Keeping Communication With Parents Open Regarding Programs

Below is text from a letter I have parents sign prior to a performance. This letter has stopped all students from quitting/dropping out of a program. I was teaching in a low/middle class school and a very wealthy community; it has worked in both places. Taking responsibility is one of the most important things teachers can teach. I know it hurts when the students have to learn the hard way, but in the long run you will be doing them a favor.

First, remember that children behave the way they do because of their parents' behavior. Because of that, I try not to worry when an angry parent calls. We can't change the parents of the children - for the most part. So, we have to learn to work through them.

When I send the initial letter home, I state: "Please sign the following form letting me know you will consider this a top priority responsibility of both you and your child." In this form, I include the following information:

1. You will be responsible and transport your child to and from the evening performance.
2. You will need to provide a costume for your child's character/part. (I will be glad to help give you ideas. Please contact me.)
3. Your child will be responsible and learn his/her entire part within the next two weeks. (As an aside: I never give the children a lot to learn.)
4. Because we are on a very limited time schedule, it will be necessary for me to give your child's part to another student if s/he does not have his/her part completely learned by the "deadline date" stated in this letter.
5. Self-control and appropriate/model behavior during rehearsals will be of the utmost importance. If your child does not abide by the basic behavior rules when we are rehearsing, I will need to give the part to another student.

At the bottom of the form I also include:

• I understand each of the requirements for my child's participation in this program.
• I understand I need to transport him/her to and from the evening performance.
• I need to provide my child's costume.
• I understand that s/he has the responsibility of learning his/her part within the time frame that is stated in this letter, and that s/he needs to be a model student concerning his/her behavior during rehearsals.

Signed, Parent/Guardian