Close communication and supportive relationships between parents/guardians and schools are essential to increasing student achievement and enhancing school climate. The Marcus Whitman Central School District supports these efforts through effective and appropriate visitations to schools and to classrooms by parents/guardians, community members, and other appropriate individuals, subject to the following guidelines:

1)     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.

2)     Parents or guardians wishing to speak with a specific teacher concerning the progress of a child must make an appointment with the teacher. The school shall not be used as a location to provide visitation by a noncustodial caregiver.

3)     Parents/guardians may request a visit to their child's classroom(s) through the Building Principal, at which time the purpose of the visit will be established. The date and time of the visit will be mutually agreed upon directly between the parent/guardian and the teacher. The Building Principal will be notified, in advance, of the arrangements which have been agreed upon for the visit.

4)     Teachers may request that a parent/guardian visit the classroom by directly contacting the parent/guardian and establishing a mutually agreed upon time and date. The Building Principal will be notified of the visit, in advance.

5)     Visitations by individuals other than parents/guardians shall be arranged directly between the Building Principal and the individual making the request. The purpose of the visit will be made clear at that time in order to facilitate appropriate arrangements. Prior approval must be obtained for the visit.

6)     Visitation will occur in a way that avoids or minimizes disruption to the normal learning process and the ordinary classroom routine. The Building Principal may be present when appropriate. Visitors agree to maintain confidentiality regarding information which they acquire during the course of the visit as explained to the visitor by the Building Principal.

7)     If a staff member notices that a visitor does not report to the Main Office upon entering the building, or does not display a visitor pass, he/she should report that occurrence to the Building PrincipaVdesignee.