Politics can play a key role in our community, whether it’s our community’s park or even our school. During the

month of November, we had two political representatives visit our school. Their visits can really benefit the lives of every student at Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School. Councilman Treyger and New York State Senator Simcha Felder, visited FDR to meet with our students and Principal Katz.

Ms. Katz is hoping to make improvements that will change the education and experience of every student.  She is working with Councilman Treyger to get the auditorium air conditioned.  In the past, he has provided funding for laptops.  He came in to speak to our Government classes about participatory budgeting.  This means that students over the age of 14, as well as families in his district, have a voice in how certain funding is spent.

Sentator Simcha Felder gave us a grant of $15,000 that is being used toward our STEAM  Program(with offerings in Programming Robotics, Multimedia Design, Science Research, Environmental Studies and Performing Arts) in improving our technology.  We are also working with him to see if we can have other areas of the building air conditioned.

These elected officials have always been strong supporters of FDR and we thank them for their contributions as well as vision that supporting students and education is vital to everyone.

FDR high school is known for its diversity, and we have many immigrants and minority students who have concerns about the incoming Presidential Administration. Our local leaders can help protect the rights of our concerned students. For example, in the last few weeks there have been workshops for families on Saturdays to help them understand the rights of their children -no matter their status. In addition, our Parent Coordinator has gone to the Mayor’s office to help ensure that there is protection for FDR’s students.

Principal Katz believes students need to become more involved in the political process. She said that to make changes, more people have to be educated about our government. Principal Katz highly encourages us as students to let our voice be heard. Students voicing their ideas can influence others to express their opinions and make FDR a better place.

Most importantly, it’s up to us as students to encourage our local leaders if we want to see change happen. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt once said that, “Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education.”  These are truly words to live by.