Sycamore Springs Middle School

Hello Sycamore Springs Middle School Families,

We have so much to celebrate at Sycamore this week! A huge congratulations to our 8th Grade Boys Basketball A Team and SSMS Cheerleaders for their amazing performances at the Spurs Court of Dreams event this past Saturday. What an unforgettable experience and a proud moment for Tiger Nation!

We’re also thrilled to celebrate our SSMS Band students for their incredible success at District auditions—53 students earned District Band recognition, and 39 are advancing to Regionals this weekend! What an outstanding accomplishment for our young musicians!

This week, we’re also looking forward to our Veterans Day Assembly on Tuesday as we honor the brave men and women who have served our nation. It’s always a special opportunity for our students to express gratitude and learn about the importance of service and sacrifice.

Beyond celebrations, there are plenty of ways to give back and stay connected. Our Food Drive kicks off this week, and our Toys for Tots and Supply Stop drives continue. Nurse Smith will also be conducting state-mandated health screenings, and you’ll find reminders about academic integrity, attendance goals, and upcoming PTA events, including this Friday’s PTA Membership Meeting and Campus Tour.

As always, thank you for your ongoing partnership, encouragement, and involvement. Together, we’re creating a school community where every Tiger feels seen, supported, and celebrated.

Go Tigers!

Sincerely,

Kelly Miller

Principal

1. SMS Food Drive: November 10–21: Tiger Nation, let’s come together to support local families! Students can donate items like soup, powdered milk, fruit cups, beans, rice, pasta, veggies, tuna, and crackers, or make a “Birthday Cake in a Bag” (cake mix, frosting, disposable pan, and a can of Sprite). The Tiger WIN class with the most donations wins a Donut Party! All donations benefit Helping Hands of Dripping Springs and the Austin Area High School Family Food Pantry.

2. Restroom Concerns - We’ve recently noticed an increase in vandalism and misuse in several boys’ restrooms, including writing on walls, removing soap dispensers, spreading soap on floors, and damaging faucets or sinks. These actions have led to temporary restroom closures for cleaning and repairs.

We’re asking for your help in reminding students to take pride in our school, treat our restrooms with respect, and speak up if they see something that isn’t right. Working together, we can keep our campus clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone.

3. SSMS Theatre presents... Once On This Island Junior. Performances are this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday starting at 7:00 pm in the cafeteria. Click HERE to purchase your ticket. See flyer below for more information.

4. Great news! Our Sandwich/À la Carte line is now open. Check out the menu here.

5. The DSISD 18+ Program is selling 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀 (black pens) through 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟱! These customizable pens are designed and assembled by our students as part of the program’s entrepreneurial training component, and all profits directly support the program—helping students explore new entrepreneurial opportunities. To purchase, visit this LINK.

6. Toys for Tots - DSHS JROTC Students have partnered with the Marine Corps to raise money and toys for children in the Austin area. All DSISD campuses plus many local businesses are official toy donation sites. Please consider donating a toy. The last day to drop off donations is December 1.

7. Our Principal’s Student Advisory Council is launching a new program to make sure every SSMS student has the supplies they need to succeed. We’re collecting donations of notebooks, pencils, glue sticks, backpacks, and more to stock our SSMS Supply Stop— a free resource for any student in need. Click HERE to access our Amazon wish list.

8. Nurse Smith is conducting state-mandated health screenings this semester. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) mandates that all children must be screened or have a professional examination for possible spinal curvature problems. Please click on this LINK to read the full letter from Nurse Smith.

Round 2 during the month of December:

-All 7th grade girls: Scoliosis

-All 8th grade boys: Scoliosis

9. Secondary Grading Information: Character and Academic Integrity - Character and academic integrity are essential to the future success of our Tigers. At times, students may make choices that do not align with the integrity expectations of our district. Academic dishonesty can include cheating, copying another student’s work, plagiarism, unapproved use of AI, or communicating with others during an exam or assignment.

When a student engages in academic dishonesty, the classroom teacher or supervising staff member makes that determination based on observation, evidence, or reports. Students receive a consequence and meet with their Assistant Principal to reflect on their choices and reinforce the importance of honesty and integrity.

How can you help as a parent?
Talk with your Tiger about how character and integrity matter beyond school. Share examples from your own life or work where integrity plays a key role. These real-world connections help students understand that integrity builds trust—and trust builds success.

10. SMS Attendance Matters - Weekly Update: The results are in for Week 13, and our overall Average Daily Attendance (ADA) was 96.3%. We are so close! While this is a strong rate, it means we narrowly missed our school-wide goal of 96.6% this week. Thank you for the effort, and let's push forward to meet that goal next week!

A huge congratulations goes out to the 6th Grade, who once again led the school with an outstanding 96.7% attendance rate! They successfully met our school goal, setting a great example for all of us. The 7th Grade also had a solid week at 96.5%.

Your partnership in stressing the importance of daily attendance is crucial, especially as we head into the holiday season. Every day in the classroom is an opportunity to learn, and we appreciate you helping your Tiger be present!

We hope you all had a great weekend!

Our Student Lighthouse (Tiger Leaders), will present three lessons each year based on our MRA survey data. The first lesson is Trusting Relationships. The Tiger leaders will present this first lesson to all grade levels during Tiger WIN time on November 10, 12, 13, 17, or the 18th, according to your student’s tiger win teacher chosen date. Thanks to our amazing tiger leaders for their hard work in these lessons!

On November 18 & 19, our 7th graders will receive a lesson on Cyberbullying. Emily Heinatz, with Safe Schools will present the lesson in Health classes. If you do not want your student to receive this lesson, please email their counselor.

On November 19 & 20, our 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 Abuse of Power. The lesson addresses a difficult topic that, unfortunately, affects many individuals, as well as their loved ones. Child sexual abuse is perpetrated upon not only young children but youth of all ages. In an age-appropriate manner, this presentation addresses using power and control to sexually abuse a minor. It identifies tactics that perpetrators might use to groom an individual, as well as his/her family and community. Many victims of child sexual abuse not only know but trust and care for the offender. For that reason, most never tell anyone about the abuse. An Abuse of Power empowers individuals to identify tactics and speak out against the abuse. This program emphasizes that a victim is never to blame, why it’s important to report this crime, and that victims can become survivors. The lesson will be presented by the counselors in 7th Grade Science 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 hosted a parent preview/information session on November 7th. Please review the email from Actionaly. This email was sent to 7th Grade parents on Monday, November 2nd. This email has the electronic opt in form for the Abuse of Power lesson. If you want your student to receive this lesson, you must opt them in. The deadline is November 14, 2025.

Please see a quick note from Our District LMHP team: Hello Tiger Families! The end of the semester is upon us, and the holidays are quickly approaching! Check out this English Newsletter or Spanish Newsletter created by our DSISD LMHP Team to learn how you can support your children and manage the stress of the holidays together.

We hope you all have a great weekend! Go Tigers!

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

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

Tiger Nation, let’s come together to support local families! Our Sycamore Springs Middle School Food Drive runs November 10–21. Students can donate items like soup, powdered milk, fruit cups, beans, rice, pasta, veggies, tuna, and crackers — or make a “Birthday Cake in a Bag” (cake mix, frosting, disposable pan, and a can of Sprite).

The Tiger WIN class with the most donations wins a Donut Party from Ms. Miller! 🍩
All donations benefit Helping Hands of Dripping Springs and the Austin Area High School Family Food Pantry.

SSMS Theatre presents... Once On This Island Junior. Performances are this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday starting at 7:00 pm in the cafeteria. Click HERE to purchase your ticket. See flyer below for more information.

Our Principal’s Student Advisory Council is launching a new program to make sure every SSMS student has the supplies they need to succeed. We’re collecting donations of notebooks, pencils, glue sticks, backpacks, and more to stock our SSMS Supply Stop — a free resource for any student in need.

Donations can be dropped off at the front office and addressed to SSMS – Principal’s Student Advisory. Thank you for helping us support our students and keep every Tiger ready to learn!

Click HERE to access our Amazon wish list.

Check out our November Roots Newsletter.

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 all of the SSMS Band students who participated in the District Band auditions. There were 53 students who earned a District Band award and 39 will continue on to Region Band auditions this weekend.

Congratulations to our 8th grade boys basketball A team and our Cheerleaders for representing SSMS at the Spurts Court of Dreams event this weekend!!!

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, Kellan Gotta!💪🎉

Please help me in congratulating Christina Mcmillin for being our Tiger of the Week! We are so proud of all the hard work and effort you put into athletics!

We are so proud of all our basketball players! We especially want to recognize the following players of the game from this week's game against DSMS!

Congratulations to our Cheerleader of the Week, Hayden! She is one of our goofiest, happiest cheerleaders who always has a smile on her face and easily puts a smile on others. Hayden’s positivity and humor make our practices brighter and our team feel more like family. Hayden is finally getting her chance to fly, and we’re so proud to see her confidence soar and talent grow!

•Next week, SSMS PTA Reflections DEADLINE due Fri Nov 14th! The entry box is in the front office (w/ paper entry forms inside) and questions can be directed to reflections@ssmspta.org. Entry forms & rules are available on the SSMS website This program 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 "I Belong". Please see rules and entry form here! We would love for you to encourage your students to participate! Let’s get creative!

-SSMS PTA FALL TRIVIA SPIRIT NIGHT on Tues Nov 18 6:30PM at Suds Monkey Family friendly fun w/ great food & fast paced trivia plus prizes for top teams! MENTION SSMS PTA for a portion to go towards programs like Talent Show! Can't Make it? You will be missed, but you are welcome to DONATE HERE : Fall Trivia Spirit Night at Suds Monkey Questions, email: fundraising@ssmspta.org

•LAST raffle of our SSMS PTA Membership Drive-Fri Nov 28th for a YETI Hopper M12 Backpack JoinPTA – JoinPTA to be entered in it, just in time for the holidays!

•Thank you to everyone who contributed to the SSMS PTA 2nd Annual Halloweenie-including Skelly Miller! It was a huge delicious success that SSMS teachers & staff look forward to-made possible by YOU!

•SSMS PTA donated all unused items from Halloweenie to DS Helping Hands. Located near DS Methodist Church. Hours of Operation are Weds 1-3PM and Thurs 4:30-6:30PM. Please, consider donating especially this holiday season.

•Thank you to all who came out last Saturday in support of our SSMS PTA Pumpkin Carving Contest event at HC Pumpkin Patch! We had multiple winners and helped raise funds for future SSMS PTA initiatives!

•Save The Date: SSMS PTA General Meeting is Fri Nov 14th at 8:15AM in the Sycamore Room. RSVP here: SSMS PTA Membership Meeting RSVP 2025-2026 We’ll discuss all upcoming SSMS PTA events, as well as donation, fundraising, and volunteer opportunities! Don’t forget, you can’t vote unless you’re a member: JoinPTA – JoinPTA

•THANK YOU to all our NEW (& old!) Workroom Volunteers who show up to free up teaching time to educate & mentor in the workroom WEEKLY. Let’s fill slots to finish out 25’! Sign up here: SignUpGenius - Mobile Note: You must have a current background check completed with DSISD Inspiring Volunteers, Volunteering at DSISD | Dripping Springs

•The SSMS PTA is requesting Lunch Volunteers for the SSMS Admin during lunchtimes. Interested? Sign up here: SignUpGenius - Mobile Note: You must have a current background check completed with DSISD Inspiring Volunteers, Volunteering at DSISD | Dripping Springs

•SSMS PTA is creating an All Abilities Committee led by ACC Aide, Ms. Connolly Lees, as well as a Talent Show Committee, headed by SSMS parent Carl Coccaro, and we’re STILL looking for volunteers to make events happen! Interested, email president@ssmspta.org

•Save the Date: DSISD PTA Council Tiger Talks of 25’-26’ is NEXT week, Mon 11/10 at 6:30PM starting at Rooster Springs Elementary. Tiger Talks: Eat Well, Grow Strong: Nutrition For Kids and Teens, a moderated panel discussion followed by Q&A Note: Childcare and food provided

•Middle School Night at Hot Ground Gym: A DSMS/SSMS PTA Collab is, Wed 11/12 6:30-7:15PM. This is a screen-free event for ALL DSISD middle schoolers. More LIMITED spots just opened up! Sign up TODAY: SignUpGenius - Mobile

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

•SSMS is now accepting Toys for Tots NOW through Mon Dec 1st. Please, drop off NEW, unwrapped toys in the labeled box in the SSMS Front Office.

•The SSMS PTA will continue hosting informative Parent to Parent Campus Tours NEXT month Fri 11/7, 11/14, & 11/21 11:30-12:15PM. Come see why SSMS received the School of Excellence Award! Sign up here: SignUpGenius - Mobile

•Be sure to Like & Follow Sycamore Springs Middle School PTA on ourFacebookandInstagram - we post information and updates daily throughout the school year, and we’ll show up more often the more you react to the posts!

The DSISD 18+ Program is selling 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀 (black pens) through 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟱! These customizable pens are designed and assembled by our students as part of the program’s entrepreneurial training component, and all profits directly support the program—helping students explore new entrepreneurial opportunities. To purchase, visit this LINK.

JROTC Student Led Military Club proudly partners with Toys for Tots and the Marine Corps to help raise toys and money for Austin children. We are grateful for the support of all the schools in DSISD and the many local businesses and neighborhoods who host boxes and promote this great cause.

Host locations will collect toys from Oct 1 - Dec 1 and then military club students will collect all the toys and organize them at the high school. The Marines will pick them up in the first week of December and distribute them to families in need throughout the month of December.

How to Help

There are so many ways you can help Austin Toys for Tots this year!

1. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to any Dripping Springs Toy Drop location!

2. Save the date for Nov 11th, from 10-1, and swing by the Jolly Jamboree hosted at Caliterra

3. Host a box or event at your business!

4. Ask family and friends to bring a toy to your Thanksgiving gatherings then drop off at any location around town!

5. Donate directly to Toys for Tots! Preferably the Austin campaign so your donation will stay local and help kids in our area. Contact lauren.milner@dsisdtx.us for details. We are happy to help with the paperwork to ensure you get a receipt from the local coordinator for tax purposes.

6. Promote our local campaign on your social media accounts

1. Please tag the Toys for Tots accounts

1. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/marinetoysfortotsfoundation/

2. Twitter - https://twitter.com/ToysForTots_USA

3. Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/toysfortots/

2. Share our fliers or posts or come up with your own!

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, 11/10 - A Day

SSMS Food Drive Begins - Donation drop-off in Tiger Win classes

DSISD Council of PTA hosting Nutrition Panel; 6:30 pm @ RSES (RSVP here)

Tuesday, 11/11 - B Day

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

Veterans Day Assembly; 10:30 in Big Gym, Reception after in Sycamore Room

Wednesday, 11/12 - A Day

Principal's Coffee and Chat; Sycamore Room @ 8:15am

Principal's Student Advisory Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 10:20am

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

New Date: Boys Basketball @ BCMS; 8B/7A 5:15pm, 8A/7B 6:30pm

Thursday, 11/13 - B Day

FCA; Small Gym @ 8am (permission slip required)

Girls Basketball vs BCMS @ SSMS; 8B/7A 5:15pm, 8A/7B 6:30pm

Musical Performance; Cafe @ 7pm

Friday, 11/14 - A Day

PTA Membership Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 8:15am

PTA Campus Tour; 11:30 am (RSVP Here)

Choir Solo Contest; 4pm @ DSMS

Musical Performance; Cafe @ 7pm

Saturday, 11/15

Musical Performance; Cafe @ 7pm

11/18 - Beginner Band Concert; Big Gym @ 6:30pm

11/18 - SSMS PTA Presents Fall Trivia Night @ Suds Monkey; 6:30 pm

11/19 or 11/20 - Boys Basketball Team Pictures

11/19 - 7th grade - Abuse of Power SB9 Lesson in Science Class

11/20 - FCA; Small Gym @ 8am (permission slip required)

11/20 - 7th grade - Abuse of Power SB9 Lesson in Science Class

11/20 - Girls Basketball Team Pictures

11/20 - Jazz Band Concert; Stage @ 6:30pm

11/21 - SSMS Food Drive - Last Day!

11/21 - PTA Campus Tour; 11:30 am (RSVP Here)

11/24-11/28 - Thanksgiving Break/Student Holiday 🦃🥧

12/2 - HOSA Blood Drive @ SSMS

12/4 - CAC Meeting #2; Sycamore Room @ 7:45am

12/4 - FCA; Small Gym @ 8am (permission slip required)

12/4 - Girls Basketball @ LTMS; 8B/7A 5:15pm, 8A/7B 6:30pm

12/4 - Boys Basketball vs LTMS @ SSMS; 8B/7A 5:15pm, 8A/7B 6:30pm

12/5 - Winter Pep Rally during Tiger Win

12/5 - PTA Campus Tour; 11:30 am (RSVP Here)

12/5 - Regional Band Rehearsals and Clinic; AISD Performing Arts Center

12/6 - Regional Band Rehearsals and Clinic; AISD Performing Arts Center

12/8 - Girls Basketball vs HCMS @ SSMS; 8B/7A 5:15pm, 8A/7B 6:30pm

12/8 - Boys Basketball @ HCMS; 8B/7A 5:15pm, 8A/7B 6:30pm

12/9 - NJHS Meeting; 6th grade Pod @ 8:05am

12/9 - 7th/8th Grade Band Concert; Stage @ 6:30pm

12/9 - Middle School Night for Girls Basketball at DSHS

12/10 - Principal's Student Advisory Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 10:20am

12/10 - NJHS Meeting; 6th grade Pod @ 4:20pm

12/10 - Winter Choir Concert; Stage @ 6:30 pm

12/11 - FCA; Small Gym @ 8am (permission slip required)

12/11 - Dance Performance; Stage @ 6pm

12/12 - PTA Campus Tour; 11:30 am (RSVP Here)

12/12 - Choir Caroling at ES campuses

12/12 - PTA Sugar Shack 🍭🍪

12/12 - Winter Orchestra Concert, 7:00pm at DSHS (all DSISD string orchestras)

12/13 - Boys Basketball Barton Springs Tournament

12/15 - Girls Basketball @ HBMS; 8B/7A 5:15pm, 8A/7B 6:30pm

12/15 - Boys Basketball vs HBMS @ SSMS; 8B/7A 5:15pm, 8A/7B 6:30pm

12/15-12/18 - Finals Week

12/18 - Early Release

12/19 - Student Holiday/Teacher Work Day

12/22-1/2 - Winter Break - Staff/Student Holiday ❄️🎄

1/5-1/6 - Student Holiday/Teacher Work Day

1/7 - First Day of Spring Semester