Visitor Policy / Overview of Policy

Visitors to Schools

Excerpt (pgs. 48-49) from Rochester City School Board Policy Manual 1400

Approved by the Board of Education on June 16, 2016 pursuant to Resolution 2015-2016: 856

The Board encourages parents and other citizens to visit the District’s schools and classrooms to observe the work of students, teachers and other staff. Since schools are a place of work and learning, however, certain limits must be set for such visits. The building principal or his or her designee is responsible for all persons in the building and on the grounds. For these reasons, the following rules apply to visitors to the schools:

Anyone who is not a regular staff member or student of the particular school will be considered a visitor (including central office staff).

2. All visitors to the school must report to the office of the principal upon arrival at the school. There they will be required to sign the visitor’s register. If identification badges are used in the building, they will be issued a visitor’s identification badge, which must be worn at all times while in the school or on school grounds. The visitor must return the identification badge to the principal’s office before leaving the building.

3. Visitors attending school functions that are open to the public, such as parent-teacher organization meetings, athletic competitions or public gatherings, are not required to wear an identification tag.

4. Parents or citizens who wish to observe a classroom while school is in session are required to arrange such visits in advance with the classroom teacher(s), so that class disruption is kept to a minimum.

5. Teachers are expected not to take time to discuss individual matters with visitors during class time.

6. Any unauthorized person on school property will be reported to the principal or his or her designee. Unauthorized persons will be asked to leave. The police may be called if the situation warrants.

7. All visitors must abide by the rules contained in the Code of Conduct.

The Rochester City School District does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's actual or perceived race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, age, marital status, partnership status, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, gender (sex), military status, veteran status, domestic violence victim status or political affiliation, and additionally does not discriminate against students on the basis of weight, gender identity, gender expression, and religious practices or any other basis prohibited by New York State and/or federal non-discrimination laws in employment or its programs and activities. The District provides equal access to community and youth organizations.