Garvey’s final Family Engagement Night of the school year went out with a bang— or, more accurately, with dancing, laughter, music, and a lot of friendly competition.

From the moment families walked through the doors, the Harambee Center buzzed with energy. Long tables were packed with classic board-game favorites—Uno showdowns on one end, intense rounds of checkers and Jenga on the other—while a spirited group clustered around giant life-size versions of Connect 4 and cup  stacking laid out on the floor. In the corner, a steady line formed for the ever-popular photo booth, where goofy props and glittery backdrops turned quick snapshots into keepsakes.

No one went hungry: volunteers and staff kept trays of sandwiches, fresh fruit, and vegetables circulating all night. The scent alone drew everyone back for second helpings, and parents laughed with their children as often as they rolled dice.

Meanwhile, DJ James kept the playlist rolling—mixing kid-friendly pop hits with throwbacks that had grown-ups showing off the moves they swore they’d forgotten. Between games, families spilled onto the makeshift dance floor, trading the concentration of Uno for the chaos of a Cha-Cha Slide.

Even staff members couldn’t resist the fun. Mama Dixon took on two students to dominate checkers, while Vice Principal Johnson surprised everyone with her impressive footwork during the “Tamia Hustle.” Laughter echoed every time a new dance battle started or a shaky Jenga tower finally tumbled.

Throughout the evening, the true win wasn’t marked by scoreboard tallies but by the smiles: siblings working together instead of arguing over cards, parents meeting parents they’d only waved to while picking up their child, and teachers chatting with families without a single homework question in sight. By the time lights flashed for the last call at the snack table, nobody seemed ready to pack up.

Family Engagement Coordinator Mama Roper summed it up best: “Game Night isn’t just about playing games—it’s about reminding ourselves we’re one big Garvey family. Tonight, you could feel that everywhere you looked.”

As everyone departed—arms full of leftovers, photo-strip souvenirs, and maybe a new favorite board game idea—one thing was clear: Garvey’s Family Engagement Night didn’t just close out the calendar; it set a joyful tone for the months to come.