Purpose of Permission Form: Legal guardians provide student permission to: (a) participate in ASPIRE; (b) allow mentor access to student academic records; and (c) communicate in-person or electronically with mentors according to the district's policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Permission Form required?
- For students meeting with community mentors
- All high school & MS students participating in the program (mentored by community volunteers).
- When is the Permission Form NOT required?
- For students who just need occasional help – drop-in services
- Student not receiving 1:1 mentoring, but receive ASPIRE services in the classroom, group mentoring, episodic volunteers
- Students meeting with site staff
- Can I use the same signed Permission Form year-to-year? For example, a freshman has a signed permission form in 9th grade and continues ASPIRE until they graduate.
- Can our feeder middle school send me their student permission forms to use for the high school program?
- Yes. Reach out to your Access Specialist to help facilitate the transition.
- How do students submit a Permission Form if they are homeless and under 18?
- Work with your McKinney Vento coordinator or homeless advocate. Refer to your school’s policy.
- Should I include Permission Forms in my site’s registration packet?
- Yes! You may need to change the perception on what it means for a student to have submitted a Permission Form—let students and families know that their student will be matched when there are enough mentors and/or let them know that have the Form will allow their student to participate in ASPIRE activities during the year.
- Options for Receiving Permission Forms:
- OPT-IN: Students return signed Permission Forms (paper or electronic) to the Coordinator
- OPT-IN: Include Permission Forms in your fall registration packets
- OPT-OUT:
- Add a checkbox to your schoolwide permission waiver that includes an explanation of ASPIRE and its services to students
- All parents/guardians are sent (email, document in registration packet, or mailer) an ASPIRE participation notification with information on the program and its services. Parents/guardians only need to respond if they do not want their student participating in ASPIRE.
Sample Opt-Out Verbiage
In the [Name district] we are determined to create a strong career & college going culture in our high schools. [Name District and/or ASPIRE Site] has embraced the State of Oregon’s ASPIRE program that offers education, support, and mentoring opportunities for all students.
ASPIRE student supports include 1:1 mentoring, group mentoring, and activities or events that focus on career exploration, career and college research, admissions applications, scholarships, and financial aid. If students choose to participate in the mentor program, it is important to know that all ASPIRE staff and community mentors go through a background check and that confidentiality is required as mentors will have access to student academic records. Mentoring will take place in person or in a combination of virtual, electronic communication following [Name of ASPIRE Site/District] guidelines. If you do NOT want your child to participate in the ASPIRE program, please contact your [name of school] College Coordinator [or specify your staff titles] to opt out the ASPIRE program.