Educators are successfully incorporating electronic mail into elementary and secondary classrooms. This paper refers to an article by Hugh Barr which describes a variety of instructional programs that use electronic mail as part of the social studies curriculum. Barr notes that essential components of interschool e-mail are purpose, structure, and a clear time frame within which to work. Barr also notes that the focus of electronic mailing projects is on the process rather than the content. Legitimate warnings concerning the use of e-mail must be heeded--commercialism must be avoided, teachers must be involved in development and properly trained in the technology, and the content of e-mail messages must be kept above the mundane. Ernest Boyer, the president of Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, has released a blueprint of a "Basic School" in which literacy is the first and most essential goal. Educators should keep open minds about the wonders of technology and should thoroughly investigate the pros and cons of using it in their particular situations. Teachers should be thoroughly aware of, and thoroughly prepared for, dealing with all ramifications of e-mail before undertaking it. Teachers should also read reputable educational periodicals which can stimulate thought about current educational concerns, and exercise their voting rights and vote for legislators who are truly interested in seeing that the best education possible is provided for students. (RS)