Dear Mr. Noe:

Recently, I have become aware that my son is going to be required to buy a laptop computer for school next year. I was not aware of the decision making process that resulted in this requirement. I am disappointed that there were to the best of my knowledge no informational meetings or involvement of a large number of parents in debates leading to this decision. I have the following concerns:

1. All or almost all students already have access to computers at home,
2. There are many computers on campus and my son tells me that there is no difficulty getting access to them when he needs them,
3. Students already have a large burden of books to carry about and I do not see the computer replacing these books in the near future,
4. It is a big responsibility to carry about a $1700.00 piece of equipment and accidents and thefts are bound to happen,
5. This represents a significant increase in costs above the already high tuition and will make Lakeside even more financially exclusive,
6. I have yet to hear how the laptop requirement will improved education when all have access to desktop computers now,
7. According to the school newspaper, many of the students are against the requirement,
8. I personally think that computers (although a very useful tool) can be a barrier to thoughtful dialog and the development of ideas through discourse.

I recommend that this decision be reconsidered with broader Lakeside community input. I hope this can be discussed at our breakfast meeting on Thursday. I am also able to meet at other times if it is more convenient. I wish to thank you for your further consideration of this matter.

Ben Berger's, 10th grade, Dad
Richard E. Berger