Thank You, Rudyard Area Schools Community!
Over the past year, we’ve seen incredible progress across our district thanks to the bond projects made possible by you — our community. From updated classrooms and improved facilities to safer, more modern learning spaces, and athletic updates these changes are helping our students and staff thrive every day.
We would like to recognize our community for making this all happen. Your support and pride in our schools have made a lasting impact on the future of Rudyard students.
A special shoutout goes to Ted Folkersma, Rudyard Maintenance Director; Mike Baker, Great Lakes Services; and Nick Huyck, Norris Contracting for going above and beyond to ensure the success of these projects.
Over the past year, we’ve seen incredible progress across our district thanks to the bond projects made possible by you — our community. From updated classrooms and improved facilities to safer, more modern learning spaces, and athletic updates these changes are helping our students and staff thrive every day.
We would like to recognize our community for making this all happen. Your support and pride in our schools have made a lasting impact on the future of Rudyard students.
A special shoutout goes to Ted Folkersma, Rudyard Maintenance Director; Mike Baker, Great Lakes Services; and Nick Huyck, Norris Contracting for going above and beyond to ensure the success of these projects.
Yearbook Sales for the 2024-25 book start this week. Pre-orders can be picked up from Mrs. Morley. They will be selling them this week during lunch. Students are encourge to bring their yearbook and have others sign/leave notes in eachother's books during lunch.
For those of you that might be wondering our school switched to a Fall delivery several years ago, this allows for spring activities including graduation to be included in the book.
Thank you again to all of the community members and business that donate that help keep the costs down for the students.
For those of you that might be wondering our school switched to a Fall delivery several years ago, this allows for spring activities including graduation to be included in the book.
Thank you again to all of the community members and business that donate that help keep the costs down for the students.
Our CTE Teacher Cadets had the opportunity this morning to learn about the Golden Apple Scholars Program from Alana Albarran, Manager of Recruitment. The Golden Apple Scholars Program is a teacher preparation and scholarship program that supports high school seniors, college freshmen, and sophomores who aspire to become teachers. Scholars can receive up to $15,000 in grants and stipends assistance, gain extensive classroom teaching experience starting early in college, receive mentorship and professional development, and join a network of educators committed to serving high-need schools.
We are proud that there are currently 82 Golden Apple Scholars in Michigan, including 4 Rudyard graduates. One of those graduates, Jaelyn Clark, joined today’s presentation to share her experience and encourage our future educators.
Rudyard is proud to see our students exploring careers in education!
We are proud that there are currently 82 Golden Apple Scholars in Michigan, including 4 Rudyard graduates. One of those graduates, Jaelyn Clark, joined today’s presentation to share her experience and encourage our future educators.
Rudyard is proud to see our students exploring careers in education!
We are proud to officially announce that Carrie Hoolsema has been named a Commended Student in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. About 34,000 students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise (out of 1.1 million).
Well done, Carrie, keep working hard in the classroom and our school community!
Well done, Carrie, keep working hard in the classroom and our school community!
Reminder:
The 2nd Street Entrances are still closed due to road construction starting till 10/3. Do not drive down 2nd Street.
All students and staff will be entering through the 3rd street side of the building.
For all guests' needs during the school day, please go to door 6 (HS Gym) Entrance. Drop off and pick up can still take place in the library parking lot, along with 3rd street lots.
Construction Update:
The 2nd Street Entrances will all be closed due to road construction starting 9/26 till 10/3.
All students and staff will be entering through the 3rd street side of the building.
For all guests' needs during the school day, please go to door 6 (HS Gym) Entrance. Drop off and pick up can still take place in the library parking lot, along with 3rd street lots.
The 2nd Street Entrances will all be closed due to road construction starting 9/26 till 10/3.
All students and staff will be entering through the 3rd street side of the building.
For all guests' needs during the school day, please go to door 6 (HS Gym) Entrance. Drop off and pick up can still take place in the library parking lot, along with 3rd street lots.
UPDATED HOMECOMING events scheduled.
Excited for the week!
This week's alumni spotlight is Bill Mourufas '09!
I have a lot of good memories from my time at Rudyard High School. Most of which are
from the years playing football and participating on the wrestling team, but my favorite
individual memory was participating in a debate in front of the entire school as part of Mr.
DeYoung’s Advanced Placement Government class. During the debate I was tasked with
portraying then candidate for President Barack Obama and debated fellow student Gail
Berkompas who was portraying Senator John McCain. The Vice President Candidates were
Raymond Schue as Joe Biden and Melanie Case as Sarah Palin.
My favorite class was Mr. DeYoung’s Advanced Placement Government class. He always
found ways to facilitate lively thought-provoking discussions among the class while staying
impartial and challenging both sides of the debate. This is the class that inspired me to
pursue a Political Science degree and work in politics/government.
There is a lot of advice I would give to high school students today, but I think the most
important advice would be that you do not need to have everything figured out today or
feel like you need to have a plan for your entire life. Even if you think you have everything
mapped out at your current age, it is very likely that your plans will change multiple times.
Rather than trying to plan out the rest of your life, work on building the skills that will help
you navigate life’s changes. Work ethic, dedication, adaptability, social skills, and the ability
to keep learning will serve you far more than any single plan ever could. Life rarely moves in
a straight line, and success often comes from being able to pivot, grow, and stay resilient
when things don’t go as expected. A common phrase in the Marine Corps when things do
not go right (which is often) is “adapt and overcome”, so focus on becoming the kind of
person who can face uncertainty with confidence. Not because you have all of the answers,
but because you’ve built the tools to figure things out along the way. In the end, the only
thing you can and should plan on is change, instead of fearing it, prepare for it and let it
shape you into someone stronger, wiser, and more capable.
During my senior year I seriously considered military service but ultimately decided to
enroll at Lake Superior State University to pursue a degree in Political Science. However,
after completing just one semester, I couldn’t shake the calling to serve. In 2010, I enlisted
in the United States Marine Corps and began active duty. I served as an aviation mechanic
on Huey and Cobra attack helicopters, with duty stations in California, Florida, and Hawaii
over the course of five years. During that time, I also got married, which marked another
important chapter in my life. My time in the Marines taught me invaluable lessons about
discipline, adaptability, and resilience. These are the same lessons that reflect the advice I
shared earlier: life doesn't always go according to plan, and that's okay. After receiving an
honorable discharge, I returned home to finish the degree I had started before enlisting.
While completing my studies at LSSU, I gained experience working with local, state, and
federal political organizations and nonprofits. After earning my Bachelor of Science degree
in Political Science, I began working for the State of Michigan’s Department of Labor and
Economic Opportunity where I serve as a Veterans’ Career Advisor, helping to reduce
employment barriers for Michigan’s veteran population. I am currently in the process of
pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Administration and I also have the privilege of being a
husband and a father. My wife and I now have a 4-year-old son and a 2-week-old daughter.
Life has taken many unexpected turns, but each experience has shaped who I am today. I
wouldn’t change a thing.
I have a lot of good memories from my time at Rudyard High School. Most of which are
from the years playing football and participating on the wrestling team, but my favorite
individual memory was participating in a debate in front of the entire school as part of Mr.
DeYoung’s Advanced Placement Government class. During the debate I was tasked with
portraying then candidate for President Barack Obama and debated fellow student Gail
Berkompas who was portraying Senator John McCain. The Vice President Candidates were
Raymond Schue as Joe Biden and Melanie Case as Sarah Palin.
My favorite class was Mr. DeYoung’s Advanced Placement Government class. He always
found ways to facilitate lively thought-provoking discussions among the class while staying
impartial and challenging both sides of the debate. This is the class that inspired me to
pursue a Political Science degree and work in politics/government.
There is a lot of advice I would give to high school students today, but I think the most
important advice would be that you do not need to have everything figured out today or
feel like you need to have a plan for your entire life. Even if you think you have everything
mapped out at your current age, it is very likely that your plans will change multiple times.
Rather than trying to plan out the rest of your life, work on building the skills that will help
you navigate life’s changes. Work ethic, dedication, adaptability, social skills, and the ability
to keep learning will serve you far more than any single plan ever could. Life rarely moves in
a straight line, and success often comes from being able to pivot, grow, and stay resilient
when things don’t go as expected. A common phrase in the Marine Corps when things do
not go right (which is often) is “adapt and overcome”, so focus on becoming the kind of
person who can face uncertainty with confidence. Not because you have all of the answers,
but because you’ve built the tools to figure things out along the way. In the end, the only
thing you can and should plan on is change, instead of fearing it, prepare for it and let it
shape you into someone stronger, wiser, and more capable.
During my senior year I seriously considered military service but ultimately decided to
enroll at Lake Superior State University to pursue a degree in Political Science. However,
after completing just one semester, I couldn’t shake the calling to serve. In 2010, I enlisted
in the United States Marine Corps and began active duty. I served as an aviation mechanic
on Huey and Cobra attack helicopters, with duty stations in California, Florida, and Hawaii
over the course of five years. During that time, I also got married, which marked another
important chapter in my life. My time in the Marines taught me invaluable lessons about
discipline, adaptability, and resilience. These are the same lessons that reflect the advice I
shared earlier: life doesn't always go according to plan, and that's okay. After receiving an
honorable discharge, I returned home to finish the degree I had started before enlisting.
While completing my studies at LSSU, I gained experience working with local, state, and
federal political organizations and nonprofits. After earning my Bachelor of Science degree
in Political Science, I began working for the State of Michigan’s Department of Labor and
Economic Opportunity where I serve as a Veterans’ Career Advisor, helping to reduce
employment barriers for Michigan’s veteran population. I am currently in the process of
pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Administration and I also have the privilege of being a
husband and a father. My wife and I now have a 4-year-old son and a 2-week-old daughter.
Life has taken many unexpected turns, but each experience has shaped who I am today. I
wouldn’t change a thing.
Meeting Reminder: Rudyard is going to London in Spring of 2027! Come to the meeting tonight to learn more. RSVP to the meeting to get more information: https://bit.ly/3JRrPKq
Class Showcase: High School Biology with Mr. Darr.
This week, students dove into the basics of biology by exploring the characteristics of living things and focusing on cells, the building blocks of all life. It’s been a very hands-on start to the year. In the last two weeks, students have examined potted plants, searched for life in forest materials, and used microscopes to look at both plant and animal cells.
This work is about more than just memorizing facts. The skills we’re practicing are important for their futures. Here’s why it matters:
Students learn to think for themselves. We’re working on how to tell good information from bad. Students are challenged to question what they see and hear, whether it's from a news story or even from me, their teacher. This skill is critical for navigating a world with so much noise from AI and social media.
Our students learn to work in teams. A lot of our work is done in groups, which helps students practice working with others. These are some of the most important skills in any career today, no matter what they choose to do.
They also gain practical know-how. We’ve been learning how to handle delicate lab equipment and chemicals safely. These are valuable, transferable skills that can be used in many different jobs or in college studies.
This week, students dove into the basics of biology by exploring the characteristics of living things and focusing on cells, the building blocks of all life. It’s been a very hands-on start to the year. In the last two weeks, students have examined potted plants, searched for life in forest materials, and used microscopes to look at both plant and animal cells.
This work is about more than just memorizing facts. The skills we’re practicing are important for their futures. Here’s why it matters:
Students learn to think for themselves. We’re working on how to tell good information from bad. Students are challenged to question what they see and hear, whether it's from a news story or even from me, their teacher. This skill is critical for navigating a world with so much noise from AI and social media.
Our students learn to work in teams. A lot of our work is done in groups, which helps students practice working with others. These are some of the most important skills in any career today, no matter what they choose to do.
They also gain practical know-how. We’ve been learning how to handle delicate lab equipment and chemicals safely. These are valuable, transferable skills that can be used in many different jobs or in college studies.
This week's Alumni Spotlight is Kelly (Leonard) Bunster '01!
What was one of your favorite memories from school? Without a doubt, it was definitely when our volleyball team won at regionals!
My favorite classes were science and math. I loved anatomy and physiology!
My advice to students: get involved! From sports to NHS, to drama to 4h or church. You never know what you’ll enjoy and succeed at.
After high school, I attended Calvin University and Western Michigan University, where I earned my master's degree in Occupational Therapy. I got married right after graduation, and I did traveling therapy all around the country for 2 years. We settled down for 15 years in Raleigh, North Carolina, where I worked at Duke Hospital.
We just relocated outside of Seattle, Washington, to work with Chick-fil-A. My husband, Sebastian, and I have four wonderful kids, ages 3, 5, 10, and 13. I stay home with the younger two while also doing some OT work on the side, as well as an administrative assistant for a few other Chick-fil-A owners/operators.
What was one of your favorite memories from school? Without a doubt, it was definitely when our volleyball team won at regionals!
My favorite classes were science and math. I loved anatomy and physiology!
My advice to students: get involved! From sports to NHS, to drama to 4h or church. You never know what you’ll enjoy and succeed at.
After high school, I attended Calvin University and Western Michigan University, where I earned my master's degree in Occupational Therapy. I got married right after graduation, and I did traveling therapy all around the country for 2 years. We settled down for 15 years in Raleigh, North Carolina, where I worked at Duke Hospital.
We just relocated outside of Seattle, Washington, to work with Chick-fil-A. My husband, Sebastian, and I have four wonderful kids, ages 3, 5, 10, and 13. I stay home with the younger two while also doing some OT work on the side, as well as an administrative assistant for a few other Chick-fil-A owners/operators.
Its our home opener for our JV/Varsity Girls Volleyball Teams! Tonight's match up against Brimely starts at 5:45! The first 100 fans will receive a Bulldog water bottle thanks to Superior Towning & Service of Sault Ste Marie!
We have a group at school that will be taking a trip across the Pond! The group is headed to England in Spring 2027, and they'd love to have you join them.
This is an incredible opportunity to explore new places, experience different cultures, and gain lifelong skills like independence and confidence. We'll be sharing all the details, including what we’ll see and do, hands-on learning activities, academic opportunities, trip costs, and how to secure a spot at our informational meeting. This trip is also open to community members, along with students in current grades 8-11.
Meeting details:
📅 Date: September 18
🕒 Time: 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Room 101 (Ms. Verdoni's room)
👉 RSVP here to join us: https://rsvp.eftours.com/fj7e4u2
We’ll also open enrollment during the meeting—spots are limited, and we would love to help you secure this experience.
If you have more questions, you can reach out to Mrs. Noordhoek or Mrs. Edington.
This is an incredible opportunity to explore new places, experience different cultures, and gain lifelong skills like independence and confidence. We'll be sharing all the details, including what we’ll see and do, hands-on learning activities, academic opportunities, trip costs, and how to secure a spot at our informational meeting. This trip is also open to community members, along with students in current grades 8-11.
Meeting details:
📅 Date: September 18
🕒 Time: 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Room 101 (Ms. Verdoni's room)
👉 RSVP here to join us: https://rsvp.eftours.com/fj7e4u2
We’ll also open enrollment during the meeting—spots are limited, and we would love to help you secure this experience.
If you have more questions, you can reach out to Mrs. Noordhoek or Mrs. Edington.
It's another full week in Bulldog Country!
Our Alumni Spotlight is back for another year! To start things off this year will be Brad Ried '97!
My favorite memory of attending Rudyard was our pre-season baseball trip to Mt. Pleasant, where we played on the CMU field and stayed at the White Wagon Motel in Rosebush. Coach Ron Van Sloten and the team orchestrated a prank, getting me all dressed out to play despite the games being cancelled due to the weather. Everyone had a good laugh at my expense, knowing how excited I was that day.
My activity outside of baseball was lunch, which I spent most days riding around town with Shaun McCurley and Lance Bickel. From Pure Country to Shute's Amoco and back.
The best advice I can give current and future students is to build relationships and make connections. Value friendships and take time to enjoy the small things in life because you will someday realize those were the big things.
After high school I accepted a scholarship to play baseball at North Central Texas College. My Sophomore season I met the love of my life Brandi and earned an All conference selection. Graduated with an associate's degree and with the help of Rob Van Sloten I accepted another baseball scholarship to play at Central Michigan, fulfilling my childhood dream of playing Division 1 baseball. I had a successful junior season, met some great people and played in some amazing parks but just wasn't happy. I missed the south. I finished my baseball career and education at Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in education. I moved to Grapevine Tx to student teach and coach. To make extra money, I started painting and coaching youth baseball teams. My coaching in baseball led to painting jobs . I didn't realize it at the time, but my connections from Rudyard, college baseball teammates, coaches, and friends, and a lot of hard work would create opportunities that would take me across the country and across the ocean to paint. I currently own and operate a commercial and residential painting company with 15 employees. Brandi and I have been married 23 years and have 3 beautiful children, Sadie , Maddie, and Wyatt.
My favorite memory of attending Rudyard was our pre-season baseball trip to Mt. Pleasant, where we played on the CMU field and stayed at the White Wagon Motel in Rosebush. Coach Ron Van Sloten and the team orchestrated a prank, getting me all dressed out to play despite the games being cancelled due to the weather. Everyone had a good laugh at my expense, knowing how excited I was that day.
My activity outside of baseball was lunch, which I spent most days riding around town with Shaun McCurley and Lance Bickel. From Pure Country to Shute's Amoco and back.
The best advice I can give current and future students is to build relationships and make connections. Value friendships and take time to enjoy the small things in life because you will someday realize those were the big things.
After high school I accepted a scholarship to play baseball at North Central Texas College. My Sophomore season I met the love of my life Brandi and earned an All conference selection. Graduated with an associate's degree and with the help of Rob Van Sloten I accepted another baseball scholarship to play at Central Michigan, fulfilling my childhood dream of playing Division 1 baseball. I had a successful junior season, met some great people and played in some amazing parks but just wasn't happy. I missed the south. I finished my baseball career and education at Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in education. I moved to Grapevine Tx to student teach and coach. To make extra money, I started painting and coaching youth baseball teams. My coaching in baseball led to painting jobs . I didn't realize it at the time, but my connections from Rudyard, college baseball teammates, coaches, and friends, and a lot of hard work would create opportunities that would take me across the country and across the ocean to paint. I currently own and operate a commercial and residential painting company with 15 employees. Brandi and I have been married 23 years and have 3 beautiful children, Sadie , Maddie, and Wyatt.
We are excited to officially kick off the school year tomorrow (9/2/25) with the FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!
As a reminder to all parents/students, the first day of school is a half-day. School will dismiss at 11:45 for the HS and 11:55 for the elementary.
Note: Students who attend the Sault Career Center should report to Rudyard at the start of the day; CTE will start on day 2.
As a reminder to all parents/students, the first day of school is a half-day. School will dismiss at 11:45 for the HS and 11:55 for the elementary.
Note: Students who attend the Sault Career Center should report to Rudyard at the start of the day; CTE will start on day 2.
Students' passwords were changed yesterday by the EUPISD Tech Department. Students can request or come in for their password next week or get it on the first day of school. Schedules are live (students can't log in if they don't have their password).
Parents can view their children's schedules through the parent portal. For new students, schedules can be picked up on Tuesday next week, while all other students can collect their schedules during Open House or on the first day of school.
Parents can view their children's schedules through the parent portal. For new students, schedules can be picked up on Tuesday next week, while all other students can collect their schedules during Open House or on the first day of school.
This a great program, thank you to Trooper Mayer and MSP for offering it again this Fall at the test track in Brimley. To sign up please contact Trooper Mayer - 906-748-0005.
Duel Enrollment Students and Parents, have questions please reach out to the counselors.
