King County was approved to move to Phase 2 of Safe Start plan on Friday, June 19. Review the "What's Open" chart for Phase 2. Businesses approved to move into a new phase must comply with all health and safety requirements outlined in the guidance to reopen. For more information, please visit the King County Safe Start website.
School & LWSD
LWSD Facility Re-Opening Timeline
LWSD has developed a facility re-opening timeline that is in accordance with Washington's Safe Start phased approach. Tennis courts at our middle school and high school have been open since June 11. Tracks will be open for walking and jogging only once King County is in Phase 2. Fields will remain closed. More information can be found on the COVID-19 Update communication from June 18.
LWSD Emergency Summer Meals Update
LWSD will be able to continue serving free Grab & Go meals during the summer. These meals are federally funded and available to any child ages 1-18. Your children also may be eligible for a new food assistance program called Pandemic EBT (P-EBT). P-EBT provides families with funds to make up the cost of meals while school was closed.
Save the Date: RHS Orchestra BBQ
Redmond Region Orchestras, the Back-to-School Picnic will take place next fall on Thursday, September 10. It is our tradition to gather together to celebrate the upcoming school year. We plan on being able to physically get together but if this isn’t the case, there will be alternatives. No matter the format, we will come together as the Redmond Region Orchestra Family. Time will be announced at a later date. If you’d like to be involved in the planning, please send an email to pferguson@lwsd.org.
Secondary Report Cards
Secondary report cards will be sent to families beginning the week of June 22. Each secondary school will be communicating the timeline on when to expect report cards to be received. Middle school courses will be graded with a Pass (P) or No Pass (N). High school courses will be graded with an A or Incomplete (I). Further information about grading during school closure can be found in the COVID-19 Update communication from May 5.
New Immunization Record Requirements
Starting August 1, 2020, all immunization records turned in to schools or child care centers are required by state law to be medically verified. Immunization records must be turned into the school on or before the first day of attendance. Your child cannot attend school until you provide these records. For more information, please visit the LWSD Immunizations website.
This is the last edition of Bear Tracks for the 2019-2020 school year. Bear Tracks will resume publishing in August, 2020 for the next school year. Please take a short Bear Tracks End-of-Year Survey to voice any comments or suggestions. Stay healthy and have a great summer!
2020-2021 Volunteer Opportunities
This year we are steering the initial rollout of 2020-2021 volunteer opportunities to the RMS website. Sign up online today! There is a role available for every interest, skill set and schedule! Volunteer at RMS! (Note: Volunteer roles are subject to change in response to the evolving COVID-19 situation.)
Not sure what you want to do, but feel compelled to pitch in? Sign up for a Two-Hour Pledge and we'll let you know how you can help. We are asking all adults to dedicate just two hours of their time. This could be handing out schedules to 6th graders, putting together back-to-school packets, vision/hearing screening – we are flexible!
Please remember that you must be an approved LWSD volunteer. Please visit the LWSD Volunteer Application website to be approved. Once approved, your status is valid for 2 years. The Redmond Middle PTSA thanks you for your time and dedication! Need to add a volunteer opportunity to this list or have questions? Please contact volunteers@rmsptsa.org.
Congratulations to our Math Club coaches on their incredible work during this challenging school year. They were recognized by the WA Board of Education for their efforts during the COVID-19 closures!
Reflections 2020-2021
The Reflections Program is a National PTA arts competition. Summer break is a great time for students to think about how to present their creations. The theme for the 2020-2021 PTA Reflections Program year is "I Matter Because...."
Community
Virtual Redmond Derby Days!
The Derby Days tradition continues in 2020 with our virtual edition. Activities allow you to remain physically distant from June 9 to July 11 and still participate in some of the cherished elements of our annual Derby Days Festival. Celebrate Redmond with opportunities to participate in the Derby Dash 5K, Community Bike Challenge, Virtual Bike Decorating Parade, Derby Days Bingo, Rock-a-thon Open Mic, Derby Do Gooder scholarship, and Virtual Art Show. Visit RedmondDerbyDays.com to find out more!
Free Youth ORCA Cards (Repeat)
Free Summer Youth ORCA Passes are available to 8th through 12th grade LWSD students who qualify for the Free or Reduced-Price Lunch program. Sign up and learn more at King County Metro Summer Pass website. Due to travel guidelines put in place for COVID-19, passes will not be mailed until King County officials allow for safe, non-essential travel on Metro services. Check the website for updates or contact the Summer Youth ORCA Coordinator at (206) 263-8751 or dhurula@kingcounty.gov.
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 Sunday.
