February 3, 2026 – East Longmeadow, Massachusetts – Nearly 200 eighth graders gathered in the cafeteria at Birchland Park Middle School on Jan. 22 for a civics lesson provided by Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Simonian.

The civics lesson is a part of the Adopt-a-Class program. Each year, the Hampden District Attorney’s Office adopts an eighth-grade class from three selected schools. Birchland Park Middle School’s eighth-grade class is one of those selected for the 2025-2026 school year.

The civics lesson is the second of three visits the Hampden District Attorney’s Office will make to the school. The purpose of the visit is to discuss civics and gain more knowledge on the Bill of Rights, supporting what the students are currently learning in their social studies classes.

Simonian shared a presentation that covered the first 10 amendments – aside from the 7th and 10th, as those aren’t worked with in law – explaining what the amendment is and providing some examples.

She then gave the students some made-up scenarios, asking if they agree with the statement, and what amendment applies to it.

Simonian also raised several discussion questions, giving students the opportunity to share their opinions – thanks to the first amendment: freedom of speech, she noted.

“Eighth grade is a key time for students to start learning how civics fits into their lives,” said District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni. “Through the Adopt-a-Class program, we’re able to talk with students in a way that’s engaging and easy to understand, answer their questions, and help them see how the Constitution and their rights apply to real situations. These lessons are about giving young people the tools and confidence to be informed, involved members of the community.”

At the end of the hour-long presentation, Community Safety & Outreach Deputy Director Gina Anselmo explained that the next and final visit to the school will be an interactive trial, where students will be assigned different roles to play, ranging from witnesses to prosecutors.

The program will conclude with selected classes spending half a day touring the Hampden County Hall of Justice as invited guests of the District Attorney.