James Condon Elementary School
Principal's Vision
“When we examine the root causes of our children’s scores on the MCAS English Language Arts assessments, our students demonstrate limited background knowledge; knowledge that is enhanced and enriched by participating in a variety of life’s experiences. Field trips to local museums, walking tours to places of historical significance, or virtual tours available through internet accessibility are experiences our children do not have on a regular or consistent basis. PSS will help bring the needed resources and partnerships to broaden our children's knowledge."
Overview
The Condon is one of South Boston’s largest elementary schools, serving nearly 700 students comprised of various ethnic groups, languages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. These students come from various neighborhoods, some traveling over 40 minutes to attend school. Nearly 90% of students at the Condon receive free or reduced lunch, suggesting that their families are barely surviving financially and have little extra in their budget for enriching their children’s lives.
PSS is increasing the Condon’s capacity to meet its most pressing need: responding to the “whole child. Prior to becoming a PSS school, the school was unable to provide OST enrichment offerings, and the demand for academic tutoring far outweighed the school’s ability to provide it.
PSS has enabled the Condon to:
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Start a daily, before-school tutoring/homework help program
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Expand its after-school tutoring programming to better meet the need
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Offer new enrichment opportunities, such as architecture, martial arts, ecology and a boys friendship group
The Condon is working with program and service providers to offer stimulating experiences that broaden students’ knowledge, nurture their talents, and help them build necessary academic skills.
For more information about this program, please contact: br> Joanne McKenna, Manager of Extended Learning Services at the Condon, at (617) 635-8606 x 427
