So school has recently started for me, I'm in 8th grade, and I just started to really like a girl. Her name is Chey and before I ask her out I want to get to know her some more. What are some tips I can use to strengthen our bond between each other and to learn more about her.

Be yourself. Don't try to impress her.

Talk to her. Classes, music, movies, books, and teachers are usually good subjects that you probably have in common.

Something to keep in mind is that her parents may not allow her to date yet. So be prepared to just be friends.

You find common ground
You search for things she likes and talk to her about things you like
You are nice to her,smile at her and be nice to her friends
Then you can ask for a way to talk to her aftewr school email phone etc
Look for events in school you can ask her out too.