I was encouraged to see the level of concern reflected in the opinion of Jane O’Loughlin French regarding the Bangor Mall prom (BDN letter, May 29). I am always gratified by the support my students receive from the Bangor community. However, O’Loughlin French’s unhappy conclusions are based upon misapprehension.

The “culmination” of childhood education is the graduation ceremony, not the prom. All students receiving high school diplomas are eligible to attend this event. All seniors and their guests may choose whether to attend the traditional prom. No special education students are excluded. The Bangor Mall prom is not forced upon special education students as an alternative.

The Bangor Mall prom is, as its title suggests, sponsored by that institution, not the Bangor School Department, and is a kind and forward-thinking gesture intended to enhance the lives of students with significant developmental delays. The notion that attendance at the mall prom precludes attendance at the traditional prom has never been offered or implied by anyone involved. The two events are not connected in any way.

I wish to publicly send my warmest regards to the Bangor Mall and contributing businesses for their sponsorship. I urge them to be confident in our enthusiastic support and the merit of their efforts.

George M. Brissette

Department chair Special education

Bangor High School

Hudson