The Student Government Organization

Breakfast Expansion and Lunch Reform

Free breakfast service has been expanded to the Northeast side of the cafeteria in addition to the Southeast side. There is an additional Grab-n-Go cold breakfast area added to the breakfast service, allowing students who come to school late to still eat breakfast in the morning.

Talks about improvement in food service and presentation during LUNCH have also been placed on the table. There will be one line for fast food while other lines will be express with freshly prepared food every morning. There also have been discussions about creating “themes” for each week such as “Taco Week” or “Asian Week”. Salad bars also have more choices. The purpose of these changes is to make the breakfast and lunch service more presentable to the students. Additionally, students can choose what they want without having to wait such a long time on line for good. Tell us what you think by leaving a comment or emailing your Class Council!

What’s up with the Metal Detectors?

Many students were confused when the metal detectors appeared in Tech on December 13, 2007. The Brooklyn Tech administration was only notified that the city will be at the school with metal detectors the day before (12/12/07) The administration is told by the city to not communicate this to anyone. The letter that everyone recieved last week about the metal detectors was also written by the Department of Education, but Mr. Asher was told to address it as his own letter.

These searches are randomly affecting not only high schools but middle schools as well. This city hopes to use this plan to ensure that students do not carry weapons and other prohibited items to school, Mayor Bloomberg says that “Our reasons for doing this couldn’t be clearer or more compelling: we have zero tolerance for weapons of any kind in city schools.” To understand the situation, students should refer to the following New York Times article.

Though these searches are primarily used to ensure the safety of students from weapons, it is still stated by law that cellphones are not allowed in school. Therefore, if you happen to be carrying a cellphone, iPod, or any other electronic device, the city does have the power to take it away from you. However, they will have to return it to you at the end of the day. They will be given out in the auditorium. If the school is unable to find your item, you have the right to hold them accountable for any lost items.

This issue is an extremely sensitive one and no doubt, no one in the school likes it. If students wish to do something about these metal detectors, the issue MUST BE BROUGHT TO THE CITY. Brooklyn Tech has no jurisdiction on whether these random metal detector searches exist or not. So whether or not you refuse to go to school, it won’t make a difference. The Student Government Organization is willing to start a petition as well as other means of protest with the help of high schools all around New York City. Brooklyn Tech students are urged to bring their voice to the SGO. Questions or comments can be made at this website or an email can be sent to your Class Council.

Installation of the Security Cameras

Security cameras have been recently installed around the school. Though the entire process is yet to be completed, cameras have been installed in the lunchroom. The cameras will not be fully utilized until Feburary or the latest, April. There is no personnel monitoring the cameras 24/7. The cameras will only be checked in the case of an incident or emergency. The privacy of the students are fully maintained. Cameras will NOT be installed in the bathrooms.

Capital Plan Submission

The administration has officially released to the student government through a School Leadership Team meeting that several school projects have been approved. The first project is the use of $20 million to redo the roof. This includes 40 levels of roofing, including the cages and the Cafeteria ceiling.

The auditorium has also been approved for refurbishing. The auditorium will include the addition of air conditioners, the upgrade of the upper level seats, improved lighting, and using the auditorium as a venue for outside theatre productions.

The bathrooms are also up for renovation. The first floor bathroom is definitely the first to be renovated. Mr. Asher is not yet sure on how the time plan for the bathroom renovations will go, though the idea of renovating one floor (girls’ and boys’ bathrooms) per year has been placed on the table.

The funding for all of these renovations come from a Capital Plan submission.

More Budget Cuts?

Due to the recession the United States has been seeing, budget cuts are seen throughout all government programs. The education system has been hit extremely hard. Brooklyn Technical High School has suffered a cut of over $300,000 (Approx 1.75% of total budget.) Current indicators say that there will be an even larger budget cut for us in the upcoming school year. An estimated 5% of the total budget is in jeopardy, which translates into a $1 million budget cut. This new budget cut will affect the school in numerous ways. Staff will definitely have to be laid off. In addition, student electives may be in jeopardy. No decision has been made but the following electives will be screened:

* Multivariable Calculus

* Math Team

* Music

* AP Language

* Sophomore Technology

Any elective that is not needed for graduation is in jeopardy. Major classes will be the last to be touched.

Calling All Facebook Users!

Want Boys like Girls to come to perform at Tech? Facebook users should add the Neutrogena Wave Application to gain points for Tech. Invite your friend from Tech to add the application as well. The more points we get, the more likely we will win the competition. Go Tech Pride!