The Final Stretch

We're in the final stretch, Grizzlies! With just a few weeks left in the school year, there's still plenty happening -- from award nominations and testing wrap-up to spring concerts and end-of-year milestones. Here's everything you need to know!

 

At a glance:

  • 🏆 PTSA Awards -- Nominate a Volunteer or Educator!
  • 🧮 Math Club -- Math Is Cool Masters Results!
  • 📣 Associate Principal Transition -- Welcome Mr. Goldberg!
  • 📣 May 19: PTSA General Meeting @ 6:30 PM
  • 🚫 May 22: No School (LEAP Day)
  • 🇺🇸 May 25: No School (Memorial Day)
  • 📅 May 26: No School (Unless Snow Make-Up Day)
  • ⚽ May 27: RHS Girls Soccer Info Meeting (8th Graders)
  • 🎒 May 29: 8th Grade Field Trip -- Family Fun Center
  • 🗳️ Jun 2: PTSA Elections & Board Nominations
  • 🎵 Jun 9-10: Spring Concerts (Orchestra, Choir, Band)
  • 🎓 Jun 16: 8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony
  • 📆 Jun 17: Last Day of School (Half Day)
  • 💻 Laptops: End of Year Info for All Grades
  • 💪 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.

PTSA Awards -- Nominate a Volunteer or Educator!

Do you know an amazing RMS volunteer or staff member? The PTSA is accepting nominations for three annual awards:

  • Golden Grizzly -- Outstanding PTSA volunteer service
  • Golden Acorn -- WA State PTA award for exceptional volunteer contribution
  • Outstanding Educator Award -- Recognizing an RMS staff member who goes above and beyond

Nominating someone is quick and easy -- tell us who inspires you!

Nominations close Wednesday, May 27.

Math Club -- Math Is Cool Masters Results!

Congratulations to the RMS Math Club for an outstanding showing at the Math Is Cool Masters competition on April 26 at Moses Lake High School!

 

Grade Team Members Team Place Individual Honors
6th Amelie Duan, Dhruv Shankar, Ella Li, William Li 4th Place Dhruv Shankar -- 6th Place
7th Arjun Karthikeyan, Kyra Sharma, Shopnil Aydin, Siddharth Dasgupta 3rd Place  
8th Archie Li, Arjun Moghe, Ayaan Kang, Tattva Chevuri 2nd Place Ayaan Kang -- 1st Place! Arjun Moghe -- 8th Place

 

A huge shout-out to Ayaan Kang for taking home Individual 1st Place in the 8th grade competition! Thank you to Mrs. Rachel Cady for her year-round support of our mathletes.

Welcome, Mr. Goldberg! Associate Principal Transition

We're sharing some bittersweet news: Associate Principal Ann Swiftney will be retiring at the end of this school year after an incredible 34-year career in education. We are grateful for everything she has done for the RMS community and wish her all the best in retirement.

 

Stepping into the role next year is Steve Goldberg, who comes to RMS as an internal transfer within LWSD. Mr. Goldberg holds a Master's in Educational Leadership and a Master's in Special Education, with nearly 20 years of experience in education. Please join us in welcoming him to the Grizzly family!

PTSA General Meeting -- Tuesday, May 19

Our next PTSA General Meeting is Tuesday, May 19 at 6:30 PM in the RMS Library. All members and community members are welcome.

End of Year Important Dates

Mark your calendars -- the final weeks are packed!

  • May 22 (Friday): No School -- LEAP Day
  • May 25 (Monday): No School -- Memorial Day
  • May 26 (Tuesday): No School (unless snow make-up day)
  • May 29 (Friday): 8th Grade Field Trip -- Family Fun Center
  • June 2 (Tuesday): PTSA Elections Meeting, 6:30 PM (Join via Teams)
  • June 9 (Tuesday): Orchestra Spring Concert, 7:00 PM, RMS Gym
  • June 10 (Wednesday): Choir Spring Concert, 5:30 PM, Commons; Band Spring Concert, 7:00 PM, Gym
  • June 16 (Tuesday): 8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony, 6:00 PM, RMS Gym
  • June 17 (Wednesday): Last Day of School (Half Day)

PTSA Elections & Board Nominations -- June 2

The RMS PTSA Nominating Committee is pleased to present the 2026-2027 nominated slate of officers. Elections will take place Tuesday, June 2 at 6:30 PM during the PTSA General Membership meeting.

 

Position Nominee(s)
President Kimble Luu / Amanda Howell (President & Co-President)
Secretary Misty Cavit
Treasurer Carolyn Bauduin / Yamile Wasslen (Treasurer & Co-Treasurer)
VP Communications Aditi Raman
VP Volunteers Cindy Goulding
VP Fundraising OPEN -- Interested? Reach out!
VP FACE Giselle Giosa
VP Enrichment Shilpi Sharma

 

All current PTSA members are eligible to become board members and are invited to recommend themselves or anyone else for any position at or before the meeting. VP Fundraising is still open -- if you're interested, please reach out!

Student Laptops -- End of Year Info

As the school year winds down, here's what families need to know about district-issued laptops:

  • 6th & 7th graders: Take your laptop home for the summer. No need to return it.
  • 8th graders: Turn in laptops before the last day of school during the scheduled roll-in. You'll be issued new devices for 9th grade.

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

Music in the Parks -- Chaperones Needed (June 6)

RMS music students are heading to Music in the Parks on Saturday, June 6 and we still need more chaperones to meet the required 1:7 ratio. If you're able to join us for the day, please sign up!

 

Payment for the trip ($70, plus $10 for Jazz Band) can be made at wa-lakewashington.intouchreceipting.com.

Guardian Ambassador Program

Guardian Ambassador Program Flyer

More Ways to Help

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

Community Events

ConnectED Free Tutoring

ConnectED is a student-led nonprofit offering free 1:1 tutoring for elementary and middle school students. Grades 7-8 students can also sign up as peer tutors to earn NJHS volunteer hours.

 

RHS Girls Soccer -- Info Meeting May 27

8th-grade families interested in RHS Girls Soccer: parent and player info meeting for the Summer/Fall 2026 program.

 

  • Date: Wednesday, May 27, 7:30 PM at RHS Cafeteria
  • Contact: smasters@lwsd.org

College Planning Webinar -- June 4

Free webinar on the Washington Guaranteed Admissions Program (WAGAP) -- explore guaranteed admission to public colleges and universities across Washington. Presented by WSU and WWU.

 

  • Date: Thursday, June 4, 6:30-7:30 PM (virtual)
  • Grades: 6-11. Free for all LWSD families.
  • Register here

Teen Lounge at Redmond Community Center

The Teen Lounge at Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village is a free drop-in space for ages 12-18, Monday through Friday, 2:30-7:00 PM. Free snacks and themed daily activities!

 

  • Open Mic Night: Thursday, May 28, 6:00-7:45 PM
  • YES Drop-In Counseling: Mon/Tue, 3:45-5:00 PM
  • Location: 6505 176th Ave NE, Redmond
  • More info & registration

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.