The "Letter to the Stranger" is an essential part of preparing a case for trial. At the due process hearing, I utilize the parents' 10-day letter and the due process request letter as my blueprint for direct questioning of the parents and cross-examination of school district officials. A letter is difficult to cross-examine for the school board attorney. The only person who can answer why certain questions were not asked in the interview or why certain information was not given by the parent during the interview process is the parent who was there. The purpose of the letter is threefold: first, it gives the school district notice that a complaint will be made public if the student is not returned to school; second, it allows the district time to resolve the matter before it becomes public; third, it creates a record for evidence at a later date if necessary. These letters are also useful when you are trying to determine what happened during an interview with a school official. For example, if the school claims that it interviewed the parent but did not ask her about an alleged incident involving their child, then she should write a letter complaining about this omission so that it can be corrected in future interviews. Parents should receive written notification from the school district that their child's case has been reviewed by a panel and either dismissed or continued to a further meeting. If a parent does not receive this letter, they should contact the office of the superintendent to find out what happened to their case.