Red Jacket Monthly Newsletter
A Newsletter from the Manchester-Shortsville CSD
Dear Manchester-Shortsville School Community,
As we move into December, our schools are filled with a special kind of energy—one that comes with the excitement of the holiday season and the anticipation of a new year ahead. This is a time for celebration, reflection, and connection, and it serves as a meaningful reminder of how fortunate we are to be part of the Red Jacket community.
Throughout the past month, our schools have been busy creating memories that will last well beyond the season. The Middle School and High School Holiday Concerts were wonderful highlights, showcasing the talent, dedication, and pride of our students and staff. In addition, classrooms and buildings have been alive with seasonal activities, celebrations, and moments of joy that reflect the warmth and togetherness that define this time of year.
December also offers us a natural pause—a chance to reflect on all that we have accomplished together so far this school year. While the New Year is often associated with starting something “new,” at Red Jacket our focus will be on thoughtfully reflecting on what we have already begun and identifying ways to strengthen, refine, and improve the work underway. Our commitment to continuous growth remains rooted in our Strategic Action Plan and guided by our CARDINALS CARE values of Cooperation, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence.
As we look ahead to 2026, there is much to feel proud of and even more to be optimistic about. The dedication of our staff, the engagement of our students, and the partnership of our families continue to make Red Jacket a place where learning and community thrive side by side.
As the holiday season approaches, I hope each of you finds time to slow down, reflect, and enjoy meaningful moments with the people who matter most. Thank you for all you do to support our schools and for the many ways you contribute to making Manchester-Shortsville such a special place.
With gratitude, optimism, and hope for a wonderful season ahead,
Christopher Barnard
Superintendent of Schools
The Twin Cities Holiday Basket Program made a meaningful impact in our community last weekend by distributing food and gifts to families in need. Thanks to the generosity of students, staff, and community members, the program was able to support more than 70 families and well over 100 children.
This effort was made possible through donations and the dedication of volunteers who gave their time to help others. Their support and compassion played an important role in ensuring families in our community felt cared for during the holiday season.
“The Great Cardboard Boat Regatta” took place on Monday, November 24, at Pal-Mac High School, drawing a lively crowd of students and teachers. The event showcased creativity, teamwork, and engineering skills as students gathered to cheer on their classmates.
The regatta featured several hand-built cardboard boats designed and constructed by students from both Red Jacket and Pal-Mac. Teams competed in a series of races to test speed and durability, with each boat striving to prove it was built to last. The competition concluded with a strength test, during which boats were challenged to hold up under the weight of water polo balls.
The event provided an engaging, hands-on learning experience while fostering school spirit and friendly competition between the two schools.
Free Books for Babies
Is your baby 36 months of age or younger? Do you know a baby of this age in our school district? Budding Readers has free “bundles of books” with tips for parents about reading to babies and toddlers ready to deliver. To request a free “bundle of books”, you can call, email, place a request on our website, or scan the QR code. One of our volunteers will contact the parent to arrange a mutually convenient time to deliver the bundle of books.
Email: books@buddingreaders.org
Website: www.books@buddingreaders.org
Phone: (585) 900 – 1725
Thank you for helping us provide books for babies.
Budding Readers offers free bundles of books in the following school district communities: Bloomfield, Canandaigua, Honeoye, Marcus Whitman, Midlakes, Naples, Red Jacket & Victor.