Re: "Complaint: school is not a rec center"

Cathy LaPlace’s criticism of having half days of school for the state tourney was a bit miscalculated.

I find it hard to believe that she or anyone else would think that a sport affects only the participants. Lake Roosevelt’s teams represent the identity of the schools and are a source of pride for both students and the Grand Coulee Dam Area community.

On top of that, it’s a pleasure to read about the school’s success even if one doesn’t live there. I say congratulations to the schools and community and I hope to be there with you next year. Hopefully with whole-day cancellations.

As a former educator, I find it hard to believe that the half days would disrupt a teacher’s whole week, when in-service, conferences and other district activities such as early releases provide similar disruptions. I hope the teachers (not many, I’m sure) who were concerned about tests were able to reschedule them.

Lighten up, Cathy: athletics are important to students and the community.

Michael Palanuk

Liberty Lake, WA