So quickly after the holiday season, the NIA attempted to keep the community involved with their after-school program initiative. The attempt was successful. On Friday, January 12, 2007 the after-school program at P.S. 229 held their first-ever Movie Night for over 300 attendees.
"This is a great opportunity for parents to experience part of our program with their children,” said Linda Panza, NIA Site Coordinator at P.S. 229, who proudly organized the event. Parents and students waited patiently on the warm winter night for the school doors to be re-opened. Soon they were greeted by an enthusiastic after-school program staff that provided snack bags and ushered eager movie-goers to their seats.
While waiting for the animated movie, “Monster House,” to begin, patrons were treated to a slideshow of the P.S. 229 after-school program in action. Pictures provided parents a glimpse of the various activities their children participate in regularly, like Arts and Crafts, Physical Education, Italian Class, and “Build a Better Me” (a lesson plan intended to help boost children’s self-esteem). Also included were activities from the P.S. 229 Summer Camp Program.
Rounding out the slideshow, Ryan Walquist, NIA Program Director delivered a welcoming speech to the audience. After thanking everyone for attending, Mr. Walquist informed the crowd, “Due to expressed interest by parents to enhance the academic portion of our program, the NIA will be adding ‘Smart Start’ and 'Science Plus' to the current curriculum. Smart Start and Science Plus will provide additional support to those students who seek to improve their academic scores."
Also present, at a nearby sign-up table for new students to join, was NIA Executive Director, Rosa Casella. In between speaking to parents about the NIA after-school programs, Ms. Casella commented, “The turn-out for the event is extraordinary. The community’s response only proves that there’s a great need for more events like this in the future.” Stay posted for the next NIA Movie Night!
