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We're in the home stretch, Grizzlies! The last full month of the school year is packed with important dates -- from Staff Appreciation and state testing to fundraisers and community events. Let's finish strong!
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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Reflections -- 3 RMS Artists Recognized at State! |
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Congratulations to our three RMS students who were recognized at the Washington State PTA Reflections contest! This year's theme was "I Belong!"
Lily Chen's piece, "My Place in the World," earned the top award -- Outstanding Interpretation -- and her entry now advances to the National PTA Reflections contest! Miso Kim's "Across the World in One Tap" and Vaishnavi Hemant's film "Togetherville" also represented RMS beautifully at the state level.
We are so proud of all three artists and the creativity they brought to this year's competition! |
Staff Appreciation Week -- Help Us Celebrate! |
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It's Staff Appreciation Week (May 4-8) and there are several ways you can show our amazing RMS staff how much they mean to us!
Tuesday, May 5 -- PTSA is providing a Taco Lunch for the whole staff. We need families to donate items -- there are lots of easy options! |
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Wednesday, May 6 -- We're putting together a Snack & Treats Spread for staff. Homemade and store-bought both very welcome! |
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The week also includes a "Dirty Soda" bar, a coffee cart, and a take-home gift to remind our staff how much we appreciate all they do.
Can't shop or bake? A donation of any amount helps make it all happen: |
Shop Their Wish Lists! |
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Another great way to show appreciation -- our teachers have put together Amazon wish lists: |
NJHS Swap Shop -- May 6 |
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In honor of Earth Month, the National Junior Honor Society is hosting a Swap Shop -- a fun way to build community and practice sustainability!
Drop off clothes in the Madrona Pod office before school, any day through May 6. Clothing should be clean, without damage or names, and appropriate for middle school.
Questions? Contact Ms. Read (gread@lwsd.org) or Ms. Wattier (bwattier@lwsd.org). |
SBA/WCAS Spring Testing -- May 7-19 |
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Testing begins next week! Students in grades 6-8 will take the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) in math and English language arts. 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. |
Red Robin Fundraiser Night -- May 15 |
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Dine out at Red Robin on Friday, May 15 and 20% of your food sales go right back to RMS PTSA! Just show the flyer or mention the fundraiser to your server.
Dine-in and to-go both count. Excludes catering, 3rd-party delivery, alcohol, gift cards, tax, and gratuity. |
PTSA General Meeting -- Tuesday, May 19 |
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Our next PTSA General Meeting is Tuesday, May 19 at 6:30 PM in the RMS Library. All members and community members are welcome. |
Student Laptops -- End of Year Info |
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As the school year winds down, here's what families need to know about district-issued laptops:
If your family withdraws from LWSD after school ends, return laptops to the Technology Services Helpdesk at the Resource Center. Questions? Call Family Tech Access at 425-936-1322. |
Volunteer Opportunities |
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 |
Blood Drive -- May 4 |
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LWPTSA Council and BloodWorks NW are hosting a blood drive. Appointments required.
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LWSD Health Curriculum Survey -- Closes May 6 |
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Last chance! LWSD is adopting new health curriculum materials for middle and high school. The survey closes Wednesday, May 6.
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Free Coding Classes for Kids -- Starts May 8 |
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Sova Coding, a nonprofit run by high school volunteers, is offering free online coding classes for ages 9+. Courses include Intro to Python, Algorithmic Thinking, and Problem Solving.
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The Family Tech Reset -- Free Webinar May 12 |
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Free webinar from the Lake Washington Schools Foundation featuring Andrea Davis (Better Screen Time) on slow-tech strategies and rebuilding family connection.
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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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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. |
