2017-2018 Adopt-A-Class Kicks-Off, Expands to Three Schools
Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni:, “I am looking forward to this year’s – expanded – Adopt-a-Class program kicking off. Opening up the justice system to students across the county in an engaging and meaningful way is an important function of this office. By providing our young people with the knowledge to make healthy decisions as well as providing potential career opportunities is part of our fundamental mission of crime prevention.“
Every year the Hampden District Attorney’s Office adopts 8th grade classes at the beginning of the school year. The program includes the initial kick-off visit with the District Attorney along with the distribution of the office’s donation of school supplies, a return visit to provide a lesson in civics, and participation in a trial reenactment. The program concludes later in the school year with participating classes spending a half day touring the Hampden County Hall of Justice as an invited guest of the District Attorney. In addition to the tour, guest speakers provide insight on the different offices that make up the criminal justice system inside the court house, as well as, showcasing career opportunities.
This year’s 8th Grade Classes are from Springfield’s John J. Duggan Academy, Chicopee’s 1st Sergeant Kevin A. Dupont Memorial Middle School, and the West Springfield Middle School.