Rutherford students & parents — students should complete this 2026–2027 Elective Interest Form as soon as possible!
https://forms.gle/NStHfBX1v47gPMWZ9
These responses help us create a school schedule that matches students’ interests, goals, and future plans while also helping them have a great middle and high school experience!
An email with additional information was sent yesterday by Ms. Craft to all current and rising Rutherford students and parents for the 2026–2027 school year.
If you did not receive the email, please contact our data manager at davishe1@bay.k12.fl.us so we can make sure your email address is up to date in Parent Portal!

Please join us in congratulating three outstanding Rutherford seniors who were selected to receive the Miles For Kyle Scholarship!
This scholarship was established in loving memory of Kyle DeMaio, a cherished former Rutherford student, and each recipient was awarded a $2,500 scholarship.
Congratulations to:
• Tamara Drayton
• Damane Scarlett
• Erika Watson
We are incredibly proud of these students and excited to see all they accomplish after graduation. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!




Exciting opportunities at Rutherford High School!
We are proud to offer an even larger variety of elective options for the 2026–2027 school year, including our Health Science Academy! 🩺
Through this CTE program, students gain hands-on experience, explore healthcare careers, and build real-world medical skills that prepare them for college and future careers in the medical field.
This opportunity is available to students entering 9th or 10th grade in the 2026–2027 school year.
📌 Apply here: Health Science Academy Application Form

🎹 Exciting news for 2026–2027 at Rutherford High School!
We are excited to continue expanding our elective offerings next school year, and students in grades 7–12 will now have the opportunity to take Piano as a new elective! 🎼
Space is limited, so interested students should complete the form below to let their school counselor know they’d like to enroll:
https://forms.gle/WTrmjcQe6m3qhzxN7

🚒🔥 BIG NEWS AT RUTHERFORD! 🔥🚒
We’re launching Bay District Schools’ FIRST-EVER CTE Fire Academy for the 2026–2027 school year!
This is a huge opportunity for students who will be in 9th or 10th grade at Rutherford next year to start training for a real career in firefighting—right in high school! Students may even have the chance to earn their Firefighter 1 certification while still on campus.
⚠️ Spots are limited and depend on schedule availability after required graduation courses are placed.
🔥 Interested? Take the first step here:
https://forms.gle/emo9ixopkAn9Du1m6
Don’t miss your chance to be part of something brand new at Rutherford!

🎭✨ Take a trip back in time to the 1950s! ✨🎭
Join us this Friday and Saturday, May 1 & 2 at 7:00 PM in the Rutherford High School Auditorium as our talented Theater Department brings Grease to life on stage! Our students have been working incredibly hard to create a fun, high-energy, and unforgettable show—you won’t want to miss it.
🍿 50’s-style concessions will be available starting at 6:00 PM, featuring hot dogs, popcorn, and classic Coke floats!
🎟️ Ticket Prices:
Students: $10 | Adults: $15
💻 Save by purchasing early online!
Students: $7 | Adults: $12
👉 Get your tickets here: https://osp.osmsinc.com/Bay/
Grab your friends and family and come support our amazing performers—we can’t wait to see you there!
Rutherford School (6–12) is seeking a passionate and visionary High School Band Director to lead The Pride for the 2026–2027 school year. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing music program with enthusiastic students, strong community support, and the chance to shape the future of band at Rutherford. The position includes 7.5 hours per day (10-month contract) with summer responsibilities, and requires Florida Music K–12 certification or a Statement of Eligibility. Salary starts at $50,500, with a 16% supplement. If you’re ready to build, inspire, and lead a program with pride, we encourage you to apply by May 4, 2026 at https://www.bay.k12.fl.us/o/bds/page/careers.

We are so proud of our middle school students as we wrapped up 8th Grade Graduation and our 6th & 7th Grade Awards Ceremonies!
Students were recognized for outstanding academics and excellent attendance, along with special honors for leadership, showing true Ram Pride, and personal growth throughout the year.
A special thank you to our incoming principal for the 26-27 school year, Mr. McQuagge, for joining us to encourage our students and celebrate their achievements.
We also appreciate all of the parents and families who came out to support and cheer on our Rams—your presence made these moments even more meaningful.
Congratulations to all of our students—we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!







Guests enjoyed smoked pork, burgers, and hot dogs thanks to generous support from Destin Charity Wine Auction and Carlisle Baptist Church, with drinks provided by Buffalo Rock.
We were grateful to Coach Floyd, Tim Myers, and Chas Higgins for leading a meaningful conversation about the impact of parents and role models. Families also enjoyed prizes, free books from the Bay County Public Library Foundation, and helpful tips for reducing screen time and preventing the summer slide.

We were honored to hear from inspiring speakers, including Renee Napier, who shared her personal story of loss due to a drunk driver, Dr. Rita Smith from the Department of Juvenile Justice, and our own School Resource Deputies Jeff Hair and Larry Grainger. Each speaker encouraged students to have a plan, stand strong in the face of peer pressure, and understand the real-life impact of their decisions.
At Rutherford, we care deeply about our students’ well-being and success. We are proud of how attentive, respectful, and engaged our students were throughout this meaningful experience!
Calling all Rutherford Alumni and supporters! 🐏🖤💛
Want to stay connected to what’s happening at your alma mater and see how you can support today’s Rams? Subscribe to the Rutherford Community Partnership School newsletter for updates, stories, and opportunities to get involved.
Click here to subscribe:
https://rutherfordrams.us18.list-manage.com/subscribe
Once a Ram, always a Ram. GO RAMS! 🐏

Special recognition goes to Alexander Stewart, who placed 6th individually, and Sienna Dunn, who placed 10th.
Team members include Alexander Stewart, Sienna Dunn, Tamara Drayton, Rana Boykin, and Natalie Latham.
Congratulations to these students for representing Rutherford so well, and a big thank you to their sponsor, Mrs. Morris, for her leadership and support!


The institute brought together school leaders to collaborate, share strategies, and strengthen partnerships that support student success. We are proud of our leaders for continuing to learn and bring new ideas back to serve the Rutherford community!

We also appreciate Tracy Williams from People South Bank for sharing valuable insight on saving and financial planning. Thank you to everyone who helped make the evening such a positive and impactful event.






