1240
VISITORS TO THE SCHOOLS
To promote effective communication between the citizens of the community and the school system, the Board of Education encourages all district residents to visit the schools, attend programs and athletic contests periodically during the course of the school year.
The Board recognizes that many visits that occur are regularly scheduled events, e.g., parent-teacher organization meetings, public gatherings, registering of pupils, etc. There are also occasions when parents or guardians desire to visit their child's classroom at other than regularly scheduled times. When such visitations occur, they shall be made on the basis of a defined need and shall be made only with the approval of their child's teacher and/or Principal. The Board views these visits as constructive; however, no such visit shall be permitted to interfere with the educational process.
Students may have a visitor accompany them to school if they comply with the rules outlined in the regulation accompanying this policy. The visitation will be for a maximum of two days unless prior authorization from the administration is granted due to extenuating circumstances (e.g., family problems).
Persons who are not students or staff shall report immediately to the school office upon entering a school building. Persons other than parents, guardians, students or staff, who desire to visit a school building shall do so only with the permission of an appropriate administrative staff member.
Student visitors from other schools, unless they have a specific reason and prior approval of the Superintendent, shall not be given permission to enter school buildings. New students accompanied by their parents are always welcome.
Visits to school buildings are to be in
accordance with the Board regulations posted in conspicuous places. A violation of the visitation policy shall be
prosecuted pursuant to
Cross-ref: 5450.1, Notification of Release of Sex Offenders by the Division of Parole
Ref: Education Law §§1708; 2801
Adoption date:
1240-R
VISITORS TO THE SCHOOLS REGULATION
Visitors to the schools of the district shall be governed by the following rules:
1. Each Building Principal shall establish and maintain a safety plan outlining the process for registration and authorization for visits to his/her school. Such plans shall be submitted to the Superintendent for approval, and thereafter be made available in the Principal's office and anyone interested in visiting the school.
2. Students wishing to have a visitor accompany them to school must:
a. give the school administration two days notice of the request; and
b. acquire written permission for such visit from all of their teachers.
3. The Principal of the school must be contacted by the person or group wishing to visit, and prior approval must be obtained for the visit.
4. Parents or guardians wishing to speak with a specific teacher concerning the progress of a child must make an appointment with the teacher, in addition to obtaining the permission of the school's Principal.
5. All visitors must report to the main office, sign in, and be issued a visitor's permit, which must be displayed at all times. The permit must be returned to the main office and the visitor must sign out at the conclusion of the visit.
6. Registration shall not be required for school functions open to the public, whether or not school-related.
7. Parents are encouraged to visit guidance counselors, school nurses, school psychologists and other support personnel, by appointment, in order to discuss any problems or concerns the parent may have regarding the student, whether or not school-related.
8. Any visitor wishing to inspect school records or interview students on school premises must comply with all applicable Board policies and administrative regulations. In questionable cases, the visitor shall be directed to the Superintendent's office to obtain written permission for such a visit.
9. The Principal is authorized to take any action necessary to secure the safety of students and school personnel. Unauthorized visitors shall be requested to leave school premises immediately, and will be subject to arrest and prosecution for trespassing, pursuant to the New York State Penal Law, if they refuse.
Cross-ref: 1520, Public Conduct on School Property
Ref: Education Law §§1708; 2801
Adoption date: