In third grade they don't want anyone in the classroom, except for special events. I am going in on Halloween to help with a party and hopefully that will give me a better idea of what goes on in there.

DS's first grade teacher put out a request for volunteers, but each parent is only on the schedule about twice per month (for only an hour at a time). One parent at a time, even though I'm sure they could use more help. DS's first grade class has 22 or 23 kids and no aide. It's like they don't want parents in there--are they worried about being on show and don't want parents watching them, or what?

For drop off/pick up, the parents never see the teachers. The kids just come out the doors on their own. The last time I tried to talk to a teacher after school the secretary had to open the locked school door for me.