When my daughter was in a public elementary school they tried to tell me I could not come to the school without calling first and arranging the time.
I told them to stuff it. I said I would come any time I like (and stop by the office to let them know I was there) and observe at my daughter's class. And I did.
The administrators of public schools forget who owns the schools ... the PUBLIC. In particular, parents should be welcome at the school.
Good for you. More parents should do exactly what you did.
My daughter's elementary school has a pretty open door policy for parents (same for all schools in the district) the only requirement being stopping by the office first. In addition to encouraging "drop in observation" there is at least one scheduled "open house" each term for parents during the school day.
The administrators of public schools forget who owns the schools ... the PUBLIC.
I completely agree.