Happy Thanksgiving! RMS PTSA is very thankful for all our amazing Grizzlies: our students, staff members, volunteers, and parents. No matter how you spend your time over the break, we hope you have a wonderful time with your family and friends!
Calendar
School & LWSD
Snuggery Donations Needed
The Snuggery is running low on supplies and is need of donations from you, the RMS community. Read more about the Snuggery ! Donations can be dropped in the main office during school hours. Students can also help by bringing in the donations for their family. The current greatest need is snacks for during the school day. Thank you for your donations!
* Granola bars (nut free varieties as well)
* Apple sauce pouches
* Individual servings of trail mix
* Raisins
* Individual bags of goldfish
* Peanut butter crackers/cheddar crackers
* Cracker/cheese packages
* Individual serving packs of crackers 
* Fruit snacks
Food Box Donations for Winter Break
The Redmond community is partnering with Nourishing Network School Break Food Box Program again this year to fill the hunger gap left when school is on break. All of the food boxes needed for the Thanksgiving holiday have been donated, thank you! We hope you’ll consider donating to the next Food Box donation on December 19 for Winter Break. Please pledge your donation now . If your family could benefit from a food box, please contact Steffany Black at sblack@lwsd.org or 425.936.2440.
Thanksgiving Break Coming Up (Repeat)
Thanksgiving Break is from November 28-November 29. Please note Wednesday, November 27 is a half day and RMS students will be dismissed at 11:10 AM. School resumes on Monday, December 2. For timings for all schools, please visit the LWSD Half-day Dismissal Times webpage .
PTSA
Spelling Bee Registration is Now Open
The 2019-20 Spelling Bee Season is about to start! Register online now with enrollment fee of $15 (email spellingbee@rmsptsa.org for scholarships). Once registered, study materials will be emailed to you. For more information, visit the RMS PTSA Spelling Bee webpage . Important dates:

  • Tuesday, January 7, 3:00-4:00 PM: The preliminary written round
  • Wednesday, January 29, 3:00-4:00 PM: Mock Spelling Bee practice
  • Saturday, February 2 9:30 AM-1:00 PM): Final school Spelling Bee!
Reflections Competition Results
Several RMS students have their Reflections art advancing to the LWPTA Council competition. These award-winning submissions may be viewed at the Open House/Art Show on January 10 from 4:00–8:00 PM, at LWRC. Submissions from other RMS participants will be on display during December in the RMS Library. Congratulations to all our RMS PTSA Reflections artists! A special thank you to RMS teachers and staff, distinguished members of the community, and parent experts for serving as category judges.
Science Club's YBTC Competition Results
The YBTC School Level competition was held on November 19 at RMS, administered by Ms. Nelson. 52 students participated and everybody did great! Hurray RMS! View the score sheet and full details page to see your team’s average score and rank. The top-ranked team will advance to the Regional Level. The second-ranked team may be allowed as well, but the timeline for this decision is unknown at this time.
Green Tip of the Week: What NOT to Recycle
Did you know that something that cannot be recycled might get an entire block of recyclables rejected? Remember NOT to recycle these items! It's just as important to separate out non-recyclables as it is to recycle.

  • No plastic bags - get stuck in machines, drop them off at grocery stores
  • No aluminium foil - burns too easily, throw them away
  • No liquids - safe liquids can be poured into the sink
  • No shredded paper - cannot be recycled or composted, accepted at city recycling events
  • No prescription bottles - orange colored ones must be thrown away
  • No items smaller than your fist - affects the functioning of recycling sorters
PTSA Membership Cards (Repeat)
PTSA Membership cards that give you access to PTSA benefits and discounts were emailed to you recently. If you didn't see it in your inbox, please check your spam folder for an email with subject "Your member card". If you haven't received one at all, kindly contact membership@rmsptsa.org .
ASB
Support ASB as You Shop on Black Friday
Black Friday is coming up soon! If you shop on Amazon for your gift giving needs, be sure to start shopping by clicking the "Support ASB Through Amazon" link first. You can shop and help the RMS student body at the same time!
Community
LWSF Scholarship Basket Auction
LWPTSA Council's annual Scholarship Basket Auction is on Thursday, December 5 from 10:00-11:00 AM at LWRC. All proceeds support LWSD students and staff. Browse the Auction Catalog online . Baskets are available for in-person bids at the LWRC now through December 5.
Parent Education Events
" Vaping 101 " December 3, 6:30 PM at Kirkland Library View Site
" Screenagers " December 5, 6:30 PM at Blackwell EL  View Site
" Opioid Awareness and Prevention Panel " December 12, 6:30 PM at RMS Download Flyer This unique panel of experts include representatives from Kirkland Fire/EMS, Police, LWSD SROs, a Clinical Psychologist and a parent who has experienced the loss of his daughter to opioid abuse.
Bear Tracks weekly is produced by RMS PTSA as a benefit to the Redmond Middle School Community. Bear Tracks is edited by Neeta Check and Rose Mayeda. Please review the communication priorities and submit articles via the online submission form . Articles are due on Thursdays, by 5:00 PM for publication the following Monday.