Federal Funding is slow to come to LWSD this year and you may have seen the message about it in ParentSquare. Your support is critical to the the financial health of our schools.

At a glance:

• ASB vs. PTSA Fundraising: Why Both Matter
• 👂 Tue, 10/14: Volunteers Needed for Hearing & Vision Screening
• 🍔 Tue, 10/14: Eat a Burger to Fundraise
• 📣 Tue, 10/14: PTSA Meeting @ 6:30 PM in the Library
• 🤔 Fri, 10/31: Reflections Submissions Due
• 💪 Volunteer Opportunities
• 🐻 Join RMS PTSA

As always remember to check out our PTSA website rmsptsa.org and RMS Facebook page for the latest news, programs, and information. Send email inquiries to board@rmsptsa.org. And now... on to the good stuff!

🇲🇽 Lea las traducciones al español de este boletín en nuestro sitio web en los archivos.

f you’ve ever wondered why your inbox seems to get double the fundraising asks - and from both ASB and PTSA- you’re not alone. The truth is: both are essential, and they serve very different (but complementary!) purposes for our school.

What is RMS ASB?

ASB (Associated Student Body) fundraising supports student-run, extra-curricular activities. Think of it as the non-classroom funds that round out a student’s experiences and opportunities:

• Sports and Field Trip Buses– this is a big portion of ASB funds.
• School equipment – ASB helps with purchases like a new sound system (imagine - we'd finally be able to hear those announcements clearly!).
• Student events and spirit – dances, assemblies, sports, clubs, NJHS, WEB, and other student-centered opportunities.

ASB dollars are the only monies that fund extra-curricular opportunities for our students.

Why Haven’t You Seen RMS ASB Asks for Monies Recently?

During COVID and the few years that followed, many activities weren’t running at full capacity, or even at all. Existing reserves were enough to meet our limited needs. But now that programs are back in full swing, and growing, and with inflation driving up costs (hello, bussing fees!), the need for renewed ASB fundraising is here again.

What is PTSA?

PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association) fundraising is different. These funds extend beyond the school day and provide extras that enrich the whole school community:

• Classroom and teacher grants – giving staff the flexibility to bring creative projects, field trips, or needed supplies to life.
• Program support – such as hiring an assistant for band to give students more one-on-one attention.
• Clubs and enrichment – PTSA can support non-school-sponsored clubs or activities that aren’t covered by district budgets.

In short, PTSA funds cover what’s not funded by ASB or the school district but still makes a huge impact on student learning and belonging.

The Bigger Picture: District Budget Cuts

Like many school districts across Washington, our district has been facing budget shortfalls and tough cuts - reductions in staffing, program funding, and support services. That means less money flowing into “extras” or even basics, and more responsibility on ASB and PTSA to fill the gaps. This is why your involvement, whether financial or through volunteering, has never mattered more.

Why Both Are Needed

ASB provides opportunities for students to explore non-curricular activities and enriches the culture of our school; PTSA ensures our teachers have the extras that make their classrooms meaningful, memorable, and fun. ASB monies cannot be used for PTSA programs, BUT the PTSA can (and does) make donations to RMS ASB programs. Without both organizations, our students would be missing valuable and enriching experiences.

How You Can Help

We know that not every family can give in the same way - and that’s okay. Whether you:

• Donate to a fundraiser (ASB or PTSA),
• Volunteer a bit of your time,
• Or simply show up to a meeting/ check-in via Canvas to stay connected,

…you’re helping build a stronger, more vibrant RMS community for our students. Every contribution matters.

We need three groups of volunteers, each with a corresponding 2-hour commitment.  We need plenty of volunteers to help everything run smoothly.  Please sign up for as many groups as you can, but please make sure that you are able to commit for the entire time of the group(s) you sign up for. Please arrive on time as there will be mandatory training and instructions from the RMS Nurse.

You must be an approved LWSD volunteer. If you're not already, please fill out the LWSD volunteer application here.

Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you for supporting our students!

Sign Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4FA5A928A2FAC61-58737664-hearing#/

More Opportunities at https://rmsptsa.org/Packet/Volunteer

Reflections is a National PTA arts contest open to students in grades pre-K through 12th grade. While the primary focus of Reflections is a celebration of creativity through positive recognition, finalists from local PTAs will move on to their council PTA (if applicable), then finalists from councils will move on to the state round. Washington State PTA finalists who receive an “Outstanding Interpretation” award will advance to the National PTA round.

Participate in the PTSA Reflections program by submitting your completed works of art in one or all available art categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, and Visual Arts (2D). Students may submit in as many arts categories as they would like, but just one piece per category.

Get started with your Reflections work. Rules can be found here:

https://rmsptsa.org/Page/Programs/Reflections

Start Here: https://rmsptsa.org/Packet/Join

Bear Tracks Newsletter is produced by RMS PTSA as a benefit to the Redmond Middle School Community. Bear Tracks is edited by Neil C. Obremski. Please submit articles via the Bear Tracks Online Submission Form. Articles are due on Thursdays, by 5:00 PM for publication the following Sunday. Direct all inquiries to beartracks@rmsptsa.org.