June 14, 2020
COVID-19 Information
Inslee Issues Proclamation on K-12 Reopening
On June 11, Gov. Jay Inslee issued a proclamation outlining the state's plan to possibly re-open schools in the fall for the 2020-2021 school year. The plan follows the state's Safe Start phased approach to reopening on a county-by-county basis.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal addressed the media on June 11 to unveil the Reopening Washington Schools 2020 Planning Guide authorized under the proclamation. 
Redmond Reopening Plan
The reopening of City of Redmond park amenities, facilities and activities will be in accordance with Washington’s Phased Approach. View the Reopening Plan flyer . For more information on City of Redmond's Play Safe, Stay Safe plan, please visit www.redmond.gov/PlaySafe .
Recreate Responsibly
King County reminds everyone to recreate responsibly and put used personal protective items in the trash. Littered disposable wipes, face masks, and gloves can be a hazard to health and wildlife. They also make their way into storm drains and end up at wastewater treatment plants, where they can cause clogs and backups. A properly functioning sewer system is essential to public health—so please put used gloves, masks, and wipes in the trash. Learn More
School & LWSD
Last Day of School, June 19
This week is the last week of school. The last day of school is Friday, June 19. You can review the 2019-2020 Revised LWSD Calendar for all important dates.

To take a look ahead to next school year's dates, please view the 2020-2021 LWSD Calendar .
Return-to-School Task Force
LWSD has established a Return to School Task Force consisting of three workgroups. The workgroups consist of teachers, school administrators, union representatives, parents and central office administrators. To learn more about each of these workgroups and for the latest updates on how LWSD is preparing for fall and beyond, visit the LWSD Return to School Task Force website .
Return-to-School ThoughtExchange
As a school district and as a community, we’re faced with significant challenges in not only figuring out how best to deliver a world class education to our students in the midst of a pandemic but also how to address structural inequities. LWSD needs your help to inform this work and will be conducting three ThoughExchanges over the next two weeks. More information is available on the LWSD Return to School Task Force website . A ThoughtExchange is a unique community engagement experience where you get to share your thoughts and then rate the thoughts of other people that are participating, all anonymously. Participate in the second LWSD ThoughtExchange now .
Microsoft Teams Tutorial
Need help using Microsoft Classroom Teams? LWSD has created a video tutorial to help families navigate this online learning platform. Visit the YouTube Teams tutorial in English or the YouTube Teams tutorial in Spanish to learn more about this tool.
RMS Materials & Laptop Return (Repeat)
RMS/LWSD materials will be collected during the last week of school, June 16-19. Your student can also collect any personal items not retrieved earlier such as PE shirts. For schedules and social distancing guidelines, please view the 2020 RMS Materials Return Information PDF flyer . If you have more than one student at RMS, choose one time which works best for your family.
Touch of Class, June 15 (Repeat)
Our annual Touch of Class Assembly is coming up! Due to our closures this event will be held online via a Microsoft Teams Live Event. Please follow this link to access the event held live on Monday, June 15 at 12:00 PM . Please join us for our end of year celebration! Despite the changes this year has brought, it is important we still assemble as a school to remember and celebrate all the successes of this year. This assembly will feature end of year awards presentations, speeches from staff and students, and our end of year picture slideshow. We hope you're able to attend!
RMS PTSA
June 2 Membership Meeting Recap
Thanks to everyone who joined the online Membership Meeting last Tuesday, June 2! Congratulations to the 2020-2021 slate of officers who were elected by the Membership! The following volunteers were elected to office: 

Treasurer: Peggy Joanou 
Secretary: Cindy Goulding 
Vice President, Communications: Neeta Check 
Co-Vice President, FACE: Patricia Narvaez 
Co-Vice President, FACE: Rie Takagi-Stewart

The membership also voted on the proposed 2020-2021 Budget. Please view the June 2 Membership Meeting Minutes , to see what was discussed and the motions that were passed.
President Position for 2020-2021 Still Open
Do you want to make a big impact at RMS? Do you want to give input on how PTSA funds are allocated? Do you seek opportunities where you can help our community? Then the role of PTSA President is perfect for you!

The RMS PTSA needs your help to complete its 2020-2021 Board of Directors. Spend 3-5 hours per month running board and membership meetings, coordinate PTSA activities and meet with the RMS principal monthly. No experience necessary and this role can be shared by two people.

If you are interested or know someone else who might be a good fit, or if you have any questions, please send an email to our current Co-President, Ashley Epstein at president@rmsptsa.org .
Community
Free Youth ORCA Cards
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 .
Educational Resources
Race, Equity, and Holocaust Education Webinar: Tuesday, June 16 12:00-1:00 PM Hosted by the Holocaust Center for Humanity and ParentMap. Hear from three changemakers who are working in Washington's school system to raise awareness of systemic racism and to close the opportunity gap for students of color. View Website and Register

Child Mind Institute Guidance: The Child Mind Institute is offering advice for helping your child process their feelings as well as ideas to help families dig in to challenging questions about racism and violence. 
• A Clinical Perspective on Talking to Kids About Racism Advice from expert clinicians.
• Racism and Violence: How to Help Kids Handle the News Support for difficult conversations.
• Helping Children Cope with Frightening News Processing grief and fear in a healthy way.
• How to Foster Resilience in Kids Relying on community to help kids thrive.
• What to Do (and Not Do) When Kids are Anxious How to respect feelings without empowering fears.

Human RIghts Education for Kids : Youth for Human Rights is a Non-Profit dedicated to inspiring youth all over the world to become advocates for tolerance and peace by teaching them about human rights, specifically the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. FREE videos and teaching materials can be found here at https://www.youthforhumanrights.org/what-are-human-rights .
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.