comments+from+OSCA+about+small+groups

Re: Parent Permission and small groups
I usually ask for parent permission - especially if a group is ongoing - doesn't matter how informal, I think parents need to know what's going on so there are no misconceptions - I usually get about a 50% return but, don't tell those who don't they can't participate - lots of parents aren't involved in their kids' school unfortunately - I usually send home a brief memo with a place for parent initials - telling a bit about the kind of group, assuring them it is not a therapy group and when the group will meet. Hope this helps, Good luck!

Chris Hedderick, Ph.D Wellston City Schools

Nancy Dyer posted the following response

Re: Parent Permission and small groups
I have sign up sheet during parent conferences befores school begins in the fall and during the parent-teacher conferences in November. When teachers refer others I send home a standard letter with a tear off permission at the bottom. I generally get most of these back. I do call the parents that don't respond and get verbal permission. Although this takes time, these are usually the parents that I "need" to get to know, and it's good PR for parents to realize what we offer.

Marcy M. posted the following response

Re: Parent Permission and small groups
At the beginning of the school year I attach a small group sign up to my first newsletter indicating what small groups will be available and when they will take place (tentatively). This was the first year I did it that way and it was GREAT. This way the parents signed them up and I didn't have to go "looking" for kids to join small groups. I plan to do this from now on.

Sue Cicero posted the following response

Re: Parent Permission and small groups
In our junior high (grade 7 &8) we have a permission letter that is informational and then asks the parents to sign if they DO NOT want the child to participate. This seems to get the attention of parents who do not want the servie and I often get a phone call from them. This give me an opportunity to talk more about the expereince and eventually most agree.

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