State of the School

Since the new school government took office in January, we have been asked the same question on numerous occasions: “What does the government do?” (Sometimes it is phrased a bit less diplomatically: “Does the government do anything?”) And so, in consultation with the other members of the government, we decided to fill you in on what the government has been doing.

First, it is important to distinguish between the two types of government that we have. We have class government, which arranges events that usually only apply to specific grades (although, in some cases, events are open to all). Then, we have school government, of which I am a part, and which I view as the regulator of the class governments, the organizer of the school assemblies, and the coordinator of various other school-wide endeavors (like the Carnival, matchmaker forms, and the Homecoming Dance that we no longer have). Also, once a month we discuss school issues (like stress and cheating) at house meetings.

So, what have we done this year? And we’re sorry if the first part of this answer may sound a little disappointing. Shortly after we took office in January, we tried to have certain changes implemented. Among these were, yes, egg sandwiches during third period and pin-numbers on vending machines. Unfortunately, with respect to egg sandwiches, the cafeteria staff informed us that if egg sandwiches were available third period, the grill would have to be closed during fourth, which would lead to longer lines during lunchtime. So, that idea did not work and we’re sorry that there can be no egg sandwiches third period (unless the people during fourth give up their burgers).

Now, there is a little bit of hope left with regard to the pin-number/vending machines idea. The issue has been turned over to the cafeteria staff, who are trying to work out a deal with the vending machine company. We will be staying on top of this issue. Cross your fingers for next year.

On a brighter note, we are proud to say that, thanks to the efforts of many, we raised over $1,000 from matchmaker forms and over $14,000 from the Carnival, which will be going to charity. We also arranged for Danielle Butin, the founder of the Afya Foundation, to speak in March, which helped spread awareness about the situation in Haiti after the earthquake, and the ways in which kids can help. Since then, many students have actually had the opportunity to go and help out at the Afya warehouse.

In a few weeks, we will plan the calendar for next year and decide on the assemblies and other activities that we will be having. We hope to come up with some ways to alleviate stress during testing days at the end of every quarter. We are considering having a week designated for mid-terms in January much like finals week in June, although this is a complicated issue. We also are going to be determining a school theme for next year (some ideas are multiculturalism, diversity, and individualism), and many school activities will focus on this theme.

Every day of every week we deal with school issues, and we try to make school life better for all of us. If you have any ideas or questions that pertain to the government, feel free to stop by Mr. Ginsberg’s office (Room 361) or contact anyone in the school government in the halls, on Facebook, or via email.

By David Faust

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