DHS Town Government Day

On March 22, Dedham Town Hall welcomed a group of students from DHS as part of Town Government Day.   This annual spring event, which was reinstated this year following a break due to the pandemic, has been a favorite part of the civics curriculum, introducing students to their local government processes, departments and operations.   

This year, the 26 students who participated are all working on Civic Action Projects, focused on addressing current issues from a civics perspective, understanding the community mindset and the role local government might play in the issue.  

As students spent the day at Town Hall, they were able to meet and learn from our local experts as they addressed their project issues.  The students whose projects are focused on school start time changes and an open campus at Dedham High School, were able to “serve” on the Dedham School Committee and had the opportunity to interview Principal Jim Forrest, School Committee members Chris Polito and Victor Hebert, and Interim Superintendent Ian Kelly. 

Students working on an anti-vaping campaign met and learned from officials in the Dedham Health Department.  

Students were able to visit other departments during their visit and also got to tour the new Dedham Public Safety facility, as well as consult with Police Chief d'Entremont who helpfully addressed public safety issues related to the start time and open campus projects.