Sycamore Springs Middle School

Hello Sycamore Springs Middle School Families,

Happy Sunday! I hope you and your family are enjoying the weekend. It is hard to believe that this is the last week of the fall semester! The year is flying by. Please make sure you are aware of the final exam schedule as we are running a different bell schedule starting this Tuesday!

The district will be closed for Winter Break from December 22 - January 2. Teachers and staff return on January 5 and 6 for teacher workdays and students return on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.

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. Our Student Council is hosting holiday dress up days and they are just around the corner (December 15th-19th). We’re excited to bring a little extra cheer to the halls. Please remind your student to check the theme for each day so they can join the fun. It’s a simple way to boost school spirit and help everyone end the semester on a bright note. Thanks for helping us keep the celebrations going. Make sure to check out the flyer below.

2. Fall Semester Exams begin this Tuesday! Friday, Dec. 19 is an early release day. Students will be dismissed at 1:10. Click HERE to see the schedule. All math and ELA classes will take the MAP tests instead of a final exam during finals week.

3. Lost and Found Update: Friday, December 19th, 2025 is a Lost & Found Donation Date. Anything not claimed by Friday at 12:00pm will be gathered up and donated to a local charity. That includes bags, water, bottles, electronics, glasses, etc.

4. Register NOW for study materials to practice over break at SSMS Spelling Bee Registration for the SSMS PTA Scripps Spelling Bee, Tues Jan 20th 2026 5:30PM SSMS Cafeteria. Questions, email spellingbee@ssmspta.org

5. UIL Academics gives students a chance to shine in subjects they enjoy while building skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. It’s a positive, confidence-building experience that supports both academic growth and personal development.

Competition Dates:

• Wednesday, March 25, 2025 at Bee Cave MS — transportation provided

• Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Lake Travis MS — transportation not provided

If your child is interested, please have them complete the UIL Interest Form on their Tigers Canvas page, or access it ,and other information, on our UIL Website. Filling out the form doesn’t commit them; it simply allows our UIL coaches to reach out with details on events and next steps. Please note that the student must be the one to fill out the form. Thanks for supporting your student and helping us build our UIL team!

6. This year, parents will have access to a parent portal in Lightspeed, which provides parents with visibility and control of their child's Chromebook during after-school hours. Parents will know when and what sites are accessed, and be able to pause internet or control app usage as needed to promote healthy screen time habits (after school hours and only for grades 6-12 who take home their Chromebook).

To access the user guide and link to sign up for the portal, please visit the Lightspeed page on the Digital Learning Site: https://www.dsisdtx.us/o/dsisd/page/lightspeed-parent-portal

Please direct any questions to EdTech Coordinator, April Requard (april.requard@dsisdtx.us)

7. Student Council Amazon Wishlist - Help our Student Council make school events and activities even better by donating from our Amazon Wishlist! Every contribution—big or small—helps bring new ideas to life and keeps our school spirit strong. Check out the wishlist and donate today!

8. SSMS Attendance Matters - Weekly Update: As we wrap up the semester, we are proud to share our strong attendance results for Week 17! Our overall Average Daily Attendance (ADA) was 96.2%. While this is a slight dip, it is still a solid performance as we head into the holiday break, and our year-to-date average of 97.0% keeps us consistently above our annual goal of 96.9!

This week, a huge congratulations goes once again to the 6th Grade, who achieved the highest attendance rate at 97.4%! Their commitment to being present every day continues to set the standard for the school.

Thank you, SSMS families, for continuing to make attendance a top priority. Every day your student is in class, they are building knowledge and avoiding crucial learning gaps before the break. Let's finish the semester strong!

Go Tigers!

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

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

Our Fall Exam Schedule is now available. Please make sure you are aware of updated bell schedule and which days your student has an exam. Friday, December 19 is an early release day. The school will not be serving lunch on this day.

Friday, December 19th, 2025 is a Lost & Found Donation Date. Anything not claimed by Friday at 12:00pm will be gathered up and donated to a local charity. That includes bags, water, bottles, electronics, glasses, etc.

In order to help parents more easily access the Lost and Found, it will be located in the front rotunda or out in front of the school Monday, December 15th – Friday, December 19th at 12:00pm. Please feel free to stop by and collect your students belongings.

**For any jewelry, electronics or valuables, please visit the Front Office.**

Donation Dates for the 2025–26 School Year:

• October 30, 2025

• December 19, 2025

• March 13, 2026

• May 22, 2026

Thank you for helping us keep Lost & Found manageable and ensuring items make it back home!

UIL Academics gives students a chance to shine in subjects they enjoy while building skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. It’s a positive, confidence-building experience that supports both academic growth and personal development.

Competition Dates:

• Wednesday, March 25, 2025 at Bee Cave MS — transportation provided

• Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Lake Travis MS — transportation not provided

If your child is interested, please have them complete the UIL Interest Form on their Tigers Canvas page, or access it, and other information, on our UIL Website. Filling out the form doesn’t commit them; it simply allows our UIL coaches to reach out with details on events and next steps. Please note that the student must be the one to fill out the form.

Thanks for supporting your student and helping us build our UIL team!

Best regards,

Michelle McCoy

Facilitator of Learning and Innovation

This year, parents will have access to a parent portal in Lightspeed, which provides parents with visibility and control of their child's Chromebook during after-school hours.

Parents will know when and what sites are accessed, and be able to pause internet or control app usage as needed to promote healthy screen time habits (after school hours and only for grades 6-12 who take home their Chromebook).

To access the user guide and link to sign up for the portal, please visit the Lightspeed page on the Digital Learning Site: https://www.dsisdtx.us/o/dsisd/page/lightspeed-parent-portal

Please direct any questions to EdTech Coordinator, April Requard (april.requard@dsisdtx.us)

Monday, 8/15 - Ugly Sweater Day

Tuesday, 8/16 - Holiday Characters

Wednesday, 8/17 - Winter Wonderland (blue, silver, white)

Thursday, 8/18 - Holiday Pajamas

Friday, 8/19 - Holiday Colors (wear red and green)

Hello Tigers! We're excited to announce that the Student Council is gearing up for a fantastic semester ahead! Join us in organizing school dances, spirit weeks, and more exciting events. This is your chance to make a meaningful impact and share your ideas! Interested in becoming a leader? Visit the Tigers SSMS Canvas page and click on the Student Council Sign-Up link. For more information, feel free to reach out to Mrs. Johnsey or check the weekly newsletter for details. Let’s make this year unforgettable! Go Tigers!

SCHOOL DANCE THEMES:

Hi SSMS, it’s that time of year again to vote for the dance! Please use the link below to cast your vote!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeueYlI5VUfkYEfVs5ijPieiaPJl9KZA87X3Mc9S2AV61cKkA/viewform?usp=header

Help our Student Council make school events and activities even better by donating from our Amazon Wishlist! Every contribution—big or small—helps bring new ideas to life and keeps our school spirit strong. Scan the QR code to check out the wishlist and donate today!

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! 🐯

A huge thank you to our incredible PTA for spoiling our staff at the annual Sugar Shack! The cookies, brownies, cakes, and sweet treats were absolutely loved and brought so much joy to our teachers during a busy time of year. We are so grateful for the care and support you show our staff. It truly makes a difference. 🍪💛

Congratulations to the Tiger of the Week!💪🎉

•Takes a TREE-mendous effort to run your SSMS PTA to benefit our students, teachers & staff! Please, help us SPRUCE up our funding with a “Holiday One-Click” Fundraiser. BRANCH OUT-share this to friends & family too! DONATE HERE: Jingle All the Way Holiday Fundraiser

•Special Holiday Ed: SSMS PTA Spirit Night PARTY, NEXT Wed Dec 17th 6PM at Homespun. Kids eat FREE w/entree, movie, and surprise visit from Santa! Proceeds benefit SSMS programs & events.

•Stay tuned for our winner of the YETI Hopper M12 Backpack from the SSMS PTA Membership Drive raffle last month! Thank you for growing our PTA to 377 members from 302 last year!

•Join the 13 participants studying NOW over Winter Break at SSMS Spelling Bee Registration for the SSMS PTA Scripps Spelling Bee, Tues Jan 20th 2026 5:30PM SSMS Cafeteria. Questions, email : spellingbee@ssmspta.org

•THANK YOU to all our NEW (& old!) SSMS PTA Workroom Volunteers who show up to free up teaching time to educate & mentor in the workroom WEEKLY. Just a few more slots to fill for 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, for All Abilities Month in Dec as well as a Talent Show Committee for Feb, headed by SSMS parent Carl Coccaro, and we’re STILL looking for volunteers to make events happen! Interested, email president@ssmspta.org

•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.

•Continuing to host informative SSMS PTA Parent to Parent Campus Tours in 26! Come see why SSMS received the School of Excellence Award before the incoming Class of 2033-6th Grade families arrive. 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!

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, 12/15 - A Day

Dress up day: Ugly Sweater Day

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

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

Tuesday, 12/16 - B Day

Dress up day: Holiday Characters

5th and 7th Period Exams (modified bell schedule)

Wednesday, 12/17 - A Day

Dress up day: Winter Wonderland (blue, silver, white)

1st and 3rd Period Exams (modified bell schedule)

Thursday, 12/18 - B Day

Dress up day: Holiday Pajamas

8th and 6th Period Exams (modified bell schedule)

Friday, 12/19 - A Day

Early Release

Dress up day: Holiday Colors (wear red and green)

2nd and 4th Period Exams (modified bell schedule)

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🙂

1/9 - Winter Pep Rally, during Tiger Win 📣🏀

1/9 - PTA Board Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 8:15am

1/9 - Boys Basketball Liberty Hill Tournament @ TDB

1/10 - Boys Basketball Liberty Hill Tournament @ TDB

1/10 - Girls Basketball Hays Tournament @ Hays ISD

1/14 - Principal Coffee & Chat; Pecan Room @ 8:15am

1/14 - Principal's Student Advisory Meeting; Tiger Win

1/15 - FCA; Small Gym @ 8am

1/15 - DSISD Lunch and Learn - Balancing School, Sports and Mental Health; 11:30am

1/15 - Boys Basketball Game @ WRMS; 7A/8B 5:15pm & 7B/8A 6:30pm

1/15 - Girls Basketball vs. WRMS @ SSMS; 7A/8B 5:15pm & 7B/8A 6:30pm

1/19 - District Holiday/No School

1/20 - Spelling Bee🐝; 6:30 pm in Cafeteria

1/21 - Elective Showcase; 5:30-7pm (all rising 6th graders and current 6th & 7th graders invited)

1/22 - FCA; Small Gym @ 8am

1/22 - Boys Basketball vs. BCMS @ SSMS; 7A/8B 5:15pm & 7B/8A 6:30pm

1/22 - Girls Basketball @ BCMS; 7A/8B 5:15pm & 7B/8A 6:30pm

1/24 - Boys Basketball HLMS B Team Tournament @ HCMS

1/24 - Girls Basketball District B Team Tournament @ West Ridge MS

1/24 - Dance Competition

1/24 - Choir Region Auditions

1/26 - FCA; Small Gym @ 8am

1/26 - Boys Basketball vs DSMS @ SSMS; 7A/8B 5:15pm & 7B/8A 6:30pm

1/26 - Girls Basketball vs DSMS @ DSHS; 7A/8B 5:15pm & 7B/8A 6:30pm

1/29 - Roots Meeting; F232 @ 8am

1/29 - Band Booster Club Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 5pm

1/31- Boys Basketball HLMS A Team Tournament @ BCMS

1/31 - Girls Basketball District A Team Tournament @ HBMS

2/2 - 2/6 - National School Counseling Week 🙌🎉

2/2 - SB 9 Parent Meeting; Pecan Room @ 9am

2/5 - FCA; Small Gym @ 8am

2/6 - PTA Souper Bowl Staff Luncheon 🏈🍲

2/7 - Dance Competition

2/9 - "7 Habits of Highly Effective Families" workshop for our DSISD families; CLL @ 8:30am

2/9 - 8th Grade Field Trip to DSHS (group 1); 9-10:30am

2/9 - Girls Track Parent Meeting; Big Gym @ 5:30pm

2/10 - Beginning Band Concert; Big Gym @ 6:30pm

2/11 - 8th Grade Field Trip to DSHS (group 2); 9-10:30am

2/11 - Principal's Student Advisory Meeting; Tiger Win

2/11 - Girls Track @ DSMS-Run Only; 4:15pm

2/11 - Boys Track @ SSMS - Run Only Event; 4:30pm

2/12 - FCA; Small Gym @ 8am

2/12 - DSISD Lunch and Learn - Fostering Grit; 11:30am

2/13 - Dance Tryout Clinic; 4:15pm

2/14 - Dance Competition

2/15 - National School Resource Officer Day 👮‍♂️🙌

2/16 - District Holiday/No School