With our D-E mission to “make it better” clearly in mind, 8th graders recently participated in hands-on service learning to benefit local organizations. Students chose from three volunteering programs:  Pasta packing at the Community FoodBank of NJ warehouse  (they eventually packed 3840 bags of pasta!); Creating a snowman craft for clients of Meals on Wheels North Jersey; and sewing baby blankets to donate to the Bergen Family Center. Grade 8 Dean Alison Miller shared, “We want to have students start thinking about and trying out what they like to do and what is gratifying for them. If they enjoy what they're doing, they are more likely to do it!”