The New Dealer kicks off another school year with our annual interview with Principal Katz! This is a year which has significant changes at FDR, so a special thanks to Principal Katz for making time to meet with us.

Can you explain why the school decided to implement metal detectors and scanning this year? What factors led to this decision, and how do you think it will impact the school environment?

The safety of the students and staff is the top priority. You can’t learn if you don’t feel safe. We’ve been very lucky that we haven’t had any violent incidents at FDR. I am in my 10th year at FDR, and while we’ve had incidents in other high schools, we haven’t experienced violence at FDR. However, we know that things happen outside of school. Last year, there was an incident near the school. We consulted with the student government and PTA about the need for metal scanning, and the responses were mixed. After December, the decision was made to introduce scanning for the safety of all stakeholders.

My priority is that every student who walks in feels welcome. I’ve been spending more time out front greeting students, and we’ve been focused on ensuring students feel valued. You might hear us say “good morning” a lot—it’s our way of making sure this doesn’t turn into a situation where someone feels unwelcome. New York City public schools want to ensure students are learning without unnecessary distractions. We want you in the building, focused on your education.

What are the top challenges you face as the Principal of FDR?

One of the main challenges has been making sure students feel welcome despite the introduction of scanning. I’ve worked in schools with scanning before, so I want to make sure everyone feels comfortable when they enter. Another challenge is space. With 3,600 students, sometimes it feels crowded, and managing that can be tough. Cell phone use in the classroom is also an issue. While they can be educational tools, they are often distracting, and students lose focus when they’re not engaged.

How do you ensure a positive school culture for both students and staff?

We’re fortunate to have a great relationship with the custodial staff, and the school is always spotless. We make an effort to keep the environment looking nice for the students by updating the furniture and maintaining the overall appearance. We also try to have staff members who speak different languages, so students feel comfortable communicating with someone who understands them. We have orientation for freshmen, and staff are in the hallways during the first few days to help direct students.

Accountability is important here. When students make mistakes, it’s not just about punishment; it’s about learning from those mistakes. Our guidance counselors are also involved, helping students reflect on their actions.

What initiatives have you implemented to support student mental health and well-being?

We have the Interborough Mental Health program, which provides licensed counseling beyond what the school normally offers. We have two counselors on-site with caseloads, and they provide support to students in need. Our guidance counselors are amazing, and they’re always available when students need them. We also start the school year with activities to help students and teachers get to know each other, building connections within the classroom. NHS also does a month-long campaign in May to raise awareness for mental health, helping students identify where they can seek support.

How would you recommend students approach balancing academics with extracurricular activities and student life?

I’m a very visual person, so I would suggest using tools like Google Calendar. Students should arrange their priorities and think about how to schedule their time. It’s important to balance school, extracurriculars, and time with family and friends. Writing down what’s important helps organize your day and ensures you make time for breaks too.

What changes, or improvements, would you like to see made for our school moving forward?

One thing I’d like to see is an overhang at the student entry area to protect everyone during bad weather. We’ve had an architect design one, and we’re waiting to move forward with it. We’ve also introduced a new Data Science program this year, along with an AI track. Additionally, there are updates in the curriculum for Algebra II, U.S. History, Global Studies, Earth Science, and English. We’re focused on making sure students are being taught the material they need with the right resources.

I appreciate all the hard work the staff puts in. When I was training to be a teacher, the classroom environment was very different—students sat in rows, and it was much quieter. Nowadays, I encourage students to talk and engage. I visited a government class recently, and the students asked me about women in leadership. It was clear they were thinking critically about what they were learning, which is really important.

How do you encourage parent involvement in school activities and decision-making?

We keep parents involved through email and by having staff members who can communicate in the parent’s language when needed. Ms. Vanessa, our Student Community Assistant, and Ms. Francis, our Parent Coordinator, also help with parent engagement. Mr. Brown hosts family nights for our multilingual learners, and we have an active PTA that plays a role in decision-making.

What role do you think schools should play in shaping students’ views on social issues?

The goal of all educators in this building, and across NYC, is to teach students how to think critically and make decisions based on valid data. We help students identify what information is trustworthy. It’s not our job to share our own views or impose them on students, but rather to guide them to make their own informed decisions. While it’s challenging—especially with everything going on in the world—it’s important that everyone feels free to express their thoughts respectfully, and that they respect others’ viewpoints as well.

The New Dealer really appreciates the opportunity to discuss all these important topics with Principal Katz. Let’s have a great year Cougar Nation!