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Sample Letters
12. Sample Letters for Parents 
Tools for Getting Parents Involved in the Exceptional Education Process
By James J. Messina, Ph.D. & Constance M. Messina, Ph.D.

Eight Different Letters for Parents to Use within the Exceptional Education Progrecc

General
Guidelines for Letters:

1. Always include your identifying information:

Your Name(s) Mr and Mrs. ..
Your Address
Your Phone Number
Date your are writing the letter

2. Always try to type your letter and always keep a copy of it in your records

3. Hand deliver the letter to insure it is delivered or send it with a return receipt post card to insure that the letter was delivered.

4. Always identify your child

 

Letter 1:  Asking For An ESE Evaluation

(Today's Date)

Principal's Name

(School Name)
(School Address)

Dear ,

I am the parent of______(Child's Name) (Age) student in ____grade at School. I have a concern that my child has special needs that cannot be met by a regular school program. I am requesting that my child be staffed, screened and evaluated as quickly as possible, so that appropriate programming can be provided. Please advise me when this staff, screening and/or evaluation will take place.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

(Your Name)

cc: Director, Exceptional Education

 

Letter 2:  Asking For An IEP Review

(Today's Date)

Director, Exceptional Student Education

Name of School Board
Address of School Board Office

Dear ,

I am the parent of , years old, who is a student in grade at School. I am requesting a meeting to discuss changes in my child's Individual Education Plan and to possibly write up a new IEP. The following days would be good for me , , or . Please get back with me when we can schedule this IEP review.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

(Your Name)

cc: Principal of the School

 

Letter 3:  Asking the School to Change a Decision

(Today's Date)

Director, Exceptional Student Education

Name of School Board
Address of School Board Office

Dear ,

I am the parent of , years old, who is a student in grade at School. I received a notice from the school on (date) regarding_________________.I am not in agreement with this decision. I have talked with the people at the school. I am asking for a meeting to talk about this problem to see if a change can be made on the decisions that have been made.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

(Your Name)

cc: Principal of the School

 

Letter 4:  Asking For An Independent Evaluation

(Today's Date)

Director, Exceptional Student Education

Name of School Board
Address of School Board Office

Dear ,

I am the parent of , years old, who is a student in grade at School. I think that my child needs an Independent Evaluation because____________________. I am asking that you help me find someone to do this evaluation and that the school system pay for it.

Please notify me of your answer to this request.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

(Your Name)

cc: Principal of the School

 

Letter 5:  Revoking Consent

(Today's Date)

Director, Exceptional Student Education

Name of School Board
Address of School Board Office

Dear ,

I am the parent of , years old, who is a student in grade at School. On (date)________, I signed a form giving my consent  for ____________________ (fill in). I no longer think that this is best for my child. I wish to revoke my consent.

Please let me know what action you are taking to respond to my request.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

(Your Name)

cc: Principal of the School

 

Letter 6:  Asking School To Change or Destroy Records

(Today's Date)

Principal's Name

School Name
School Address

Dear , I am the parent of , years old, who is a

student in grade at School.

I have read the school records about my child. These records were explained to me by (name of person) ______ on ____________(date). I have reason to believe that part of the school records are not fair to my child. Therefore I am asking that you change: and/ or destroy ________________ (specify what records you want destroyed). Please let me know what action you will take in answer to this request .

Thank you.

Sincerely,

(Your Name)

cc: Director, Exceptional Student Education

 

Letter 7:  Asking For A Due Process Hearing

(Today's Date)

Superintendent of Schools

Name of School Board
Address of School Board Office

Dear ,

I am the parent of , years old, who is a student in grade at School. I have talked with the school staff and we do not agree about _______________________(Issue of contention). I am asking for a Hearing before an impartial Hearing Officer so that I can present my point of view. Please let me know as soon as possible when the Hearing will be held. I would also like to schedule an appointment to examine and copy my child's school records before the Hearing.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

(Your Name)

cc: Director, Exceptional Student Education

 

Letter 8:   Asking for a Copy of Your Child's School Records

(Today's Date)

Principal's Name

School Name
School Address

Dear ,

I am the parent of , years old, who is a student in grade at School. I have a need for a copy of my child's complete school record. Could you please make me this copy and let me know at your earliest convenience when it is ready.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

(Your Name)

cc: Director, Exceptional Education


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