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Welcome back from Spring Break! We hope everyone had a restful week. School is back Monday and the calendar is packed -- from Multicultural Night to Staff Appreciation, there's a lot happening before the end of the year!
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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Spring Support Drive -- Help Us Reach Our Goal! |
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Our Spring Support Drive needs your help! We've raised $5,415 from 49 families -- that's 54% of our $10,000 goal -- but we've stalled. With just a few weeks left in the school year, can you help us push past the finish line?
The funds support:
Every contribution makes a huge difference -- even $10 or $25 adds up fast when the whole community chips in! |
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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. |
Staff Appreciation Week -- Celebrate Our Educators! |
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Staff Appreciation Week is almost here! Show your gratitude to the amazing educators and staff who make RMS such a great place for our kids.
The Lake Washington Schools Foundation (LWSF) is running their annual campaign with several ways to participate:
You can also donate directly to support RMS staff celebrations: |
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Suggested amounts: $25, $50, or choose your own. Order deadline: May 1, 2026
Visit lwsf.org/staffappreciation to participate in the LWSF campaign. |
Multicultural Night -- April 28 |
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RMS Multicultural Night is Tuesday, April 28 from 7:00-8:30 PM! Join us to learn about and celebrate the diverse cultures in our school. Enjoy food, art, music, performances, crafts, and cultural items from around the world.
What to expect:
Want to participate or volunteer?
Questions? Contact Ruth Gutierrez at FACE or Shilpi Sharma (Volunteers VP). |
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PTSA General Meeting -- Tuesday, April 21 |
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Welcome back from break! Our next PTSA General Meeting is this Tuesday, April 21 at 6:30 PM in the RMS Library. All members and community members are welcome. |
SBA/WCAS Spring Testing -- May 7-19 |
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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:
Full bell schedules are available at rms.lwsd.org. For practice tests and resources, visit the WCAP Portal. |
Volunteer Opportunities |
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 to join |
Guardian Ambassador Program |
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More Ways to Help |
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Browse all volunteer opportunities | Not yet approved as an LWSD volunteer? Apply here |
Community Events |
Community Book Drive -- April 20 to May 1 |
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Arjun Nair, a Redmond High School sophomore, is leading a community book drive to benefit Grassroot Projects, an organization supporting immigrant and refugee children. He's collecting new or gently used books for grades K-8 to provide for school bookfairs in low-income communities.
Drop-off location: RMS Library
Please consider sending your kids back from break with books to donate! |
RHS Mustang Extravaganza -- April 29 |
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Attention 8th-grade families! The RHS Leadership team invites incoming freshmen to the Mustang Extravaganza, an annual open house to explore Redmond High School.
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ParentEd Talk: "The Boyhood Crisis" -- April 22 |
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Free webinar from the Lake Washington Schools Foundation featuring Richard Reeves on the challenges facing boys in education and beyond.
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Preventing Child Sexual Abuse in the Digital Age -- April 23 |
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Free webinar from the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC) on protecting children in the digital age. Covers grooming tactics, social media risks, AI-related concerns, and prevention strategies.
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Belize Spring Break 2027 -- Final Info Meeting |
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Join RMS teacher Ms. Hattie Midboe for the final Zoom informational meeting about the Belize Spring Break 2027 trip!
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LWSD Sustainability Fair -- April 24 |
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Students are invited to attend the Lake Washington PTSA Council's District-Wide Sustainability Fair!
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WANIC Summer Semester -- Application Deadline April 23! |
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8th graders heading to high school: explore career and technical education with the free WANIC Summer Semester (June 29 - July 17). Application deadline is Thursday, April 23 at 3:00 PM -- don't miss it!
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LWSD Health Curriculum Survey -- Closes May 6 |
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LWSD is adopting new health curriculum materials for middle and high school. Families are invited to review pilot materials and share feedback.
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Spotlight Repertory NW -- Middle School Improv |
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Theater and improv programs for grades 6-8 at Inglewood, starting April 22! Summer camps also available July 6-17 for grades 6-9.
Website: spotlightrepnw.org |
RHS Girls Soccer -- Info Meeting May 27 |
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8th-grade families interested in RHS Girls Soccer: parent and player info meeting for the Summer/Fall 2026 program.
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Free Parent Workshops |
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PEPS Parents of Teens -- Free virtual workshop: Apr 30 (Executive Function & the Adolescent Brain). Learn more |
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. |
