We, the undersigned, implore you to reconsider moving young children (age 4) from P.S. 59's Pre-K program into the High School of Art & Design, beginning in September, 2004. This move will displace students, teachers and classrooms of the High School of Art & Design and will have a severe impact on the school's professional art program, in addition to raising concerns for the safety of these young children.

The High School of Art & Design has contributed to the economy of New York City for the past 68 years, through the contributions of its graduates, who are employed as architects; industrial designers; art directors; creative directors; copywriters; advertising agency owners; graphic designers; typographic designers; print and production artists; engravers; illustrators; fashion designers; animators; cartoonists; cinematographers; filmmakers, photographers; theatre arts and window display designers; fine artists; and art teachers; since it was founded as the School of Industrial Art in 1936.

The City of New York and the Department of Education need to reaffirm their commitment to providing a strong arts curriculum to the students of the High School of Art & Design.