To ensure that an environment is created where teaching and learning can flourish, WNYMCS has developed a philosophy, the Code of Conduct; a set of rules that address proper student behavior, maintenance of order within the school and while people are engaged in student activities; and a statement of student rights and responsibilities. The faculty and staff will ensure that parents and students are well informed of these policies both before enrollment and at the time students actually enroll in WNYMCS. As such, students will not be surprised about what type of behavior is expected of them, and parents will be reassured about the type of classroom environment that will be maintained in WNYMCS. We expect that the Code of Conduct will be one of the major reasons why parents and students will choose to attend this unique school environment.

The Mission Statement of WNYMCS calls leadership and character development inherent cornerstones of the school. Faculty and staff lead by example in all facets of campus life, following the time honored traditions of military and maritime courtesy and the use of the Chain of Command. The Chain of Command, modeled on that in the military, consists of an unbroken leadership chain of individuals from the student’s teacher through the Commandant. Extending through all levels of leadership, the Chain of Command is a two-way communications channel, conveying information, support and assistance. Policy is set and instructions are given, and outcomes, results and information are shared, and leadership is taught and reinforced, all through the Chain of Command. These individuals model appropriate behavior in appearance, actions and attitudes. They demonstrate honor, integrity, and respect for the dignity of all members of the school community. They practice self-discipline, self-control and self-restraint. Faculty and staff exercise command and control in the school, and students learn from their example. Students are expected to follow this example, rejecting any behavior by themselves or their fellow students that does not rise to the standards of the school community. Faculty, staff and students have certain rights and responsibilities, summarized in the Code of Conduct. Students who choose to become part of this school community choose to abide by the Code of Conduct.

Faculty, staff and students have a right to expect a safe school environment, and a climate conducive to learning and personal growth. They have a responsibility to comply at all times with the laws, rules and regulations of the United States, the State of New York, the City of Buffalo, and Western New York Maritime Charter School. Violence or the threat of violence, or intimidation in any form will not be tolerated. No weapons of any kind will be tolerated on school property, or at any school sponsored function. Possession or use of any illegal drugs or alcohol will not be tolerated.
Faculty, staff and students have a right to expect courtesy, fairness and respect from all members of the community. Faculty and staff have the responsibility to teach and model traditional military courtesy, respecting the individual dignity of every student. Students have the responsibility to respect the rights and authority of the faculty and staff, and to practice traditional military courtesy.

Faculty, staff and students have a right to expect the highest degree of personal honor and integrity from all members of the school community. They have a responsibility to practice intellectual and academic honesty. Cheating, forgery or plagiarism will not be tolerated.

Faculty, staff and students have a right to expect loyalty from one another. They have a right to be taken at their word, knowing that no member of the community will lie, nor tolerate anyone who does. They will never do anything for pleasure, profit or personal gain that will bring dishonor to themselves or the school.
Faculty, staff and students have the right to freely exchange ideas and information, publicly and privately, verbally and in writing, within the bounds of traditional military courtesy and respect for the Chain of Command. They have the responsibility to refrain from expressions of thought or opinion which interfere with the learning process, or with good order and discipline. They have a responsibility to refrain from vulgar, obscene or profane language, slanderous or libelous statements, or disruptive tactics. Willful defiance of authority, rude, threatening, or abusive language or behavior will not be tolerated.

Faculty, staff and students have the right to respect for their personal property, and for the property of the school. They have the responsibility to be accountable for their own and the school’s property and equipment, and to promptly report any loss, misuse or damage. Vandalism, willful or careless destruction or defacing of property or equipment will not be tolerated. Theft, taking or trying to take property of another by force, fear or other means is contrary to the concepts of honor and respect, and will not be tolerated.

All members of the school community, by virtue of their membership, voluntarily subscribe to the above Code of Conduct. Faculty, staff and students assume an obligation to abide by these concepts, and call to the attention of the appropriate authorities any violation. Faculty and staff have the responsibility to see that students are aware of the Code of Conduct, and its application to everyday situations occurring in school. Students have the responsibility to learn and follow the Code of Conduct, and to apply it to their daily activities. Any member of the school community may make an on the spot correction of a safety issue, making the school Chain of Command aware of the details as soon as safety allows. An incident that appears to arise out of lack of awareness or misunderstanding of a rule, or an apparent mistake, can be addressed with the individual concerned, with no further follow up necessary, if appropriate for the situation