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
We are excited about Sweetheart 2026 this week! Be sure to check out the Spirit Days!
Rudyard Area Schools will be closed Friday, January 23, 2026 due to the projected wind chill. Monday will be a full day with exams in the morning still.
Reminder - Rudyard Area Schools has schedule 1/2 Days of School on BOTH Jan 22 & 23, 2026.
Thank you to LSSU’s Center for Freshwater Research and Education (CFRE) for facilitating an enlightening lesson on Atlantic Salmon. It was fascinating to learn about the crucial role CFRE plays in raising these salmon in Sault Ste. Marie before releasing them into Michigan's waterways, supporting local ecosystems.
The students were deeply engaged, particularly in exploring the internal and external anatomy of the salmon through a hands-on dissection. This opportunity provided valuable insights into the species' biology and underscored the importance of sustainable practices in maintaining their existence in our region.
The students were deeply engaged, particularly in exploring the internal and external anatomy of the salmon through a hands-on dissection. This opportunity provided valuable insights into the species' biology and underscored the importance of sustainable practices in maintaining their existence in our region.
Today at 9:00 am the building was placed into secure mode. Secure mode was lifted at 10:02 am. At no time do we feel any of the students were in any danger. Please find the letter attached that explains the situation.
Congratulations goes out to Lily Kwiatkowski who has signed to continue her volleyball career at North Central Michigan College this coming Fall!
Lily has a long list of accomplishments as a student athlete at Rudyard including being named to the 2025 All UP Dream Team for Volleyball.
Lily hopes to continue in her studies toward becoming a physical therapist!
Congratulations goes out to Lindsey Masterson, who has signed with North Central Michigan College to run cross country! Lindsey has been a great leader for our cross country team, including helping the girls win the UP Division 2 State Championship this Fall.
She is excited to attend NCMC this coming Fall and continuing competitive running!
Class Spotlight: Cabinetry & Furniture Manufacturing at Rudyard Schools
Walk into the Cabinetry and Furniture Manufacturing classroom at Rudyard Schools and you’ll immediately notice the energy, creativity, and craftsmanship on display. The program is thriving this year, with more student interest than ever before. Offered six periods a day, the class with nearly a 100 students taking part.
This year’s Woods 1 students are getting their first taste of the program by building wall shelves, a project designed to introduce foundational skills in a practical and approachable way. The shelves are essentially small-scale kitchen cabinets, complete with doors and a square-framed body, giving students early exposure to the techniques used in full-sized cabinetry.
For Woods 2 and 3 students, the program offers even greater opportunity for creativity and independence. These students enjoy the freedom to design and build projects of their own choosing, applying the skills they’ve developed over multiple years. By the time students complete three years in the program, they are capable of building their own kitchen cabinets and household furniture and are well prepared to pursue careers in woodworking or related trades.
Learning extends far beyond the classroom. In October, students participated in a field trip that included visits to the Bay Mills Construction Management Program, TriCounty Cabinet Shop, the Great Lakes Boat Building School, and Maples Sawmill. Each stop highlighted viable postsecondary and career pathways, helping students see how their skills can translate directly into future opportunities.
Leadership and entrepreneurship are also key components of the program. Students are encouraged to get involved in the MITES Club, where they apply their skills to real-world projects. Recently, students completed a commissioned conference table and office desk for Maples Sawmill, whose owner, Andrew Jaroche, serves on the program’s advisory board. In addition, students have successfully sold Great Lakes cribbage boards and a variety of cutting boards, gaining experience in both craftsmanship and business.
A strong emphasis is also placed on employability skills. Students regularly reflect on the importance of being on time, working hard, limiting distractions, and helping others. Visitors to the shop will find students fully engaged—whether they are building projects, cleaning the workspace, or lending a hand to a classmate. Daily conversations focus on being “program-minded rather than project-minded,” a mindset that students have fully embraced.
With high student engagement, strong community partnerships, and growing opportunities in the millworks and cabinet trades, the future is bright. The demand for skilled labor in the region continues to grow, and Rudyard Schools is proud to play a key role in preparing the next generation of skilled tradespeople—one project at a time.
Walk into the Cabinetry and Furniture Manufacturing classroom at Rudyard Schools and you’ll immediately notice the energy, creativity, and craftsmanship on display. The program is thriving this year, with more student interest than ever before. Offered six periods a day, the class with nearly a 100 students taking part.
This year’s Woods 1 students are getting their first taste of the program by building wall shelves, a project designed to introduce foundational skills in a practical and approachable way. The shelves are essentially small-scale kitchen cabinets, complete with doors and a square-framed body, giving students early exposure to the techniques used in full-sized cabinetry.
For Woods 2 and 3 students, the program offers even greater opportunity for creativity and independence. These students enjoy the freedom to design and build projects of their own choosing, applying the skills they’ve developed over multiple years. By the time students complete three years in the program, they are capable of building their own kitchen cabinets and household furniture and are well prepared to pursue careers in woodworking or related trades.
Learning extends far beyond the classroom. In October, students participated in a field trip that included visits to the Bay Mills Construction Management Program, TriCounty Cabinet Shop, the Great Lakes Boat Building School, and Maples Sawmill. Each stop highlighted viable postsecondary and career pathways, helping students see how their skills can translate directly into future opportunities.
Leadership and entrepreneurship are also key components of the program. Students are encouraged to get involved in the MITES Club, where they apply their skills to real-world projects. Recently, students completed a commissioned conference table and office desk for Maples Sawmill, whose owner, Andrew Jaroche, serves on the program’s advisory board. In addition, students have successfully sold Great Lakes cribbage boards and a variety of cutting boards, gaining experience in both craftsmanship and business.
A strong emphasis is also placed on employability skills. Students regularly reflect on the importance of being on time, working hard, limiting distractions, and helping others. Visitors to the shop will find students fully engaged—whether they are building projects, cleaning the workspace, or lending a hand to a classmate. Daily conversations focus on being “program-minded rather than project-minded,” a mindset that students have fully embraced.
With high student engagement, strong community partnerships, and growing opportunities in the millworks and cabinet trades, the future is bright. The demand for skilled labor in the region continues to grow, and Rudyard Schools is proud to play a key role in preparing the next generation of skilled tradespeople—one project at a time.
Don't forget about the Blood Drive that is going on TODAY! It's hosted by our chapter of HOSA in the Allied Health Classroom. This blood drive will run from 10-2 PM on January 13th and is open to the public.
Congratulations goes out to our newest member of the 1000 pt club for Bulldog Basketball: Jaxon Clark!
Save the Date for our upcoming Blood Drive, which is hosted by our chapter of HOSA in the Allied Health Classroom. This blood drive will run from 10-2 PM on January 13th and is open to the public.
Rudyard Area Schools will be on a 2 hour delay today, Monday January 5, 2026.
We are still seeking industry professionals to attend our Career Day 2026!
Career Day provides our students in grades 7–12 with the opportunity to explore various career paths, connect with industry professionals, and gain valuable insights into future possibilities. Our last event in 2024 drew over 150 community participants, and we look forward to building on that success this year. Thank you so much to everyone who came last time!
The day will begin with a keynote presentation for all students, followed by interactive sessions designed to help them learn, ask questions, and discover potential career interests. About 325 students will participate throughout the day. Those interested in presenting, please fill out the Google form or contact Mr. Chad Folkersma cfolkersma1@eupschools.org or (906)-478-3771.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Xen8cVXzp4SK_ek5WnUePmfBv9Lx7qegZv68Qz-aIDQ/edit
Career Day provides our students in grades 7–12 with the opportunity to explore various career paths, connect with industry professionals, and gain valuable insights into future possibilities. Our last event in 2024 drew over 150 community participants, and we look forward to building on that success this year. Thank you so much to everyone who came last time!
The day will begin with a keynote presentation for all students, followed by interactive sessions designed to help them learn, ask questions, and discover potential career interests. About 325 students will participate throughout the day. Those interested in presenting, please fill out the Google form or contact Mr. Chad Folkersma cfolkersma1@eupschools.org or (906)-478-3771.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Xen8cVXzp4SK_ek5WnUePmfBv9Lx7qegZv68Qz-aIDQ/edit
Shout out to our CTE Allied Health classes looking to spread some holiday cheer and giving back to our community recently donated/collected 11 Christmas Day meals for community member families!
Rudyard Area Schools will be closed tomorrow, Friday December 19, 2025 due to anticipated road conditions. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year. The decision for the basketball games will be made around 1:00 pm. If parents need to get snow clothes from lockers or pick up items from the school, it will be open from 3:00 pm until 9:00 pm tomorrow night. You can just enter through the high school doors.
Rudyard Area Schools has a scheduled 1/2 Day of School on Friday, Dec 19th. School will dismiss at Noon. Winter Break will then begin, and school will resume on Monday, Jan 5th.
