Sycamore Springs Middle School

Hello Sycamore Springs Middle School Families,

Happy Sunday! As we head into the final week of February, there are several important dates, deadlines, and celebrations happening across campus.

Course selection is in wrapping up for all grade levels. There are important deadlines this week, so please take a few minutes to review the information below and connect with your student’s counselor if you have questions.

We’re also looking forward to some exciting community events, including our SSMS Mixtape Talent Show, spring picture retakes, upcoming track meets, and our Enchanted Garden Spring Dance in March. Thank you to our incredible PTA and parent volunteers who continue to make these experiences possible for our students.

As always, thank you for your partnership and for supporting your Tiger each day. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a teacher, counselor, or administrator.

Go Tigers!

Sincerely,

Kelly Miller

Principal

1. Yearbook copies are officially running low! This week will be one of the last opportunities to guarantee yourself a copy. Buy yours today before it's too late by clicking HERE.

2. Dripping Springs HS PTSA is excited to host Dripping Springs the Harlem Wizards on Sunday, February 22rd at 2 pm where they’ll take on the teachers, staff and community members from Dripping Springs Independent School District in a fun-filled community event. You can purchase your tickets now and view a sneak peek of the event.

3. Spring Picture Retakes are scheduled for Wednesday, February 25 during Tiger Win and lunch.

4.The SSMS PTA is excited to present the first SSMS Mixtape Talent Show, hosted by Carl Coccaro! This is the last chance for students to sign up if they'd like to participate, so we would appreciate it very much if you would encourage your students to make a plan to sign up.

Here are the details:

1. Sign up for an audition time by Monday, February 9th HERE!

2. Auditions will take place next week February 12th

3. Feb 19th and 20th - Tech Run Throughs

4. February 26th and 27th - Mixtape Talent Shows, with amazing raffle prizes to be drawn

If anyone has questions, they can email: CARLALMASYCOCCARO@gmail.com

5. For 8th Grade Families - Please see below for upcoming events:

• Feb. 27 - Course Requests are Due (in SchooLinks)
• March 23 - 8th Grade Panoramic Picture - during Tiger Win
• May 11 - Incoming Freshman Athletics Parent Meeting; DSHS Cafeteria @ 6pm

6. Off-Campus PE Parent Information Q&A - Join us for an informative virtual session about DSISD’s Off-Campus Physical Education Program, where we’ll provide a brief overview and answer parent questions!

• February 26, 2026: Google Meet Link
• March 5, 2026: Google Meet Link

7. Step into an Enchanted Garden on March 27 from 6–8 PM for a night of music, lights, and a little magic! Hosted by Student Council with support from our admin team, this is a night you won’t want to miss. Student Council is transforming our cafeteria into a magical garden to create a fun, memory-making evening for our students.

• Click HERE to access our Amazon Wishlist.

• Click HERE to sign up to volunteer.
• Click HERE for the background check.

8. Attention 6th Grade Families - There are required Immunizations for all 7th grade students; 1) Tdap and 2) Meningitis. Nurse Smith needs updated immunization record OR a notarized Affidavit from the State of Texas found here: https://co-request.dshs.texas.gov/. You may bring updated records to the school or email a copy to blair.smith@dsisdtx.us. For more information, visit https://www.dshs.texas.gov/immunizations/school or call Nurse Blair at 512-858-3604.

9.SSMS Attendance Matters - Weekly Update: Week 25 results are in! Our overall Average Daily Attendance (ADA) was 95.3%. While we are still pushing toward our campus goal of 96.9%, a huge shout-out goes to our 8th Graders for leading the school this week with an attendance rate of 96.1%, followed by 6th Grade at 95.6% and 7th Grade at 94.3%.

Maintaining consistent attendance is vital for academic credit and student success. Per Texas law, students must attend at least 90% of their classes—staying within a limit of 5 unexcused absences this spring—to receive course credit. Because our block schedule means missing one day is actually missing two days of instruction for those subjects, we ask that you report all absences within 48 hours via Family Access and consult the school calendar before scheduling non-emergency appointments. Thank you for partnering with us to keep our Tigers on track!

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

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

Yearbook copies are officially running low! This week will be one of the last opportunities to guarantee yourself a copy. Buy yours today before it's too late by clicking HERE.

The SSMS PTA is excited to present the first SSMS Mixtape Talent Show, hosted by Carl Coccaro! This is the last chance for students to sign up if they'd like to participate, so we would appreciate it very much if you would encourage your students to make a plan to sign up. Here are the details:

1. Sign up for an audition time by Monday, February 9th HERE!

2. Auditions will take place next week February 12th

3. Feb 19th and 20th - Tech Run Throughs

4. February 26th and 27th - Mixtape Talent Shows, with amazing raffle prizes to be drawn

Participating in the Talent Show gives students a powerful opportunity to build their courage, creativity, and self-esteem, especially for those who don’t often get a chance to shine on stage! Here is a graphic with a QR code if you’d like to share that with your students or their parents.

Dear 6th grade Parents/Guardians:

Texas state law requires that ALL students receive the following vaccines PRIOR to starting 7th grade. Students cannot start 7th grade and will not receive their schedules without meeting the following requirements:

1. Tetanus, Diphtheria and Acellular Pertussis-containing vaccine (Tdap): 1 dose within the last 5 years to be valid.

2. Meningococcal Vaccine (MCV4): 1 dose of the quadrivalent vaccine on or after a student's 11th birthday to be valid.

OR

• Reasons of Conscience Exemption https://corequest.dshs.texas.gov/

Most physicians administer the required vaccines during the 11 year wellness check. Please check with your child's doctor to see if your child has already received the required vaccines. If not, please make arrangements to have the vaccines administered.

Vaccine records can be emailed to me (blair.smith@dsisdtx.us) or dropped off at school.

Helpful links:

Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements for Students Grades K-12

Texas Immunization Exemptions

Immunization Resources

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you,

Nurse Blair

• Tickets are $5.00 (cash only) and will be sold March 9-13 in the cafeteria. Wristbands will be handed out March 24-26 during lunches.
• To help bring this vision to life, we’re asking for donations through our Amazon Wishlist (link below). Thank you to our amazing Tiger parents for your continued support!
• We’re also seeking parent volunteers for post-dance cleanup from 8:10–8:45 PM on March 27.
• A completed background check is required; see the flyer for details. We appreciate your help in making this event a success.

• Click HERE to access our Amazon Wishlist.

• Click HERE to sign up to volunteer.
• Click HERE for the background check.

DSHS has created a Rising 9th Grade Newsletter with key dates and upcoming events. The link will be shared in my weekly newsletters, but you may also want to bookmark it and check back for updates. Click HERE to access the Rising 9th Grade Newsletter.

Upcoming Events:

• Feb. 27 - Course Requests are Due (in SchooLinks)
• May 11 - Incoming Freshman Athletics Parent Meeting; DSHS Cafeteria @ 6pm

Our annual 8th grade panoramic picture has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 24 during Tiger Win. Please see flyer below for more information.

Please join me in celebrating our amazing Tigers with September birthdays! Wishing each of you a day filled with joy, laughter, and lots of cake. We ❤️ You! Go Tigers! 🐯

Congratulations to the Tiger of the Week!💪🎉

Congratulations to our Cheerleader of the Week, Kate N! She may have started off shy, but when her funny side came out, we were SHOOK. It lights up the whole squad! Whether it’s her unique cheers or contagious giggles at basketball games, Kate’s cheerleader shows she's the team’s biggest fan. She brings that same passion to her teammates by being encouraging and supportive and putting a smile on our faces!

Congratulations!!!

Varsity

• Liberty Campbell: Recognized for her calm, respectful demeanor and for being consistently engaged in every rehearsal.

• Sophia Ryan: Selected for her infectious positive attitude and her ability to brighten the entire classroom atmosphere.

6th Grade

• Lila Zovath: Commended for her excellent focus and for treating her peers with constant respect.

• Lilah Acord: Chosen for her wonderful spirit and for singing out with confidence and pride.

• Olivia Ketrenos: Recognized for her mature work ethic and dedication to the craft.

• Sydney Wagerman: Selected for her sweet nature and her eager, helpful spirit.

• Send the SSMS PTA “One-Click LOVE Fund” Fundraiser some love! It helps programming like our upcoming 26’ SSMS PTA Talent Show, Student & Staff Grants, and much MORE! DONATE HERE (easily once or monthly): February Edition: Spirit Nights THANK YOU for all the generous contributions so far! Questions? Email: SSMS PTA Fundraising at fundraising@ssmspta.org

• The NEW SSMS PTA Middle School MixTape 26’ Talent Show THIS Friday February 27th 6-8PM in the SSMS Cafeteria. Come support our talented SSMS students!

• SSMS & DSMS Middle School Nights are back IN Feb with Hot Ground Gym THIS Wed Feb 25th 6:30-7:15PM: SignUpGenius - Mobile Sign up TODAY for these FREE “screen free” events!

• SSMS PTA Lunch Volunteers for additional help during lunchtimes. Great way to volunteer for 30mins! Stay tuned at this link for updated sign ups: SignUpGenius - Mobile Note: You must have a current background check completed with DSISD Inspiring Volunteers, Volunteering at DSISD | Dripping Springs

• SSMS PTA Parent to Parent Campus Tours for Feb and March! Come see why SSMS received the School of Excellence Award-perfect for incoming 6th Grade Parents! Friday 2/27 and Thurs 3/5 and Fri 3/13 11:30AM-12:15PM Sign up here: SignUpGenius - Mobile

• THANK YOU to all our SSMS PTA Workroom Volunteers who show up to free up teaching time to educate & mentor in the workroom WEEKLY. WE NEED HELP THIS WEEK: Mon 2/23-Thurs 2/26 Sign up here: SignUpGenius - Mobile Note: You must have a current background check completed with DSISD Inspiring Volunteers, Volunteering at DSISD | Dripping Springs

• On behalf of SSMS National Junior Honor Society & Ms. McGilvray: Clothes Bin have partnered to collect & recycle old clothing, shoes and textiles! Every lb. of recycled items supports SSMS NJHS! Place your items in a bag that is tied closed & deposit them in the newly UPDATED green recycling bin in our front Maroon parking lot.

• Be sure to Like & Follow Sycamore Springs Middle School PTA on ourFacebookandInstagram - we post information & updates daily throughout the school year, and we’ll show up more often the more you react to the posts! Note: Incoming 6th Graders Class of 2033 info is there too!

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!

Join us for an informative virtual session about DSISD’s Off-Campus Physical Education Program, where we’ll provide a brief overview and answer parent questions!

• February 26, 2026: Google Meet Link
• March 5, 2026: Google Meet Link

DSISD is seeking community input on the name and branding of the district’s second high school, projected to open in fall 2028. The survey is anonymous and will be open through Thursday, March 5. Click here to complete the survey!

Monday, 2/23 - A Day

TELPAS Practice

Tuesday, 2/24 - B Day

Band Pre-UIL Concert at DSHS; 6:30pm

Wednesday, 2/25 - A Day

Spring Picture Day; Sycamore Room (Tiger Win and Lunch)

Boys Track Meet @ LTMS; 4:15pm

Girls Track @ West Ridge; 4:15pm

Thursday, 2/26 - B Day

CAC Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 7:45am

Roots Meeting; F232 @ 8am

FCA; Small Gym @ 8am

Dance Team Tryouts; Big Gym @ 5:30 pm

Band Booster Club Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 5pm

Orchestra Meet & Greet; DSHS Orchestra Room @ 5:30 PM

Friday, 2/27 - B Day

PTA Parent-to-Parent Campus Tour; 11:30 (RSVP Here)

Talent Show; Cafeteria @ 6:00pm

Saturday, 2/28

Dance Competition

3/2 - SB9 Sexting/Cyberbullying Parent Presentation; 9am in Pecan Room

3/2 - Cheer Clinic Day 1; 4:15pm

3/3 - Cheer Clinic Day 2; 4:15pm

3/3 - NJHS Meeting; 6th Grade Pod @ 4:20

3/4 - NJHS Meeting; 6th Grade Pod @ 8:05

3/4 - Principal's Student Advisory Meeting; Sycamore Room during Tiger Win

3/4 - Boys Track Meet @ WRMS; 3pm

3/4 - Girls Track Meet @ Hudson Bend; 4:15pm

3/4 - Cheer Clinic Day 3; 4:15pm

3/4 - The Amazing Lemonade Girl; 6pm in Cafeteria

3/5 - PTA Parent-to-Parent Campus Tour; 11:30 (RSVP Here)

3/5 - Cheer Tryouts; 4:15

3/5 - The Amazing Lemonade Girl; 6pm in Cafeteria

3/6 - Student Holiday/Staff Workday

3/7 - UIL OAP Festival @ DSMS

3/10 - Band UIL Concert & Sightreading; Hays PAC

3/10 - 7th Grade Boys/Girls Pre-District Track Meet @ DSHS; 4:15pm

3/11 - Band UIL Concert & Sightreading; Hays PAC

3/11 - 8th Grade Boys/Girls Pre-District Track Meet @ DSHS; 4:15pm

3/12 - FCA; Small Gym @ 8am

3/12 - Choir Pre UIL; DSHS PAC @ 7pm

3/13 - PTA Board Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 8:15am

3/13 - PTA Parent-to-Parent Campus Tour; 11:30 (RSVP Here)

3/16-3/20 - Spring Break 😎🏄‍♀️⛱️

3/23 - 8th Grade Panoramic Picture

3/25 - District Track Meet - Day 1 @ Westlake HS; 2pm

3/26 - FCA; Small Gym @ 8am

3/26 - Roots Meeting; F232 @ 8am

3/26 - District Track Meet - Day 2 @ Westlake HS; 2pm

3/27 - Tennis Parent Meeting; Time TBD