Message from the Office of the Superintendent

Dear Red Jacket Students, Families, and Community Members,

As we close the 2025-2026 school year, I find myself reflecting on a phrase that I often share with our staff:

"The days go slow, but the years go fast."

As I think back on the past ten months, I can honestly say that phrase has never felt more true. It seems like just yesterday we were welcoming students back for the first day of school, full of excitement, anticipation, and possibility. Now, another school year is coming to a close, and with it comes an opportunity to pause, reflect, and express gratitude.

First and foremost, thank you.

To our students, thank you for bringing energy, curiosity, resilience, and joy into our schools each day. Whether you were learning to read, performing on stage, competing on the field, exploring new opportunities in the classroom, or preparing to graduate, you have given us countless reasons to be proud. Your growth, perseverance, and accomplishments are what make this work so meaningful.

To our families, thank you for your partnership, support, and trust. Education is most successful when schools and families work together, and your involvement continues to make a tremendous difference in the lives of our children. Thank you for supporting your children, supporting our schools, and supporting one another throughout the year.

To our greater Red Jacket community, thank you for believing in our schools and investing in our students. One of the things that makes Red Jacket special is the strong connection between our schools and our community. Whether you attended events, volunteered your time, supported our programs, celebrated our successes, or simply encouraged our students along the way, your support helps create opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.

This year was one of growth, opportunity, and continued progress.

Together, we created experiences that challenged students to learn, encouraged them to explore new interests, and provided opportunities to build meaningful relationships. We celebrated academic accomplishments, artistic performances, athletic achievements, community service, and countless moments that reminded us of the incredible potential that exists within our schools.

Like any year, there were challenges along the way. Growth often requires change, and change is not always easy. Yet time and again, I watched our students, families, staff, and community come together with a shared commitment to doing what is best for children. That commitment continues to be one of the greatest strengths of our district.

While there is much to celebrate, one of the most meaningful moments of the year still lies ahead as we prepare to honor the Class of 2026. Graduation is always a special occasion, not only because it celebrates the accomplishments of our seniors, but because it serves as a reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together to support its children. We are incredibly proud of our graduates and look forward to celebrating this important milestone with them and their families.

As successful as this year has been, I am equally excited about the future. The opportunities ahead of us are significant, and I remain optimistic about all that we can accomplish together. Our students continue to inspire us, our families continue to support us, and our community continues to strengthen us.

The future of Red Jacket is bright because of all of you.

Thank you for your support, your partnership, and your commitment to our schools. It is an honor to serve this community and to be part of a district that cares so deeply about its students and one another.

I wish each of you a safe, enjoyable, and well-deserved summer. Take time to relax, spend time with family and friends, and celebrate all that was accomplished this year.

Thank you for making Red Jacket such a special place.

With gratitude,

Christopher Barnard
Superintendent of Schools
Red Jacket Central School District