Walnut Grove Celebrates a Familiar Face: The Return of Rutledge

After a year-long break, Ms. Rutledge has returned to WGHS, and shares her time away and what brought her back to teaching this year.
by Chloe Fankah

During her time away, Mrs. Rutledge was busy with family matters. “While I wasn’t sure I’d come back, I knew I needed to take the 24-25 school year off to focus on me and my family. In the fall, my daughter was recruited for track & field (pole vault), and we had to travel overnight during the week to several colleges on official visits. It was also my “last” child’s senior year, so I did all the mom things and helped plan numerous events at her school.” She mentioned two surgeries and helping with her son’s wedding during the 2024-2025 school year. To top it off, she and her husband broke ground on the new Downtown Walnut Grove that’s going in on “The Parkway”.

Mrs. Rutledge shared why she came back to the classroom at Walnut Grove High School, “I’m only 11 years into my teaching career, and I spent a lot of time earning my Master’s and Specialist degrees. My house is empty now except for my pets (Homer & Harlee Sue), and sitting at home all day is fun for a minute, but I’m just not ready for that to be my everyday life. I still love my summers, so teaching just makes sense.” She also expressed a desire to see students involved in the new Downtown area, noting that being at WGHS helps her make those connections.

As for what she missed most, Mrs. Rutledge said, “I missed my students. I hated not being here for the WGHS Class of ‘25. I taught many of them since 4th/5th grade! I also missed working with such cool people; the adults really make WGHS a fun place to be.”

Looking ahead, Mrs. Rutledge is excited about becoming a grandmother. “My son and daughter-in-law are expecting a girl in February! I’m over the moon to be a Nonni! I just can’t wait!”

Regarding changes at WGHS, Mrs. Rutledge noted, “There are a few differences, but coming back has been like riding a bike!” She’s thrilled to be teaching near her best friend, Mrs. Baker.

Finally, she updated us on her courses: “I still teach Computer Sciences: Intro (level 1) and AP Computer Science Principles (level 2), but we got rid of AWS Cloud Computing. It just wasn’t a good match for high schoolers. Now my level 3 course is Programming, Games, and Apps for Society, and it’s going well. The Credential of Value is more attainable, and the class is just more fun.”

All in all, Mrs. Rutlege’s return  to WGHS marks not only a personal homecoming but also a significant gain for the school, as well as staff and students. Her passion for computer science is a promise to continue to enrich the classroom experience for students, and allow them to foster a new sense for new skills. Mrs. Rutledge is back in her classroom with many familiar faces around her.