Parent Permission Letter


Dear Parent/Guardian,

We will be starting a very special learning program in our classroom that will continue through the next 5 weeks. We have the opportunity to participate in the program entitled “Zink the Zebra” and will have both classroom based learning sessions along with a very special field trip to the Children’s Health Education Center.

Zink the Zebra is a story written by a young girl before she died of cancer. It is about a zebra named “Zink” who looks different from all of the other zebras because she has spots and not stripes. This unique and wonderful story brings to us the opportunity to introduce the topics of difference and acceptance to all of your children. The predominant, underlying theme of the Zink the Zebra program is that we all are more alike than we are different.

Session I begins with the children being introduced to the Zink characters and theme through the story of Zink the Zebra. At this time, the children will be identifying the feelings associated with someone who is different, and learning their role in developing an atmosphere of acceptance. This introduction will be followed by weekly opportunities to delve deeper into the true meanings of difference, illness, support, strength and acceptance. We encourage you to ask your children what they have learned through Zink and how it applies in your family.

The final session of this program is a trip to the Children’s Health Education Center for a celebration with Zink the Zebra. If at any time you have questions or concerns about what the children are experiencing, please feel free to contact me. We are hoping that together we can bring this very valuable lesson to your children for today and for the future.

We thank you in advance for your support and encourage you to participate with us as we meet Zink and bring the lessons of diversity and acceptance into our classroom.