PERMISSION SLIP

Dear Parent or Guardian,

On ___________________, your son/daughter's class will begin discussing The Freedom Writers Diary: How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them.  The Freedom Writers Diary is the story of how 150 students from Long Beach, California, who, despite the labels placed on them such as, "unteachable" and "below average," graduated and went on to college.

The book contains powerful, personal accounts of hope, tolerance, and second chances, presented within the context of the real issues the students faced on a daily basis such as anorexia, suicide, gang violence, drugs, and sexual abuse.  Some diary entries contain profanity, which the Freedom Writers believe symbolizes the frustrations they experienced in their quest to remove the labels placed on them by others.  With powerful entries from the students' own diaries and a narrative text by their teacher, Erin Gruwell, The Freedom Writers Diary is an uplifting, unforgettable example of how hard work, courage and the spirit of determination changed the lives of a teacher and her "unteachable" students.

Due to the occasional profanity and sensitive subject matter that may be considered by some to be too mature for adolescents, students will not be able to participate in the activities and discussions associated with The Freedom Writers' Diary unless a parent or legal guardian grants permission. Please respond by indicating your consent or non-consent below and return the form to ______________________ by ______________. Students whose parents do not indicate permission or those students who do not return the parent permission form will participate in an alternate activity.

If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment to come by and preview the book before it is used in the classroom, please call Mr./Ms._______________ at  (___) ___-____ before ____________.

Sincerely,

_ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ _
Please tear-off and return.

__ I give permission for my child, _______________ to read and discuss The Freedom Writers Diary.

__ I  DO NOT give permission for my child, _____________ to read and discuss The Freedom Writers Diary.

Parent / Legal Guardian Signature_____________________________________

Date____________________

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