Sycamore Springs Middle School

Hello Sycamore Springs Middle School Families,

It was another great week in Tiger Nation! This Thursday, we had the opportunity to welcome members of the DSISD Board of Trustees to SSMS for a campus visit highlighting our Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Board members visited classrooms to see firsthand how our students are exploring career pathways, developing real-world skills, and making connections to future opportunities.

A huge shout-out to our amazing student ambassadors who helped lead the tour and represented their classes! These Tigers did an outstanding job sharing what they are learning and showcasing the great things happening at SSMS.

• Career Exploration: Margot and Austin

• Intro to Small Engine Mechanics: Penny and Silas

• Intro to Programming I: Ryan and Lydia

• Intro to Engineering I: Gideon and Shawn

• Principles of Health Science: Olive and Luke

I am so proud of these students and grateful to our CTE teachers for the incredible opportunities they provide our Tigers. It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the learning taking place across our campus!

We have another busy week ahead, so be sure to check out this week's newsletter for important updates, upcoming events, student celebrations, and opportunities to get involved.

As always, thank you for your continued support and partnership.

Have a great week, and Go Tigers! 🐯

Sincerely,

Kelly Miller

Principal

1. Did you miss picture day or want to retake your picture? Picture retakes are Tuesday, 10/20. Stop by the front office to pick up an order form. https://www.phototexasphotography.com/

2. Attention all Veterans - We invite all veterans to join SSMS as we honor you for your selfless service to our nation. A ceremony will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 10:25 am. Please fill out the form at this LINK so that we can prepare a seat for you.

3. SSMS PTA Needs Your Help – Calling All Chili Chefs! 🌶️Our SSMS PTA is cooking up its 3rd Annual SPOOKtacular Halloweenie Chili & Hot Dog Staff Appreciation Lunch on Friday, October 23! Help us treat our amazing staff by bringing your favorite chili, donating a dish, or volunteering your time. Every contribution helps make this event a success! Click here to sign up and help!

4. ❤️ Red Ribbon Week is Coming! October 26–29. T Join StuCo is celebrating Red Ribbon Week October 26th-29th Including a Costume Contest! See the section below for our daily dress-up themes and details!

5. Parent-Teacher Conferences - We want to remind families that parents and guardians are encouraged to partner with teachers in support of student learning. If you would like to schedule a parent-teacher conference, you may do so by reaching out to your child’s teacher directly. Conferences can be arranged at a mutually convenient time to discuss your student’s progress, strengths, and areas of growth.

6. Ready, Set, RALLY! – PTA Advocacy Event. Join us Wednesday, October 28, at 6:00 PM at the DSISD Center for Learning & Leadership for the first session in the Tiger Talks Advocacy Series! Special guest Dominique Harvey, Texas PTA Vice President of Advocacy, will share the importance of PTA advocacy, answer questions, and help families prepare for Rally Day on February 22. Click here to RSVP – Tiger Talks: Ready, Set, RALLY!

7. The DSISD Gifted & Talented referral link is now live on the DSISD GT Website until Friday, November 13. Parents may complete the referral form for their student to be tested for the DSISD Gifted & Talented Program. All referrals must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on November 13 to be considered for this testing cycle. For more details on the DSISD GT program, please visit the DSISD GT website.

8. Secondary Grading Information: Taking Ownership of Learning

At DSISD, we believe students play an important role in taking ownership of their learning. Part of that responsibility is recognizing when they need help, asking questions, and taking advantage of opportunities to improve. Whether it's attending tutorials, participating in interventions, or completing reassessments, we want our Tigers to develop the confidence and responsibility to advocate for their own learning.

Morning Tutorials at SSMS: Tutorials are available each school day from 8:20–8:45 AM. Students attending tutorials are released from their assigned morning locations at 8:20 AM to report directly to their teacher's classroom. Students should communicate with their teachers to determine when and where they can receive additional support.

How can families help? Encourage your Tiger to regularly check their grades in Skyward, reach out to teachers when they have questions, and attend tutorials when they need additional support. Rather than immediately stepping in to solve a problem, help your Tiger develop the skills to communicate with their teachers and take the next steps in their learning.

9. Attendance Matters: Understanding Attendance Codes & the 90% Rule

Our Tigers finished Week 10 with 97.1% attendance, keeping SSMS above our 96.9% campus goal! A special shout-out to 6th grade, which led the way this week with 98.0% attendance!

Did you know that not all absences count the same way? DSISD uses four attendance codes: K (state-excused), A (locally excused), U (unexcused), and X (truant). Under Texas law, absences coded A, U, or X count toward the 90% attendance requirement for earning course credit or a final grade. Qualifying state-excused absences (K) do not.

At SSMS, the 90% rule is calculated by class period, not by the total number of days missed. Students who accumulate too many absences in an individual class may be assigned make-up instructional time through tutorials or Tiger WIN.

For more information, visit the DSISD Attendance webpage.

We hope you all have a great week!

Take a look at what’s coming up this month:

• Oct. 20 @ 9:30 a.m.-SB9 7th Grade Parent Preview Mtg-Relationships Paint them Healthy

• Oct. 28–8th Grade Safe Schools bullying prevention-8th History classes

On Oct. 28 or 29, 7th graders will receive instruction, as required by Senate Bill 9 and the state guidelines for public schools, relating to the prevention of child abuse, family violence, dating violence and human trafficking. DSISD administration, Board of Trustees, and the Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) have selected and approved the curriculum to use for these lessons. The lesson is called Relationships: Paint Them Healthy”. This presentation addresses healthy and unhealthy aspects of a relationship, including mutual respect, boundaries, jealousy and control, how to break up, and communication skills. Regardless of what we’ve seen and learned growing up, we can gain the tools to make a conscious decision about the kind of relationship we want.

The lesson will be presented by the counselors in 7th Grade ELA classes. It is approximately 45 minutes in length and includes a video and a script to guide discussions both before and after the video. You may preview scripts and watch trailers at Play it Safe. Counselors are also hosting a parent preview/information session on Oct. 20th from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Pecan room at SSMS. 7th grade parents received an email from Actionaly on Thursday, Oct. 8th. This email has the electronic opt in form for the lesson. If you want your student to receive this lesson, you must opt them in. The deadline is October 22nd.

If you missed the Lunch and Learn on Youth Anxiety hosted by the Counseling Department, you can watch the recording on our DSISD Family Learning Lounge youtube page. *Recordings from outside agencies will be taken down one month after the presentation date*

Ms. Dykhoff, Grades 6-8 last names A-K

Mrs. Zimmerman, Grades 6-8 last names L-Z

At Sycamore Springs Middle School, our school-wide expectations—Be Safe, Be Respectful, and Be Responsible—serve as the foundation for everything we do. To deepen these expectations and empower our students to take true ownership of their actions, we integrate Franklin Covey’s Leader in Me (LEAD) framework directly into our campus culture.

By intentionally connecting our Tiger core values with the 8 Habits of Highly Effective People, we provide students with a common language and an actionable roadmap for personal accountability, leadership, and emotional maturity both in the classroom and at home. When school staff and families use this shared framework, our students receive consistent coaching wherever they are.

Picture Retakes will be held on Tuesday, October 20th, from 8:00–11:30 AM in the Sycamore Room. Students and Teachers may come before the first bell, after the bell students will need to request a pass from their 1st, 2nd, or 3rd period teacher.

Show your School Spirit October 26th-29th Red Ribbon Week! On Thursday students may enter a Costume Contest at Lunch with prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd! Please remember to follow school guidelines with your costumes.

Here's our dress-up schedule:

• Monday, October 26 – Red Out: Wear red to show your support!

• Tuesday, October 27 – Holiday Day: Dress for your favorite holiday!

• Wednesday, October 28 – Dress Like a Teacher Day: Students dress like teachers for our Student-Teacher Swap Day!

• Thursday, October 29 – Costume Contest: Show off your creativity with a fun costume!

We can't wait to see our Tigers show their school spirit and creativity throughout the week! 🐯

Hey Tiger Parents!

We wanted to send out some information about the Close up Trip to Washington DC and New York City. We are thrilled to invite current 7th & 8th grade SSMS students to join us for a 7 days, 6 nights trip to Washington DC and NYC . The trip is scheduled for May 30th-5th 2027.

If you have questions about this trip, please plan to attend our next DC Informational Meeting on Wednesday October 28th at 5:30 PM in the SSMS 7th grade pod. Please park in the front of the school as someone will be there to let you in. I have included links to the frequently asked questions and more in depth information below. I also included the link to the google form which we would ask you to fill out if you are interested in attending the trip and would like more information.

If you have already filled out the Google form that is awesome and we have you down as interested. We will be sending more information soon as to the next steps. Our first deposit for the trip of $500 is due December 17th.

Additional questions can be asked to the trip coordinators Megan Hulett (megan.hulett@dsisdtx.us) or James Francis (james.francis@dsisdtx.us)

Frequently Asked Questions Trip Interest Form

Please note this is not a district-affiliated trip but we are organizing it through our home campuses for efficiency as we have done in the past on previous trips.

Join us Wednesday, October 28, at 6:00 PM at the DSISD Center for Learning & Leadership for the first session in the Tiger Talks Advocacy Series! Special guest Dominique Harvey, Texas PTA Vice President of Advocacy, will share the importance of PTA advocacy, answer questions, and help families prepare for Rally Day on February 22.

Click here to RSVP – Tiger Talks: Ready, Set, RALLY!

This week’s Tiger of the Week showed what it truly means to be a Tiger!

Meet the people who make SSMS special! Each week, we’ll spotlight a member of our Tiger team.

Happy Birthday to all our SSMS Faculty and Staff! We ❤️ You! Go Tigers! 🐯

Big cheers to our amazing SSMS teachers who earned a shout-out from their peers this week! Your hard work and positivity keep our campus shining bright. We’re so lucky to have the BEST staff around. Thank you for making SSMS the place to be!

Congratulations to the Tiger of the Week!💪🎉

Please congratulate the Players of the Game!!!

On Wednesday, October 7th, SSMS XC took their talent, determination, teamwork and sparkle to the Highland Lakes District meet at DSHS as they blazed their final trail of an amazing 2026 season.

Congratulations to our 7th Grade Girls for working as a team to earn DISTRICT CHAMPS! Your teamwork made the dream work! As a team, our 7th Grade Boys were few in number but were mighty as a team earning 7th place while pushing themselves and encouraging each runner in their division. I'm excited for the potential of next year. Our 8th Grade Girls showed incredible growth this season to clinch their District Runner-Up finish! Way to represent your growth as runners and leaders of SSMS XC. Our 8th Grade Boys pushed themselves to the limit in a highly competitive race to earn 4th place (only two points from 3rd). Your effort to work together and support each other through these amazing finishes is something of which to be proud!

Congratulations to our individual medalists who placed in the top 10 in their division at Districts: Tyler M. (6th) and Merritt T. (8th); Jude M (7th Grade Boys DISTRICT CHAMP, 1st); Reagan P (3rd) and Finley R (9th) for 8th Girls; Theo M. (3rd) and Asher E (5th) for 8th Boys;

Way to run, SSMS XC! You are the MORE in Sycamore, the sunrise to my day and the legacy of SSMS XC. Keep finding your trail and running your race!

Please congratulate these Choir Students of the Week!

Congratulations to our Sycamore All-Region Choir Students! These students were selected by the TMEA Region directors to sing in the Austin Middle School Region Choir. Go Tigers!

•ACTION: Pumpkins, patches & PTA perks—fall fun that gives back to SSMS! Visit the Driftwood Fall Festival NOW until Sun Nov 1st by purchasing your ticket using our specific link here: Driftwood Fall Festival and SSMS PTA gets $5 per ticket-mention we sent you too!

•ACTION: LAST raffle for the YETI Roadie 15 Hard Cooler is Fri Oct 31st and YOU have to be in it to win it! We are at 350+ members, and so close to our goal of 425, so join today at JoinPTA – JoinPTA

•ACTION: WE NEED CHILIS, SALADS, & DESSERTS- for the SSMS PTA is cooking up a SPOOKtacular 3rd Annual Halloweenie Chili & Hot Dog Staff Appreciation NEXT Friday Oct 23rd Bring your famous chili, donate a dish and/or volunteer! Sign up here: SignUpGenius - Mobile

•Mark your calendar: The last SSMS PTA Membership Meeting of 2026 is Friday November 13th at 8:15AM in the Sycamore Room.

•ACTION: We love our SSMS Community for your support of SSMS students & staff! Your PTA donations—both BIG & small—help fund programs, events, grants, & staff appreciations like the upcoming Halloweenie that make SSMS so special. Sponsorships start at $250 and offer great visibility on our social media with over 2K followers! Donate today: Donate to Sycamore Springs Middle School PTA to help us support our students, teachers, and staff.

ACTION: NEED HELP!-Open slots available are: Mon 10/19, Wed 10/21-Thurs 10/29 Opportunities to volunteer at SSMS! You can help free up teaching time to educate & mentor by simply volunteering to make copies in our workroom WEEKLY. Please, sign up for one or MORE slots that is convenient for you. Sign up here: SignUp.com Mobile

•Register NOW at SSMS Spelling Bee Registration to receive the official word list to prepare for the SSMS PTA Scripps Spelling Bee. Date is TBA mid January 27’ in the SSMS Cafeteria. Questions, email: programs@ssmspta.org

•SSMS PTA is excited to participate in the Nat’l PTA Reflections! It encourages students of ALL ages & abilities to explore and be involved in the arts. Students create and submit original works of art in the medium of their choice— dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography, and visual arts — reflecting on a specific theme. This year's theme is "What Culture Means to Me.We would love for you to participate! Rules and entry form now electronic, here: https://www.txpta.org/reflections-participation

No better day than National Pasta Day yesterday to say THANK YOU to all who enjoyed lunch, dinner, or carry out to help make the SSMS PTA Spirit Night a success! Cousin Louie’s will be generously donating 20% of sales. Grazie!

•Be sure to Like & Follow Sycamore Springs Middle School PTA on ourFacebookandInstagram We post information & updates daily!

Are you looking for a way to honor a Dripping Springs ISD employee? Whether you are a staff member wanting to recognize a co-worker for a job well done or a parent who is impressed by your child's bus driver for going that extra mile, this is the program for you! Anyone can nominate any DSISD employee through the district's employee recognition program, Tiger Stripes for Staff. Click HERE to leave a Tiger Strip!

Monday, 10/19

7th Football @ DSMS; 4:15/5:30/7:00pm

Volleyball vs DSMS @ SSMS; 8B/7A 5:15pm & 8A/7B 6:30pm

Tuesday, 10/20

NJHS Meeting; 6th grade Pod @ 8:05am

Picture Retake Day; 9-2pm in Sycamore Room

SB9 7th Grade Parent Preview Mtg in Pecan Room @ 9:30am

8th Football vs DSMS @ DSHS; 4:15/5:30/7:00pm

Wednesday, 10/21

FCA Meeting; Small Gym @ 8:00am (must have permission slip to attend)

SSMS Theatre Production Children's Show Tour

Student Club Day; during Tiger Win

NJHS Meeting; 6th grade Pod @ 4:20pm

Thursday, 10/22

Friday, 10/23

XC Fun Run; 7am

PTA Halloweenie Chili & Hot Dog Staff Appreciation; Sign up here

Saturday, 10/24

Volleyball - District A Team Tournament; at DSMS

District Band Auditions; SSMS Gym

10/26 - Red Ribbon Week Theme: Red Out

10/26 - Girls Basketball Tryouts Begin

10/26 - SSMS Spotlight @ School Board Meeting; CLL Boardroom @ 6pm

10/27 - Red Ribbon Week Theme: Holiday Day

10/28 - Red Ribbon Week Theme: Dress Like a Teacher Day

10/28 - FCA Meeting; Small Gym @ 8:00am (must have permission slip to attend)

10/28 - 8th Grade Safe Schools Bullying Prevention Presentation in SS Classes

10/28 - Close Up DC/NYC Trip Informational Meeting; 5:30 pm in 7th grade pod

10/28 - PTA Advocacy Event; CLL @ 6:00 pm

10/29 - Red Ribbon Week Theme: Costume Contest

10/30 - Student Holiday/Teacher Workday

11/4 - Student Club Day - during Tiger Win

11/6 - XC Fun Run; 7am

11/11 - Veteran's Day Assembly; 10:25 am

11/12 - Principal Coffee & Chat; Pecan Room @ 8:15am

11/12 - Principal's Student Advisory Meeting; Sycamore Room during Tiger Win

11/18 - Student Club Day - during Tiger Win

12/2 - Student Club Day - during Tiger Win

12/9 - CAC Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 7:45am

12/10 - Principal's Student Advisory Meeting; Sycamore Room during Tiger Win