(Greece, N.Y.) – Tracy Vu spent Monday morning protesting on the sidewalk outside Brookside Elementary School in Greece. If she stepped foot on the property, she risked getting arrested.
Vu and her husband, Han, say they were banned from school after they inquired about their daughter’s report card. San is a nine-year-old fourth grader who plays violin.
"We are blue collar. We didn't have enough education. We work hard. We work to build (San) a good education," Han Vu said.
Last Thursday, before school started, the Vus approached San’s teacher and principal in the parking lot to ask for a copy of their daughter’s latest test. The couple was told they would have to discuss the matter at a previously scheduled appointment the next day.
"All I'm asking is the test reports, so we can look it over," Han said, as he wanted to look over the test before the meeting.
Tracy Vu then escorted San into the building and Han went to work. According to the district, Tracy approached a counselor to discuss San’s grades. Tracey said she was trying to make sure San was not left alone until the bell rang for the start of school.
The Vus said they hadn’t understood that they had to make an appointment to meet with the staff.
It’s what came next that upset the family.
The district’s head of security sent them a letter saying, "Your conduct was alarming to staff, who considered it intimidating and disruptive. I am notifying you that you are no longer allowed to approach Mrs. Marquez, Dr. Bentley, or any other Brookside staff without calling in advance to make an appointment. We will immediately contact the police if you approach staff members in the parking lot. We regret having to restrict your access to the building, but we have no other choice due to the circumstances of today's actions."
"I wasn't intimidating or disruptive at all," said Han Vu. "I'm frustrated and I'm very upset. Why I'm being labeled as a criminal? What did I do wrong?"
A district spokeswoman said in a statement, "Mr. and Mrs. Vu are welcome at Brookside. They can bring their child to school, pick her up, and attend school functions. They are also welcome to meet with staff regarding any concerns they may have. Such meetings, however, should be scheduled in advance because teachers and other school employees are not always immediately available for consultation. Unannounced visits can be disruptive to the learning environment. School and district administrators are working with the family to resolve any misunderstands that may still exist."
A sampling of other area school districts shows varying policies related to drop-in visits by parents.
Fairport's policy requires advance notification. East Irondequoit doesn't have a set policy, and said principals are typically able to meet with parents who visit unannounced. Brighton and Webster have no set policy, but if the teacher or principal has time, they will meet with the parent; otherwise an appointment will be made.
The Vus understand that they have to make an appointment in the future, but they are still angry that they have been threatened with arrest.
"They encourage parent working with school to ask more question, ask question, as much question as you can to get to know the program, and that's what I did," Han said. "And this is what I get?"
