Code of Conduct Reference

Level 1 is the primary and preferred response. Repeated incidents may warrant a Level 2 referral to administration, but escalation should not be the default response.

Defiance is a Level 1 behavior in most contexts. Avoid treating non-compliance as a disciplinary emergency. Focus on relationship-based de-escalation before referral.

Class cutting is primarily an attendance issue, not a discipline issue. Suspension is generally NOT an appropriate response to truancy under Maryland law.

Dress code violations are Level 1 only. Students should not be removed from class for dress code issues unless the item poses a safety concern. Behaviors that should NOT result in suspension include dress code violations.

Bullying and harassment require documentation and a formal response. CTT can support with restorative practices, but administration must be notified. Both parties require separate support. Cyberbullying is treated the same as in-person bullying.

CTT's primary role in physical altercations is de-escalation BEFORE contact and support AFTER separation. Do not physically intervene unless trained and authorized. Notify administration immediately.

Threatening or aggressive language toward another student: Level 1-3. Serious threatening language (Grades 6-12): Level 2-4. Threatening language toward staff: Level 2-4 with school police notification. School staff should conduct a threat assessment.

Substance-related incidents require immediate administrative notification. CTT role is supportive — do not handle substances, do not conduct searches. Notify administration and provide student support. Distinction between possession and possession with intent to sell affects level.

Firearms (301.1): Level 4-5. Maryland law mandates expulsion for no less than one calendar year for firearms. Other guns (302.1): Level 3-5. Other weapons (303.1): Level 2-5. Explosives (503.1): Level 3-5. Toy/water guns not used aggressively: Level 1-2. Look-alike guns: Level 1-5.

Property damage and theft require administrative notification. CTT can support with de-escalation and family contact, but administration must lead the disciplinary response.

Electronic device misuse is primarily a Level 1 classroom management issue. Student devices will be confiscated if used or possessed at unauthorized times per Board Policy JICJ. CTT can support with redirection but should not confiscate devices.

Unintentional physical contact with school personnel: Level 1-2. Unintentionally striking a staff member during a fight intervention: Level 2-5. Intentional attack on staff (grades 3-12): Level 2-5 with school police notification. Pre-K to Grade 2 intentional attack: Level 1-3. Includes intentional coughing/sneezing/spitting to infect with illness.

Emotional distress is a support need, not a discipline issue. CTT plays a primary role in de-escalation and connecting students to counseling resources. Do not treat crisis behavior as defiance.

Gang activity includes groups of 3+ persons engaging in criminal gang activity. School police should be informed immediately. Use the Gang-Related Incident Reporting Form at the back of the CoC.

Applies to students traveling to and from school or any school-sponsored activity, including field trips. Minor disruption (eating, drinking, being too loud, standing): Level 1-2. Serious disruption (fighting, attacking driver): Level 2-5.