Jim Skamarakas

James R. Skamarakas
** ******** *****
**********, **  *****

Bishop Eustace Preparatory School
5552 Rt. 70
Pennsauken, NJ  08109-4798

Attention: Brother Jim Beamesderfer

March 05, 2007

Dear Brother Jim:

I just wanted to send this note as a follow up to our conversation with Mrs. DeProspo, requesting permission for our daughter, Brighid Skamarakas, to take a trip that includes visits to Rome and Athens, as well as several other places that hold great importance not only to us as Catholics, but are considered some of the most magnificent sights in the world.

When we were informed of this opportunity over the weekend, we were immediately concerned about the amount of school Brighid would be missing. The trip is 2 weeks in length, and while some of that time covers Memorial Day weekend, she will still miss approximately 8 days of school. Our first call was to my wife’s aunt, a lifelong educator and former provincial general with the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. After discussing the trip with her, we felt it was reasonable to request the absence for Brighid. It seems like this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and the educational value is too great to pass up.

We understand from Mrs. DeProspo that this trip will put Brighid over the normally allowed number of absences. Considering the educational value of this opportunity, however, Mrs. DeProspo assured us that these days are able to be reclassified to reflect the educational significance for the absence. This is very reassuring to us, as we would be extremely concerned about this once in a lifetime trip resulting in Brighid being left back as a result of excessive absences.

We are so grateful that Bishop Eustace recognizes these special circumstances and is willing to work with us to allow this type of opportunity to be incorporated into the life lessons our daughter is learning. Thank you for being so understanding.

Sincerely,

James R. Skamarakas

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Categories: family
Tags: brighid, education, family