1240 Visitors to the Schools

It is District policy to accept only those visitors who have legitimate business to attend to at a school. Parents/guardians are always welcome but appointments with school personnel are recommended.

Persons who are not students or staff shall report immediately to the designated visitor’s desk/school office upon entering a school building, sign the log in book and receive a Visitor’s Pass. 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.

Unauthorized persons are not to circulate in or on the school grounds at any time. Persons attending functions at the school shall be limited to those areas specifically designated for that function by the building principal. All visitors are expected to abide by the District’s Code of Conduct (Policy #5300.65 and 5300.70) governing visitors to the school as well as public conduct on school property. Visitors who violate these policies shall be prosecuted pursuant to New York State Law.

The Brentwood High School campus will be closed to visitors 45 minutes prior to dismissal. To pick up students during this time, parents/guardians may call the school, and the student(s) will be escorted out of the building.

Detailed Visitor Guidelines
We have established guidelines for accessing the building via the security vestibule. These guidelines are vital for maintaining safety and ensuring a smooth entry process for everyone.

Visitors' access to school buildings will be restricted during instructional time.

1. Employee Entry

• All employees must enter through the designated access point located opposite the security vestibule.
• Upon arrival, employees should swipe their ID cards at the card reader positioned next to the entrance, which allows for immediate access.
• Employees who have their ID cards are not required to use the security vestibule.
• If an employee does not have their ID card, they must go through the security vestibule for verification.
• Employees are not to allow visitors to enter a building as they are entering.

2. Student Sign Out:

• It is recommended that parents/guardian’s phone the main office to alert staff that they are picking their child(ren) up early.
• Upon arrival, parents/guardians will use the call button/intercom system to contact the main office.
• Photo identification must be presented and verified before releasing a student.
• Student sign-out must be documented through the main office and/or the safety kiosk.
• To maximize instructional time, parents/guardians are discouraged from picking their child(ren) up before regularly scheduled dismissal time. As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the safety and efficiency of our dismissal processes, students should not be signed out within 15 minutes of dismissal unless it’s an extreme emergency.

3. Security Vestibule Usage (where applicable)

• At no point should both doors of the security vestibule be opened simultaneously to maintain security.
• If the exterior door is open for entry, the interior door must remain secured until the exterior door is completely closed. Only after the exterior door closes can the interior door be opened.
• School safety personnel or authorized staff members will monitor the security vestibules to ensure strict adherence to these guidelines.

4. Visitor Entry

• When a visitor arrives, they must ring the bell located adjacent to the security vestibule entrance.
• School safety personnel or authorized staff members will buzz the visitor into the vestibule.
• The visitor is to be asked the name of the student in the school.
• All visitors, including parents, guardians picking up students for emergencies (such as medical situations) or those with scheduled appointments, must present valid government issued identification upon arrival.
• The identification will be passed to District staff via the window within the vestibule.  
• A District staff member will verify the identification using the visitor management system to ensure that the individual is authorized to enter the building.
• An administrator or front office staff member will confirm that the person presenting credentials is authorized to pick up the student.  If verified, the visitor will be issued a visitor pass and be allowed access to the front office. 
• Note: anyone entering the building must go through the visitor management system.

5. Assistance

• The school safety director or designee will be available to assist with any questions or concerns related to the entry process.

6. Addressing Threats in the Security Vestibule

• In the event that a potential threat is identified within the security vestibule, it is critical to follow these guidelines listed below (7, 8 & 9) to ensure the safety of all individuals in the building.

1. Assessment

• Remain calm and assess the situation discreetly.
• Determine the nature of the threat (e.g., aggressive behavior, weapons, unauthorized individuals).

2. Make Notifications

• Immediately notify school safety dispatch, front office and, if a weapon is involved, dial 911 through the nearest communication device (e.g., radio, intercom, phone).
• Provide clear and concise information about the situation, including the location and nature of the threat.

3. Initiate Lockdown Protocol

• If a weapon is involved initiate the lockdown procedure if the threat is deemed imminent. Follow the district and building safety plans.

7. Escort & Access restrictions:

• Visitors shall be restricted to approved areas and must be escorted by staff at all times.
• Any unauthorized movement within the building could result in removal from the premises.

8. Exit & Check-Out:

• Visitors shall be required to return their badge and sign out through the main office prior to exiting the building.

Security personnel or office staff may escort them out if necessary. 

Tailgating procedures for handling situations where unauthorized individuals attempt to follow closely behind someone authorized to enter the school building.

1. To ensure the safety and security of our students and staff by effectively managing situations where unauthorized individuals attempt to enter the school building.

• Be Observant.
• Stay alert at all entry points.
• Watch for individuals attempting to follow closely behind authorized personnel without signing in.

2. Unauthorized Individuals
   If you notice someone tailing an authorized person, approach them calmly and politely.
   Use the following script:  

• Hello! May I assist you? Are you here for an appointment or to visit someone?

3. Assess the Individual’s Response

• If the individual can provide a valid reason for entering (e.g., scheduled appointment), guide them to sign in at the front desk.
• If they are unable to provide a valid reason or refuse to cooperate, inform them they cannot enter the building.
• Communicate with School Safety or Administrator. If the individual does not comply or if you feel uneasy, immediately contact school safety or administrator.
• Clearly state your location and the situation to ensure a prompt response.

4. Prevent Tailgating

• Do not to hold doors open for others. We should not allow anyone to enter behind you without proper identification.

5. Document Incidents
   If an unauthorized individual attempts to enter, make detailed notes of the incident, including:

• Date and time
• Description of the individual
• Preventive measures used
• Send this documentation to school safety and administrator for tracking and follow-up investigation

Cross Ref:
Policy #5300.65 and 5300.70 – Code of Conduct
Policy #5450.1 – Notification of the Release of Convicted Sex Offenders

Ref:
Educational Law §§ 1708; 2801

Approved by the Board of Education:                    December 18, 2025