This document welcomes students to 8 Gold, an academic team at a middle school. It introduces the teachers on the team and describes what 8 Gold is about. 8 Gold aims to provide academic support, emotional support through peer mediation and team activities, and challenges students through its rigorous curriculum. It emphasizes active, hands-on learning through projects, experiments, and activities. Students also learn through community service, fundraising, and volunteering opportunities organized by the team. The document concludes by describing some of the social and recreational activities 8 Gold participates in to build team bonding.

1. Welcome to 8 Gold!

2. Who is 8 Gold?

3. Mr. Dunn Social Studies Mrs. Desai Science Mr. Pizzuto Language Arts Ms. O’Connor Math

4. What is 8 Gold?

5. Supportive Environment 8 Gold is…

8. Challenges! 8 Gold is… “ Every year teachers say that ‘next year will be a big step up,’ but it never seems true, until this year.” ~8 Gold Student, 2005

11. Active Learning 8 Gold is… “ I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.” ~Confucius

14. Service Learning 8 Gold is…

15. “ I have found challenging my own perspectives and my comfort zone to be extremely rewarding and essential to personal growth, but more importantly, I have gained an appreciation for my own power to do good and make change in the community around me.” ~Frank Bergh, Washington University

20. And, of course… FUN! 8 Gold is

21. Team Bowling Days! After school, we walk down to the bowling alley for some friendly competition.

22. Volleyball! Team Competitions! We have a friendly rivalry with 8 Red – last year, they beat us at human tables… can you take the trophy back??? Getting bored while waiting for the bus? Join a volleyball competition in the courtyard, or pick up a Chinese hackey-sack and see how long you can keep it going…

25. Celebration at Sea We sail Boston Harbor in celebration of a successful year…

26. Welcome to 8 Gold Be a part of it!