GALION - At tables spaced throughout the school hallways, art was happening. Families were together. And school officials were thrilled. For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic forced schools across the state to close in March 2020, Galion Middle School opened its doors for a family event on Tuesday evening. At the school's first Family Art Night, 26 families took advantage of the opportunity to sit down together and paint a ceiling tile that will be used somewhere in the building, said Violeta Chinni, family engagement coordinator. "This is so important for us because of the pandemic," she said. Throughout the pandemic, the school had been unable to bring families into the building for events. "This event was the first one this year that we were able to do. It's spaced out; families can enjoy this activity in a safe environment. We're looking forward to doing more of these kind of these events, obviously post-COVID."