We wanted to share that Rudyard Area Schools will continue the free breakfast and lunch program for ALL STUDENTS this school year, no cost to families. Even though the state’s long-term funding for the universal meals program is still being determined, we are fortunate that our budget allows us to continue this important service.
We know that when students have access to healthy meals, they are better prepared to focus, learn, and succeed. This program ensures that every student starts the day with the fuel they need, whether that’s a warm breakfast before class or a healthy lunch in the middle of the day.
A quick reminder: We still ask families to turn in their food service forms when they come in. These forms help our district secure important state and federal funding that supports programs and resources for students.
Thank you for working with us to make this a great school year. Sept 2nd is right around the corner!
We know that when students have access to healthy meals, they are better prepared to focus, learn, and succeed. This program ensures that every student starts the day with the fuel they need, whether that’s a warm breakfast before class or a healthy lunch in the middle of the day.
A quick reminder: We still ask families to turn in their food service forms when they come in. These forms help our district secure important state and federal funding that supports programs and resources for students.
Thank you for working with us to make this a great school year. Sept 2nd is right around the corner!
Student Spotlight: Lila Tuzinowski
Rising freshman Lila Tuzinowski is stepping into high school with poise, talent, and a true passion for the arts. While she enjoys playing volleyball, Lila’s heart belongs to the stage and the spotlight, especially through singing and musical theatre.
For the past three years, she has studied under Karen Beacom at the Soo Theatre, and her summers have been spent learning from opera singers and theatre directors across the country, from New York to Nebraska. This past year, she was even invited to audition for the Youth Honors Program at Carnegie Hall, and she’s hopeful to take part in the future.
Beyond performing, Lila loves to travel, spend time with friends and family, and bring a calm, thoughtful presence to everything she does. Known for being highly focused on her schoolwork, empathetic toward others, and always bringing a fresh perspective to problem-solving, Lila is a standout both in and out of the classroom.
We’re proud to have Lila as part of the Bulldog family and can’t wait to see where her voice and vision take her next!
Rising freshman Lila Tuzinowski is stepping into high school with poise, talent, and a true passion for the arts. While she enjoys playing volleyball, Lila’s heart belongs to the stage and the spotlight, especially through singing and musical theatre.
For the past three years, she has studied under Karen Beacom at the Soo Theatre, and her summers have been spent learning from opera singers and theatre directors across the country, from New York to Nebraska. This past year, she was even invited to audition for the Youth Honors Program at Carnegie Hall, and she’s hopeful to take part in the future.
Beyond performing, Lila loves to travel, spend time with friends and family, and bring a calm, thoughtful presence to everything she does. Known for being highly focused on her schoolwork, empathetic toward others, and always bringing a fresh perspective to problem-solving, Lila is a standout both in and out of the classroom.
We’re proud to have Lila as part of the Bulldog family and can’t wait to see where her voice and vision take her next!
Anyone interested in joining the Rudyard Spirit Team! 7th-12th Meeting/Practice Thursday August 14th 4-5 @ The Pavilion. For more information contact Coach Sarah McMillan 90-298-0290
Jr/Sr High School Class Schedules are little over a week away from being released!
At Rudyard Jr/Sr High School, our electives aren’t just “extra,” they’re designed to prepare students for life. Each new course must meet three goals: teach real-world skills, stay relevant to today’s world, and challenge students with academic rigor. We’re proud to announce several exciting additions this year.
Our Jr High E-Sports course builds on the huge success of last year’s high school program, introducing younger students to teamwork, strategy, and competition in a structured gaming environment.
AMPED on Algebra brings energy and creativity to math, helping students see real-life applications of what they learn.
Sociology of Sports is offered on-site in partnership with BMCC, a college-level class exploring the impact of sports on culture, communities, and individuals.
Investing 101 grew from the enthusiasm of last year’s Personal Finance students, giving learners a head start in building wealth and understanding markets.
Leadership and You empowers students to build the confidence, communication, and decision-making skills they’ll carry into every part of life.
We’re also thrilled to bring back our Swimming and Lifeguarding course, offering skills that are both practical and potentially lifesaving.
In addition to these new opportunities, students can still choose from a wide range of electives that help them explore their passions such as: Links Art and Unified PE, HS Weightlifting, Advanced PE, STEM, Construction Trades, Sculpture Art, Band, Seminar for 7th Grade, Art, Native Culture, Entrepreneurship, Business and Yearbook, Service Learning, and an array of CTE and College programs.
Behind every new course is a teacher who has spent time researching, planning, and designing lessons that connect deeply with students’ needs and futures. Our staff’s creativity and dedication are what make these programs possible, and their commitment ensures that every elective is more than just a class.
At Rudyard, our electives are about more than filling schedules; they’re about building futures.
At Rudyard Jr/Sr High School, our electives aren’t just “extra,” they’re designed to prepare students for life. Each new course must meet three goals: teach real-world skills, stay relevant to today’s world, and challenge students with academic rigor. We’re proud to announce several exciting additions this year.
Our Jr High E-Sports course builds on the huge success of last year’s high school program, introducing younger students to teamwork, strategy, and competition in a structured gaming environment.
AMPED on Algebra brings energy and creativity to math, helping students see real-life applications of what they learn.
Sociology of Sports is offered on-site in partnership with BMCC, a college-level class exploring the impact of sports on culture, communities, and individuals.
Investing 101 grew from the enthusiasm of last year’s Personal Finance students, giving learners a head start in building wealth and understanding markets.
Leadership and You empowers students to build the confidence, communication, and decision-making skills they’ll carry into every part of life.
We’re also thrilled to bring back our Swimming and Lifeguarding course, offering skills that are both practical and potentially lifesaving.
In addition to these new opportunities, students can still choose from a wide range of electives that help them explore their passions such as: Links Art and Unified PE, HS Weightlifting, Advanced PE, STEM, Construction Trades, Sculpture Art, Band, Seminar for 7th Grade, Art, Native Culture, Entrepreneurship, Business and Yearbook, Service Learning, and an array of CTE and College programs.
Behind every new course is a teacher who has spent time researching, planning, and designing lessons that connect deeply with students’ needs and futures. Our staff’s creativity and dedication are what make these programs possible, and their commitment ensures that every elective is more than just a class.
At Rudyard, our electives are about more than filling schedules; they’re about building futures.
"My family and I moved to this area in 2011 on a Coast Guard assignment and enrolled our children in the Rudyard Area School District in 2012. The quality of Rudyard Area Schools is a significant reason why we chose to stay. For the past 13 years, we've been actively involved as parents of three children, including a recent graduate, and I have served on the school board for six years.
Rudyard Area Schools (RAS) has provided our children with incredible opportunities from elementary through middle and high school, consistently pushing them to excel academically, athletically, and personally. The administration, teachers, and staff have always been responsive, helpful, and have shown great care for our kids. We are truly thankful to be part of this community and this excellent school system." - Marv LaLone
Rudyard Area Schools (RAS) has provided our children with incredible opportunities from elementary through middle and high school, consistently pushing them to excel academically, athletically, and personally. The administration, teachers, and staff have always been responsive, helpful, and have shown great care for our kids. We are truly thankful to be part of this community and this excellent school system." - Marv LaLone
School is just around the corner. Here is the August Edition of the Jr/Sr High School Parent Connect!
During the last week of school, the 5th grade students participated in a community wide passport scavenger hunt. Students traveled from business to business learning about the community of Rudyard and what it takes to make a town run. At each stop students listened, took notes, and received a stamp for their passport. In the end, each student visited seven different businesses including Pure Country Restaurant, Central Savings Bank, Rudyard Co-Op, Post Office, Whiskey River Hardware, Township Hall, and the Fire Department.
All students have been released for the day today (Tuesday May 20) The Spring Concert is still on as scheduled for tonight. Please be watching for the school buses!
This week's alumni spotlight is Gary McDowell '70!
In High school, I was in an agriculture class and all the students belonged to a
national organization, Future Farmers of America. Future Farmers had
leadership contests, and the Rudyard FFA group excelled. The contests included
public speaking, debate, judging, demonstrations, and parliamentary procedure.
In those years, we were the number one team in Michigan and represented
Michigan in the National contest in Kansas City, where we took two second
places. These contests prepared me for a career in agriculture and politics.
My advice for students is to be an agent for positive change. Get involved, always be kind, have empathy for others.
Right out of high school, I enrolled at LSSU and worked for UPS and farmed with my two brothers (Ronnie and Bobby). I was a County Commissioner for 22 years, a State Representative for 6 years, ran for Congress, and my last position was the Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. I am now retired and living out my best years with my family here in Rudyard !
Students in Unified Art class made faux stained glass pieces that they can gift or keep! This middle school class pairs students from Rudyard 7th and 8th Grade with students from the EUPISD Learning Center in Kincheloe providing a very creative, collaborative, and positive atmosphere for students. Creativity abounds!
This week's alumni spotlight is Daniel Hudson '94!
Some of my best memories from school were the class discussions, training in track and field, along with hunting with friends.
It would be tough for me to pick a favorite class, I was blessed with many tremendous teachers who did a great job of cultivating interest in the subjects they were teaching – which is the most important thing a teacher can do. Outside of class, my favorite things to do were hunting and fishing.
My advice for students is to never ask (even in your own head), “When am I EVER going to need to know this??” Seek out and spend time with people who are wise and who care about you and your future. Cultivate useful interests and skills. Only go to college if/when you believe that it is necessary to attain your vocational goals. Avoid accumulating unnecessary debt. Be mindful that everyone wants you to be addicted to the thing they are selling – for their benefit, not yours: social media, other media, electronic devices, various kinds of food/beverages.
Your odds of existing are almost nil, yet here you are. God made you for a purpose. We make plans, but He guides our steps. Be eager to discover as much as you can about our Creator and walk in His ways.
Right after graduating, I went to Cedarville College (in Ohio) and studied biology. I am now a consultant for dairy farms, focusing on nutrition and management. Beyond that, I help manage the family farm.
My wife (Julia) and I have been married for over 22 years and have 9 children ranging in age from 21 years down to 15 months old. While I enjoy my work, my greatest privilege and joy is to be a husband and father.
We are incredibly fortunate to have so many wonderful local businesses and individuals who quietly support our students and schools behind the scenes, not for recognition, but simply because they care about their community.
A special thank you to Central Savings Bank for generously purchasing Little Caesar’s pizzas for the 7th grade class as a class reward. Local businesses make the difference, thank you CSB for your kindness and continued support make a real difference!
Attention Parents - Its that time of year again, here is the testing Schedule for April for the Jr/Sr High School.
Good morning. Rudyard Area Schools will be on a 2 hour delay today, Monday, April 7, 2025. Classes and bus pick up will be two hours later than normal. Winter can end now...
Rudyard Area School will have a 2 hour delay today, 4/3/25, due to weather/road conditions.
Due to poor weather conditions, all after-school activities are CANCELED for 4/2/25 at Rudyard Area Schools.
Due to weather, Rudyard Area Schools will be closed tomorrow, Monday, March 31, 2025. We are excited to see everyone back on Tuesday, April 1.
Rudyard Area Schools will be closed today, Thursday, March 20, 2025 due to weather.
This weeks alumni spotlight is Barb Gordan '01!
It would be hard to choose just one specific memory from high school that would be my favorite. Some of my best memories would include singing in Art class with Jamie Morris and Terrance Weinzierl, playing basketball, softball, drama productions, chorus and our Pep Assemblies. I also enjoyed being an office aide for Ms. Boots Carr. She always pushed me to do my very best.
My favorite class would have to be Drama with Mr. Taylor. He always made class so fun. He encouraged us to step out of our comfort zones during activities. It was in this class new friendships were created that carried on through life.
If i could give any advice to students it would be to always keep an open mind about your future. Sometimes just taking risks, and trying new things, can change your original plan. That's ok!! Find your passion no matter how long it may take and always be kind to yourself and others.
After Highschool I attended a nurse aide training program and began working for Adult Learning Systems. A short time later I was given the opportunity to be a substitute aide at Rudyard Elementary through the EUPISD. I have now been with them for about twenty years. My days are split between our Learning Center in Kincheloe and Rudyard. I am responsible for bringing our students to inclusion classes at Rudyard. How great it is to be a part of both schools and be witness to all students' achievements as well as working with some pretty great educators. I have the best job and you have the best kiddos!
Rudyard Area Schools will start with a 2 hour delay today, Thursday, March 6, 2025. Road conditions will be re-evaluated again. Buses will be running 2 hours later than regular.