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Sycamore Springs Middle School

Weekly Newsletter

Sycamore SpringsMiddle SchoolWeekly Newsletter
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March 3, 2025

Hello Sycamore Springs Middle School Families,


Happy Sunday! I hope you are enjoying the weekend. It is hard to believe that it is already March with Spring Break right around the corner. The school year is flying by! Please remember that the last day for 5th-7th grades to make changes to their course requests for next year is this Friday.


A big shout-out to our Theatre and Dance teams. Our UIL One Act Play got first place this Saturday and our Tiger Belle did amazing at their last competition. See below for a list of all their awards!!!


As always, if you need anything or have any questions, please contact your student's teacher, counselor, or administrator.


Go Tigers!


Sincerely,

Kelly Miller

Principal

1.This Thursday is our Principal's Coffee & Chat! We are excited to welcome all current and further SSMS parents to meet with Principal Miller from 8:15-9am in the Pecan Room.


2. SSMS Cheer Tryout are March 7! There is a mandatory parent Information Meeting on Feb. 28 (if you didn't make the Feb. 7 meeting). Come to our upcoming parent meeting on February 7th or on February 28th at 5 PM in the Sycamore Room. Get all the details about tryouts, scoresheet, cheer booster club, and more. We can’t wait to see you there! Cheer Tryouts are on March 7!

*It is mandatory to attend at least one parent information session if you daughter is going to tryout for SSMS Cheer.


3. Support the Student Council and Tiger Leaders school dance by making a donation! Your contribution helps us create an unforgettable event filled with fun, music, and memories. Whether it's helping with decorations or snacks, every little bit makes a difference. Let's come together and make this dance the best one yet! The dance is on April 4th and all donations are due by March 7. CLICK HERE!


4. Roaring Success: Supporting Teens in Grades 6-12. Please join us on March 4 from 5:30-8:30 at DSHS for this event. This event is tailored to address real-world issues affecting students in grades 6-12. These sessions will allow parents to gain tools to support their teenager and network with other parents and professionals. Please RSVP here for the event.


5. Our Lost & Found is once again full of jackets, water bottles, lunchboxes, and more! All unclaimed items will be placed in the Rotunda from March 10th–March 14th for students or parents to check. Any remaining items will be donated or discarded over Spring Break.


6. 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.


7. For 8th Grade Families - Check out the Rising Freshman Grade Newsletter for updates and events.


8. SSMS Attendance - We are continuing to see a rise in our attendance rates! Yay! But we are still well below are goal. Please help us continue to make attendance a priority at SSMS. Go Tigers!🐯💛

It’s hard to believe it is March!


Just a reminder that all 6 and 7 grade students have until March 7th to make changes to the courses for 25/26 that they selected in their Skyward account. March 7th is also the due date for students to fill out their applications for courses that require an application (PALS, Yearbook, Student Aid, Office Aid, CL & I Aid PAWs PE PAWs). We will not accept any applications after March 7th. Here is that link for the applications.


Current 8th grade students' deadline to submit their classes in Schoolinks has now passed. If your student needs to make changes to what they submitted, please email Sandy Zimmerman at sandra.zimmerman@dsisdtx.us Also, for any current 8th grade students wishing to have Off campus PE in their schedule, the HS Counselors are asking that the application be filled out and dropped off a the front desk at the High school. If this is not taken care of, the Off campus PE course will be removed by the HS counselor and the alternate course/s will be added in its place.


There has been a change to the middle school course catalog for the Engineering Courses. The Engineering classes no longer have a pre-requisite. Please view this change in case your student would like to take an Engineering course for the 25/26 school year.


On March 5 & 6, Cally Conklink, with Safe Schools will present a lesson to 8th grade students, in their Science class. The lesson will cover Substance Abuse Prevention. If you do not want your student to receive this lesson, please email Sandy Zimmerman at sandra.zimmerman@dsisdtx.us.


This Tuesday, March 4th, the District is hosting a parent night: Roaring Success for supporting teens in grades 6-12. The event is from 5:30-8:30 and offers several break out session options. Childcare will be available!


We hope you all have a great week!


LaDonna Caroselli, 6th Grade A-K & 7th Grade Counselor

Sandy Zimmerman, 6th Grade L-Z & 8th Grade Counselor

Lead (Leader in Me) - Weekly Spotlight Lead (Leader in Me) - Weekly Spotlight

Here’s the habit focus for the week. Take some time to review the habit, action items, and support section with your student(s).

🐯 Campus Announcements 📢 🐯 Campus Announcements 📢

Principal's Coffee & Chat ☕

This Thursday is our Principal's Coffee & Chat! We are excited to welcome all current and further SSMS parents to meet with Principal Miller from 8-9am in the Pecan Room.

Cheer Tryouts and Mandatory Parent Meetings!

Are you interested in learning more about cheer tryouts and how to be a part of our spirited school community? Come to our upcoming parent meetings on February 7th and February 28th at 5 PM in the Sycamore Room. Get all the details about tryouts, scoresheet, cheer booster club, and more. We can’t wait to see you there! Cheer Tryouts are on March 7!

*It is mandatory to attend at least one parent information session if you daughter is going to tryout for SSMS Cheer.

Spring Dance - Amazon Wishlist (by March 6)

Support the Student Council and Tiger Leaders school dance by making a donation! Your contribution helps us create an unforgettable event filled with fun, music, and memories. Whether it's helping with decorations or snacks, every little bit makes a difference. Let's come together and make this dance the best one yet! The dance is on April 4th and all donations need to be delivered by March 6th. CLICK HERE!

📢 Lost & Found is Overflowing!

Our Lost & Found is once again full of jackets, water bottles, lunchboxes, and more! All unclaimed items will be placed in the Rotunda from March 10th–March 14th for students or parents to check. Any remaining items will be donated or discarded over Spring Break.


If your student is missing something, please remind them to stop by and take a look! For valuable items like phones, headphones, or jewelry, please have them check with the front office.

Thank you for your help in clearing out our Lost & Found!

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2025-26 INCOMING 7TH GRADE TEXAS IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

Texas school immunization requirements are determined by the state legislature and set by the Texas Department of State Health Services, in conjunction with the Texas Education Agency.


All incoming 7th graders are required to have two immunizations:

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


If your child has already received these immunizations, you may drop off, fax (512-858-3699), or email (blair.smith@dsisdtx.us) the updated record at any time.


Please note: We can only accept a record from an electronic health record system if it includes the clinic's contact information and the provider's signature/stamp. A screenshot or print-out from your child's patient portal does not satisfy this requirement.


Your child’s immunization status is available for you to view in Skyward. Go to Family Access and click on the ‘Health Info’ tab located on the left side of the page.


Class schedules will not be released and students will not be allowed to start on the first day of school, August 13th, 2024, until an updated immunization record has been provided. Thank you for your understanding.


Please contact me with questions.

--

Blair Smith, RN, BSN

Nurse|Sycamore Springs Middle School

512-858-3604

Fax 512-858-3699

Attention 8th Graders 🐯 Attention 8th Graders 🐯

8th Grade Field Trip!

Our 8th Graders will go on their final middle school field trip on May 1! It will be a wonderful full day of team building and fun hosted at the Highland Lakes Conference center and facilitated by students from DSHS!

DSHS has created a Rising 9th Grade Newsletter to communicate all upcoming events. I will include the link in my weekly newsletters, but feel free to save the link and check it periodically for upcoming events. Click HERE to access the Rising 9th Grade Newsletter.


Click HERE or on the image below to access the HS course selection presentation. It is from the virtual sessions that the DSHS counselors presented last week.

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🎉 Campus Celebrations and Acknowledgements 🙌 🎉 Campus Celebrations and Acknowledgements 🙌

🤩SSMS Tigers of the Week!🤩

Congratulations to the following students!

🎂 Staff Birthdays 🎉

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

🏈🏐 Athletics 🏀🏐 🏈🏐 Athletics 🏀🏐

🐯 Boy's Athletics 🏈 🐯 Boy's Athletics 🏈

🎉 Congratulations to our Tiger of the Week: Hunter Bettridge!

Boys Track Schedule 🏃‍♂️

BOYS’ Soccer (7th & 8th) ⚽ BOYS’ Soccer (7th & 8th) ⚽

Are you interested in trying out for the 2025 SSMS Boys’ Soccer Teams? If so, BOYS click HERE Soccer Interest Form. These Forms can also be found around school for you to scan. Boys’ Tryouts will be on March 24-25 at 7:15 am. Outside doors by the cafeteria will open at 6:45 am and close at 7:10 am. Please download the SportsYou app and enter the following code (FJZLCTEJ) to stay up to date with all the important information. If you have any questions please reach out to the following coach. Boys - Coach Bookout at christopher.bookout@dsisdtx.us

🏀Girls' Athletics🏐 🏀Girls' Athletics🏐

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

Girls Track Schedule 🏃‍♀️

BOYS AND GIRLS Golf (7th & 8th) ⛳ BOYS AND GIRLS Golf (7th & 8th) ⛳

FORE!!!!!!!! The SSMS Golf Season is right around the corner. Tryouts will begin the Monday we get back from Spring Break, March 24th at 4:15pm on the SSMS Grass Field. Tryout details will be posted on SportsYou. There will be a quick player only meeting right after school in the small gym for those athletes not in the athletic class on Thursday, March 13th. If athletes are unable to make the meeting they will need to see Coach Pilcik earlier that day to get the information that will be talked about. Please download the SportsYou app, and enter the following code (UY7P94NT) to stay up to date with all the important information. Please scan the Interest Form QR posted in the Athletics Hallway or in the Cafeteria. You MUST have a physical on file and your own clubs in order to participate. If you have any questions please reach out to Coach Pilcik at neal.pilcik@dsisdtx.us

BOYS AND GIRLS Tennis (7th & 8th) 🎾 BOYS AND GIRLS Tennis (7th & 8th) 🎾

Hey guys, be an “ACE” and join tennis! We would “LOVE” to have you! Tennis Season starts after Spring Break and at the conclusion of track season. Girls will have tryouts on Monday March the 24th after school and boys on Tuesday March the 25th. Final cuts will be made on Wednesday the 26th with both boys and girls who made first cuts attending final tryouts. We will hold a parent meeting for those who make the team on March 27th here at SSMS; exact time and location TBA. We will post an announcement on SportsYou confirming the parent meeting and alert you of any changes if needed.


After school practices will start the 31st from 4:15-5:15, everyday except for match days and Fridays. We will try to practice 3 times a week weather permitting. If your athlete has private lessons at that time; we can work out a plan for that as well. Please download the SportsYou app and enter the following code (TS2U-9PBE) to stay up to date with all the important information for Tennis at SSMS. Thank you for your participation and remember Tiger Tennis kids always; HUSTLE, HIT, & NEVER QUIT!


If you have any questions please reach out to Coach Plum at jon.plum@dsisdtx.us .

GO TIGERS!

🐯 SSMS PTA 🐾 🐯 SSMS PTA 🐾

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SSMS PTA Updates:

  • It’s that time again—we’re seeking candidates for PTA Officer positions for the 2025-2026 school year. If you are interested in taking on a role in the PTA leadership (or know of someone who would be a good fit), please fill out this form to let us know! The nominating committee’s responsibility is to consider all persons interested in a particular PTA position. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to nominations@ssmspta.org

  • It seems as if allergies and germs are around every corner, and our SSMS Teachers are either dangerously low or out of supplies to keep our kiddos comfortable. If you would like to send in tissues and/or disinfecting wipes, please bring them in, send them with your student, or you can send them easily through our "Sniffles, Tigers, and Germs, Oh My!" Amazon Wishlist. Thank you for supporting our school!

  • The SSMS PTA is offering a new way to see our school in action! In an effort to increase family engagement, we will be doing parent-to-parent campus tours to give you a firsthand view of what our students and teachers do each and every day - sign up here!

  • The SSMS PTA and the SSMS Staff have been so grateful for the help we've received this year! The teachers get so much time back to spend in their classrooms with all of our children and will be able to start the New Year off with a little more ease. Sign up here!

  • We appreciate everyone that has joined SSMS PTA this year! If you haven't joined yet, please consider! It is open all year to new memberships, we appreciate each and every one of you. Go to joinpta.org to join.

  • Be sure to Like and Follow our Facebook and Instagram - we post information and updates daily, and we’ll show up more often in your feed the more you react to the posts!

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District/Community Announcements District/Community Announcements

DSISD Employee Recognition Program


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.

The program invites DSISD staff, students, parents and community members to participate by leaving a positive note about a staff member. Please click HERE to go to the district Tiger Stripe page.

Roaring Success: Supporting Teens in Grades 6-12

The inaugural DSISD Parent Resource Fair: Roaring Success will be held on March 4 at DSHS for all DSISD parents who have students in 6th-12th grade. Community resource booths will be present to offer parents information regarding their services from 5:30-6:30. Breakout sessions will be held for parents from 6:30-8:30 pm. Session topics include ‘A Day in the Life of a Student,’ Supporting Your Teens Mental Health, Red Flags in Teenage Relationships, Your Teens Digital Footprint, Vaping, Fentanyl, and Other Substance Misuse, and Stop the Bleed. This event aims to offer parents resources and education to support their students.

Please RSVP here for the event.


March 4, 2025

5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

DSHS Cafeteria

New Student Registration

Are you looking to enroll a student new to DSISD for the 2025-26 school year? New Student Registration and the Pre-K Lottery will open 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟯 𝗮𝘁 𝟯:𝟬𝟬 𝗣𝗠!

On Monday afternoon, families can visit either dsisdtx.us/pk (Pre-K) or dsisdtx.us/registration (K-12) to begin the registration process. Additional information about New Student Registration and the Pre-K Lottery can be found at the link below. We're excited to welcome our newest Tigers!


District News: https://www.dsisdtx.us/article/2051307

💛 SSMS Admin & Counselor Team 💛 💛 SSMS Admin & Counselor Team 💛

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🐯 SSMS Website
📅 DSISD 2024-2025 Academic Calendar
📆 DSISD 2024-2025 A/B Calendar
🔔 SSMS Bell Schedule 24-25
🏈🏐 DSISD UIL Eligibility Schedule 🏀⚽
SSMS Drop-Off/Pick-Up Information 🚗
⚠ Attendance Procedures
🆔 Buy a New ID
Rising 6th Grade Newsletter 🐯
Rising Freshman Newsletter 🐅

🗓Upcoming Events! 🗓Upcoming Events!

This Week:

Monday, 3/3 - A Day

TELPAS Reading & Writing Assessment


Tuesday, 3/4 - B Day

Battle of the Books

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

Cheer Clinic Day 1; Big Gym @ 4:30 pm

Roaring Success; 5:30 pm @ DSHS

Tiger Belles Parent Meeting; Cafeteria @ 6:30pm


Wednesday, 3/5 - A Day

FCA Meeting in Small Gym @ 8:15 am

UIL Competition @ LTMS

Student Council Meeting; P10 during Tiger Win

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

Cheer Clinic Day 2; Big Gym @ 4:30 pm


Thursday, 3/6 - B Day

Principal's Coffee; Pecan Room @ 8:15 am

Principal's Student Advisory Meeting; location TBD during Tiger Win

TELPAS Speaking & Listening Assessment

Cheer Clinic Day 3; Big Gym @ 4:30 pm

Deadline to Donate to Spring Dance - CLICK HERE!


Friday, 3/7 - B Day

Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day! 🙌

PTA Board Meeting; 8:15 am in Pecan Room

PTA Campus Tour; 11:30-12:00 - must sign up ahead of time (click HERE to sign up)

Cheer Tryouts; Big Gym @ 4:30 pm

5th-7th Graders - Deadline to Enter/Make Changes to Course Requests in Skyward!


Saturday, 3/8

UIL Competition @ HBMS

This Month:

3/11 - Band UIL Concert & Sightreading; Hays CISD Performing Arts Center

3/11 - Substance Use Prevention Lesson - 6th Grade

3/11 - Girls/Boys District Track Meet; @ LTHS - Day 1

3/12 - Band UIL Concert & Sightreading; Hays CISD Performing Arts Center

3/12 - Substance Use Prevention Lesson - 6th Grade

3/12 - Girls/Boys District Track Meet; @ LTHS - Day 2

3/13 - NJHS Meeting; 8:00 am or 4:15 pm in 6th grade pod

3/13 - Pre UIL Choir Concert;

3/14 - SSES Annual Field Day - Increase in Traffic and Parking 🚸

3/14 - PTA Campus Tour; 11:30-12:00 - must sign up ahead of time (click HERE to sign up)

3/17-3/21 - Spring Break - No School! 💐

3/24 - 8th Grade Panoramic Picture @ 10:30 am 📷

3/25 - SB 9 Parent Preview; Pecan Room @ 8 am or 2 pm

3/27 - Board of Trustees SSMS Campus Visit; 9:30 am

3/28 - Spring Pep Rally; during Tiger Win

3/28 - PTA Campus Tour; 11:30-12:00 - must sign up ahead of time (click HERE to sign up)

3/31 - Girls Soccer Parent Meeting; Gym @ 5:30pm

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

4/2 - Paraprofessional Appreciation Day! 🎉

4/2 - Student Council Meeting; P10 during Tiger Win

4/3 - Choir Contest; Hays CISD Performing Arts Center

4/4 - School Librarian Appreciation Day! 📚

4/4 - PTA Board Meeting; 8:15 am in Pecan Room

4/4 - PTA Campus Tour; 11:30-12:00 - must sign up ahead of time (click HERE to sign up)

4/4 - Spring Dance; 6-8pm 💃🕺

4/7-4/11 - National Assistant Principal Week! 🙌

4/8 - STAAR Testing - 6th Grade ELA

4/9 - STAAR Testing - 7th & 8th Grade ELA

4/10 - Principal Coffee & Chat; Pecan Room @ 8:15am

4/10 - STAAR Testing - ELA Make-up Day

4/10 - Girls Soccer vs BCMS @ SSMS

4/11 - PTA General Membership Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 8:15 am

4/11 - PTA Campus Tour; 11:30-12:00 - must sign up ahead of time (click HERE to sign up)

4/15 - STAAR Testing - 8th Grade Social Studies

4/16 - STAAR Testing - 8th Grade Social Studies - Make-up Day

4/16 - NJHS Meeting; 8:00 am or 4:15 pm in 6th grade pod

4/16 - FCA Meeting; 8:15 am in Small Gym

4/17 - Girls Soccer vs. HCMS @ SSMS (A Team Only)

4/18 - Holiday; No School 🐰🐣

4/21-4/25 - National Volunteer Week! 🎉

4/22 - School Bus Driver Appreciation Day! 🚍🙌

4/22 - STAAR Testing - 8th Grade Science

4/23 - STAAR Testing - 8th Grade Science - Make-up Day

4/23 - National Administrative Professional Day! 🙌

4/23 - FCA Meeting; 8:15 am in Small Gym

4/24 - Girls Soccer @ LTMS

4/25 - No School/Staff Professional Development Day - Founders Day! 🎠

4/29 - STAAR Testing - 6th Grade Math & Compacted Math

4/30 - STAAR Testing - 7th & 8th Grade Math - Make-up Day

4/30 - FCA Meeting; 8:15 am in Small Gym

5/1 - STAAR Testing - Math (all tests) - Make-up Day

5/1 - 8th Grade Field Trip!!! 🎈

5/1 - Girls Soccer @ WRMS

5/2 - School Lunch Hero Day 🙌

5/2 - PTA Board Meeting; Pecan Room @ 8:15am

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