September 2026 at Chapin was filled with energy and excitement as our newest Middle and Upper School students were introduced to their spirit groups and officially became Greens or Golds! This cherished tradition connects Chapin students and alums who consider themselves lifelong members of their team, carrying their Green or Gold ties with them throughout their Chapin career and beyond.
In the weeks leading up to Homecoming, P.E. teachers, athletic coaches and faculty members helped each girl celebrate these special moments. Unless they join in a later grade, students receive their team color designation when they begin Class 4, during a grade-wide celebratory P.E. class. With their teachers joining them, the class finishes with a fun game of siege — a version of capture the flag. A similar induction ceremony during P.E. is held for students joining Chapin in upper grades, with classmates from each team cheering for their new peers. Rather than the friendly game of siege played in the Middle School, Upper School students enjoy a spirited round of Green vs. Gold Chapin Trivia.
P.E. faculty bring a great deal of fun to these events, filled with energy and wearing Green and Gold swag to the events. As students learn what team they’re on, they are presented with a special shirt representing their newly assigned School color. Each announcement is met with cheers no matter which color is announced!
The Green and Gold teams bring together students across grades and create meaningful opportunities for the girls to build connections with classmates and peers across divisions. From athletic events to friendly School competitions and even when singing the School Song, students proudly represent their team.
Miss Chapin selected Green and Gold as the official school colors early in the School’s history. Originally, “spirit groups” were assembled to help students compete in athletic activities before girls’ teams were formed and began competing against other schools. In 2000, when students, faculty and staff decided a School mascot was in order, they ultimately voted for the Gator after discovering that the American Alligator is born with distinctive yellow bands on its body and becomes green as it matures. The connection to the School’s colors was too perfect to ignore!
Chapin’s colors have long held deep ties for students and alums. Today, these traditions continue as Green and Gold signify School spirit, sportsmanship and a celebration of our community. It seems even more meaningful to celebrate this in our 125th year as a school!
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