The 8th-grade class at James A. Garfield Middle School ended their middle school journey with an unforgettable international adventure to Niagara Falls, Canada—a celebration of friendship, growth, and discovery that truly marked the end of an era and the beginning of new horizons.
This year’s trip was packed with excitement and awe-inspiring moments as students experienced the power and beauty of one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. From feeling the thunderous mist on the Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds tours to standing behind the cascading waters during Journey Behind the Falls, students were immersed in geography, geology, and cultural experiences that brought classroom concepts to life.
Other trip highlights included:
Clifton Hill: a lively, student-favorite entertainment district filled with games, rides, and attractions
Betty’s Restaurant: a warm Canadian welcome and delicious home-cooked meal
Maple Syrup Tastings: sweet samples straight from the source
Indoor Waterpark Fun: where water slides and laughter ruled the afternoon
Whitewater Walk and Goat Island Trails: offering up-close views of the fierce Class 6 rapids
Falls Aero Car: a suspended ride over the Niagara Whirlpool for a thrilling aerial view
A visit to Fort Erie, where students explored the site of a pivotal location in early U.S. history
And of course, spectacular views of Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls from nearly every angle
One of the most heart-pounding experiences of the trip was the Jetboat Ride through the rapids—a high-speed, splash-filled adventure that students and chaperones won’t soon forget. Click below to relive the wild ride through exclusive onboard video footage, generously purchased for our students by Mrs. Burrows:
🔵 Watch the Blue Boat Video
🟠 Watch the Orange Boat Video
From Fundraisers to Falls
This epic experience was the result of months of fundraising, planning, and preparation. Students worked tirelessly—selling what felt like a never-ending mountain of Daffin’s Candy Bars—to make this dream a reality. The dedication and teamwork shown throughout the year were as sweet as the chocolate itself.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to trip leader Mrs. Morgan and her incredible team of waterfall enthusiasts, as well as our amazing staff and parent chaperones who volunteered their time and energy to guide, supervise, and support our students every step of the way.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
This trip wasn’t just about sightseeing—it was an engaging, hands-on extension of the Ohio Learning Standards. Students explored real-world applications of:
8th Grade Science Standards: Earth’s surface processes, weathering and erosion, energy transformations (Cave of the Winds, whitewater rapids, hydropower)
Social Studies Standards: U.S. and Canadian relations, territorial disputes, and military conflicts during the early 1800s. A visit to Fort Erie, a key site during the War of 1812, allowed students to connect their classroom studies to actual battlegrounds that shaped early U.S. identity and foreign policy.
ELA Standards: In preparation for the trip, students researched and presented on topics including the geography of the Niagara region, historical landmarks such as Fort Erie, and the formation of the Falls. These presentations helped build excitement, deepen understanding, and allowed students to practice real-world communication and writing skills.
Memories That Will Last a Lifetime
While the sights were incredible, the real magic was in the shared experience. Whether it was singing on the bus, conquering fears on a jetboat, or sharing meals with friends, the trip created memories that students, parents, and staff will carry with them long after they’ve crossed the border home.
We’re proud of this class—not just for reaching the end of middle school, but for doing it together, with kindness, engagement, and the rest of our District's Core Values. Niagara Falls was more than a destination—it was the culmination of their middle school journey.
Congratulations to our 8th-grade class, and thank you to everyone who made this incredible experience possible!
It's a great time to be a G-Man!
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