Sycamore Springs Middle School

Hello Sycamore Springs Middle School Families,

I hope you are enjoying your weekend. This week kicks off our Volunteer Appreciation Week! 🙌 We are immensely grateful to all our volunteers, including the PTA, booster clubs, and CAC members, parents and community members, whose dedication and enthusiasm enrich our school. Your selfless contributions and unwavering support play a pivotal role in our success and the success of our students. Thank you for your time, energy, and continuous commitment to making a positive difference in every endeavor we undertake together.

Just a reminder that this Friday, April 24 is a student holiday/staff professional development day. We hope you enjoy the Founder's Day Festivities! 🎠🎡

Go Tigers!

Sincerely,

Kelly Miller

Principal

1. New Bell Schedule - For the 2026-2027 school year both middle school will move to a new hybrid bell schedule. Click HERE for more information.

2. Our Leader in Me MRA Survey is now open! Please click on this LINK to take the LIM Family Survey. It takes less than 5 minutes but provides us with invaluable insights into your family’s experience at our school. Students who have parent permission, will take the student survey on April 17 & 20 in ELA class.

3. Sycamore Springs Market Day is this Wednesday, April 22nd. Mark your calendars! Market Day is happening on Wednesday, April 22nd during all three lunch periods in the outside courtyard at Sycamore Springs Middle School. Students will be able to buy from our young entrepreneurs during all three lunch periods. Come support them by stopping by the outside courtyard to browse and shop!

4. The last STAAR test is on Tuesday, April 28: Math STAAR (All Grades).

• In the afternoon, students will attend their 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th period classes.

** See below for more information.

5. SSMS Field Trips are coming up... See flyer below for more information.

• April 29 - 8th Grade @ Highland Lakes ($40 per student)
• May 4 & 5 - 6th Grade @ Pedernales Falls (split into two groups) - Free
• May 11 & 12 - 7th Grade @ The Alamo (split into two groups) - Cost TBD

6. Save the Date... Our annual award assemblies have been scheduled. More detail to come later.

6th Grade - Tuesday, May 12

7th Grade - Wednesday, May 13

8th Grade - Friday, May 15

7. Visitor ID Scanning for End-of-Year Events: As we begin preparing for upcoming end-of-year events, we kindly ask that all parents and guardians ensure their IDs have been scanned into our system for the current school year if they plan to RSVP and attend any events on campus. Please see the link below for additional information. Visitor ID Scanning for End-of-Year Events

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

• April 29 - 8th Grade Field Trip to Highland Lakes; Click HERE to pay, Click HERE for Permission Slip
• May 11 - Incoming Freshman Athletics Parent Meeting; DSHS Cafeteria @ 6pm
• May 15 - 8th Grade Celebration; see flyer below for more information.

9. This Spring we're hosting our 2nd annual Super Smash Bros Tournament on Friday, May 15. The tournament will take place in the SSMS cafeteria after school from 4:15 to 6PM. Whether you are a first-time player or an experienced tournament pro, we'll love to have you there! It's a free event to all and there will be prizes for the Top 8 finishers at the tournament! Register here: https://forms.gle/LiGsKAgzZ9NoqhPZ7

10. April is Child Abuse Awareness Month. In honor of this month, Play It Safe is offering free access to all of the child safety videos. These are the same videos that the counseling department presents to students who have parental consent to attend the child safety lessons. However, the video access does not include access to the script. For more information click on this flyer.

11. 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.

12. SSMS Attendance Matters - Weekly Update: Our overall ADA for Week 32 was 96.0%. A huge shout-out to 6th Grade for leading the school at 97.0%, followed by 7th Grade at 95.6% and 8th Grade at 95.3%. We are getting closer to our campus goal of 96.9%, keep it up!

Every day spent in the classroom is an opportunity for growth, learning, and connection. Even a few absences can create gaps in learning, making it harder for students to keep pace with their peers.

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

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

Mark your calendars! Market Day is happening on Wednesday, April 22nd during all three lunch periods in the outside courtyard at Sycamore Springs Middle School.

Students will be able to buy from our young entrepreneurs during all three lunch periods. Come support them by stopping by the outside courtyard to browse and shop!

• Campus Visitor Policy: On STAAR Testing days, the campus will be closed to visitors, guests, or volunteers to maintain a secure and quiet testing environment.

• Lunch Schedule Adjustments: Lunch times will be shifted on STAAR Days. Please do NOT plan on delivering food as it will be difficult for us to deliver it to your child at the correct time. Send them with snacks or have them buy that day.

• Attendance and Arrival: PLEASE BE ON TIME. Testing starts at 8:50am. Late arrivals are disruptive and have to be administered the directions individually or in small groups. You can help your child and the school be successful by ensuring your child is on time.

• Testing Dates: Please see the "Coming Up" section of this newsletter.

• Health and Wellness: Make sure your child gets a good night's sleep and a healthy breakfast!

April 28....Math STAAR 6th, 7th, and 8th

PLEASE do NOT try to pick your child up early on STAAR days. Again, it is very disruptive and is a strain on staff. Let your child stay all day and then celebrate when school's out!

As we begin preparing for upcoming end-of-year events, we kindly ask that all parents and guardians ensure their IDs have been scanned into our system for the current school year if they plan to RSVP and attend any events on campus. Please see the link below for additional information.

Visitor ID Scanning for End-of-Year Events

Please see flyer below for upcoming field trips. More information will be coming.

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

1. 8th Grade Student Field Trip: April 29 at Highland Lakes Camp and it’s $40 per student. Permission slips were sent home last week. Please pay here for your student ASAP.

• Here’s a link to the Highland Lakes permission slips if you need to print them. Students need to turn them in to their Tiger Win Teacher.

• Complete Actionally Permission (emailed)

• Here’s the form for any dietary needs or restrictions.

2. 8th Grade Celebration: May 15 at 1:00 pm The Celebration will start in the Gym then the clap out through SSES and SSMS and then celebration will end in the courtyard. We are planning pizza, sodas, and ice cream to celebrate our students. Fill out this snacks interest form! Suggested donation $10; please send your donation via Venmo to Laura Metcalf (@Laura-Metcalf-1, code 4683).

More details will be out soon. Please limit guests to two family members per student due to limited seating. If you haven’t already had your ID scanned this school year at SSMS you can come by the office to do so before May 13. This will allow us to have your sticker printed beforehand.

3. 8th Grade Yard Signs: A fun SSMS tradition and the deadline is April 24. As we approach the end of the school year, it’s time to order yard signs to celebrate our 8th graders! Please complete the yard sign FORM for your student. If you have more than one student in the same grade, kindly submit a separate form for each child.

4. 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 Transition Events:

• May 11 - Incoming Freshman Athletics Parent Meeting; DSHS Cafeteria @ 6pm

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! 🐯

We are proud to share that Mr. Shane has been named the VFW District 5 Middle School Teacher of the Year!

This is an incredible honor, and a reflection of the positive impact he makes on our students and school community each day. We are fortunate to have him at Sycamore Springs.

Congratulations to the Tiger of the Week!💪🎉

Athletic Development - Competition Week Champions! 🏆

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

Choir Student of the Week!: Thor Rappoport

Thor has always been super enthusiastic about choir! He always sings with might and is working so hard on his music theory! Thank you, Thor for being a leader!

• The SSMS PTA following their April Membership ‘Elections’ Meeting last Friday is pleased to announce that the SSMS PTA 2026-2027 Executive Board was approved! (2) Council Delegates and Parliamentarian are appointed positions. To be considered or for any interest for VP of Volunteers, please contact: president@ssmspta.org

• The SSMS PTA following their April Membership ‘Elections’ Meeting is pleased to announce the SSMS PTA 2026-2027 Executive Board was approved! (2) Council Delegates and Parliamentarian are appointed positions. To be considered, please contact: president@rsespta.org

• Save the Date: We have just ONE more SSMS PTA Membership Meeting, Friday May 8th 8:15AM in the Sycamore Room. We hope to see you there!

• Our ongoing SSMS PTA “One-Click’ Fundraiser benefits upcoming events such as the upcoming SSMS Staff Appreciations in May & ESport Tournament, along with student & staff grants. DONATE HERE (easily once or monthly): 2025-2026: Show Your Tiger Spirit! Questions? Email: SSMS PTA Fundraising at fundraising@ssmspta.org

• Thank you to the Austin Cotillion for their support and donations from enrollments! Stay tuned for Fall registration. Follow here: HOME | Austin Cotillion

• We appreciate our regular SSMS PTA Workroom Volunteers and would love to see NEW faces who show up to help free up teaching time to educate & mentor in the workroom WEEKLY-we need help: Mon & Weds-4/20, 4/22, 4/27, 4/29, and Fri 5/1 Sign up here: SignUpGenius - Mobile Note: You must have a current background check completed with DSISD Inspiring Volunteers, Volunteering at DSISD | Dripping Springs

• HELP! SSMS PTA Lunch Volunteers are needed for just 30 mins to give students outside time on days without April showers! Sign up now: SignUpGenius - Mobile Note: You must have a current background check completed with DSISD Inspiring Volunteers, Volunteering at DSISD | Dripping Springs

• On behalf of the SSMS 8th Grade Parents: Celebrate the Class of 2030 with a graduation yard sign for $6! Orders close THIS Fri 4/24 Fill out this form and see payment info on top: SSMS CLASS OF 2030 YARD SIGN Interested in volunteering for the 8th Grade Celebration email: ssms8thgraders@gmail.com

• ACTION: SSMS Parents please make sure IDs have been scanned into system PRIOR to EOY events! If you haven’t visit the SSMS Front Office Mon-Fri 8AM-4PM otherwise badge won’t be preprinted when RSVPing at a later time closer to events. Please also note: Due to space, each student will be limited to TWO guests at the EOY celebration. Thank you!

• Also, on behalf of Ms. Rill and the 8th Grade Passion Project: School Supply Drive to benefit ALL students. Please, consider donating these lightly used or new supplies OR donate this Venmo (See graphic) from April 15th-May 1st Email questions to: maryep2025@gmail.com

• Last, 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!

Hi, I’m Ellie Rios, and for my 8th grade passion project, I’m organizing a benefit concert for Hugo Goffe, a 7th grader at our school who is bravely fighting leukemia. Join us for an evening of music, and fundraising. Please help spread the word by sharing and posting the flyer! All proceeds are going to Blood Cancer United, an organization that raises money for people battling blood cancer. Your support means the world to Hugo and his family. If you are not able to make it there is a QR code that let’s you donate. The event will be at Hudsons On Mercer on Saturday May 2nd from 5-7 pm. Flyer attached for more details!

National Volunteer Recognition Week 🎉

Monday, 4/20 - A Day

FCA Meeting; Small Gym @ 8am

LiM MRA Survey for Students; ELA Classes

8th Grade Juvenile Laws & Bullying Presentation by Safe Schools

Golf @ LTISD Tournament; Hidden Falls @ 4:10pm

Tuesday, 4/21 - B Day

Tennis vs HCMS @ WHS; 5:30pm

Wednesday, 4/22 - A Day

National Administrative Assistant Day! 🎉

Thursday, 4/23 - B Day

Roots Meeting; 8:00 in F232

8th Grade Juvenile Laws & Bullying Presentation by Safe Schools

PTA Parent-to-Parent Tour; 11:30am (Sign-up HERE)

Band Booster Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 5pm

Girls Soccer @ HCMS; 5pm

Boys Soccer @ HCMS; 6:15pm

Friday, 4/24 - Student Holiday/Staff Workday (Founders Weekend) 🤹‍♂️

Saturday, 4/25 - Band Performing @ Founders Day Stage

4/27 - FCA Meeting; Small Gym @ 8am

4/27 - Golf @ DSISD Tournament; Grey Rock @ 4:10pm

4/28 - Bus Driver Appreciation Day! 🚌

4/28 - Math STAAR Test (All Grades)

4/28 - Tennis vs HBMS @ DSHS; 5:30 pm

4/29 - 8th Grade Field Trip 🎉

4/29 - Principal Coffee and Chat; Pecan Room @ 8:15

4/29 - PTA Parent-to-Parent Tour; 11:30am (Sign-up HERE)

4/29 - DSISD Evening of Jazz; Canyonwood Ridge @ 6:30pm

4/30 - CAC Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 7:45am

4/30 - Boys Soccer @ HBMS; 5/6:15pm

4/30 - Girls Soccer vs HBMS @ SSMS; 5/6:15pm

5/1 - Math STAAR Makeup Test (All Grades)

5/1 - PTA Board Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 8:15am

5/1 - PTA Parent-to-Parent Tour; 11:30am (Sign-up HERE)

5/1 - Musical Theatre Showcase; Cafeteria @ 7:00pm

5/4-5/8 - Teacher Appreciation Week!!!👩‍🏫🎉

5/4 - FCA Meeting; Small Gym @ 8am

5/4 - 6th Grade Field Trip to Pedernales Falls (Group 1)

5/4 - Golf @ WRMS Tournament; Vaaler Creek @ 4:10pm

5/5 - 6th Grade Field Trip to Pedernales Falls (Group 2)

5/5 - Tennis vs WRMS @ WHS; 5:30pm

5/6 - School Nurse Appreciation Day! 👩‍⚕️

5/7 - Staff Faculty Meeting; No tutorials

5/7 - Girls Soccer @ WRMS; 5pm

5/7 - Boys Soccer @ WRMS; 6:15pm

5/8 - PTA Membership Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 8:15am

5/8 - PTA Parent-to-Parent Tour; 11:30am (Sign-up HERE)

5/8 - Mean Girls Jr. Musical; TBD

5/9 - Band Schlitterbahn Trip

5/9 - Mean Girls Jr. Musical; TBD

5/11 - FCA Meeting; Small Gym @ 8am

5/11 - 7th Grade Field Trip to The Alamo (Group 1)

5/11 - Extrava-Banda Band Concert; Gym @ 6:30pm

5/12 - 7th Grade Field Trip to The Alamo (Group 2)

5/12 - 8th Grade Passion Projects; Small Gym

5/12 - ACC End of Year Celebration

5/12 - 6th Grade Award Assembly; Big Gym @ 3pm (by invitation)

5/12 - NJHS Meeting; 6th Grade Pod @ 4:20pm

5/12 - Golf @ HLMS District Tournament; Legends @ 4:10pm

5/12 - Tennis vs BCMS @ DSHS; 5:30pm

5/13 - NJHS Meeting; 6th Grade Pod @ 8:05am

5/13 - 8th Grade Passion Projects; Small Gym

5/13 - PTA Parent-to-Parent Tour; 11:30am (Sign-up HERE)

5/13 - 7th Grade Award Assembly; Big Gym @ 3pm (by invitation)

5/13 - Boys Soccer @ BCMS; 5/6:15pm

5/13 - Girls Soccer vs BCMS @ SSMS; 5/6:15pm

5/14 - Tigers Rise (Rising 5th Graders Visit SSMS) 🐯

5/14 - Tiger Orchestras Final Concert; DSHS Pac

5/15 - PTA Parent-to-Parent Tour; 11:30am (Sign-up HERE)

5/15 - 8th Grade Award Assembly & Celebration

5/15 - ESport Smash Tournament; Cafeteria @ 4:15pm

5/15 - Cheer Showcase; Big Gym @ 5:30pm

5/18 - FCA Meeting; Small Gym @ 8am

5/18 - Girls Soccer vs DSMS @ DSHS; 5/6:15pm

5/18 - Boys Soccer vs SSMS @ SSMS; 5/6:15pm

5/18 - Tennis vs DSMS @ DSHS; 5:30pm

5/19 - Final Exams

5/19 - NJHS Ceremony; Cafeteria @ 7pm

5/20 - Final Exams

5/21 - Final Exams

5/22 - Final Exams

5/22 - Last Day of School!!! 😎 (Early Release)