Wasted class time

I am the parent of a 10th grader in the Miami-Dade public schools. Times are tough. Why then did my son spend a recent day at his high school watching movies — Austin Powers and The Sandlot? The reason, as explained to me by school administrators, who were well aware of this situation, was because my son’s classroom and other classrooms which contain computers were needed for students retaking the FCAT!

Am I the only parent shocked by this waste of a school day? Are they making the best use of the money they have? If the school system doesn’t value precious teaching moments, what lesson are they teaching their students?

Wanda Mazo, Aventura

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‘First 48’ exploits victims of crime

Thank you for your recent coverage of the city of Miami Police Chief Manuel Orosa’s decision not to renew a contract with the reality show The First 48. For years the show’s film crew has roamed the streets of Miami’s urban communities searching for victims of homicide to feature on their show.
Spiritual or religious?

Martin Slater’s May 17 letter, Changing beliefs, responding to Myriam Marquez’s May 12 column makes the common mistake of equating religion and spirituality. While religions encourage the development of our spiritual sense, religious dogmas are unnecessary to cultivate one’s own sense of spirituality. Many nonreligious individuals are highly spiritual, keenly in tune with their inner-self and the concept of a creative universal force.
DCF is disgraceful

Re the May 21 article DCF deemed boy safe before he was left in vehicle: It’s unbelievable that the Department of Children & Families would do absolutely nothing about a woman who reportedly was drunk and driving, hitting walls and passing out while her young son was in the car untethered.

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