Letter samples... Intro letters, ect...

[momofrussell]

I thought I would start a thread here too and we can ALL share letters we've done to introduce our kids and maybe other letters we might need... here... so others can have them as ideas and tools...

Here is my letter I did last year....

*************

Hi, I am Russell Elias Bievenue

I am 7 years old and I am in River Bend’s K-2 Special Ed class. I am also in your 1st Grade class too! I have Down Syndrome. I also have Autism and I am Visually Impaired.

I am just like you though. I love to giggle, play, jump, run and do all the things other kids like to do! I just don’t talk yet. I haven’t learn to yet, so if I growl when I am sad or mad, sorry if it gets loud and hurts your ears. I also hit sometimes to get you to play with me. I know I shouldn’t do this and will work on not doing that. It’s just the only way I know how to get your attention until I learn a better way.

I also do some silly thinks like flap my hands a lot, make silly sounds, dangle toys and jump a lot. This just means I am happy! Even though I am visually impaired, I can see pretty good. I just have trouble with seeing down because I have no depth perception. My eyes look silly sometimes because they jiggle a lot and turn in a lot. I also squint and look out of the corner of my eyes to see. But that is so my eyes don’t jiggle.

I hope to have some great fun with everyone and learn lots of new things!

**********

Feel free to post some here!!!

A.

[mommygwen]

....I am Greg. I am 13 years old and in the sixth grade. I like to do the same things that
most kids my age like to do. I love to read, listen to music,(country is my fav),swim and
play sports. Some people have described me using words like delayed or retarded, others
say amazing and inspiring describe me better. I am all of these things. I have Down
Syndrome.
If you have the opportunity to interact with me, this is what I need you to know.
Communicate with me as you would anyone else. Please remind me to look at you.. I take
most of my cues from your facial expressions. If there is background noise or activity I
may need you to repeat things for me. Please keep your instructions short and simple as I
have difficulty with long complex verbal instructions.
Like all kids my age I too want to be independent. I struggle with the realization that
others my age don't need as much help as I do. So please ask first if I want help. If I tell
you that I don't please be patient. It will take me longer to finish a task but completion is
very important to me. When help is required, it sometimes leaves me feeling frustrated
and a little sad.But I know help is necessary for me to be successful.
Because of my cognitive delays I need help making most of the decisions in my life.
Please give me a couple of choices, when possible. It helps me feel as if I have some
control over the things that happen to me.
Sometimes I say and do things that are not appropriate. Help me work through this by
explaining the proper way to handle myself. By doing this you are teaching me how to
handle my emotions, something I sometimes have a hard time doing alone. Please
remember if there is an incident, don't talk about me in front of me. My expressive
language is somewhat delayed however my receptive language is excellent.
Finally, please accept me for who I am. With your help I will grow up to be a happy,
productive, successful member of my community.
Sincerely,

Greg

[Connie]

I am trying to write a letter to give to the parents to introduce Collin and a letter from him to give to the students so I wanted to bump this up to see if anyone else had anything to add....Thanks for any help.

Connie

[Deborah]

Thanks Connie.. I just finished writing a letter for Jennifer. Last year Steff emailed me a copy of the letter she wrote for Olivia (thanks steff) and I used it as a guide for Jennifer's letter. She was in the special needs kindergarten last year and will be repeating kindy this year in a typical class.

This is the letter I wrote:



Hi, my name is Deborah, mom to Jennifer, who will be attending kindergarten with your child this year.

Jennifer is 6 years old and was born with Down Syndrome. The reason for this letter is to introduce you to Jennifer. I have attached a sheet with information and simple answers to any questions your child may have.

Children born with Down Syndrome experience many delays in development. Jennifer's delay happens to be in speech. Her "receptive language" is fine, meaning that when someone speaks to her, her brain receives and processes the information. She understands what is being said, but when it comes to expressing it back to you is where her troubles are. " Expressive language" is any means of communication, whether it be speech, sign language, writing, or just plain pointing. She can communicate her needs with simple words and sign language. Expressing it through speaking is difficult for her. She can say simple words, just not carry on a conversation with words. My goal for her this year is to carry on a conversation with her peers. She receives speech therapy and in the last 2 years has made tremendous improvement. I know in my heart that being in the typical kindergarten setting, with verbal children, will only help her reach this goal.

Having a speech delay does not slow her down though. She is a happy, loving child. She loves watching Dora the Explorer, Cinderella, and for some reason this summer has enjoyed watching "The Food Network"...Go figure!! We put her play kitchen near the TV so she can cook right along with the chefs. Who knows,maybe she will a famous chef one day! She plays dress-up, loves to paint, color and do puzzles. Jennifer takes ballet and tap dance, and is involved in Church, Sunday School, and children's choir. She has 3 teenage brothers who have been teaching her to play baseball and game-cube over the summer. Above all, Jennifer has a great personality and incredible memory. She loves being around other children and that is where her biggest achievements come from. She is very perceptive and learns so much from her peers.

If you have read through this whole letter..THANK YOU..
Please feel free to call me with any comments, concerns, or questions. As you can probably guess, I love talking about Jennifer and welcome any questions you may have.

***********************

[sarahsma]

Hey all,
It is nice to see that Sarah's letter from last year could be used for Greg as well.It just goes to show that our kids are the same in a lot of ways...... Lisa

[Connie]

Here is the letter I ended using for Collin this year.

Hello Fellow Parents:

I am not comfortable with public speaking; therefore, I would like to use this format to introduce myself and my son Collin to all of you. My name is Connie Longshore and I am the proud mother of Collin who will be joining your children this year in attending Kindergarten.

Collin is six years old and was born with Down Syndrome. Last year Collin attended preschool at Bona Vista. He spent two days each week in a, “Special Education” class and three days in a, “traditional” class. We now feel confident that he is ready to attend Kindergarten.

There are some things that I think are important to share with all of you; things that are specific to Collin, information on what it may be like for your child to be in a class with a child with a disability and some useful information on Down Syndrome.

Children born with Down Syndrome experience many delays in development. Collin’s delay happens to be speech. His “receptive language” is fine, meaning that when someone speaks to him, his brain receives and processes the information. He understands what is being said, but when it comes to expressing it back to you is where he has trouble.
“Expressive Language” is any means of communication, whether it is speech, sign language, writing or just plain pointing. He can communicate his needs with words and sign language. Expressing it through speaking is difficult for him. He can say simple words. He has just not mastered carrying on a conversation with his peers. Collin receives speech therapy and has made great strides in the last two years. Placing him in an environment with verbal children will help strengthen these skills.

Collin will have an IEP (Individualized Education Plan). Therefore, if the material is out of his scope of learning, the teachers will modify the curriculum to a level that is more appropriate to him. The rest of the class will maintain their pace of learning. Collin’s special situation will in no way “slow down” the other students.

In addition to Collin’s IEP, he will also be removed from the class room at times to receive extra instruction in areas that need further development.

As parents, my husband, Michael and I have many goals for Collin. Some of our long-term goals are for Collin to someday hold a job, have friends and a healthy social life where he is accepted in our community and to be able to live independently. Because of our goals for Collin we are committed to working hard along beside him in achieving as much self sufficiency as is possible for him. In saying this I hope you will appreciate what I am about to ask you as parents (and hopefully future friends). Please DO NOT view Collin as someone who can not do for himself. Well meaning people have a tendency to help Collin by fixing things for him or doing things for him. This is actually counterproductive to his gaining additional independence and growth. Collin needs to be able to “own” his own skills. Encouragement is always welcome when he is frustrated or challenged by something. In addition, he may need guidance or direction and it is fine to provide that when it is necessary.

Collin is a great kid and an even better friend. I know in my heart of hearts that your children will learn to be much more patient, tolerant and compassionate human beings after meeting Collin.

I have attached a couple of sheets of additional information on Down Syndrome and simple answers to questions you and or your child may have about Collin and or Down Syndrome. Michael and I are very open and respectful and would like to encourage you to feel free to contact us at [phone] with any questions or concerns that you may have.

In closing, I would like to say that I have had the pleasure of working with Mrs. Smith when another one of my sons was in her class a few years ago. You will be amazed at what our children will learn this school year.

God Bless,
Connie

Thanks to all who supplied their letters and allowed others like me to use them.

[Connie]

And, these are the question and answers I attached to my letter.

Q. What is Down syndrome?
A. Named after John Langdon Down, the first physician to identify the syndrome, Down Syndrome is the most frequent genetic cause of mild to moderate mental retardation and associated medical problems and occurs in one out of 800 live births, in all races and economic groups. Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder caused by an error in cell division that results in the presence of an additional third chromosome 21 or "trisomy 21."
Q. What can a child with Down syndrome do?
A. In many important ways, children with Down syndrome are very much the same as other children. They have the same moods and emotions, and they like to learn new things, to play and enjoy life.
Q. Can a child with Down syndrome go to school?
A. Yes. There are special programs beginning in the preschool years to help children with Down syndrome develop skills as fully as possible. Along with benefiting from early intervention and special education, many children are integrated in the regular classroom. The outlook for these children is far brighter than it once was. More mildly affected children can learn to read and write and participate in diverse childhood activities both at school and in their neighborhoods.
Q. Can Down Syndrome be cured or outgrown?
A. No. Just as we cannot change your genetic make-up, we cannot change the genetic make-up of a person with Down Syndrome. The effects of Down Syndrome, however, can be modified by providing good medical care, good education and good parental support.
Q. Are people with Down Syndrome always happy?
A. People with Down Syndrome have the same feelings and moods as everyone else.
Q. Can people with Down Syndrome form relationships?
A. People with Down Syndrome are perfectly capable of forming all types of relationships with people they encounter in their lives, be it friendship, love or dislike of someone.
Q. What is the correct terminology regarding people with Down Syndrome?
A. Down Syndrome is not a disease and therefore people with Down Syndrome do not suffer nor are they victims of their condition. Down Syndrome is only a part of the person, they should not be referred to as “a Down’s”. People with Down Syndrome are all unique individuals and should be acknowledged as a person first and foremost. It is important to think of the person first, e.g. John is 29 and has Down Syndrome.


Questions for kids:
Q. Can I catch Down Syndrome?
A. No, Down Syndrome is something you are born with, you cannot catch it like a cold, flu or even the chicken pox.
Q. Why doesn’t Collin talk like me?
A. Because of the Down Syndrome Collin’s muscles are not made like yours so it is harder for him to talk and form the words in his mouth so he may try to tell you what he wants by pointing or using sign language. But, just because Collin can’t talk as well, does not mean he doesn’t understand what you are saying.
Q. Why does Collin seem and look different?
A. He has certain physical features, such as a flatter face, upward slanting eyes, and a somewhat larger tongue. He has had medical problems, too, such as a heart defect. Collin also has some mental retardation, which means he may have trouble learning. But, Collin and others like him are more like their family than they are different.
Q. What is that bump on Collin’s chest?
A. Collin had open heart surgery when he was 2 years old. The doctors had to cut open his chest so they could go in and fix his heart. The bump on his chest is from that surgery. It will not hurt you and does not hurt him. It does not keep him from doing anything he wants.
Q. What does Collin like to do?
A. Just like you Collin likes to run, ride bikes, play with action figures, going swimming, to the movies and parties. He loves to tease and joke around and just have fun.



Sorry so long,
Connie

[calamityjane]

Hi all....I wanted to bump this back to the top to see if anyone else has written an intro letter to their child's class or parents this year. I am in the process of putting letters together for my daughter Kelsey. She will soon be spending 2 hours a day in a gen ed class (3rd grade) and our school has had very little experience with inclusion. In the past, other kids inclusion efforts have, I think, been set up to fail. Well that is not acceptable. I want and am trying to do everything I can to make this a smooth transition and a comfortable situation for everyone. My plan right now is to send an intro letter to the parents of Kelsey's new classmates, go into the classroom and do a "presentation" about who Kels is and have her give out letters to the class her first day. I am a little uncomfortable about getting up in front of people, a classroom of third graders scares the bejeepers outa me! I would be so open to any information or experiences that you'all have had. And THANK YOU to the previous posters that have gotten me started with the letters. It is such a great idea!!

[Connie]

I know school is starting and this is a little late for some but I thought since I was "TWEEKING" mine I would bump this back up to the top.

Are there any new additions out there?

Connie

[momofrussell]

I HAVE ONE!!!!

Our DSA recently got a WONDERFUL piece from the KC guild, titled "All About Me". It's a 10 page thing that is more of a "fill in the blank" and broken down into subjects....like...My Parent's Dreams for me...My family... interesting facts about me... How I Communicate, ect... a page for pics and the last page is facts and myths about DS.

I have been sharing this locally and have already emailed it to a few parents. Some think it might be too long but all and all, it's got rave reviews so far, from the ones I've sent it to. I really think, even without the DS facts on the last page, it is something that say a teacher like in Russell's self contained class, could be handing out to ALL the kids to get to know the children they have in the class! Especially those who would be new.

So.... if anyone wants a copy... PM me your email... I have it on a PDF file and I really think it's a wonderful tool.

I also think I will do something a bit different for Russell this year for his SPED class, because we are in the same class with the same teacher. I might do this All About Me (we will have two teachers co-teaching this year, one is new) and also will do a "what I've done/learn over the Summer". I don't know if Russell will be in the typical 3rd grade class at all, because usually I request he not be included at this point. But last year the kids wanted to know who he was, in the 2nd grade, so he'd go into the class for 15 min of reading time.

I have to say I am lucky though. Russell's teacher and the new teacher sent home a letter already, and did some 3 page form thing to fill out so they can know your child. What I don't care for is it's just a list of activities, some even adverse ones, and they want to know what your kid enjoys? Like I am to circle things I see he notices. Doesn't quite paint the best pic of Russell. And the title is "Circle the items that are REINFORCING to your child"... and things like stimming and spinning toys, ect..are on there. Now, maybe I am not getting what they are asking, but I do NOT want anyone to think just because Russell stims all day, that it's something to REINFORCE.... I guess to me it implies a good or positive thing... so I am not sure how to procede with the form they sent. It's a little vague, the form, so I might bypass it and use this new one.

So... sorry to ramble.. but if anyone is interested... I'm willing to email you!

A.

[calamityjane]

I would love to get a copy of the "All about me" piece. It sounds like a great tool. Is it mostly something for the teachers etc, or for the classmates? I guess I'll see it when I get it! I will PM my email. Thank you in advance!

I really hate those form questionairres too. I usually do alot of writing in the margins to tell them what I think is important to know about Kels relating to the direction of thier question. Although I would agree with you on that question! Hard to tell what they are really asking for. You could ask the teacher for more input......Or, yeah, use the All About Me.

[momofrussell]

Calamityjane (love the ID by the way LOL)... I did email you your packet.. I hope you like it.

A.

[Connie]

Bump....

[Kaylis]

It seemed weird to me, but Mikah's teacher this year didn't want me to provide a letter nor to make a presentation to the students or parents at the beginning of the year. She said that would just set him more apart from the others. Since he has a full-time aide, an in-class specialist sometimes, various pull-out services (speech therapy, music therapy, activity learning group, one-on-one teaching as needed), and he's basically non-verbal I would think they might have questions I could address. In any case he's having a wonderful year and adores his teacher. I feel really good about what he's getting and learning too.

[gryphkitten]

Mar 21, 2011 7:49:48 GMT -5 Kaylis said:

It seemed weird to me, but Mikah's teacher this year didn't want me to provide a letter nor to make a presentation to the students or parents at the beginning of the year. She said that would just set him more apart from the others. Since he has a full-time aide, an in-class specialist sometimes, various pull-out services (speech therapy, music therapy, activity learning group, one-on-one teaching as needed), and he's basically non-verbal I would think they might have questions I could address. In any case he's having a wonderful year and adores his teacher. I feel really good about what he's getting and learning too.

Yes I agree that it is weird mom, but I guess it is to try and seam "Same" in things he's not compared to the other kids. Doesn't make sense. Oh well sorry for not keeping on track fully but I got carried away.