Permission letter - El norte

December 12, 2007

Dear Parents/Guardians:

I would like to show the award-winning movie El Norte to my Spanish IV class during these next few weeks. This powerful drama relates the story of a Guatemalan brother and sister who find it necessary to flee their remote Mayan village and look for a safer existence in the United States. This is an important aspect of our lesson on human rights in Latin America as well as immigration to the United States. We will be doing many comprehension activities and discussions around the film's content.

In the past, students have reported that not only is the viewing of this movie useful to their language development, but also helpful in developing an understanding of many social issues facing people who are currently immigrating to the United States.

I would appreciate your prior approval for your child's viewing of this movie. There are a couple of brief passages where strong language is used, and accurately translated into English in the subtitles. If this is contrary to your wishes, of course during those sections where the subtitles will be available to the students, your child can be provided an alternate activity.

The movie is an award-winning and well-made drama. The tone of the entire film is respectful and appropriate, with great educational relevance. The strong language is not portrayed in a positive way, and there is no other adult content in the film. If the film were rated in the U.S., it would be rated PG-13 because of the strong language. The movie’s emphasis it the stark contrast among the various characters' honor, resilience, ethics, and their treatment of others.

I have shown this film for several years to my advanced classes, and students have always enjoyed it, learned from it, and appreciated the cultural perspective they gained from it.

Sincerely,

Catie Thurber-Brown

Spanish Teacher

Tigard High School

503-431-5563

cthurber@ttsd.k12.or.us

Please detach and return by Friday, December 14, 2007.

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Thanks for INDICATING your preference for your student and for SIGNING below.

My son/daughter, __________________________,

(Name of student)

____ has my permission to view the film El Norte in Spanish class.

___ I prefer that my son/daughter be given an alternative activity and not view selected portions this film.

Parent signature ________________________________Date _______________