Principal's Pride Page
Keeping you Informed
"The other day, I saw a bear..."
Hello All,
The more time I spend at school and in the community, the more I experience the unique qualities and attributes that make Red Jacket such a tremendous place. Case in point: last Tuesday after Open House, I was leaving the building just as the cross country team was returning from a meet. While I was holding the door open, one of the students noticed that I had a container with some pieces of cake in it. He asked why and I told him that it was my birthday (my wonderful staff had gotten it for me). What happened next was both unexpected and tremendously moving.
Within a matter of seconds, the entire cross country team had gathered around and began singing "Happy Birthday" at the top of their lungs. I was taken aback by such a kind gesture. The only thing I could think to do was shake my head, smile, and thank them for the perfect gift.
This was just one of the many examples of the heart and character of this district.
The other example I saw was earlier that same night at Open House. We had a strong turnout of parents who were able to talk to teachers as well as gather information from some career and community resources that came and offered their time to us. The more I talked to parents, the more I realized that many of them have a particular quality in common with one another.
Folks, we've got bears in our community.
To me, a bear is a parent who, like the animal, does everything in its power to nurture, teach and protect its young. Bears also have what is known as a "critical space" which is an area around them that they will ferociously defend. Similarly, the parents I met have this critical space when it comes to the safety, well-being, and success of their children. This is not only an understandable frame of mind, but a necessary one. There are many potential pitfalls and dangers for our children, and it is up to us to make sure that we protect them as best as we can while they learn to handle situations on their own. They will stumble. They will fall. They will make mistakes. It is up to us to make sure that, like the bear, we protect them while they learn from those mistakes.
Thank you for your continued dedication to the success of our schools.
Mark Your Calendars
- Oct 14: PSAT for Juniors
- October 16: Music Boosters Pasta Dinner, HS Cafe, 5-7 PM
- October 17: Perfect Harmony 5K
- October 17: Second Annual Service Bowl (RJ vs Clyde-Savannah) at 1PM
Contact Information
Email: Samuel.Martina@redjacket.org
Website: www.redjacket.org
Location: 1506 State Route 21, Shortsville, NY, United States
Phone: (585) 289-3966
Twitter: @RJHSPrincipal