We are about two months away from the end of the school year. It is hard to believe that first grade is almost over for Aidan. It is hard to believe that it was almost a year ago when we first heard that Aidan would be going to the Condon School. Since the first time I called the school to ask if we could take a tour, the school has impressed me.

I did quite a bit of research about Boston Public Schools and I talked to many teachers about my concerns. BPS has done quite a bit of work on communicating its mission and vision and is able to provide data on how it is reaching its goals as a district and school by school.

We put down the schools everyone told us about. We trusted the process. The same time we were waiting (since you don’t hear about first grade placements until May), the Globe was running a series of stories about how hard the kindergarten lottery and school assignments were for families. We held out breath and hoped after all the work, we could make the best choice. While the Condon was not our first choice on the paperwork we filled out, we come come to realize- with no doubt- it is the best choice and we are so happy Aidan is there.

Aidan has expressed many times how much he wants to know people. He is social and loves now participating in activities, or even just a simple trips to the park. He loves that he knows kids where he goes. He loves walking into the Condon for swimming with such pride in his school.

The school has welcomed our whole family. After chatting with the principal about how I could help, I received a personal invitation to the Parent’s Council Meeting. I have been able to get involved in Aidan’s classroom (he has a terrific teacher!) and school events.

One way I am helping the school is with a parent blog. The school is hoping to expand to eighth grade and this is one way to help parents get involved in that process. Here is the link.

It has been a great year and a great start to our BPS experience. We are looking forward to Brendan having the same experience in two years, and Aidan continuing how much he loves school and our new community.