The weather may get cold or rainy but our hearts are full and warm.

At a glance:

💝 We LOVE our RMS Staff 📸
👑 RMS Students Excel at National Chess Championship
📕 Feb 2 - 19: Last Chance to Buy Yearbooks!
🍔 Feb 10: Eat at Red Robin to support RMS PTSA
⛄ Feb 12 - 13: Mid-Winter Break / No School
🇺🇸 Feb 16: Presidents Day / No School
📣 Feb 17: RMS PTSA Meeting @ 6:30 PM in Library
🍕 Feb 25: Eat at MOD Pizza to support RMS PTSA
☑️ Volunteers Needed: Nominating Committee
🎗 Volunteers Needed: PTSA Awards Committee!
💪 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.

We LOVE our RMS Staff 📸

RMS Students Excel at National Chess Championship

RMS 8th Grade students Tattva Chevuri and Vihaan Chaurasia proudly represented the school at the US Chess Federation’s National K–12 Grade Championships, held December 12–14 at the Spokane Convention Center in Spokane, Washington.

Tattva earned 1st place in the U-1400 rating category, a remarkable individual achievement at the national level. Together, Tattva and Vihaan secured 10th place overall for the RMS team, showcasing their dedication, skill, and competitive spirit.

Their accomplishments reflect the strength of the RMS chess program and the commitment of our students to excellence. Congratulations to both students for representing RMS with pride on the national stage.

Last Chance to Buy Yearbooks

RMS Families,

Don't miss out on the #1 keepsake of a fabulous school year. This is your last chance to buy the 2025-2026 yearbook. This LAST OPPORTUNITY pre-sale runs from Feb 2nd - Feb 19th. No yearbooks will be sold after this date - that includes June when they come out.

Yearbooks are professionalYearbooks cost $40. Order a yearbook online or pay with exact cash or check in person at the main office. Questions: please email Mrs. Kernish.

https://wa-lakewashington.intouchreceipting.com/

Eat at Red Robin to support RMS PTSA

Eat at MOD Pizza to support RMS PTSA

Volunteers Needed: Nominating Committee

Our RMS PTSA is seeking members to serve on the Nominating Committee, one of the most important committees in PTA. This committee plays a key role in shaping the future of our PTSA by identifying and recruiting qualified candidates for elected PTA leadership positions.

Committee members work confidentially to review nominations, interview candidates, and present a written report naming nominees for elected PTA offices.

Who Can Serve?

According to WSPTA Uniform Bylaws, the Nominating Committee:

Consists of three PTSA members, elected by the membership
Members must have been part of the PTSA for at least 15 days
Members may serve up to two consecutive one-year terms
Members are eligible to be nominated for PTA office

Ideal candidates are familiar with the PTSA’s goals, value confidentiality, demonstrate sound judgment, and reflect the diversity of our school community.

Serving on the Nominating Committee is a meaningful way to support strong leadership and make a lasting impact.

👉 Interested members are encouraged to volunteer or nominate themselves.

Email mistyc@rmsptsa.org if interested or simply ...

Volunteers Needed: Award Committee

Join the Redmond Middle School PTSA Awards Committee!

Help us recognize the amazing volunteers and educators who make RMS shine! The PTSA Awards Committee supports awards like the Golden Acorn and Outstanding Educator Awards.

Responsibilities include:

Collaborating with PTSA presidents and VP Volunteers to identify top candidates.
Gathering nominations from staff, students, families, and the board.
Updating and sending out the nomination form via newsletter and social media.
Planning the end-of-year awards event, including ordering plaques, flowers, and refreshments.
Presenting awards and sharing winners in the PTSA newsletter and website.

The committee reports to the VP of Volunteers and plays a key role in celebrating the RMS community.

Join RMS PTSA

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

Help us fulfill our mission by signing up for PTSA membership, indicating your volunteer interest, and more, all online. Many companies also offer employees match program. If you or your spouse work for one of these generous employers, you may be able to DOUBLE your donations. Companies that participate in this program include: Boeing, Expedia, Hornell Anderson Design, Microsoft, Starbucks, UBS, United Way, Wells Fargo

Not sure whether you'd like to become member?
• Read 10 Myths About Joining the PTSA
• Read about the benefits and discounts that come with being a PTSA Member!

RMS PTSA is a 501(c)(3) organization. Membership fees and donations are tax deductible

Our mission is to support, engage, and advocate for our students, staff, and community. We are dedicated to creating a welcoming and accessible academic community through our programs, activities, and financial support.

Scholarships for Membership
RMS families have donated membership scholarships for families and staff facing financial challenges. They hope you'll join! Scholarships are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis with NO APPLICATION PROCESS. Simply choose the "Scholarship" product during the "Join" process.

Donate to the Bear Paw Fund

Did you know that anyone can donate directly to our "Bear Paw Fund"? You, your family, friends, and neighbors can all donate to help our students; membership to the RMS PTSA is not required. Please share the link below! Thank you to do those that have donated already this year to the RMS PTSA!

Direct Donation Link: https://rmsptsa.org/Page/PTSA/Donate

Corporate/Employer Matching DOUBLE your donations too if your company offers employer matching! Don't forget to go to your company's giving website and report your RMS PTSA donation.

Bear Tracks

Email beartracks@rmsptsa.org and ask to be subscribed!

Do you know families or friends that might benefit from receiving the Bear Tracks Newsletter? Simply send us their name and email address and we'll get them signed up. Bi-weekly Bear Tracks has loads of timely information about RMS, PTSA, and ways that you can participate.

Do you have an idea for an article? Submit it here!

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.