The James A. Garfield district celebrated the start of the 2026 school year Sunday with its annual Back-to-School Bash, held inside the middle school gymnasium and Commons. The event, from 4 to 6 p.m., welcomed students from all grade levels back for another year of academic, athletic and creative excellence. The first day of school is set for Monday, Aug. 25 .
The Bash, free to all JAG families, featured food, along with free school supplies, clothing, haircuts and several giveaways while supplies lasted.
The celebration continued at JAG Stadium with Fall Preview Night, which marks the end of summer break and the beginning of the athletic season.
Student-athletes and musicians were introduced from band, football, cross country, volleyball, soccer, golf and cheerleading, giving the community a first look at the groups that will represent Garfield this fall. The Marching Pride performed Lady Gaga’s Applause before forming the tunnel and playing the football team onto the field.
The first home contests are set:
Varsity football opens at home Aug. 28 against John F. Kennedy Catholic of Warren, followed by a Sept. 5 matchup with Springfield .
JV football begins Aug. 23 against Edgewood and returns home Oct. 4 against Liberty .
Varsity volleyball hosts LaBrae on Aug. 20, Liberty on Sept. 2 and Newton Falls on Sept. 4 .
Varsity boys soccer plays its home opener Aug. 25 against Mineral Ridge and hosts Brookfield on Sept. 3 .
Varsity girls soccer starts at home Aug. 18 against Crestview and hosts Brookfield on Sept. 3.
Schedules for all fall teams are available on the district calendar at jagschools.org. Yearbooks for the Class of 2026 are on sale now at jagyearbook.org. Orders placed before Sept. 30 receive a 10% discount, and books will arrive May 28.