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March is Music in Our Schools Month and our RMS musicians are hitting all the right notes!
At a glance:
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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! |
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🇲🇽 Lea las traducciones al español de este boletín en nuestro sitio web en los archivos. |
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30 RMS Students Named to Music Honor Groups! |
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March is Music in Our Schools Month and we have so much to celebrate! Nearly 30 RMS students have been selected for prestigious state-level music honor groups by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA). Students are selected through an audition process that includes recording and submitting required pieces, which are then anonymously screened.
Junior All-State Adams Orchestra:
Junior All-State St. Helens Orchestra:
Mixed Choir:
Treble Choir:
Youth Choir:
Congratulations to all of these talented musicians for representing RMS with excellence! |
RMS Spelling Bee Champions |
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The RMS PTSA Spelling Bee is back and better than ever! After a hiatus in 2024-25, this year's competition showcased the dedication, courage, and brilliance of every participant. Congratulations to our winners:
A huge thank you to Spelling Bee Chairs Shilpi and Kanita for making this event happen, and to every student who stepped up to compete! |
Reflections Winners Advance to Nationals! |
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Congratulations to our talented Reflections artists! Three RMS students won at the Washington State level of the National PTA Reflections competition: Lily C. (Visual Arts -- Outstanding Interpretation), Miso K. (Visual Arts -- Award of Excellence), and Vaishnavi H. (Film Production -- Award of Merit). Anika M. also earned an Award of Excellence at the LWPTSA Council level for Visual Arts.
We are especially excited to share that Lily C. has advanced to the National level -- an incredible achievement!
Learn more about the RMS Reflections program. |
Science Club Competes at National Science Bowl Regionals |
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On February 7, 2026, 15 students (3 teams of 5) represented RMS at the National Science Bowl Regionals held at the University of Portland in Portland, Oregon. Competing against 52 teams from Washington and Oregon, students showcased incredible knowledge, teamwork, and resilience. One of our teams advanced to the double-elimination rounds, meaning they continued competing in the championship bracket where a team must lose twice before being eliminated. It was a fantastic, high-energy experience for everyone involved! |
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RHS Orchestra Wins National Grand Champion |
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Speaking of music excellence -- the Redmond High School Philharmonic Orchestra (Mustang Strings) earned First Place and the Grand Champion title at the American String Teachers Association National Orchestra Festival in San Francisco on February 26-28! Led by Cami Gates, the ensemble performed a program titled "Common Ground" featuring works by Jessie Montgomery, Finzi, and Grieg. They impressed adjudicators by playing 35 minutes of music from memory without a conductor.
This is wonderful news for our 8th-grade families heading to RHS -- many of our RMS orchestra students will feed directly into this nationally recognized program. Congratulations, Mustang Strings! |
Spring Support Drive -- Help Us Reach $10,000! |
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The RMS PTSA is running our Spring Support Drive to raise funds that directly help our school community. The funds support:
As of this week, we've raised $4,615 from 44 families -- that's 46% of our $10,000 goal. Every contribution makes a huge difference!
Don't forget -- if your employer offers corporate matching, you can double your donation! RMS PTSA is a 501(c)(3) organization and all donations are tax-deductible. |
PTSA General Meeting -- March 10 |
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Join us this Tuesday, March 10 at 6:30 PM in the RMS Library (also available via Microsoft Teams) for our next General Meeting. The Budget Committee will be appointed at this meeting.
Remaining Meeting Dates:
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Serve on Next Year's PTSA Board! |
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The RMS PTSA is looking for volunteers to serve on the 2026-2027 PTSA Board! If you, or someone you know, has a passion for helping students succeed, please volunteer for a position or submit a recommendation. No experience is necessary -- existing board members will help support anyone who steps up! All recommendations are confidential. For more information on any position, email the Nominating Committee at nomcomm@rmsptsa.org -- they can walk you through the specifics and time commitment. |
Budget Committee Volunteers Needed |
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We're looking for volunteers to serve on the Budget Committee to help create the RMS PTSA budget for next year. The committee will be appointed at the March 10 General Meeting.
If you're interested, please email secretary@rmsptsa.org. Learn more about what a budget committee does. |
Awards Committee |
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The PTSA Awards Committee recognizes outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to our school community. Help us identify and celebrate deserving students, staff, and volunteers.
Sign Up: rmsptsa.org/Packet/Volunteer |
Volunteer Opportunities |
Battle of the Books -- Volunteers Needed! |
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The RMS Battle of the Books is Wednesday, March 18 from 12:45-2:45 PM and we need your help! Only 2 of 16 volunteer spots are filled. Volunteers will assist with setup and serve as scorekeepers.
The winning team will go on to the LWSD Battle of the Books on Tuesday, March 24 at 6:30 PM at Rose Hill Middle School for a chance to bring home the trophy! Sign up to volunteer (must be an approved LWSD volunteer) |
Card Crafting at the Library |
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The library at lunchtime is a bustling place! Come help at the card crafting tables on two Fridays:
Must be an approved LWSD volunteer. Sign up on SignUpGenius |
More Volunteer Opportunities |
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Looking for other ways to help? Check out all current volunteer opportunities: Not yet approved as an LWSD volunteer? Apply here -- approval is required for all in-school volunteer activities. |
Community Events |
RHS Cheer Tryout Clinics |
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Learn cheerleading basics and practice choreography with current RHS Varsity Cheerleaders -- free for 8th graders heading to RHS!
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Jr Mustangs Football & Cheer Info Night |
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Interested in football or cheer for the 2026-27 school year? Join the virtual info night hosted by the RHS Football Boosters.
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RHS Fastpitch Free Clinic |
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Free pitching and catching clinic for girls ages 7-13, sponsored by RWLL.
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Free Fencing Class |
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Experience the excitement of fencing! Free introductory class -- no experience needed.
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SEL for Parents Workshop |
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"The Secret to Strong Family Relationships" -- a free, hands-on workshop series from the Lake Washington Schools Foundation to improve family relationships and raise resilient kids.
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PEPS Support for Parents of Teens |
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Free virtual events from PEPS (Program for Early Parent Support) for parents of teens:
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Join RMS PTSA |
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Start Here: https://rmsptsa.org/Packet/Join |
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Help us fulfill our mission by signing up for PTSA membership, indicating your volunteer interest, and more, all online. Many companies also offer employee matching programs. 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 a member?
RMS PTSA is a 501(c)(3) organization. Membership fees and donations are tax deductible. |
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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 |
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Donate to the Bear Paw Fund |
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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 all those who have donated already this year to the RMS PTSA! |
Bear Tracks |
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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! |
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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. |
