Happy New Year 2026!

The levies passed, the Spelling Bee buzzed, and spring is around the corner.

 

At a glance:

  • 📣 LWSD Levies Passed – Thank You, Voters!
  • 🐝 RMS PTSA Spelling Bee Champions Announced!
  • ♟️ RMS Chess at Nationals 📸
  • 🎭 Feb 27 - Mar 7: RHS Drama “Merry Murders at Montmarie”
  • 🍕 Feb 25: Eat at MOD Pizza to support RMS PTSA
  • 🏫 Community Events: Wrestling, Fastpitch, Cheer
  • 📣 Mar 10: RMS PTSA Meeting @ 6:30 PM in Library
  • 🚫 Mar 13: No School (Leap Day)
  • 📢 PTSA Board Recruitment for 2026-2027
  • 💝 Staff Appreciation Campaign – Help Us Reach Our Goal!
  • 🎗 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.

Lake Washington School District Levies Passed, Now What?

Thank you, voters ❤️

Where Gaps Still Exist

Even with levy support, schools continue to face needs in areas such as:

  • Athletic equipment replacement and program growth
  • Expanded mental health supports
  • Field trips and enrichment opportunities
  • Equity supports (fee assistance, transportation flexibility, after-school access)
  • Community-building and family engagement events

 

This is where PTSA plays an important role.

What Is RMS PTSA Doing?

PTSA works alongside school leadership to:

  • Fund classroom mini-grants and enrichment programs
  • Support student activities and events
  • Advocate for equitable access and funding
  • Elevate family questions directly to administration
  • Identify and respond to emerging needs throughout the year

 

When you attend a meeting, you see how funding decisions connect to real student impact.

Want to Be Part of the Conversation?

Curious about:

  • How PTSA decides what to fund?
  • Where membership dollars go?
  • What priorities we’re advocating for this year?
  • How families can influence school decisions?

 

Come to a meeting. Bring your questions. Hear directly from school leadership.

Consider Joining the Board

If you care about athletics, academic support, safety, or equity at RMS, stepping into PTSA leadership is one of the most meaningful ways to shape what happens next.

 

Schools thrive when families engage beyond the sidelines.

 

We’d love to have you join us.

RMS PTSA Spelling Bee Champions

🐝✨ What a Buzzing Celebration! 🐝✨

 

We witnessed an incredible showdown at the Spelling Bee! The dedication, courage, and brilliance displayed by every single participant lit up the stage and inspired us all.

 

And now... it’s time to celebrate our champions! 🏆

  • 🥇 First Place – Myra Merchant
  • 🥈 Second Place – Aadhya
  • 🥉 Third Place – Suhaavi Kaur

 

Let’s give a thunderous round of applause to these exceptional spellers! Their hard work, perseverance, and unwavering dedication have truly paid off.

 

Congratulations to our winners and to every participant who made this competition unforgettable! 👏🎉

RMS Chess at Nationals 📸

Photos from the US Chess Federation’s National K-12 Grade Championships (December 12-14 at the Spokane Convention Center) where RMS 8th graders Tattva Chevuri and Vihaan Chaurasia proudly represented our school. Tattva earned 1st place in the U-1400 category and together they secured 10th place overall for the RMS team!

Chess Nationals - Tattva & Vihaan
RMS Award
RMS 10th Place

PTSA Board Recruitment for 2026-2027

The RMS PTSA is recruiting volunteers for the 2026-2027 executive board. No experience is necessary – existing members will help support anyone who can volunteer! All recommendations are confidential.

RHS Drama presents “Merry Murders at Montmarie”

Redmond HS Drama is attempting to get away with... a mystery play with a dash of whimsy. Will they pull it off?

 

Charlie, a young American, arrives at Montmarie, Switzerland, to take over the girls’ school he’s inherited from his aunt. Soon it becomes apparent that something sinister is brewing and the teachers and staff are not quite what they seem.

 

Tickets are available now at redmonddrama.org.

  • Friday, February 27 at 7pm
  • Saturday, February 28 at 2pm and 7pm
  • Friday, March 6 at 7pm
  • Saturday, March 7 at 2pm and 7pm (Understudy performance – come support this amazing cast!)

Staff Appreciation Campaign – Help Us Reach Our Goal!

Our Staff Appreciation campaign has raised $1,440 of its $2,000 goal (72%). Help us close the gap so we can show our amazing RMS staff how much we value them!

 

🎉 Great news: the Music Program Support ($1,370/$800) and Library Book Purchasing ($665/$500) campaigns have both exceeded their goals. Thank you for your generosity!

Eat at MOD Pizza to support RMS PTSA

MOD Pizza Fundraiser - February 25

Community Events

Redmond Wrestling Academy – Season Starts March 2!

Redmond Wrestling Academy’s Freestyle/Greco training season runs March 2 through May 29, 2026 at Redmond High School.

  • Premier Select: Tue, Wed, Fri 5:30-7:30 PM
  • Prospect: Mon, Thu 5:30-7:00 PM
  • FREE tuition for girls
  • Grades K-12

RHS Fastpitch Skills Clinics

Intro to Pitching & Catching (sponsored by RWLL)

  • Friday, March 13, 12:30-2:00 PM
  • FREE, open to all girls ages 7-13

 

Fundamentals of Hitting, Fielding, & Baserunning

  • Saturday, March 14, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • $60 per participant

 

Location: Redmond High School Softball Field

RHS Cheer Tryout Clinics

Learn cheerleading basics and practice choreography with current RHS Varsity Cheerleaders!

  • Dates: April 7-9, 2026, 5:30-7:00 PM
  • Location: Redmond High School Auxiliary Gym
  • Cost: FREE
  • Grades: 8th grade
  • What to bring: athletic clothes, hair tie, water bottle

 

No sign-up required – just show up!

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

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.

Redmond Middle School PTSA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All rights reserved.