be suspended or expelled if the misconduct is directed at a TMAT official and/or employee or the property of The Maritime Academy of Toledo of an employee.  A cadet may be suspended or expelled if the cadet’s misconduct occurs off of property that is owned or controlled by the Maritime Academy of Toledo but is connected to school activities.  

Progressive Discipline Actions

Class 1 Violation

Class 1 Code of Conduct Violation Definitions:

Cell Phone and other Electronic Device Policy

Maritime Academy recognizes the importance of communication and collaboration and provides devices for students to be productive in the classroom. This policy is designed to safeguard the education of all students while at the same time, not limit home/school communications.  In emergency situations, a student may be given permission to use a school telephone to contact a parent/guardian.  In the case of an emergency, a student may be called out of class to receive a telephone call from parents/guardians.

To keep the focus on academics and to reduce unnecessary distractions, the school enforces the following:

234.1  Student Cellular Phones in School 

To support a school environment in which students can fully engage with their classmates, their teachers, and instruction, the use of cell phones by students during school hours should be as limited as possible.  

It is the policy of the Board that:

•  Unless subject to an applicable exception defined herein, Students are prohibited from carrying a cell phone in any school building or on any school grounds or premises at all times. 
• Student cellular telephone use shall be as limited as possible during school hours while the student is on school property. Students are required to silence their cellular telephones and store them in a secure location that is out of view during all instructional times (e.g., a locker, a closed backpack, or a storage device provided by the School) at all times when cell phone use is prohibited.

Nothing in this policy prohibits a student from using a cell phone for a purpose documented in the student’s individualized education program or Section 504 plan.

In the case of an emergency or for other necessary purposes, cellular telephones may be used at the discretion of School administration.

Cellular telephones may be used for learning purposes at the discretion of the teaching staff.

Additionally, a student may use a cell phone to monitor or address a health concern.

Students determined to be in violation of this policy may be subject to discipline consistent with the Student Code of Conduct.

R.C. 3313.753. 

See  Policy 271 – Student Code of Conduct.

Failure to relinquish the cellular phone or electronic device to a requesting staff member may result in a three (3) day after-school detention.  Failure to relinquish the cellular phone or electronic device to the Assistant Principal may result in a three (3) day Training Deck or Out of School Suspension.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

1. No image of any student or staff member may be reproduced by means of pictures, video, or any other electronic means without permission from that person. 
2. TMAT reserves the right to change the policy regarding cadet use of cell phones and electronic devices as needed. 

1. Dress Code Violations:  Any cadet not wearing a proper uniform in proper fashion will be disciplined.  The Maritime Academy of Toledo believes that the primary function of the school is to educate the cadets.  The major responsibility for the dress and appearance of the cadet rests with the parents and cadets themselves.  Cadets are required to wear the school uniform with pride, cleanliness, and neatness at all times.  Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action.  Please refer to the school uniform information in the Enrollment Packet and the Dress Code Guidelines in this handbook for detailed information regarding the proper regulation uniform.  In addition to the Dress Code Guidelines the following uniform/clothing rules MUST be followed: 

• Facial, Tongue, or body piercings are not allowed.   Band-aids may not cover piercings.
• Coats, jackets, gloves, hats and sunglasses may not to be worn to class. 
• All totes/purses larger than 8 ½ x 11 must be kept in student lockers.  
• Gang attire and/or articles that can be construed as gang attire may NEVER be worn in school, on school property, or at school events.   
• Doo rags, skull caps, and/or bandannas may NEVER be worn in school, on school property, or at school events.  
• Additional uniform requirements may be imposed for reasons of health and safety.
• Dress Down Days as deemed appropriate by school administrators. During dress down days, themes will be announced and followed. All attire must be school appropriate. School administrators maintain the right to send students home for inappropriate dress down attire.

If cadets are not in proper uniform parents will be called to pick up their cadet or bring the proper clothing to school.  

Students who, after arriving at school in proper uniform and later found to be out of uniform, will receive a warning and if repeated, will lead to after school detention, suspension, and eventually expulsion.  

The Maritime Academy of Toledo is not responsible for articles of clothing worn to school.  Good judgment should be used in choosing attire.  Generic coats and jackets are encouraged.  Cadets are encouraged to leave expensive clothing, such as leather coats, jackets with team logos, team shoes, etc. at home.   Cadets are cautioned not to bring large amounts of cash or valuables such as electronics, rings, bracelets, or necklaces to school.  

The Maritime Academy of Toledo is not responsible for any cadet’s personal property brought onto the school premises or at school events.  

2. Due to our school being fully carpeted and the potential damage to floors and the school dishwasher, gum chewing is forbidden and will result in escalating disciplinary action.

3. Identification of Self: All cadets must, upon request, correctly identify themselves to proper school authorities while in the school building, on the school grounds, and/or at school-sponsored events.  

4. Identification Badges: Middle School Cadets are required to wear their school I.D badge on the outside of their uniform, in full view, upon entry into the building through to the time cadets leave the building.  Cadets MUST wear their lanyard around the neck and NOT IN A POCKET.  High School Cadets are permitted to carry IDs in a wallet or purse.  Cadets are expected to bring their I.D. badge to school-sponsored events and to furnish the I.D. badge whenever requested by school staff.   There will be a $5.00 replacement fee for lost or damaged I.D.s.

5. Signed Parent/Guardian Correspondence:  There will be times when certain correspondence sent home will need a parent/guardian signature. These communications are vital to the education of our cadets. Parents should be diligent to make sure all required documents are signed and returned to the school.  

6. Unprepared for Class:  Students MUST carry their planners with them and keep them current at all times.  Students must come to class with all necessary paper, pencils, and pens, etc that enables them to be ready to learn.

7. Sleeping In Class:  Students are not permitted to sleep in class. Please be sure your cadet received adequate sleep each night in order to perform at his/her maximum potential during class. 

8. Late to Class:   Cadets, who are tardy, will be subject to attendance procedures as described in The Maritime Academy of Toledo Attendance Policy. 

9. Not Following Directions:  Insubordination.

10. Excessive Talking: Talking when directed to be quiet or silent or when the instructor is talking is not allowed.

11. Out of Assigned Area: Being tardy or otherwise not where assigned or directed.

12. Misuse of School Equipment: For example, being on non-approved web sites – Facebook, Twitter, and other sites listed by instructors and the school electronic use policy.

Class 2 Violation

Class 2 Code of Conduct Violations Definitions:

1. Disruptive Conduct:        A cadet may not materially and substantially interfere with the educational process, including all curricular and extracurricular activities.  Cadets interfering with the educational process will be sent home, suspended, and/or recommended for expulsion depending on the seriousness and frequency of this violation.  Referral to law enforcement may also occur. Arguing with or disputing a staff member’s corrective actions is considered disruptive and is subject to the same penalties.
   
   
2. Collusion: Administration may discipline a cadet who knowingly assists or aids another person, in any way, in violating school rules, and/or regulations concerning school policy.  This includes inciting other cadets to violate the behavior code.  
   
   
3. Dangerous or Destructive Acts: No cadet shall behave in a manner that endangers the safety of another cadet, staff, or visitor or destroys Academy property.
   
   
4. Forged or Altered Passes or Excuses:  The signing of another person’s name, altering, or knowingly using a note or pass with an unauthorized signature is considered to be forgery.  Cadets who forge documents and/or alter passes or excuses will be subject to disciplinary consequence.
   
   
5. Insubordination:  The act of refusing to obey orders or submit to authority.  A cadet will comply with reasonable directives of school personnel during any period of time the cadet is properly under the authority of the school.  Cadets found to be insubordinate will be subject to a disciplinary action.
   
   
6. Plagiarism/Cheating/Lying/Stealing: Plagiarism, the act of taking the work of another as your own, cannot be tolerated. Plagiarism or cheating will result in loss of credit for the work for the grading period and/or removal from the course.  The Maritime Academy of Toledo may use resources such as www.turnitin.com, which scans papers over the Internet to determine if part or all of a paper has been plagiarized. Cheating, lying, and stealing are all code of conduct violations that may result in detention up to and including suspension.
   
   
7. Profanity: There is ZERO tolerance for profanity.  Cadets using profanity will be subject to severe disciplinary consequences.
   
   
8. Public Display of Affection: Any public display of affection between and/or among cadets is prohibited.  This includes close body contact, hugging, kissing, and similar actions.
   
   
9. School Transportation: Cadets shall obey all directives given by transportation drivers and comply with basic safety regulations.  Failure to do so will result in severe disciplinary action.
   
   
10. Throwing objects: Cadets may not throw books, pencils, or any school property for any reason, playful or otherwise.  

Class 3 Violation

Class 3 Code of Conduct Violations Definitions:

1. Counterfeit Drugs: State law makes it unlawful to possess, pass, sell, or offer to sell any substance represented to be or appearing to be a controlled substance (drug) or over the counter medications.
   
   
2. Drugs and Alcohol Usage and Drug Testing Policy: The Maritime Academy of Toledo Board of Education Drug Testing Policy was formed to ensure that our cadets are drug free.  This policy applies to all cadets.  A cadet shall not possess, transmit, conceal, offer for sale, consume, show evidence of having consumed or used any alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, over the counter medications, look-alike drugs or any mind-altering substance while on school grounds or facilities; at school-sponsored events; in other situations under the authority of the District or in school-owned or school-approved vehicles.
   
   Included in this prohibition are any substances represented as a controlled substance, the abuse or misuse of prescribed and over the counter medications, nonalcoholic beers, steroids, and drug paraphernalia.  Persons violating this code of conduct regulation shall be subject to immediate suspension from school and possible expulsion as well as referral to law enforcement.  Whenever a cadet is suspended or expelled from school in accordance with O.R.C. 3313.66 for the possession of alcohol or drugs, the Superintendent may notify the Registrar of Motor Vehicles and the juvenile judge of the county of the suspension or expulsion.
   
   
3. Verbal Assault, Bullying, Harassment, Play Fighting, and Making Threatening or Obscene Gestures Toward Peers: NO cadet may verbally assault, bully, harass, play fight, or make a threatening or obscene gesture towards a fellow cadet in the school building, on school grounds, or at any school-sponsored function. Cadets may be suspended for a period of up to ten (10) days and/or may be recommended for expulsion and/or immediately expelled depending upon the severity of the incident. 
   
   Obscene gestures, verbal assault, and bullying are as serious in nature as physical contact and as such will not be tolerated.  Obscene gestures and verbal assault will result in an assignment to the detention for an extended period of time, suspension, and/or expulsion depending on the seriousness and frequency of the offense. Additionally, cadets may also be referred to law enforcement for any form of verbal assault, threatening, and/or bullying.
   
   
4. Gambling: No cadets shall gamble on school premises or at school activities.  This includes but is not limited to games involving card playing and/or the use of coins or any other devices used for gambling.
   
   
5. Hazing:  Hazing activities of any type are inconsistent with the educational process and will be prohibited at all times.  No administrator, faculty member, or other employee of the school district shall encourage, permit, condone, or tolerate any hazing activities.  No cadet, including leaders of cadet organizations, may plan, encourage, or engage in any hazing.  Administrators, faculty members, cadets, and all other employees who fail to abide by this policy may be subject to disciplinary action and may be liable for civil and criminal penalties in accordance with Ohio law.
   
   
6. Property Damage/Vandalism:  Marking, defacing, or damaging school or personal property of others is forbidden.
   
   Violators of this rule will be required to pay for repair or replacement according to the laws of the State of Ohio and may face other disciplinary action, including suspension and/or expulsion from school.  If the cadet is a minor, his/her parent(s)/guardian(s), by law, are financially responsible for any damage to school property.
   
   Violators will be referred to law enforcement if retribution is not made to the school for damages sustained.
   
   
7. Sexual Harassment: Cadets are expected to conduct themselves at all times so as to provide an atmosphere free from sexual harassment.  Sexual harassment includes among other things: unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature including epithets, derogatory comments, slurs, or suggestive jokes.  Violation of this policy may result in removal of cadets from class, suspension, and/or expulsion.  For additional information, please see the district policy posted in the Captain/Commander’s Office.
   
   
8. Smoking and Tobacco: Possession of tobacco, smoking, evidence of smoking, use of snuff, chewing tobacco, tobacco look-a-likes, or other tobacco products on school property, in the school building, or on campus is not permitted.  Obvious possession, smoking, chewing tobacco, using snuff or tobacco look-a-likes, exhaling of smoke, or tobacco in hand or mouth shall be sufficient evidence of tobacco usage or possession.
   
   Consequences for smoking and/or possession of tobacco will result in suspension and/or expulsion from the Academy. This includes e-cigarettes or any other vapor producing apparatus.
   
   
9. Theft and Unauthorized Use of Others’ Property: Theft of property, whether it is a fellow cadet, staff member, or property owned by The Maritime Academy of Toledo Board of Education, may result in the cadet(s) being suspended from school and/or a recommendation for expulsion. 
   
   The unauthorized use of property, whether it be another person’s or Board of Education-owned, may result in suspension from school.  The length of the suspension (1 to 10 days) will be determined by the Principal.
   
   Violators may be referred to law enforcement.
   
   
10. Threats: Any verbal or written threat to the safety of a cadet, staff member, or other person will be taken very seriously.  Any threat, including hoax threats, will result in disciplinary action, which may include suspension with a recommendation for expulsion and referral to law enforcement.
    
    
11. Gang Affiliation and/or Activity: Use of gang signs, gang language, either audible or written, and recruiting for gang membership is not allowed.
    
    
12. Internet Usage: Using the school’s internet server to access inappropriate websites (Social Media, i.e. Facebook, etc., sites of a sexual nature, or promotion of hate or violence, etc.) will result in loss of computer rivileges for a specified period of time.  Any subsequent violation could result in suspension or expulsion depending on the situation.
    
    
13. Leaving Class without Permission: Cadets are never permitted to leave a class without permission.  If a cadet chooses to leave class without permission they will be met with severe consequences, regardless of the reason for leaving class.
    
    Consequences could include out of school suspension and expulsion if determined by the Superintendent. 
    
    
14. Chronic Discipline Problems: Cadets who compile a continuing record of code of conduct violations will be suspended. With escalating discipline problems the cadet may be given notice of expulsion.  Should the cadet continue with chronic misbehavior, the cadet will be expelled.
    
    Cadets who are serious chronic discipline problems may also be expelled without suspension.
    
    

Class 4 Violation

Class 4 Code of Conduct Violations Definitions:

All Class 4 violations may result in immediate expulsion from school for up to 180 days.  All Class D violations require immediate removal from the school building by either a parent/guardian and/or the proper authorities depending upon the severity of the incident. 

1. Fighting or Physical Assault of a Peer: Fighting with and/or physical assault of a peer in school, on school grounds, or at school sponsored events will be severely and swiftly dealt with. This may include immediate expulsion for a period of up to 180 days. Law enforcement may be contacted, and a Safe Schools violation may be filed. Additionally, the student who has been physically assaulted has the option of filing charges with proper civil authorities.
   
   
2. Physical Assault, Verbal Assault or Abuse, Profanity, Threats, and Obscene Gesture Toward a Staff Member or Other Adult: In order for our school to function effectively, our staff must maintain a position of respect and leadership with cadets. Any cadet’s physical assault or verbal assault or abuse of a staff member or any adult, or a cadet’s use of profanity or obscene gestures toward a member of the staff or any other adult has the effect of lessening that respect plus presenting a threat and physical danger to the person.
   
   Any cadet who assaults a staff member will be immediately expelled for a period of 180 days. Any student who abuses, uses profanity, or uses an obscene gesture toward any member of the school staff may be expelled from school, The person who has been physically or verbally assaulted or threatened has the option of filing charges with proper civil authorities. Cadets MAY NOT post or share threatening comments or images related to any school or government building on the internet or social media sites. This will result in police involvement to investigate any incident of threats being made.
   
   
3. Firearms, Weapons, Dangerous Instruments, Dangerous Substances, Fireworks:  Section 2923.11 & 12 of the Ohio Revised Code states that no person shall knowingly carry or have concealed on his person or concealed ready at hand any weapon or dangerous instrument or any “look-alike” weapon or use any other object as a weapon.  The state law affects all persons and therefore it must be understood that cadets at The Maritime Academy of Toledo shall not possess, handle, or transmit weapons or dangerous instruments on school grounds before, during, or after school hours or at school functions, activities or events.
   
   This includes fireworks. Persons violating this section of the law and the Cadet Handbook regulation shall be subject to immediate expulsion from school and referral to law enforcement.