Rudyard Area Schools

This week's alumni spotlight is Kenneth Siddall '66! We transferred to Kincheloe from Germany in July 1961, living initially in Sault Ste. Marie until October when on base housing became available. I have many great memories of my time at Rudyard H.S.. The old High School with worn stair treads from decades of students going up and down them. The log cabin community center where P.E., dances and basketball games were played. And moving into the new, modern High School. But most of all I cherish my memories of the teachers, the students and community that welcomed us and made me feel as though I’d found a home away from home. Our teachers, most in their first teaching job, weren’t much older than we were. They’ve attended our class reunions and we are grateful for their attendance, the stories they shared, and the continued interest they’ve shown in us. Many classmates maintain regular contact and I appreciate their continued friendship. My favorite classes were those that were hands-on. While I thoroughly enjoyed the hands-on labs in Mr. Barry’s Biology class, the results of our dissections weren’t exactly something you could frame and hang on the wall. Therefore, the classes I enjoyed most were Mr. Cooper’s wood shop and welding classes. I still have my ducks displayed on the wall and my waste basket in my study. When I graduated I didn’t have any idea what career path I wanted to follow but I knew I was equipped with a good education, a solid work ethic and ambition. With the draft ever present I joined the Air Force where I had my initial exposure to Computer Systems and their capabilities. That’s when I decided what I wanted my career to be. You may be undecided on what career path you want to follow like I was, or you may have chosen a career and changed to another and that’s OK. What’s most important is that you’re happy with your choice. Shortly after graduation my father retired and we moved to Indiana. After a year I enlisted in the Air Force and with high entrance test scores I was placed in the Air Force Security Service, the Intelligence branch of the Air Force. My duty assignments were at Misawa, Japan and at the National Security Agency at Ft. Meade, Md where I was discharged after 6 years service. To pursue a career in Information Systems I enrolled in the University of Maryland while working part-time at the Social Security Administration. After receiving my degree, I went to work at the Goddard Space Flight Center where I learned skills that served me well throughout my career. After a series of jobs with increasing responsibility, I retired from the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. As a Computer Scientist I was responsible for Storage Management, Computer Performance, and Disaster Recovery on large IBM mainframe systems. Today my wife and I are retired and living in a small town, about the size of Rudyard, in East Tennessee. Several of our class remain active planning and coordinating class activities. Most recently we attended the Celebration of Life for Coach Hamilton and Mr. Flanders. God willing we’ll be back for the 60th Reunion in 2026.

Attention Senior Parents: The University of Michigan U.P. Scholars Program will be hosting a meeting on Sept 19 at the Sault Country Club. Please see the flyer for information. Or the following link to register: https://enrollmentconnect.umich.edu/portal/bbty

This week's alumni spotlight is Kristy (Wallis) Currie '00! One of my best memories from high school was the week of Homecoming when we would get together and make our class floats. So many fun nights and great times! My favorite subjects were definitely History and English. I loved Mr. Taylors class and being a part of the drama clubs production of Grease. My advice for students: we were all created for greatness, success, and opportunities. Never let self doubt creep in and allow you to believe that “you can’t.” You CAN and even more, you WILL. Dream bold. Speak bold. Be fearless. l I went to Alma College right out of High school and then transferred to Lake State where I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in History and Psychology. I currently am a Licensed Esthetician and work for Prim Aesthetics. I also own the Lake Superior Woolen and Apostrophe’ Fit storefront in Mackinaw City where my roots as a farm girl and my love of fitness have come to fruition.

Can't wait to see everyone on Tuesday (9/3). A reminder the first day of school is a 1/2 day, school will release at 12:00 PM. Grades 7-12 now start at 8:12 AM Grades K-6 still start at 8:15 AM No Regional CTE class on the first day.

Can't wait to see everyone tonight (8/28) at our Open House from 5-7 PM! Open to the public.

7th Grade Orientation and New Students in Grades 8-12 IS TODAY from 11:00 - 3:30 PM. Students and/or Parent can drop in any time during the event to take part in the activities and learn about your new building. Haven't enrolled yet, there is still time and you can enroll during this time too if you like!

7th Grade Orientation and New Students in Grades 8-12 will take place this year on Aug 27th from 11:00 - 3:30 PM. Students and/or Parent can drop in any time during the event to take part in the activities and learn about your new building. Haven't enrolled yet, there is still time and you can enroll during this time too if you like!

Attention Parents in Grades 7-12, please see the welcome back letter for the 24-25 school year!

7th Grade Orientation and New Students in Grades 8-12 will take place this year on Aug 27th from 11:00 - 3:30 PM. Students and/or Parent can drop in any time during the event to take part in the activities and learn about your new building. Haven't enrolled yet, there is still time and you can enroll during this time too if you like!

Classes will start in just a few weeks for students taking dual enrollment college classes through our partnering schools. If you have any questions about your college classes, students should contact Mrs. Edington for help.

Don't Forget our Homeschool Night Event is tonight! Are you a homeschooling parent considering the possibility of enrolling your child in a traditional school setting for junior high or high school? We understand that making decisions about your child’s education is crucial and often challenging. To support you in exploring all available options, we are hosting an informative meeting tailored specifically for homeschooling families. What to Expect: Comprehensive Overview: Learn about the academic programs, extracurricular activities, and unique opportunities offered at Rudyard Jr/Sr High School. Personalized Discussions: Engage in one-on-one conversations with our dedicated faculty and staff to address your specific concerns and questions. Student Support Services: Discover the range of support services available, including academic counseling, special education resources, and mental health support. Parent Testimonials: Hear from parents who have transitioned their children from homeschooling to traditional schooling and gain insights from their experiences. Campus Tour: Take a guided tour of our facilities, classrooms, and specialized areas such as science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Why Attend? Informed Decision-Making: Gather all the necessary information to make the best choice for your child’s educational journey. Community Connection: Meet other homeschooling families considering the same transition and build a supportive network. Tailored Support: Understand how our school can cater to your child’s unique needs and help them thrive academically and socially. We believe in providing a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student can excel. Whether your child is passionate about the arts, sciences, sports, or career tech, college prep/duel enrollment, and technology, Rudyard Jr/Sr High School has something to offer. Join us to explore how we can partner with you in shaping a bright and successful future for your child on August 8, at 6 PM. Please enter through the high school office and follow the signs.

School is just around the corner, check out the links for suggested school supplies based on age range . Elementary: https://www.rudyardbulldogs.org/page/supply-list Jr/Sr High School: https://rudyard.eupschools.org/page/jrsr-high-school-school-supplies

Included in the basic view school calendar for the 2024-25 school year. We can't wait to see all of students at our Open House on Aug 28th, and First Day of School: Sept 3!

This week's alumni spotlight is Tony Hakola '85! Some of my best memories were from our senior year basketball season. We had a great team that year and we brought the whole community together that winter of 1985 and the whole town was buzzing and the gyms were packed everywhere we played. My favorite class was Agriculture taught by Mr. Pete Sloat. We learned practical things like how to change oil in vehicles, construction, and made maple syrup at the school farm. My advice to the students would be to enjoy your time at RHS and get involved in as many activities as possible. Play every sport and join every group that interests you and also treasure your friendships to the fullest. After high school I attended NMU, I then went to work for the MDOC for 31 years. I retired from there in 2018 and my wife, son in law, and myself currently own and operate HAKOLA PORTA John Service & Rentals, which we started in 2013.

Are you a homeschooling parent considering the possibility of enrolling your child in a traditional school setting for junior high or high school? We understand that making decisions about your child’s education is crucial and often challenging. To support you in exploring all available options, we are hosting an informative meeting tailored specifically for homeschooling families. What to Expect: Comprehensive Overview: Learn about the academic programs, extracurricular activities, and unique opportunities offered at Rudyard Jr/Sr High School. Personalized Discussions: Engage in one-on-one conversations with our dedicated faculty and staff to address your specific concerns and questions. Student Support Services: Discover the range of support services available, including academic counseling, special education resources, and mental health support. Parent Testimonials: Hear from parents who have transitioned their children from homeschooling to traditional schooling and gain insights from their experiences. Campus Tour: Take a guided tour of our facilities, classrooms, and specialized areas such as science labs, art studios, and athletic facilities. Why Attend? Informed Decision-Making: Gather all the necessary information to make the best choice for your child’s educational journey. Community Connection: Meet other homeschooling families considering the same transition and build a supportive network. Tailored Support: Understand how our school can cater to your child’s unique needs and help them thrive academically and socially. We believe in providing a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student can excel. Whether your child is passionate about the arts, sciences, sports, or career tech, college prep/duel enrollment, and technology, Rudyard Jr/Sr High School has something to offer. Join us to explore how we can partner with you in shaping a bright and successful future for your child on August 8, at 6 PM. Please enter through the high school office and follow the signs.

Rudyard Jr/Sr High School is thrilled to announce a diverse array of new courses for the upcoming fall semester. As part of our ongoing commitment to engage students and support their academic abilities, these classes are designed to offer innovative, inclusive, and practical learning experiences. Twice a week throughout the month of July we will highlight some of the new offerings! Up next is: Partnership with Ferris State University for Foreign Language and College Courses We are excited to partner with Ferris State University to offer foreign language classes, along with college-level English and composition courses. These classes provide students with advanced learning opportunities and the chance to earn college credits while still in high school, giving them a head start on their higher education journey. This will join our other partnership with Baker College for Math along with Dual Enrollment opportunities at LSSU, BMCC, NCMC, and Alpena Community College. If a student is interested in this or any other course they should contact Mrs. Edington- Guidance Counselor to enroll. (edington@eupschools.org) These new electives, alongside our existing diverse course offerings, exemplify Rudyard Jr/Sr High School’s dedication to providing a well-rounded education that caters to the needs and interests of all students. We are excited to see the positive impact these classes will have on our school community.

Rudyard Jr/Sr High School is thrilled to announce a diverse array of new courses for the upcoming fall semester. As part of our ongoing commitment to engage students and support their academic abilities, these classes are designed to offer innovative, inclusive, and practical learning experiences. Twice a week throughout the month of July we will highlight some of the new offerings! Up next is: Unified Art Inclusion Continuing our commitment to inclusivity, we are partnering with the EUP ISD Learning Center to offer unified art class for junior high students. This class will pair students with special needs with general education students to participate in art activities together, fostering teamwork, understanding, and mutual respect. If a student is interested in this or any other course they should contact Mrs. Edington- Guidance Counselor to enroll. (edington@eupschools.org) These new electives, alongside our existing diverse course offerings, exemplify Rudyard Jr/Sr High School’s dedication to providing a well-rounded education that caters to the needs and interests of all students. We are excited to see the positive impact these classes will have on our school community.

Rudyard Summer Learning Camp Session II will begin on Monday, July 29. This session will focus on ELA and will run Monday through Thursday, 8:30-12:30. It ends Thursday, August 15. If you have already responded, the bus will pick up your child at the time you were given. Please remember to send your child with a swimsuit and towel as swimming lessons will begin on Monday, too. If you would like your child to attend our Learning Camp, we have the following spots open First Grade - 2 spots Second Grade - 4 spots Third Grade - 8 spots Fourth Grade - 7 spots Fifth Grade - 8 spots Sixth Grade - 5 spots Please contact Ms. Peterson at (906)630-3192 if you would like to sign your child up for an open spot

This week's alumni spotlight is Corie King-Langin '00! I had so many great memories from school! Making homecoming floats at Kevin (Davis) and Jessie’s (Hesselink/Koerth), Listening to CD’S made by Ben (English), dancing with Jessie and Kristy (Wallis/Currie) and prom with Elizabeth Partridge and Autumn Chappa/Polachek (with many others) just to name a few! As far as classes went I probably enjoyed yearbook and biology the most. Volleyball with Coach Perry was also a favorite activity! But the best memories came from spending time with friends. Life goes by so fast! Do your best, do not sweat the small stuff and taking a few small steps in the right direction daily will get you to your goal! There are days you will want to quit, but don't! You will get there! Oh – and one I have found to be very important, especially since COVID- Be respectful! You do not need to like everyone you come across, but a little kindness makes your day better (and everyone else's). After I graduated I went to college to study to become an RN. I was an RN for about 16 years, most of those years were spent in Sault Ste. Marie. I then went back to school and am now a Family Nurse Practitioner working in a smaller physician owned clinic near Seattle, Washington.

Rudyard Jr/Sr High School is thrilled to announce a diverse array of new courses for the upcoming fall semester. As part of our ongoing commitment to engage students and support their academic abilities, these classes are designed to offer innovative, inclusive, and practical learning experiences. Twice a week throughout the month of July we will highlight some of the new offerings! Up next is: Junior High Weight Training Expanding on our popular high school weight training program, we are now offering a section for junior high students. This class focuses on strength training, physical fitness, and healthy lifestyle habits. It aims to build a foundation for lifelong fitness and well-being. If a student is interested in this or any other course they should contact Mrs. Edington- Guidance Counselor to enroll. (edington@eupschools.org) These new electives, alongside our existing diverse course offerings, exemplify Rudyard Jr/Sr High School’s dedication to providing a well-rounded education that caters to the needs and interests of all students. We are excited to see the positive impact these classes will have on our school community.