Science in Spring

Wishing everyone a wonderful spring weekend -- whether you're celebrating Easter, relaxing over break, or gearing up for Spirit Week! Our young scientists have been making us proud.

 

At a glance:

  • 🔬 RMS Shines at Science Olympiad Regionals -- 2 Teams Advance to State!
  • 🌱 Spring Support Drive -- Past the Halfway Mark!
  • 🎉 Apr 6-10: Spring Spirit Week!
  • 🏫 Apr 7-9: RHS Cheer Tryout Clinics
  • 🎓 Apr 10: Student Board Rep & Sustainability Fair Deadlines
  • 🚫 Apr 13-17: Spring Break
  • 📣 Apr 21: PTSA General Meeting @ 6:30 PM in Library
  • 📖 Apr 22: ParentEd Talk -- "The Boyhood Crisis" (Free)
  • 🌎 Apr 23: Belize Trip Final Info Meeting
  • 🌼 Apr 24: LWSD Sustainability Fair
  • 🌍 Apr 28: Multicultural Night @ 7 PM
  • 📝 May 7-19: SBA/WCAS Spring Testing
  • 💪 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.

RMS Shines at Science Olympiad Regionals!

This year, six teams proudly represented RMS at the Science Olympiad Regional Tournament held at Raisbeck Aviation High School on March 14. Nearly 79 students from grades 6-8, selected through seven SO invitationals, competed across 24 events spanning Life, Earth & Space, Basic Sciences, and Engineering.

 

We are thrilled to share that Team Curie and Team Newton earned 5th and 7th place overall out of 24 middle schools from the NW Region, and will be heading to the Washington Science Olympiad State Tournament at CWU!

 

Across all six RMS teams, our young scientists achieved numerous top-three finishes in individual events. A special highlight was the Scrambler event, where RMS swept all three medal positions -- a fantastic accomplishment!

 

This success would not have been possible without the tremendous support of the RMS Science Club Committee, PTSA, SO team managers, and RMS staff. The committee also organized a preparation session ahead of Regionals, and we are grateful to RMS SO alum and Division C State Medalist, Aarya K, for guiding and mentoring our students.

 

Congratulations to all participants, medalists, coaches, and volunteers -- and best of luck at State!

RMS Science Team at Raisbeck Aviation High School
Science Olympiad medalists

Spring Support Drive -- Past the Halfway Mark!

Our Spring Support Drive continues to grow! We've now raised $5,415 from 49 families -- that's 54% of our $10,000 goal. Thank you to everyone who has contributed!

 

The funds support:

  • Classroom supplies
  • Students with food insecurities
  • Teacher Grants
  • Staff Appreciation
  • Music programs

 

Every contribution makes a huge difference. Help us reach $10,000!

 

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.

Spring Spirit Week -- April 6-10

Hey Grizzlies! Spring Spirit Week is next week! Show off your school spirit and dress up:

  • Monday -- Memory Monday: Go back in time! Dress up as your favorite decade!
  • Tuesday -- Twin Tuesday: Pair up with a friend and match!
  • Wednesday -- Wildflower Wednesday: Get into the spring swing and dress up in anything floral!
  • Thursday -- Dress to Impress Thursday: Serve Hollywood glam!
  • Friday -- Pri-day: Show off your Grizzly pride! 6th grade wears red, 7th grade wears white, 8th grade wears black!

 

We can't wait to see your outfits next week, Grizzlies!

Spring Spirit Week

SBA/WCAS Spring Testing -- May 7-19

Mark your calendars! Students in grades 6-8 will take the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) in math and English language arts this spring. 8th graders will also take the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS).

 

Testing Schedule:

  • May 7-8: Practice Testing
  • May 11-12: ELA
  • May 14-15: Math
  • May 19: WCAS (8th grade only)

 

Full bell schedules are available at rms.lwsd.org. For practice tests and resources, visit the WCAP Portal.

Multicultural Night -- April 28

RMS Multicultural Night is Monday, April 28 from 7:00-8:00 PM! Join us for an evening celebrating the diverse cultures in our school community.

 

Want to participate?

 

Questions? Contact Ruth Gutierrez at FACE or Shilpi Sharma (Volunteers VP).

Multicultural Night Flyer

Student Board Rep Applications -- Deadline April 10

Students can apply to become a student representative to the LWSD School Board -- a great leadership opportunity! The application deadline is April 10.

 

Learn more and apply

Volunteer Opportunities

Awards Committee

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 to join

More Ways to Help

Browse all volunteer opportunities | Not yet approved as an LWSD volunteer? Apply here

Community Events

RHS Cheer Tryout Clinics -- Apr 7-9

Learn cheerleading basics and practice choreography with current RHS Varsity Cheerleaders -- free for 8th graders heading to RHS!

  • Dates: April 7-9, 2026
  • Time: 5:30-7:00 PM
  • Location: Redmond High School Auxiliary Gym
  • Cost: Free
  • Bring: Athletic clothes, hair tie, water bottle

ParentEd Talk: "The Boyhood Crisis" -- April 22

Free webinar from the Lake Washington Schools Foundation featuring Richard Reeves on the challenges facing boys in education and beyond.

  • Date: Tuesday, April 22, 12:00 PM PT
  • Cost: Free (use promo code LWSFNDN)
  • Register here

Belize Spring Break 2027 -- Final Info Meeting

Join RMS teacher Ms. Hattie Midboe for the final Zoom informational meeting about the Belize Spring Break 2027 trip!

LWSD Sustainability Fair -- April 24

Students are invited to present projects, exhibits, or ideas at the Lake Washington PTSA Council's District-Wide Sustainability Fair! Register to present by April 10.

  • Date: April 24, 2026, 6:00-8:00 PM
  • Location: LWSD Resource Center
  • Organizer: Lake Washington PTSA Council
LWSD Sustainability Fair Flyer

WANIC Summer Semester -- Free!

8th graders heading to high school: explore career and technical education with the free WANIC Summer Semester (June 29 - July 17). Application deadline is April 23.

 

Learn more and apply

Guardian Ambassador Program

Guardian Ambassador Program Flyer

Free Parent Workshops

PEPS Parents of Teens -- Free virtual workshop: Apr 30 (Executive Function & the Adolescent Brain). Learn more

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 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?
• 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 all those who 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.