Staff photo / Chris McBride Warren City schools students Erik Serrano, left, and Brianna Pierre, take photos at a bus driver display supporting the district’s bus drivers, part of several vendors at the Warren City Schools Back to School Celebration Wednesday at Courthouse Square in downtown Warren.

WARREN — Hundreds of students, parents, teachers and community members gathered at Courthouse Square in downtown Warren on Wednesday for the Warren City Schools annual Back to School Celebration, which marks the start of a new academic year with activities for attendees to enjoy.

The event featured games, a raffle at the gazebo, refreshments, and live entertainment, including appearances by the school’s football team, cheerleaders and a performance by the marching band. Despite earlier concerns about potential rain, clear weather allowed the festivities to proceed for the district’s 15th annual celebration.

Warren City Schools Superintendent Steve Chiaro talked about the event’s purpose to create a positive start to the school year.

“I want families to feel supported,” Chiaro said. “This event was started by our former superintendent, Michael Notar, to give our kids and community a positive kickoff, and we’ve continued that mission.”

The celebration showcased new district initiatives, including a Mobile Food Pantry, which is a retrofitted school bus funded through grants from partners like Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley and United Way. Chiaro said the pantry addresses food insecurity by providing access to free food for students and families year round.

Additionally, Chiaro announced the upcoming launch of a Mobile STEM Lab, set to roll out in September that will offer hands-on science, technology, engineering and math education across the district’s schools.

“No one else has something like this from the lake to the river,” Chiaro said, noting its innovative approach to STEM education.

He also discussed how the event is a platform to highlight the district’s academic progress. Chiaro said the district maintained or improved in 17 out of 20 areas on its state report card, setting an optimistic tone for the school year, which starts Monday.

Jodi Austin-Brown, a guidance counselor with 17 years in the district, described the event as a “family affair” that eases students’ transition back to school.

“You’ve got kindergartners with their parents and seniors walking around with a little pep in their step because it’s their last year,” she said.

Austin-Brown talked about the district’s resources, such as mental health services and attendance programs, which were highlighted at booths along the square.

Her booth specifically highlighted a campaign to keep kids in good standing for attendance. Making an appearance at the booth was the Cleveland Browns mascot, Chomps. The Browns have a partnership with the district for the “Stay in the Game” initiative, which encourages better attendance.

Stacy Lasher, a third-grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary, spoke about the excitement of reconnecting with students.

“It’s amazing to see the community come together,” Lasher said. “Kids are hugging you, telling you they’re excited to come back.”

She also talked about the district’s focus on academic growth, using a color coded system to track student progress in math, with the goal being to move students toward proficiency.

Parents, too, expressed enthusiasm. Xari Williams-Gonzalez, a parent and Akron Children’s Hospital employee with two children in Warren City Schools, praised the turnout. “It’s good to see kids ready to go back,” she said. “They’re excited, and it helps them see familiar faces before the first day.”