Brentwood Students Serve As Legislators for a Day

BRENTWOOD, NY — Students from the Brentwood Union Free School District became legislators for a day during a mock session at the Rose Caracappa Auditorium in the William H. Rogers Legislature Building in Hauppauge on Feb. 11.

Tuesday’s session was the third annual visit by Brentwood students, in conjunction with Brentwood educators and the Brentwood Family YMCA Youth and Government program. All four of the Brentwood Middle Schools—North, South, East, and West—had students involved in the presentations, debate, and observation of the mock legislative sessions.

Suffolk County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi, Chair of the Education and Diversity Committee, and the Suffolk County Legislature, hosted more than 80 middle school students from the four schools for a hands-on introduction to the workings of the legislative process.

The students participated in a mock legislative session, taking seats at the "horseshoe" and acting in the roles of the Presiding Officer, legislators, and interested citizens to question, debate, and ultimately take a roll call vote on specific issues about schools.

Bontempi, a former educator, and her colleague Legislator Samuel Gonzalez, whose district office is in Brentwood, spoke to the students about their responsibilities and activities as legislators and the process through which local laws are enacted. They also spoke about the need to provide constituent services, as well as potential district office internships and legislative leadership programs such as the Distinguished Youth Awards.

"It was great to see so many middle school students participate in a mock legislative meeting today at the legislature," Bontempi said. "This experience allows students to gain first-hand knowledge of how local government operates. It was a pleasure to speak to them about our roles and responsibilities."

The sample legislation considered included an act to make armed security guards around the school premises mandatory; an act permitting the utilization of mobile cell phones within New York public schools during school hours; an act to require all schools in New York State to have a set of double doors in the main entrance of the school building; and an act to provide a therapist in public school grades from K-12 whose parents are going through a divorce.

"We’re pleased to be able to provide this opportunity to these students who may one day embark on their own careers in public service," said Presiding Officer Kevin J. McCaffrey. "These future leaders had a chance to see what it’s like to consider, debate, and vote on the issues we in the Legislature face every day. I hope their experience was enjoyable and educational. We thank them for visiting the Legislature today and wish them good luck with all their future endeavors."

Three South Middle School students also gave their perspectives. Eighth-grader Aasirra has been to prior sessions.

"It was good, per usual. I like the mock trials a lot. It’s my favorite part," she said.