To wrap up the school year with a bang, New Destiny Family Success Center hosted a memorable Family Friday at our after-school program located at School 6/Frank Lautenberg in Paterson, NJ. This wasn’t your typical end-of-year gathering—it was an interactive celebration packed with science, wildlife, and summer fun!
Families kicked things off with hands-on excitement at the Mad Science activity tables. Kids explored air pressure, made slime, and learned about electricity in creative and engaging ways. The atmosphere buzzed with energy as parents and children learned, laughed, and experimented together.
The night’s biggest thrill? A live animal show by Rizzo’s Wildlife! The room lit up with awe and curiosity as kids got an up-close look at fascinating creatures. Their reactions—wide eyes and big smiles—said it all.
To cap off the night, each child received a summer-themed bucket filled with fun items like chalk, bubbles, and coloring books—perfect for sparking creativity during the break. Families also received Chick-fil-A meals to-go, making it a relaxing and enjoyable evening from start to finish. With 15 parents and 20 kids attending, we proudly achieved a 75% parent participation rate.
As a Family Success Center, we’re committed to programs like the Full-Service Community School model, which are rooted in the protective factors framework. This Family Friday beautifully demonstrated how social connections and concrete support build strong family and school partnerships. Families didn’t just attend—they actively participated, bonded with staff, and connected with one another.
We’re proud to cultivate a welcoming school community where every family feels valued and included. We can’t wait to see everyone again next school year for even more learning and laughter!
