Sycamore Springs Middle School

Hello Sycamore Springs Middle School Families,

Happy Sunday! It’s a busy and spirited week at Sycamore! We’re kicking off Red Ribbon Week, and our Student Council invites all Tigers to show off their creativity and pride during our campus-wide dress-up competition. Don’t forget, the best-dressed at each lunch win sweet candy prizes!

As we wrap up October, please take a moment to check the Lost & Found in the front rotunda—any unclaimed items will be donated at the end of the week. Our Principal’s Student Advisory Council is also continuing their Supply Stop donation drive, ensuring every Tiger has what they need to succeed.

You’ll also find details this week about our Veterans Day Ceremony, state-mandated health screenings, and the Court of Dreams basketball event, where our 8th grade A team will play on the San Antonio Spurs court before the pros take the floor!

Finally, don’t miss reminders about tutorial times, opportunities to serve on district committees, and the NARCAN Family Presentation happening October 29.

Thank you for staying connected and for all you do to support our Tigers. Your partnership makes all the difference!

Thank you for staying connected and for all the ways you support our campus.

Go Tigers!

Sincerely,

Kelly Miller

Principal

1. Red Ribbon Week is THIS WEEK, and your Student Council wants YOU to show off your Tiger pride and take a stand against drugs — in style! This is a dress-up competition, so bring your best looks all week long! The best dressed Tigers at every lunch will score some sweet candy prizes — so don’t hold back!

2. Doctor’s Notes Through 10/31 Due: With our 2nd 6 weeks coming to an end on 10/31, please turn in all doctor’s notes from between 9/22 and 10/31 into the attendance office by 11/7. Doctor’s notes from between these dates submitted after 11/7 will not be accepted. You can email doctor’s notes to ssmsattendance@dsisdtx.us or give them to the front office.

3. Lost and Found - This week is donation week! The Lost & Found will be located in the front rotunda or out front of the school from Monday, October 27th through Thursday, October 30th at 12:00 p.m. After 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, all remaining items will be gathered and donated to a local charity or shelter. Any jewelry, electronics, or other valuables are kept in the front office, please see the receptionist for assistance with those items. They will be donated as well.

4. Don't forget that this Friday, October 31, is a teacher workday and student holiday. We hope that you and your family have a wonderful Halloween and enjoy the extended weekend! 🎃👻

5. Toys for Tots 2025 - 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.

Toys for Tots Caliterra Holiday Event happening on November 1st, from 11-2. This wonderful, family friendly event is in its 7th year and includes free Santa pics, bouncy house, games, and holiday fun. All are welcome.

6. 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.

7. Attention all Veterans - We invite all veterans to join SSMS as we honor you for your selfless service to our nation. A ceremony will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 10:30 am. Please fill out the form at this LINK so that we can prepare a seat for you. For more information, see the flyer below.

8. Court of Dreams - SSMS vs DSMS @ SA Spurs Court - Exciting new Sycamore Springs fam! Our 8th grade A basketball team has an incredible once-in-a-lifetime chance to shine on the San Antonio Spurs' court through the Court of Dreams program. They'll face off against Dripping Springs right before the Spurs take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday, November 8 at 1:20 PM. See the flyer below for all the details, and click HERE to grab your tickets and cheer on our Tigers!

9. State-mandated Health Screenings - Nurse Smith will be 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 vision and hearing disorders, and Acanthosis Nigricans. The vision and hearing screens will occur on Nov. 4 & 5. Please click on this LINK to read the full letter from Nurse Smith.

10. Call for Committee Members - DSISD is seeking secondary students, staff and principals to serve on the following committees:

• High School #2 Naming & Branding Committee
  Open to staff and secondary students

• District of Innovation Committee
  Open to staff and principals

**DSISD Committee Staff/Student Interest Form

11. Secondary Grading Information: At DSISD, we believe students grow most when they take ownership of their learning. For this reason, students are expected to take the initiative in attending tutorials, participating in interventions, and using retake opportunities to show mastery.

Tutorial Times:

• Morning Tutorials: 8:20–8:45 a.m. daily

• Tiger WIN: Monday–Thursday, 10:20–11:10 a.m.

How can parents help?
You play a vital role in helping your Tiger develop responsibility and confidence. Here are a few ways to support them:

• Ensure your Tiger knows when and where tutorials are offered.

• Encourage them to attend tutorials if they’re struggling with a concept or unsure about an assignment.

• Remind them to reach out to their teacher(s) with questions or for clarification.

Your partnership makes a tremendous difference in our students’ success. Thank you for supporting your Tiger’s learning journey!

12. DSISD is hosting a NARCAN presentation for families on October 29th. The event will be held at the Center for Learning & Leadership at 6:00 p.m. Dr. Kelly Clary from Texas State University will present on the use of NARCAN as well as opioid abuse. Please use this link to RSVP. Contact us at retta.ary@dsisdtx.us with any questions

13. SMS Attendance Matters - Weekly Update: We have more great news to share! Our overall Average Daily Attendance (ADA) for Week 11 was 97.2%. This impressive figure keeps us consistently above our annual goal of 96.6% and shows how much our community values being in the classroom every day.

We'd like to celebrate the 6th Grade this week for achieving the highest ADA with an amazing 98.1%! They continue to set a high standard for attendance at SSMS.

Thank you to all of our students and families for your continued partnership. Remember, consistent attendance is the single most important factor in preventing learning gaps. Let's keep this fantastic momentum rolling into the next week!

Happy Red Ribbon Week! Shoutout to all the Tiger Leaders and Student Council who organized this week’s events. Dress up days are in Mrs. Miller’s Newsletter.

October recap: This month, 6th and 7th grade received a presentation on Vaping Prevention from Safe Schools. 8th graders will receive their presentation from the High School Health Science students on December 1 & 2 during Tiger Win time. Last week, those 7th graders who had parental consent, completed the Terrace Metrics. This week we will be working on pulling any 7th graders who were absent and missed the assessment. Once we have absent students caught up, parents will receive their student’s results in an email from Terrace Metrics by the end of next week. If you have any questions, please reach out to your student’s counselor.

We hope everyone stays safe and enjoys this Friday off! Go Tigers!

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

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

Red Ribbon Week is coming up, and your Student Council wants YOU to show off your Tiger pride and take a stand against drugs — in style!

This is a dress-up competition, so bring your best looks all week long! The best dressed Tigers at every lunch will score some sweet candy prizes — so don’t hold back!

Let’s see that Tiger Spirit, make it fun, and help us end the battle against drugs!

Dress up. Show out. Go Tigers!

Our Lost & Found fills up quickly! To help keep things organized, unclaimed items will be cleaned out and donated on the following dates this school year: October 30, 2025 · November 21, 2025 · December 19, 2025 · March 13, 2026 · May 22, 2026

Please encourage your students to check the Lost & Found regularly so their belongings don’t get donated.

**This week is donation week! The Lost & Found will be located in the front rotunda or out front of the school from Monday, October 27th through Thursday, October 30th at 12:00 p.m.

After 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, all remaining items will be gathered and donated to a local charity or shelter. Any jewelry, electronics, or other valuables are kept in the front office, please see the receptionist for assistance with those items. They will be donated as well.

Nurse Smith will be 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 vision and hearing disorders, and Acanthosis Nigricans. Please click on this LINK to read the full letter from Nurse Smith.

Round 1 will take place on November 4th and 5th during Science and will involve:

-All of 7th grade: Vision, hearing, and Acanthosis Nigricans screening (marker on back of neck for Type 2 Diabetes)

Round 2 timing TBD (notification will be sent out) and will involve:

-All 7th grade girls: Scoliosis

-All 8th grade boys: Scoliosis

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.

Exciting new Sycamore Springs fam! Our 8th grade A basketball team has an incredible once-in-a-lifetime chance to shine on the San Antonio Spurs' court through the Court of Dreams program. They'll face off against Dripping Springs right before the Spurs take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday, November 8 at 1:20 PM. See the attached flyer for all the details, and scan the QR code to grab your tickets and cheer on our Tigers!

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! 🐯

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, Will McEvoy!

We’re excited to announce that tryouts for the SSMS basketball team are just around the corner! Mark your calendars for October 23th-24th and 27th-28th. All SSMS students are welcome to try out, as long as they have up-to-date physical and medical history forms on file.

If you're not in the Athletic class, don’t worry—simply email Coach E or Coach Pilcik so arrangements can be made for tryouts.

Please click the link below to fill out the interest form sign-up. This interest form will also let you know which days each grade level will have tryouts. While sign-ups help coaches prepare, you’re still welcome to try out even if you don’t sign up in advance.

Stay tuned for more details—we can’t wait to see you on the court!

https://forms.gle/EY9iMVeG6a2pyFGK6

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

Our Cheerleader of the Week is Morgan!

New to the team this year, she has embraced every challenge with confidence and enthusiasm. You can’t help but stop and appreciate the spirit and energy Morgan works on the sidelines. She’s crazy talented at bringing the hype and getting the crowd engaged, like a true leader of cheer and we love her for it!!

Please help me in congratulating our Tiger Belles of the Week!!!

•Just a few weeks left for SSMS PTA Reflections entries-due Fri Nov 14th! The entry box is NOW in the front office (w/ paper entry forms inside) and questions can be directed to reflections@ssmspta.org. Entry forms and rules are also 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!

•HOP to it! It’s not too late to JoinPTA – JoinPTA to be entered in the next TWO drawings (10/30 & 11/28) for SSMS PTA Membership! Next week, 10/30 it’s for a YETI Hopper Flip 12, just in time for Halloween!

•The SSMS PTA 2nd Annual Halloweenie Chili & Hot Dog Bar is THIS weekend, Wed 10/29 and it’s SCARY-we still need donations! Bring your famous chili or donate a dish and/or volunteer! Sign up here: SignUpGenius - Mobile

•THANK YOU to all our NEW (& old!) Workroom Volunteers who show up to free up teaching time to educate & mentor in the workroom WEEKLY. We’re set until next week with 11/4, 11/7, and 11/12 still open!! 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 looking for volunteers! Interested, email president@ssmspta.org

•Save the Date: DSISD PTA Council Tiger Talks of 25’-26’ is in two weeks, 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 NEXT month, Wed 11/12 6:30-7:15PM. This is a screen-free event for ALL DSISD middle schoolers. Stay tuned-more LIMITED spots are opening up soon! 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.

•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!

Toys for Tots 2025 is up and running! Caliterra Holiday Event happening on November 1st, from 11-2. This wonderful, family friendly event is in its 7th year and includes free Santa pics, bouncy house, games, and holiday fun. All are welcome.

DSISD is seeking secondary students, staff and principals to serve on the following committees:

• High School #2 Naming & Branding Committee
  Open to staff and secondary students

• District of Innovation Committee
  Open to staff and principals

**DSISD Committee Staff/Student Interest Form

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, 10/27 - A Day

Tuesday, 10/28 - B Day

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

Wednesday, 10/29 - A Day

PTA Chili Cook-off; Sign-up HERE 👻🎃

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

Boys Basketball Parent Meeting; Comp Gym @ 5:30pm

Thursday, 10/30 - B Day

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

Roots Meeting; F232 @ 8am

Friday, 10/31 - Staff Workday/Student Holiday 🎃👻

11/3 - Girls Basketball Parent Meeting; Big Gym @ 5:30pm

11/4 - State-mandated Vision and Hearing Screenings - All 7th Graders

11/4 - Taxpayer Tuesday; 9:15 am @ Dripping Springs High School (RSVP at this link)

11/5 - State-mandated Vision and Hearing Screenings - All 7th Graders

11/5 - Girls Basketball vs DSMS @ SSMS; 8B/7A 5:15pm, 8A/7B 6:30pm

11/6 - FCA; Small Gym @ 8am (permission slip required)

11/6 - Boys Basketball @ DSMS; 8B/7A 5:15pm, 8A/7B 6:30pm

11/7 - PTA Board Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 8:15am

11/8 - Regional Band Auditions

11/8 - Spurs court of Dreams; Frost Bank Center SA @ 1:20 pm

11/12 - Principal's Coffee and Chat; Sycamore Room @ 8:15am

11/12 - Principal's Student Advisory Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 10:20am

11/13 - FCA; Small Gym @ 8am (permission slip required)

11/13 - Girls Basketball vs BCMS @ SSMS; 8B/7A 5:15pm, 8A/7B 6:30pm

11/13 - Boys Basketball @ BCMS; 8B/7A 5:15pm, 8A/7B 6:30pm

11/13 - Musical Performance; Cafe @ 7pm

11/14 - PTA Membership Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 8:15am

11/14 - Choir Solo Contest; 4pm @ DSMS

11/14 - Musical Performance; Cafe @ 7pm

11/15 - Musical Performance; Cafe @ 7pm

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

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

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

11/20 - Girls Basketball Team Pictures

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

11/21 - Band-Regional Orchestra Sectional

11/22 - Orchestra Rehearsal/Concert; AISD Performing Arts Center

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 - 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 - 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 - Winter Choir Concert; Stage @ 6:30 pm

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

12/11 - Dance Performance; Stage @ 6pm

12/12 - Choir Caroling at ES campuses

12/12 - PTA Sugar Shack 🍭🍪

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