Home Openers TODAY for BOTH Volleyball and Football. Good Luck Bulldogs!
Tonight's (8/26) JV Football Game vs Gaylord St. Mary's has been canceled due to weather concerns.
Just in time for those Fall Football Games, the Class of 2028 is holding a blanket fundraiser! Blankets will be sold throughout the Fall at Events (while supplies last!)
Seniors, you asked for it; now the challenge is in your court (parking spot)! Seniors Paint Your Spot is Back! Please contact the high school office for an approved spot.
Hey Students/Parents who are taking Dual-Enrollment Classes this Fall. Exciting news: classes are starting soon! If you’re thinking about changing or adding a course, don’t hesitate to reach out to your guidance counselors: Mrs. Edington or Mrs. Noordhoek, or Mr. Folkersma
Rudyard Area Schools has your back by covering textbooks and tuition! We can order your books for you, or if you prefer, you can order them and get reimbursed. Let’s make this Fall awesome together!
There will also be walk-up hours on Aug 20th from 3-5 PM if you need some additional help.
Rudyard Area Schools has your back by covering textbooks and tuition! We can order your books for you, or if you prefer, you can order them and get reimbursed. Let’s make this Fall awesome together!
There will also be walk-up hours on Aug 20th from 3-5 PM if you need some additional help.
AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING
RUDYARD AREA SCHOOLS
BOARD OF EDUCATION
August 25, 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
V. ACTION ITEMS
A. Consent Agenda
1. Regular Meeting Minutes – July 28, 2026
2. July 2026 Payroll – $ 449,189.98
3. July 2026 Accounts Payable- $ 594,419.68
4. 2025-2026 Period 13 Payable - $ 297,549.36
5. CTE Wood Purchase
6. L-4029
B. Business
1. Hire High School Student Council Advisor
2. Superintendent Contract Amendment
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
August 25, 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
V. ACTION ITEMS
A. Consent Agenda
1. Regular Meeting Minutes – July 28, 2026
2. July 2026 Payroll – $ 449,189.98
3. July 2026 Accounts Payable- $ 594,419.68
4. 2025-2026 Period 13 Payable - $ 297,549.36
5. CTE Wood Purchase
6. L-4029
B. Business
1. Hire High School Student Council Advisor
2. Superintendent Contract Amendment
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.
Why wait to explore your future?
At Rudyard, students can begin taking Career and Technical Education courses in ninth grade!. From the start of high school, they can explore their interests, develop practical skills, and discover career paths through hands-on learning.
Then, starting in 10th grade, they can start exploring college offerings from our partner schools across the state!
No two students have the same path or direction. Our guidance counseling team works to create a plan to meet the needs of each of our students and the path they want to explore. And that ties right back to our school motto: Every Student, Every Day, Whatever It Takes!
We are proud of who we are and what we offer. Want to learn more? Schedule a tour, or if you are ready to dive in, fill out an enrollment form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScN68yIAY6oNQFInErWS8zgV8oPrVl1F5HvL5zBssNtSWzxJg/viewform?usp=sf_link
At Rudyard, students can begin taking Career and Technical Education courses in ninth grade!. From the start of high school, they can explore their interests, develop practical skills, and discover career paths through hands-on learning.
Then, starting in 10th grade, they can start exploring college offerings from our partner schools across the state!
No two students have the same path or direction. Our guidance counseling team works to create a plan to meet the needs of each of our students and the path they want to explore. And that ties right back to our school motto: Every Student, Every Day, Whatever It Takes!
We are proud of who we are and what we offer. Want to learn more? Schedule a tour, or if you are ready to dive in, fill out an enrollment form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScN68yIAY6oNQFInErWS8zgV8oPrVl1F5HvL5zBssNtSWzxJg/viewform?usp=sf_link
Just some quick shares of some upcoming events! We can't wait to get this school year started (and deep down we think the students are as well!)
Still debating on where you are going to send your child this Fall, come on in for a tour and talk!
Still debating on where you are going to send your child this Fall, come on in for a tour and talk!
Details for the upcoming football camp
Rudyard Eighth Graders Meet Bestselling Author Ruta Sepetys
RUDYARD, MI — What began as a classroom reading experience turned into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Rudyard Area Schools' eighth-grade students.
After reading Salt to the Sea in their English Language Arts classes, Rudyard eighth graders traveled to Petoskey to meet New York Times bestselling author Ruta Sepetys during a special stop on her tour promoting her newest novel, Fortunes of Sand.
The experience was made possible through the generosity of McLean & Eakin Booksellers and an anonymous patron who ensured every interested student received a copy of Sepetys' new book. Earlier this spring, ELA teacher Baige DeWitt launched an effort to provide students with signed copies of Fortunes of Sand during the visit. Community members quickly stepped forward to help, and ultimately a generous donor sponsored all 43 students who wanted books.
Before the public event, Rudyard students participated in an exclusive question-and-answer session with Sepetys, giving them the opportunity to engage directly with the author whose work had captivated them throughout the school year. Students also received their own copies of both Salt to the Sea and Fortunes of Sand.
As a token of appreciation, students presented Sepetys with projects they had created based on her work, along with a Rudyard Bulldogs shirt. The author proudly displayed the gifts during her book signing session.
While the opportunity to meet a bestselling author was memorable, the conduct of Rudyard's students left an equally lasting impression.
"Our eighth graders conducted themselves so respectfully and truly represented what it means to be a Rudyard Bulldog," said DeWitt.
Throughout the event, students received numerous compliments for their behavior, engagement, and professionalism. Among those praising the group were two eighth-grade teachers from North Dakota, who remarked that they were amazed by how well Rudyard students represented their school and even wanted to congratulate each student personally with a fist bump.
The impact of the experience was evident before the students even returned home. As buses departed the event, several students had already opened their newly signed books and begun reading.
The visit highlighted the power of literature to inspire curiosity, foster meaningful connections, and create unforgettable learning experiences beyond the classroom. Rudyard Area Schools extends its gratitude to McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Ruta Sepetys, the anonymous sponsor, and all community members who helped make this remarkable opportunity possible for our students.
RUDYARD, MI — What began as a classroom reading experience turned into a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Rudyard Area Schools' eighth-grade students.
After reading Salt to the Sea in their English Language Arts classes, Rudyard eighth graders traveled to Petoskey to meet New York Times bestselling author Ruta Sepetys during a special stop on her tour promoting her newest novel, Fortunes of Sand.
The experience was made possible through the generosity of McLean & Eakin Booksellers and an anonymous patron who ensured every interested student received a copy of Sepetys' new book. Earlier this spring, ELA teacher Baige DeWitt launched an effort to provide students with signed copies of Fortunes of Sand during the visit. Community members quickly stepped forward to help, and ultimately a generous donor sponsored all 43 students who wanted books.
Before the public event, Rudyard students participated in an exclusive question-and-answer session with Sepetys, giving them the opportunity to engage directly with the author whose work had captivated them throughout the school year. Students also received their own copies of both Salt to the Sea and Fortunes of Sand.
As a token of appreciation, students presented Sepetys with projects they had created based on her work, along with a Rudyard Bulldogs shirt. The author proudly displayed the gifts during her book signing session.
While the opportunity to meet a bestselling author was memorable, the conduct of Rudyard's students left an equally lasting impression.
"Our eighth graders conducted themselves so respectfully and truly represented what it means to be a Rudyard Bulldog," said DeWitt.
Throughout the event, students received numerous compliments for their behavior, engagement, and professionalism. Among those praising the group were two eighth-grade teachers from North Dakota, who remarked that they were amazed by how well Rudyard students represented their school and even wanted to congratulate each student personally with a fist bump.
The impact of the experience was evident before the students even returned home. As buses departed the event, several students had already opened their newly signed books and begun reading.
The visit highlighted the power of literature to inspire curiosity, foster meaningful connections, and create unforgettable learning experiences beyond the classroom. Rudyard Area Schools extends its gratitude to McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Ruta Sepetys, the anonymous sponsor, and all community members who helped make this remarkable opportunity possible for our students.
Congratulations to the Rudyard Varsity Girls Track Team on winning the 2026 UP Division II State Championship. This marks the Second State Track Championship in school history and the first since 1977!
Congratulations also to the Varsity Boys Track Team for earning a Runner Up finish at the state meet. This is the program's first runner up finish since the 1987 State Title.
An incredible accomplishment by both teams. We are proud of your hard work, dedication, and success. Well done, Bulldogs! More info to come, lots of great finishes by so many athletes.
And that to wrap for the class of 2026! Good luck on your future plans! Congratulations again!
All preparations are complete, and we're ready! The community is encouraged to join the Class of 2026 at Graduation Commencement on May 22 at 7:00 PM in the Harris Kahl Gymnasium at Rudyard Jr/Sr High School.
Congratulations to Carrie Hoolsema and Lindsey Masterson for be recognized as 2026 EUP Principals Award Winners! They along with 50 other of the top students from across the EUP were recognized at the Grand Hotel on Mac Island today.
Congratulations to our Varsity Girls Track team for winning Regionals today in Barker River Harris!
Shout out to the Boys who took 2nd!
It's that time of year again! Fetal Pig Dissection in Anatomy!
This is the last major project that Mrs. Pearsall's Anatomy students will take part in this year. The lab gives them a great first-hand observation of mammalian anatomy and the spatial relationship of organs.
Some people have asked, " Why do high schoolers typically have a pig dissection in anatomy? Its because their internal anatomy and organ systems closely resemble humans, making it the perfect model to visualize how our own bodies work in 3D! From tracing circulatory pathways to identifying digestive organs, this hands-on experience bridges the gap between study notes and real-world biology!
Keep up the great work everyone!
This is the last major project that Mrs. Pearsall's Anatomy students will take part in this year. The lab gives them a great first-hand observation of mammalian anatomy and the spatial relationship of organs.
Some people have asked, " Why do high schoolers typically have a pig dissection in anatomy? Its because their internal anatomy and organ systems closely resemble humans, making it the perfect model to visualize how our own bodies work in 3D! From tracing circulatory pathways to identifying digestive organs, this hands-on experience bridges the gap between study notes and real-world biology!
Keep up the great work everyone!
Congratulations to the students who have successfully completed their coursework for the NR-EMT through our CTE Allied Health Program!
Please join us in recognizing:
⭐ Drew Spencer
⭐ Carrie Hoolsema
⭐ Harmony-Rain Warner
⭐ Atlantis Clark
The National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NR-EMT) program prepares students with the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to respond to medical emergencies, provide patient care, and serve on the front lines of emergency medical services. Completing this rigorous coursework is a tremendous accomplishment and an important step toward careers in healthcare and emergency response.
We are incredibly proud of the hard work, dedication, and commitment these students have shown throughout the program. Their achievement reflects the outstanding opportunities available through Career & Technical Education at Rudyard Jr/Sr High School.
Please join us in recognizing:
⭐ Drew Spencer
⭐ Carrie Hoolsema
⭐ Harmony-Rain Warner
⭐ Atlantis Clark
The National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NR-EMT) program prepares students with the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to respond to medical emergencies, provide patient care, and serve on the front lines of emergency medical services. Completing this rigorous coursework is a tremendous accomplishment and an important step toward careers in healthcare and emergency response.
We are incredibly proud of the hard work, dedication, and commitment these students have shown throughout the program. Their achievement reflects the outstanding opportunities available through Career & Technical Education at Rudyard Jr/Sr High School.
Congratulations to Rudyard student Koel Bird for representing our school in the Michigan Department of Education’s first Deaf/Hard of Hearing Art Contest!
Koel entered his handcrafted wooden project, The Hammer of Thor, which he created in his CTE Cabinetry and Furniture Manufacturing class at Rudyard Jr/Sr High School. His artwork was mailed to the MDE and placed on display at the art museum in Lansing as part of the statewide exhibition and celebration of student artists.
Out of only 12 students across the entire state of Michigan selected to have artwork featured in the contest, Koel proudly represented Rudyard and was also one of just four students to receive the prestigious “Judge’s Choice” Award!
We are incredibly proud of Koel’s creativity, craftsmanship, and accomplishment. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement!
Koel entered his handcrafted wooden project, The Hammer of Thor, which he created in his CTE Cabinetry and Furniture Manufacturing class at Rudyard Jr/Sr High School. His artwork was mailed to the MDE and placed on display at the art museum in Lansing as part of the statewide exhibition and celebration of student artists.
Out of only 12 students across the entire state of Michigan selected to have artwork featured in the contest, Koel proudly represented Rudyard and was also one of just four students to receive the prestigious “Judge’s Choice” Award!
We are incredibly proud of Koel’s creativity, craftsmanship, and accomplishment. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement!
Last Friday was National Decision Day, and we will finish up sharing/shout-outs to our seniors and their choices!
Today we’re celebrating the Class of 2026 and all the exciting paths ahead. At Rudyard, we’re proud of every decision, whether it’s college, career, military, or another opportunity. Each path is worth celebrating, and each student has a bright future ahead. Good Luck to all of our students!
Today we’re celebrating the Class of 2026 and all the exciting paths ahead. At Rudyard, we’re proud of every decision, whether it’s college, career, military, or another opportunity. Each path is worth celebrating, and each student has a bright future ahead. Good Luck to all of our students!
Last Friday was National Decision Day, and we will finish up sharing/shout-outs to our seniors and their choices!
Today we’re celebrating the Class of 2026 and all the exciting paths ahead. At Rudyard, we’re proud of every decision, whether it’s college, career, military, or another opportunity. Each path is worth celebrating, and each student has a bright future ahead. Good Luck to all of our students!
Today we’re celebrating the Class of 2026 and all the exciting paths ahead. At Rudyard, we’re proud of every decision, whether it’s college, career, military, or another opportunity. Each path is worth celebrating, and each student has a bright future ahead. Good Luck to all of our students!
