Our Rudyard HOSA chapter, in partnership with our Allied Health CTE program, had a fantastic showing at the Regional Competition held yesterday at Marquette High School.
HOSA–Future Health Professionals is a student organization that prepares future healthcare leaders through education, collaboration, and competitive events focused on real-world medical skills.
We are proud to recognize the following students for their outstanding performances:
Emma DeYoung (Sophomore) – 2nd Place in Sports Medicine
Ellie Emrich (Senior) – 3rd Place in Clinical Nursing
Emily Gustafson (Sophomore) – 5th Place in Physical Therapy
All three students have qualified for the State Finals!
A special thank you to their advisor, Jestina Castange, for her leadership and dedication to our students’ success.
Congratulations and Good Luck at States!
HOSA–Future Health Professionals is a student organization that prepares future healthcare leaders through education, collaboration, and competitive events focused on real-world medical skills.
We are proud to recognize the following students for their outstanding performances:
Emma DeYoung (Sophomore) – 2nd Place in Sports Medicine
Ellie Emrich (Senior) – 3rd Place in Clinical Nursing
Emily Gustafson (Sophomore) – 5th Place in Physical Therapy
All three students have qualified for the State Finals!
A special thank you to their advisor, Jestina Castange, for her leadership and dedication to our students’ success.
Congratulations and Good Luck at States!
Mrs. Jean Leach’s English 11 classes at Rudyard Area Schools are focused on helping students become strong communicators. Clear speaking and writing skills are important in every career, and this course works to build those skills in practical ways.
Junior year is often called “the year of testing.” Students may take the PSAT/NMSQT (optional), ASVAB, SAT, and WIN. Throughout the year, class activities help students prepare for these exams, especially the SAT.
In literature, students study how English writing has changed over time. They begin with Old English works like Beowulf, move to Middle English with The Canterbury Tales, and read more modern classics such as Frankenstein and Lord of the Flies. This helps students see how language and storytelling have developed through the centuries.
Right now, the class is reading Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. The novel was written during the Romantic Era and includes gothic elements. It uses a frame story structure and has challenging vocabulary. The book also sparks discussion about ethics and the responsibility that comes with scientific discovery—topics that still matter today.
Students are also reviewing grammar and punctuation through “Game Changers” lessons to strengthen their writing. For SAT practice, they have been studying sample essays to learn what makes a strong response and are working through practice reading passages.
Research skills are another major part of the course. Students will complete a research paper where they learn how to find reliable sources, take notes correctly to avoid plagiarism, use MLA format, and produce a well-written final paper. Last year, students wrote argumentative papers about the Line 5 pipeline. This year, they will choose a scientific topic that raises ethical questions.
Each week, students also have time for choice reading and respond to writing prompts from a list of topics. These activities give them regular practice and help them grow as readers and writers throughout the year.
Junior year is often called “the year of testing.” Students may take the PSAT/NMSQT (optional), ASVAB, SAT, and WIN. Throughout the year, class activities help students prepare for these exams, especially the SAT.
In literature, students study how English writing has changed over time. They begin with Old English works like Beowulf, move to Middle English with The Canterbury Tales, and read more modern classics such as Frankenstein and Lord of the Flies. This helps students see how language and storytelling have developed through the centuries.
Right now, the class is reading Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. The novel was written during the Romantic Era and includes gothic elements. It uses a frame story structure and has challenging vocabulary. The book also sparks discussion about ethics and the responsibility that comes with scientific discovery—topics that still matter today.
Students are also reviewing grammar and punctuation through “Game Changers” lessons to strengthen their writing. For SAT practice, they have been studying sample essays to learn what makes a strong response and are working through practice reading passages.
Research skills are another major part of the course. Students will complete a research paper where they learn how to find reliable sources, take notes correctly to avoid plagiarism, use MLA format, and produce a well-written final paper. Last year, students wrote argumentative papers about the Line 5 pipeline. This year, they will choose a scientific topic that raises ethical questions.
Each week, students also have time for choice reading and respond to writing prompts from a list of topics. These activities give them regular practice and help them grow as readers and writers throughout the year.
Congratulations to our Boys Basketball Team for winning MHSAA District 101 Championship!
We had an anonymous donor come forward today and generously offer to cover the cost for all Rudyard Jr/Sr High students (grades 7–12) to attend the HOME District Basketball Finals game for free on Friday, 2/27 at 6 PM.
Students must sign up in the cafeteria by the end of lunch on Friday to secure their FREE ticket to the game.
We encourage all students to be active members of the Kahl Krazies Student Section and bring the noise as our Varsity Boys Basketball team faces off against our neighbors to the north, the Bays of Brimley, for the District 101 Championship.
Let’s Pack the Gym and Rock Out with our Orange and Black Pack!
Students must sign up in the cafeteria by the end of lunch on Friday to secure their FREE ticket to the game.
We encourage all students to be active members of the Kahl Krazies Student Section and bring the noise as our Varsity Boys Basketball team faces off against our neighbors to the north, the Bays of Brimley, for the District 101 Championship.
Let’s Pack the Gym and Rock Out with our Orange and Black Pack!
Due to the incoming weather, Rudyard Area Schools will be dismissing at 1:30 pm today, February 24, 2026.
It's almost time for Kindergarten Round Up!
Class Spotlight: 8th Grade Math with Ms. O’Rourke
Ms. O’Rourke’s 8th Grade Math classes recently wrapped up a unit focused on using functions to model relationships. Functions are an important step in helping students understand how math connects to the world around them. During the unit, students learned how to determine whether a relation is a function, identify whether a function is linear or nonlinear, and represent functions in multiple ways.
A key focus of the learning was making connections between verbal descriptions, equations, tables, and graphs. Students practiced moving between these representations, building a deeper understanding of how mathematical ideas are related and how they can be used to communicate information clearly.
This unit resonated with students because of its real-world relevance. Linear models are commonly used to analyze and predict trends, such as business revenue, monthly bills, or future sales. Students demonstrated their understanding by creating real-life scenarios to describe graphs, focusing on increasing, decreasing, and constant intervals. The activity encouraged both critical thinking and creativity, and students were highly engaged throughout the process.
As students prepared for their unit assessment, they reviewed through a mix of whole-class and small-group activities. The class used whiteboards to model verbal scenarios with graphs, then broke into groups to continue reviewing together. The collaborative approach allowed students to explain their thinking, learn from one another, and build confidence in their skills
Nice work everyone!
Ms. O’Rourke’s 8th Grade Math classes recently wrapped up a unit focused on using functions to model relationships. Functions are an important step in helping students understand how math connects to the world around them. During the unit, students learned how to determine whether a relation is a function, identify whether a function is linear or nonlinear, and represent functions in multiple ways.
A key focus of the learning was making connections between verbal descriptions, equations, tables, and graphs. Students practiced moving between these representations, building a deeper understanding of how mathematical ideas are related and how they can be used to communicate information clearly.
This unit resonated with students because of its real-world relevance. Linear models are commonly used to analyze and predict trends, such as business revenue, monthly bills, or future sales. Students demonstrated their understanding by creating real-life scenarios to describe graphs, focusing on increasing, decreasing, and constant intervals. The activity encouraged both critical thinking and creativity, and students were highly engaged throughout the process.
As students prepared for their unit assessment, they reviewed through a mix of whole-class and small-group activities. The class used whiteboards to model verbal scenarios with graphs, then broke into groups to continue reviewing together. The collaborative approach allowed students to explain their thinking, learn from one another, and build confidence in their skills
Nice work everyone!
Rudyard Jr/Sr High School is proud to officially unveil our Apprenticeship Wall to Highlight Skilled Trades Pathways
The new Apprenticeship Wall creates a visible and lasting reminder that high school students have direct pathways into high-skilled, high-demand careers in the building and construction trades.
Installed in partnership with Conduit to the Trades, the Apprenticeship Wall showcases registered apprenticeship programs available to students after graduation. The interactive display features information about local and regional trade unions, training opportunities, and career pathways that allow students to earn while they learn through state-approved apprenticeship programs.
The Apprenticeship Wall allows students to scan QR codes to access real-time information about a wide range of trade careers - including construction, electrical, HVAC, welding, plumbing, and many others. Each QR code connects students to current openings, training programs, requirements, and direct contacts within local trades.
The Rudyard Apprenticeship Wall was made possible through the generous support of the Michigan Building and Construction Trade Council Upper Peninsula, the UP Construction Council, Boilermakers Local 169, IBEW Local 906, Operating Engineers Local 324, and UA Local 111. Their sponsorship reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the future workforce in the Upper Peninsula and ensuring students understand the wide range of opportunities available in the skilled trades.
The wall serves as both an educational tool and a symbol of collaboration between education and industry. By connecting students with registered apprenticeship programs, Rudyard Jr/Sr High School continues to expand career exploration efforts and provide real-world pathways.
The new Apprenticeship Wall creates a visible and lasting reminder that high school students have direct pathways into high-skilled, high-demand careers in the building and construction trades.
Installed in partnership with Conduit to the Trades, the Apprenticeship Wall showcases registered apprenticeship programs available to students after graduation. The interactive display features information about local and regional trade unions, training opportunities, and career pathways that allow students to earn while they learn through state-approved apprenticeship programs.
The Apprenticeship Wall allows students to scan QR codes to access real-time information about a wide range of trade careers - including construction, electrical, HVAC, welding, plumbing, and many others. Each QR code connects students to current openings, training programs, requirements, and direct contacts within local trades.
The Rudyard Apprenticeship Wall was made possible through the generous support of the Michigan Building and Construction Trade Council Upper Peninsula, the UP Construction Council, Boilermakers Local 169, IBEW Local 906, Operating Engineers Local 324, and UA Local 111. Their sponsorship reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the future workforce in the Upper Peninsula and ensuring students understand the wide range of opportunities available in the skilled trades.
The wall serves as both an educational tool and a symbol of collaboration between education and industry. By connecting students with registered apprenticeship programs, Rudyard Jr/Sr High School continues to expand career exploration efforts and provide real-world pathways.
Good Luck Bulldogs!
Tonight's JV/V boys basketball games at Manistique has been cancelled due to weather. AND NOW WE ARE PLAYING AT BRIMLEY AT 5:45 PM.
Congratulations goes out to our high school band! Today at District Band Festival hosted at LSSU our students under the direction of Mr. Clark scored straight 1s, which is the highest rating!
Keep up the good work everyone!
Attention Prospective Families:
We’ve been receiving many phone calls and messages about enrollment for the next school year.
Here are a few important upcoming dates to keep in mind:
📌 Kindergarten Round Up: March 18 | 5–7 PM
📌 Open Enrollment: June 1 – August 14
📌 Homeschool Night: August 4 | 5–7 PM
📌 Open House: September 2 | 5–7 PM
Families who live in the Rudyard Area School District may enroll their children at any time. If you’d like to see the school before then, you’re welcome to call the office to set up an individualized tour at any time.
We’ve been receiving many phone calls and messages about enrollment for the next school year.
Here are a few important upcoming dates to keep in mind:
📌 Kindergarten Round Up: March 18 | 5–7 PM
📌 Open Enrollment: June 1 – August 14
📌 Homeschool Night: August 4 | 5–7 PM
📌 Open House: September 2 | 5–7 PM
Families who live in the Rudyard Area School District may enroll their children at any time. If you’d like to see the school before then, you’re welcome to call the office to set up an individualized tour at any time.
Rudyard Area Schools will be on a 2 hour delay to start today, Thursday, February 19, 2026. Buses will pick up students 2 hours later than normal. School starts at 10:10 am.
All after school practices and games that were scheduled for tonight, Wednesday, February 18, 2026, have been postponed.
Rudyard Area Schools will be closed today Wednesday, February 18, 2026 due to projected weather.
February is CTE Month
At Rudyard Area Schools, our Career and Technical Education programs help prepare students for real world success through hands on learning and career focused training.
We are proud of our students, staff, board of education and community partners who make CTE possible every day!
We are blessed to have the community support to offer SIX programs, with expansion coming each year to add more programing.
Next year we will be explaning our Allied Health program to include sports medicine. In the following year (2027-28 school year) we hope to add CTE Plumbing and CTE Cosmetology!
At Rudyard Area Schools, our Career and Technical Education programs help prepare students for real world success through hands on learning and career focused training.
We are proud of our students, staff, board of education and community partners who make CTE possible every day!
We are blessed to have the community support to offer SIX programs, with expansion coming each year to add more programing.
Next year we will be explaning our Allied Health program to include sports medicine. In the following year (2027-28 school year) we hope to add CTE Plumbing and CTE Cosmetology!
This is a super fun event that our Art Club put on once this year and is back by popular demand! It is open to community members.
Project Search is an excellent option for students during their Senior year, or the following year, to gain job skills. This program is designed for students with an IEP or 504. There is an upcoming exploration event coming up (2/25 & 2/26) to learn more about the program.
For more information or interest in this event please fill out this form:
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=S97fnESrdE26q9yUYGud4dpNv2UA1lJLrThHYj2lcfhURDhRQVJFTkRQNklEN0ZNR1pXVVFOSDRLQS4u&origin=lprLink&route=shorturl
For more information or interest in this event please fill out this form:
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=S97fnESrdE26q9yUYGud4dpNv2UA1lJLrThHYj2lcfhURDhRQVJFTkRQNklEN0ZNR1pXVVFOSDRLQS4u&origin=lprLink&route=shorturl
AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING
RUDYARD AREA SCHOOLS
BOARD OF EDUCATION
February 24, 2026, 6:30 p.m.
I. WELCOME & CALL TO ORDER
A. Salute to Flag
B. Roll call
C. Motion to Accept the Agenda
II. STUDENT/STAFF RECOGNITION
III. PUBLIC COMMENT
IV. REPORTS/CORRESPONDENCE
A. Resignation Letter – J. Suggitt (Football and Basketball Coaching)
V. ACTION ITEMS
A. Consent Agenda
1. Reorganizational and Regular Meeting Minutes – January 27, 2026
2. January 2026 Payroll – $ 214,535.27
3. January 2026 Accounts Payable - $ $1,186,944.79
4. Approval of Resignation Letter – J. Suggitt (Football and Basketball Coaching)
B. Business
1. Middle School Baseball Coach Hire
VI. PUBLIC COMMENT
VII. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
VIII. SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
IX. ADJOURN
This is a public meeting of the Board of Education to conduct the School District’s business and is not to be considered a public community meeting. As indicated on the agenda, there is a time for public participation during the meeting. Any person with a disability who needs assistance should contact the Administrative Office at 906-478-3771 at least three days before the meeting.
REGULAR MEETING
RUDYARD AREA SCHOOLS
BOARD OF EDUCATION
February 24, 2026, 6:30 p.m.
I. WELCOME & CALL TO ORDER
A. Salute to Flag
B. Roll call
C. Motion to Accept the Agenda
II. STUDENT/STAFF RECOGNITION
III. PUBLIC COMMENT
IV. REPORTS/CORRESPONDENCE
A. Resignation Letter – J. Suggitt (Football and Basketball Coaching)
V. ACTION ITEMS
A. Consent Agenda
1. Reorganizational and Regular Meeting Minutes – January 27, 2026
2. January 2026 Payroll – $ 214,535.27
3. January 2026 Accounts Payable - $ $1,186,944.79
4. Approval of Resignation Letter – J. Suggitt (Football and Basketball Coaching)
B. Business
1. Middle School Baseball Coach Hire
VI. PUBLIC COMMENT
VII. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
VIII. SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
IX. ADJOURN
This is a public meeting of the Board of Education to conduct the School District’s business and is not to be considered a public community meeting. As indicated on the agenda, there is a time for public participation during the meeting. Any person with a disability who needs assistance should contact the Administrative Office at 906-478-3771 at least three days before the meeting.
We are excited to announce that the Weight Room will open to the public on February 20, 2026! The weight room will be open from 6:00 pm through 6:00 am for community members during the week and all day on the weekends. This project has been a long time in the making, and we sincerely thank our amazing community. Your support in voting for the recent bond helped make this facility possible, and we couldn't have achieved it without you!
Before visiting to lift some weights, please note:
Registration: Go to the Administration Office to sign a waiver and place a deposit for your keycard. Call or text 906-630-0814 to schedule an appointment to complete the waiver.
Access: A registered keycard holder must be present in the weight room at all times.
Shared Access: You can register multiple people (such as a family) to one keycard! But sharing your card with unregistered users is not allowed and will deactivate your card.
Flexibility: Return your keycard at any time to reclaim your deposit.
We look forward to sharing this new space with our community!
Before visiting to lift some weights, please note:
Registration: Go to the Administration Office to sign a waiver and place a deposit for your keycard. Call or text 906-630-0814 to schedule an appointment to complete the waiver.
Access: A registered keycard holder must be present in the weight room at all times.
Shared Access: You can register multiple people (such as a family) to one keycard! But sharing your card with unregistered users is not allowed and will deactivate your card.
Flexibility: Return your keycard at any time to reclaim your deposit.
We look forward to sharing this new space with our community!
