Visitors

TPSS RULES FOR VISITING OUR SCHOOL:  Parents/guardians and other school patrons are welcome and encouraged to visit our schools at appropriate times. Programs and special visiting days may be planned by school principals throughout the school year. With this in mind, principals are responsible for establishing procedures to ensure the protection of instructional time and the welfare of our students and employees. In accordance with state law, no person is allowed on school grounds or in school buildings or facilities without authorization from the appropriate school official. All visitors must report to the principal's office immediately upon coming onto school grounds for their visit and must inform office personnel, principal, counselor, etc., of the purpose of the visit. If at all possible, visits should be pre-arranged. Principals are authorized to take the necessary steps in dealing with unauthorized visitors. A “visitor” is defined as any person except the following: (1) an employee of the school or school system, (2) a member of the school or school system's governing authority, (3) a student enrolled in the school, and (4) a parent, guardian, or other person authorized by a parent or guardian who is delivering the pupil to school at the beginning of the school day or picking up the pupil at the end of the school day.

In accordance with state law, TPSS principals, school administrators, or School Resource Officers are authorized to search the person, and any item in the possession of a person who is not 1) a student enrolled in school, or 2) any school employee, while in or on any school property. The search may be conducted at random with a metal detector, or physically when there is reasonable suspicion that such person has any weapon, illegal drugs, alcohol, stolen goods, or other materials which violate School Board policy.

THIRD PARTY AGENCIES: Due to the concerns with liability and student privacy/confidentiality, the School Board will not permit any third party, outside agency, or service provider to provide services to any student on any school campus during the school day unless the agency has submitted the proper application and received approval from the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services. Instructional time is valuable, and it is the responsibility of the School Board to ensure confidentiality and a quality education for all students. The Board has the right to deny or grant permission to any third party, outside agency, or service provider it deems necessary at any given time. Permission only grants the third party access to the school. School principals are obligated to maintain the safety and integrity of the instructional program; therefore, third parties are required to comply with directives from principals or their designees. The School Board will allow State and Federal agencies to access schools, school staff, and students pursuant to its obligations under Federal and State law and regulations.

PUBLIC CONDUCT ON SCHOOL PROPERTY: Anyone attending any school event or school-related function on or off campus must conduct themselves with politeness, decorum, and proper sportsmanship. Any person entering any school campus or School Board property is required to conduct himself/herself in accordance with acceptable standards of conduct and show respect for the law and rights of others. Any person who disrupts the orderly educational process while on a school campus or School Board property may be restricted or banned from the property by the Board. In addition, any person, including an adult, who behaves in an unsportsmanlike manner during an athletic or co-curricular event, may be ejected from the event and/or denied admission to other school events for up to a year. While on School Board property, if a person’s conduct becomes so disruptive that it threatens the safety of any employee or student, school personnel shall be authorized to notify law enforcement personnel for assistance. The Superintendent has the authority to review the circumstances and make the final decision regarding attendance of the individual at any school or school function. Examples of unacceptable conduct include, but are not limited to the following: 1) using vulgar or obscene language or gestures; 2) possessing or being under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or illegal substance; 3) possessing a weapon; 4) fighting or otherwise striking or threatening another person; 5) failing to obey the instructions of a security officer or school district employee; 6) interfering in any way with an athletic or co-curricular event; and 7) engaging in any activity which is disruptive or illegal. Students who demonstrate any of the aforementioned conduct will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with Board policy. Employees exhibiting any of the above conduct may be subject to suspension or termination. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________