To promote effective communication between the citizens of the community and the school system, the Board of Education encourages parents and other citizens to visit their schools periodically during the course of the school year.

The Superintendent of Schools is authorized to establish such regulations at will:

1. encourage visitors to observe district schools;
2. provide for appropriate hospitality for visitors;
3. channel expressions of approval as well as constructive criticisms to the Board; and
4. ensure that such visits will enhance the effect of the educational program rather than hinder it.

In an effort to maintain a safe and healthy educational environment, all visitors to the district must sign-in at the Main Office/lobby of the building visited, and be issued a visitor’s permit which must be displayed at all times. Visitors are expected to comport themselves in a manner that does not disrupt the academic process and in accordance with the law and the district's Code of Conduct.

The Board recognizes that many visitations that will 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 the Principal. The Board views these visits as constructive; however, no such visit shall be permitted to interfere with the educational process. Persons who are not students or staff of that school shall report immediately to the school office/lobby 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 of Schools, and his/her designee 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 New York State law.

Cross-ref:

• 5450.1, Notification of Releases of Sex Offenders by the Division of Parole
• 8135, Safe Schools
• Code of Conduct

Ref:

• Education Law §§1708; 2801