The "Bad" School

I know this is going to sound silly but for the past few years, since we moved into our current house, I have worried about sending Ethan to kindergarten. At first I wasn't worried at all. I was actually excited that there is an elementary school right around the block and the middle school is at the end of the street. What could be more convenient? But then I talked to some of our neighbors, none of whom send their kids to the local elementary school. Hmmmmm. This was troubling but no one could really tell me what was so "bad" about the elementary school in the neighborhood. Not being from the area, I had no idea that the conveniently-located school has a long-standing reputation as a "bad" elementary. Hmmmmm. But as a teacher myself, I know there are good and bad teachers along with good and bad kids everywhere you go. Still I was curious to find out more about the school. After a little investigation, I did find out that it is one of the "poorest" schools in the district (not that the free-lunch program always paints a very accurate picture). Their test scores are not the best in the district but they aren't "bad" either (not that test results paint a very accurate picture either!). But still, I was nervous about sending my kid to the "bad" school.
Last year, when kindergarten became the biggest topic of conversation among the moms, I was always observant to see the shocked faces when I told someone I was sending my kid to that school. I even overheard one mom say that a friend of hers "came to her senses" and decided not to send her kid to the "bad" elementary school. Hmmmmm. Given all of this, you can imagine my stress and worry. It is hard enough to simply let go sending your kid off to school, but was I really putting Ethan in the worst place around?
Thankfully, after a week of school, I can answer, "No." Ethan loves it there. He comes home everyday singing new songs, talking about his new friends, telling me something new. I have talked to the guidance counselor, the principal, Ethan's teacher, and the before and after school program teacher. All of whom seem wonderful. But what truly set my mind at ease was an incident today.
Ethan had to go to the after-school program today because I had a department meeting and couldn't get him at the regular dismissal time. When I entered the gym, it was filled with laughter. The kids were in the midst of an intense dodgeball game and Ethan was smiling ear to ear. Kids of all ages were playing together, following the rules, being great sports, and having a wonderful time. I sat down to watch since Ethan didn't want to leave quite yet. But when it was finally time to go, Ethan had to quit the game. As he walked over to me, another boy his age came running over to us. He yelled, "Bye, Ethan!" and gave him a huge hug. (Apparently this little boy is also in Ethan's class.) I think Ethan was a little shocked but he hugged him back and I could tell he was happy to have already made such a great friend. My heart melted and I couldn't have been prouder. Now you can't tell me there is anything "bad" about that.