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!
Reminder: Rudyard Area Schools does NOT have school on 2/13 and 2/16 for mid-winter break.
Class Spotlight: Native Culture Class
Rudyard Jr/Sr High School offers Native Culture for high school students, a unique and meaningful class that provides students with authentic cultural teachings rooted in Anishinaabe language, history, and traditions. The course creates an inclusive learning environment that emphasizes respect, understanding, and connection to Michigan’s Indigenous heritage. The class also includes students from EUP Learning Center and even a virtual student from Engadine who joins lessons via Zoom.
Students in Native Culture learn directly from Anishinaabe cultural educators Julie Perry, Jackie Minton, and Miriam Clark, who share knowledge and practices passed down through generations. Through hands-on experiences, students engage in beading, harvesting traditional medicines, creating medicine pouches, and constructing traditional lodges. One of the most notable aspects of the course is student involvement in the Learning Lodge at Rudyard, which is the only Learning Lodge in the state of Michigan. This space serves as a living classroom where cultural teachings and community learning come together.
The class also emphasizes leadership, reflection, and community awareness. Students have created interactive lesson plans for Orange Shirt Day, helping educate others about the importance of remembering and honoring Indigenous experiences. In addition, students play a role in implementing the Returning of the Thunders Powwow, gaining experience in cultural event planning, collaboration, and community engagement.
On days when the Anishinaabe educators are not on site, learning continues under the guidance of Mrs. DeWitt, who facilitates instruction focused on the history of Indigenous tribes with a strong emphasis on Michigan history. This blend of cultural teachings and historical study allows students to develop both experiential understanding and academic knowledge.
Through hands-on learning, storytelling, and shared experiences, students in the Native Culture class gain valuable perspectives that extend far beyond the school day and prepare them to be thoughtful, informed members of their communities.
Rudyard Jr/Sr High School offers Native Culture for high school students, a unique and meaningful class that provides students with authentic cultural teachings rooted in Anishinaabe language, history, and traditions. The course creates an inclusive learning environment that emphasizes respect, understanding, and connection to Michigan’s Indigenous heritage. The class also includes students from EUP Learning Center and even a virtual student from Engadine who joins lessons via Zoom.
Students in Native Culture learn directly from Anishinaabe cultural educators Julie Perry, Jackie Minton, and Miriam Clark, who share knowledge and practices passed down through generations. Through hands-on experiences, students engage in beading, harvesting traditional medicines, creating medicine pouches, and constructing traditional lodges. One of the most notable aspects of the course is student involvement in the Learning Lodge at Rudyard, which is the only Learning Lodge in the state of Michigan. This space serves as a living classroom where cultural teachings and community learning come together.
The class also emphasizes leadership, reflection, and community awareness. Students have created interactive lesson plans for Orange Shirt Day, helping educate others about the importance of remembering and honoring Indigenous experiences. In addition, students play a role in implementing the Returning of the Thunders Powwow, gaining experience in cultural event planning, collaboration, and community engagement.
On days when the Anishinaabe educators are not on site, learning continues under the guidance of Mrs. DeWitt, who facilitates instruction focused on the history of Indigenous tribes with a strong emphasis on Michigan history. This blend of cultural teachings and historical study allows students to develop both experiential understanding and academic knowledge.
Through hands-on learning, storytelling, and shared experiences, students in the Native Culture class gain valuable perspectives that extend far beyond the school day and prepare them to be thoughtful, informed members of their communities.
Quick Shout Out to Rebekah for doing great at the district level spelling bee, and is now moving on to the UP Regionals! Keep up the great work, and Keep Spelling!
Save the Date: March 10, 2026! This is a great event put on by our area high school band and art teachers in cooperation with the LSSU Art Center. The students will be taking part in events throughout the day.
There is a public viewing of the art and a band concert starting at 6 PM at the LSSU Art Show. Now registration is necessary for the public to attend.
There is a public viewing of the art and a band concert starting at 6 PM at the LSSU Art Show. Now registration is necessary for the public to attend.
Thanks to our Boys Basketball Team for running this event again this year, and thanks also goes out to Engadine Basketball for joining in to help!
The game is Friday, February 13th, starting at 5:45 PM.
The game is Friday, February 13th, starting at 5:45 PM.
Good Morning Jr/Sr High School Parents. Semester 1 report cards will be sent home with students today.
We're thrilled to celebrate our partnership with LSSU's Center for Freshwater Research and Education (CFRE)! Recently, students from Mrs. Pearsall's 7th-grade classes participated in an exciting and educational program facilitated by CFRE. They delved into the fascinating world of sturgeon, uncovering their vital role in the ecosystem and their rich cultural history. These magnificent creatures, often referred to as "living fossils," have survived since the time of the dinosaurs, showcasing incredible resilience and adaptability. The students learned how sturgeon contribute to maintaining balanced aquatic environments and the importance of preserving these ancient species for future generations.
A big thank you to CFRE for providing such an engaging and informative experience!
A big thank you to CFRE for providing such an engaging and informative experience!
Class Spotlight: CTE Education
For students interested in making a difference in others' lives, CTE Education offers a meaningful, hands-on pathway into careers in education. This career-focused program is designed for students interested in becoming teachers, paraprofessionals, aides, administrators, school secretaries, or other essential school support staff. Just as importantly, it allows students to explore the field of education before investing in a two- or four-year college program.
CTE Education is built around authentic, real-world experience. Teacher cadets spend four out of five school days each week placed directly in classrooms alongside a cooperating teacher or staff member. This immersive approach allows cadets to experience the daily realities of education while building strong professional relationships within their placement schools.
The impact of these placements is felt across the school community. Teachers benefit from an extra set of eyes and hands in the classroom. Students gain an additional mentor and teaching assistant to support learning in areas such as reading and math. For the teacher cadets themselves, the experience is invaluable, helping them better understand their strengths, interests, and growth areas in a teaching role.
Once a week, teacher cadets meet online or in person with Mr. DeYoung for focused instruction and discussion. These sessions provide education theory, best-practice instruction, and career and college guidance. Throughout the program, students move through a structured sequence of learning that includes the teaching profession, understanding the learner, instruction, assessment, diverse learners, curriculum, and professional research. The program culminates with the development of an electronic portfolio and the opportunity to lead as a teacher.
As teacher cadets progress through the program, their responsibilities increase each semester. Students begin as observers, then move into teaching assistant roles, support positions, and small-group instruction. Over time, they advance to lesson creation and presentation, ultimately leading instruction with the support and guidance of their cooperating teacher. Students who continue into a second year of CTE Education assume even greater leadership within their placements.
During the first semester of the 2025–2026 school year, CTE Education placed teacher cadets in Brimley, Engadine, Newberry, Pickford, and Rudyard. With 35 teacher cadets contributing a total of 47 in-classroom hours every day, the program is making a meaningful impact across multiple districts. This year’s cohort includes 25 first-year cadets, 8 second-year cadets, and 2 cadets completing an advanced third year.
Impact Beyond High School
One of the most encouraging outcomes of CTE Education is the impact it has on students after they graduate. We are seeing increased interest in graduates pursuing careers in education, which aligns directly with our goal of creating a “grow your own” pipeline for local school districts. As schools across the region face ongoing staffing challenges, developing future educators from within our own communities is more important than ever.
The hands-on nature of CTE Education gives teacher cadets clarity and confidence in their career decisions. Graduates leave with meaningful classroom experience, a realistic understanding of the profession, and a strong foundation for success in postsecondary education.
A significant highlight of the program is that four former teacher cadets have gone on to become Golden Apple Scholars. The Golden Apple Scholars program supports future educators who commit to teaching in high-need areas by providing mentorship, professional development, and financial support throughout their college experience. Being selected as a Golden Apple Scholar reflects both academic promise and a strong commitment to the teaching profession, and it speaks to the quality and impact of the CTE Education program.
Through classroom experiences and strong partnerships with local school districts, CTE Education is not only preparing students for careers in education but is also investing in the future of our schools and communities by developing the next generation of educators.
For students interested in making a difference in others' lives, CTE Education offers a meaningful, hands-on pathway into careers in education. This career-focused program is designed for students interested in becoming teachers, paraprofessionals, aides, administrators, school secretaries, or other essential school support staff. Just as importantly, it allows students to explore the field of education before investing in a two- or four-year college program.
CTE Education is built around authentic, real-world experience. Teacher cadets spend four out of five school days each week placed directly in classrooms alongside a cooperating teacher or staff member. This immersive approach allows cadets to experience the daily realities of education while building strong professional relationships within their placement schools.
The impact of these placements is felt across the school community. Teachers benefit from an extra set of eyes and hands in the classroom. Students gain an additional mentor and teaching assistant to support learning in areas such as reading and math. For the teacher cadets themselves, the experience is invaluable, helping them better understand their strengths, interests, and growth areas in a teaching role.
Once a week, teacher cadets meet online or in person with Mr. DeYoung for focused instruction and discussion. These sessions provide education theory, best-practice instruction, and career and college guidance. Throughout the program, students move through a structured sequence of learning that includes the teaching profession, understanding the learner, instruction, assessment, diverse learners, curriculum, and professional research. The program culminates with the development of an electronic portfolio and the opportunity to lead as a teacher.
As teacher cadets progress through the program, their responsibilities increase each semester. Students begin as observers, then move into teaching assistant roles, support positions, and small-group instruction. Over time, they advance to lesson creation and presentation, ultimately leading instruction with the support and guidance of their cooperating teacher. Students who continue into a second year of CTE Education assume even greater leadership within their placements.
During the first semester of the 2025–2026 school year, CTE Education placed teacher cadets in Brimley, Engadine, Newberry, Pickford, and Rudyard. With 35 teacher cadets contributing a total of 47 in-classroom hours every day, the program is making a meaningful impact across multiple districts. This year’s cohort includes 25 first-year cadets, 8 second-year cadets, and 2 cadets completing an advanced third year.
Impact Beyond High School
One of the most encouraging outcomes of CTE Education is the impact it has on students after they graduate. We are seeing increased interest in graduates pursuing careers in education, which aligns directly with our goal of creating a “grow your own” pipeline for local school districts. As schools across the region face ongoing staffing challenges, developing future educators from within our own communities is more important than ever.
The hands-on nature of CTE Education gives teacher cadets clarity and confidence in their career decisions. Graduates leave with meaningful classroom experience, a realistic understanding of the profession, and a strong foundation for success in postsecondary education.
A significant highlight of the program is that four former teacher cadets have gone on to become Golden Apple Scholars. The Golden Apple Scholars program supports future educators who commit to teaching in high-need areas by providing mentorship, professional development, and financial support throughout their college experience. Being selected as a Golden Apple Scholar reflects both academic promise and a strong commitment to the teaching profession, and it speaks to the quality and impact of the CTE Education program.
Through classroom experiences and strong partnerships with local school districts, CTE Education is not only preparing students for careers in education but is also investing in the future of our schools and communities by developing the next generation of educators.
Rudyard Area Schools will be closed tomorrow, Friday January 30, 2026 due to the projected wind chill and wind.
Please get in touch with the high school office if your child is interested in taking part in this event (event and travel costs are not covered by the school, but some scholarships are advable:
4-H Capitol Experience 2026
March 15-17, 2026
The program will be held in the Lansing area
4-H Capitol Experience is an annual 3-day conference that focuses on civic engagement and public policy. Teens from around the state converge in Lansing, Michigan to experience state government in action and learn how they can influence policy issues. Participants interact with legislators, state agency staff, lobbyists and other resource people to learn how policy is made. They will also learn about public access to information, campaign financing, ethics/conflicts of interest, government accountability to the public and lobbying disclosure.
For more information check out this link: https://events.anr.msu.edu/event.cfm?eventID=993C31E8271B8866E83C56D03E3DB26048352B7955FA9184487F68C236AF4111
4-H Capitol Experience 2026
March 15-17, 2026
The program will be held in the Lansing area
4-H Capitol Experience is an annual 3-day conference that focuses on civic engagement and public policy. Teens from around the state converge in Lansing, Michigan to experience state government in action and learn how they can influence policy issues. Participants interact with legislators, state agency staff, lobbyists and other resource people to learn how policy is made. They will also learn about public access to information, campaign financing, ethics/conflicts of interest, government accountability to the public and lobbying disclosure.
For more information check out this link: https://events.anr.msu.edu/event.cfm?eventID=993C31E8271B8866E83C56D03E3DB26048352B7955FA9184487F68C236AF4111
