Red Jacket Monthly Newsletter
A Newsletter from the Manchester-Shortsville CSD
Dear Manchester-Shortsville School Community,
As we kick off the 2024-2025 school year, I want to take a moment to celebrate the successful start we've had and express my deep gratitude to our students, staff, and community. Thanks to everyone's hard work and dedication, all of our students have transitioned smoothly into their new grades, classrooms, and roles, setting the stage for a year of growth and achievement.
I’d also like to recognize the incredible efforts that went into making this year’s Homecoming a truly memorable experience. It was a perfect blend of pride, tradition, and new opportunities, showcasing the spirit of our District. From the students who participated with enthusiasm to the staff and community members who made it all possible, Homecoming was a powerful reminder of what makes Manchester-Shortsville special.
As we continue to build on the pillars of listening, learning, and connecting, I am excited to see how we will create even more opportunities for growth and collaboration this year. These values will guide us as we work to ensure that every student feels supported and has the chance to reach their full potential in a safe and welcoming environment.
I want to reassure our families that we remain committed to keeping your children—your most precious treasures—safe, healthy, and thriving academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Together, we are creating spaces where everyone can succeed, grow, and feel proud of their accomplishments.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. With your help, we are building a brighter future for all our students, and I look forward to what we will achieve together in the months ahead.
Christopher J. Barnard
Superintendent of Schools
Manchester-Shortsville CSD
This school year, you may notice something different about our school buses—and it’s all part of our commitment to student safety. In New York State, it is estimated that over 50,000 private vehicles illegally pass stopped school buses with flashing red lights on a typical school day. Each one of these incidents puts our students at risk of injury. Recognizing the seriousness of this issue, our transportation department has taken steps to increase visibility and safety for our buses.
As part of this effort, we’ve introduced a new type of signage on the latest buses we’ve purchased. Our newest buses are equipped with fully illuminated and reflective stop arms. If you happen to see these buses picking up or dropping off students, especially during low-light times, you’ll notice the stop arm’s octagon shape is much more visible. This enhancement ensures that drivers can easily spot the stop sign and react accordingly.
In addition to the stop arms, these buses also feature a fully illuminated "School Bus" sign, another step toward maximizing visibility for drivers. These illuminated signs give motorists ample time to recognize and respond to the presence of a school bus, reducing the likelihood of accidents. This is now a standard option offered by the bus manufacturer, and we’ve begun incorporating it into several of our buses.
“Our primary concern is student safety,” says Thomas Meilutis, the Red Jacket Director of Transportation. “By adding these illuminated and reflective features, we’re making sure our buses are more visible, especially in low-light conditions. It’s an investment in safety that we believe will make a real difference.”
Looking forward, all buses we purchase will include these enhanced safety features. Our team will also continue to explore and implement the latest products and innovations that improve safety for our students. Protecting our passengers is our top priority, and we are committed to staying at the forefront of school transportation safety.
Stay safe, and thank you for doing your part to ensure our students’ well-being!
On September 4th, Red Jacket made history by playing in its first-ever varsity golf match! The Manchester-Shortsville Board of Education approved the formation of the school's golf team over the summer, allowing athletes to compete independently.
The team has 9 players, including seniors Nate Close and Jordan Cooley, and will play 14 matches this season, seven at home in Shortsville. Coached by experienced golfer Stephen Powers, the team has been diligently preparing and is eager to showcase their skills.
Athletics Director Shannon Brown expressed excitement about the team's debut, emphasizing the growth of the athletics program and the new opportunities for students. This inaugural season marks a significant milestone for Red Jacket, and we look forward to supporting the team as they represent the school on the greens.
This summer brought exciting news for Red Jacket as our very own emotional support dog, Buster, successfully completed his training to become an official therapy dog. Buster, along with Mrs. Karen Hall, our Coordinator of Special Programs, worked tirelessly over the break to achieve this important certification.
So, what does this mean for our community? A certified therapy dog, like Buster, is trained to work in various community settings, including schools, hospitals, and nursing homes. These special dogs provide comfort, affection, and emotional support to those in need. They help boost confidence, offer motivation, and serve as a source of companionship. To become a therapy dog, they must be friendly to everyone, kept clean and neat, and pass rigorous tests.
At Red Jacket, having a therapy dog in school requires the Superintendent's approval, ensuring that Buster’s presence benefits everyone.
Therapy dogs play a significant role in helping children who may be feeling sad or scared. Their soft, cuddly nature has a calming effect, making kids feel better. For students learning to read, having a therapy dog to read to can reduce nervousness and build confidence. But Buster’s role goes beyond being a comforting presence. He’s trained to help students develop social skills, manage their emotions, and support those who may have learning challenges.
Buster is a Goldendoodle, which means he has hair, not fur, and he doesn’t shed. This breed is hypoallergenic, making Buster a great fit for public places like schools. If your child has a fear of dogs, please reach out to Karen Hall via ParentSquare or email at karen.hall@redjacket.org, so we can ensure that Buster's presence is a positive experience for everyone. Exposure to therapy dogs can even help children overcome their fears of animals.
We’re thrilled to have Buster as part of our Red Jacket family and look forward to the positive impact he will have on our students and community!
