Sycamore Springs Middle School

Hello Sycamore Springs Middle School Families,

November is off to an incredible start at Sycamore! This week brings a mix of excitement, community spirit, and celebration across our campus. Our 8th grade boys’ basketball team will take the court at the San Antonio Spurs’ Court of Dreams this Saturday—an unforgettable opportunity to represent SSMS in front of thousands of fans!

A huge shoutout to our amazing PTA and all the families who made the annual Chili and Halloweenie Lunch such a huge success! The food was fantastic, and our staff felt so appreciated. Another big thank you to the families who have donated board games. They’ve been a big hit during lunch and are helping students connect, laugh, and make new friends.

We’re also proud to support several meaningful causes this month, including Toys for Tots, led by our DSHS JROTC partners, and our SSMS Supply Stop, launched by the Principal’s Student Advisory Council to ensure every Tiger has the supplies they need to succeed.

Please also take a few minutes to review important updates below about state-mandated health screenings, our upcoming Veterans Day ceremony, and attendance reminders—our Tigers continue to shine with an impressive 97% attendance rate, and 6th grade is leading the way!

Thank you for staying connected and for being such an integral part of our Sycamore community. We’re grateful for your partnership and for the energy you bring to our campus every single week

Go Tigers!

Sincerely,

Kelly Miller

Principal

1. 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.

2. 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!

3.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.

4. 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.

5. 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

6. Secondary Grading Information: In DSISD, we believe consistent student attendance is essential to successful learning. Per Texas compulsory school attendance law, a student may not be given credit for a class unless the student is in attendance at least 90% of the days for each semester after the first date of enrollment.

How can you help as a parent? Partnership with our SSMS families is vital to ensure your student meets this state requirement and maximizes their learning. Please:

• Ensure your Tiger is present at school every opportunity possible. Of course, if your Tiger is ill, please keep them home.

• Consult the academic calendar before scheduling non-emergency appointments, family trips, or vacations. Since SSMS operates on a block schedule, missing just one day means your student actually misses two days' worth of critical instruction for those subjects. This adds up quickly and creates significant learning gaps.

• We are here to partner with you in resolving any concerns that impact your Tiger’s attendance.

7. SMS Attendance Matters - Weekly Update: We are proud to share our strong attendance results for Week 12! Our overall Average Daily Attendance (ADA) was 97.0%. This consistent effort keeps us hitting and exceeding our annual goal of 96.6%.

This week, we want to give a massive shout-out to the 6th Grade for maintaining the highest attendance rate at 98.0%! That is an incredible level of dedication to being present every single day. The 7th Grade also had a notable week, improving their attendance to 97.3%.

Thank you, SSMS families, for continuing to make attendance a top priority. Your partnership ensures your student doesn't miss out on critical instruction!

We had such a fun Red Ribbon Week! Thanks again to our Tiger Leaders and Student Council for organizing this!

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 are also hosting a parent preview/information session on Nov. 7 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Pecan room at SSMS.

7th grade parents will receive an email from Actionaly this Monday, November 2nd. This email will have the electronic opt in form for the lesson. If you want your student to receive this lesson, you must opt them in. The deadline is November 14, 2025.

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

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!

Thank you to everyone who has donated a board game to our campus! The students are loving having games to play after they eat lunch!!!

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! 🐯

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 Gianna Guerrero 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!!!

•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!

•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!

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!

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, 11/3 - A Day

Girls Basketball Parent Meeting; Big Gym @ 5:30pm

Tuesday, 11/4 - B Day

State-mandated Vision and Hearing Screenings - All 7th Graders

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

Wednesday, 11/5 - A Day

State-mandated Vision and Hearing Screenings - All 7th Graders

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

Thursday, 11/6 - B Day

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

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

Friday, 11/7 - B Day

PTA Board Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 8:15am

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

Saturday, 11/8

Regional Band Auditions

Spurs court of Dreams; Frost Bank Center SA @ 1:20 pm

11/10 - DSISD Council of PTA hosting Nutrition Panel; 6:30 pm @ RSES (RSVP here)

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

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

11/19 - 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 - Band-Regional Orchestra Sectional

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

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

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