Sycamore Springs Middle School

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 this Thursday, March 5 is the last day for 5th-7th grades to make changes to their course requests for next year. If you have questions, reach out to one of our counselors.

A big shout-out to our Tiger Belles for taking home the title of Middle School State Champions this past weekend! What a tremendous accomplishment for this amazing group of girls!

As always, thank you for your partnership and for supporting your Tiger each day. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a teacher, counselor, or administrator.

Go Tigers!

Sincerely,

Kelly Miller

Principal

1. This Friday, March 6, is a student holiday. We hope that you enjoy the long weekend!

2. Yearbook copies are officially running low! This week will be one of the last opportunities to guarantee yourself a copy. Buy yours today before it's too late by clicking HERE.

3. We want to remind families that parents and guardians are encouraged to partner with teachers in support of student learning. If you would like to schedule a parent-teacher conference, you may do so by reaching out to your child’s teacher directly. Conferences can be arranged at a mutually convenient time to discuss your student’s progress, strengths, and areas of growth.

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

• March 23 - 8th Grade Panoramic Picture - during Tiger Win
• May 11 - Incoming Freshman Athletics Parent Meeting; DSHS Cafeteria @ 6pm

5. Off-Campus PE Parent Information Q&A - Join us for an informative virtual session about DSISD’s Off-Campus Physical Education Program, where we’ll provide a brief overview and answer parent questions!

• March 5, 2026: Google Meet Link

6. Step into an Enchanted Garden on March 27 from 6–8 PM for a night of music, lights, and a little magic! Hosted by Student Council with support from our admin team, this is a night you won’t want to miss. Student Council is transforming our cafeteria into a magical garden to create a fun, memory-making evening for our students.

• Click HERE to access our Amazon Wishlist.

• Click HERE to sign up to volunteer.
• Click HERE for the background check.

7. 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.

8.SSMS Attendance Matters - Weekly Update: Week 26 results are in! Our overall Average Daily Attendance (ADA) was 94.7%. While we are still pushing toward our campus goal of 96.9%, a huge shout-out goes to our 6th Graders for leading the school this week with an attendance rate of 95.6%, followed by 8th Grade at 94.5% and 7th Grade at 93.8%.

Maintaining consistent attendance is vital for academic credit and student success. Per Texas law, students must attend at least 90% of their classes—staying within a limit of 5 unexcused absences this spring—to receive course credit. Because our block schedule means missing one day is actually missing two days of instruction for those subjects, we ask that you report all absences within 48 hours via Family Access and consult the school calendar before scheduling non-emergency appointments. Thank you for partnering with us to keep our Tigers on track!

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

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

Yearbook copies are officially running low! This week will be one of the last opportunities to guarantee yourself a copy. Buy yours today before it's too late by clicking HERE.

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

• Tickets are $5.00 (cash only) and will be sold March 9-13 in the cafeteria. Wristbands will be handed out March 24-26 during lunches.
• To help bring this vision to life, we’re asking for donations through our Amazon Wishlist (link below). Thank you to our amazing Tiger parents for your continued support!
• We’re also seeking parent volunteers for post-dance cleanup from 8:10–8:45 PM on March 27.
• A completed background check is required; see the flyer for details. We appreciate your help in making this event a success.

• Click HERE to access our Amazon Wishlist.

• Click HERE to sign up to volunteer.
• Click HERE for the background check.

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 Events:

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

Our annual 8th grade panoramic picture has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 24 during Tiger Win. Please see flyer below for more information.

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! 🐯

Congratulations to the Tiger of the Week!💪🎉

Congratulations!!!

• Emily Helsley: Selected for her poise, patience, and respectful nature.

• Halle Beale: Recognized for her focus, humor, and infectious positive attitude.

• Sabine Adair: Chosen for always having a respectful attitude with her peers and teachers.

• Alex Jensen: Honored for his eagerness to learn and his vibrant participation in singing.

• Danae Luddy: Chosen for being exceptionally prepared and handling every situation with grace and patience.

You all rock! Congratulations!

• Send the SSMS PTA “One-Click LOVE Fund” Fundraiser some love! It helps programming like our upcoming 26’ SSMS PTA Talent Show, Student & Staff Grants, and much MORE! DONATE HERE (easily once or monthly): February Edition: Spirit Nights THANK YOU for all the generous contributions so far! Questions? Email: SSMS PTA Fundraising at fundraising@ssmspta.org

• SSMS PTA Lunch Volunteers for additional help during lunchtimes. Great way to volunteer for 30mins! Stay tuned at this link for updated sign ups: SignUpGenius - Mobile Note: You must have a current background check completed with DSISD Inspiring Volunteers, Volunteering at DSISD | Dripping Springs

• SSMS PTA Parent to Parent Campus Tours for Feb and March! Come see why SSMS received the School of Excellence Award-perfect for incoming 6th Grade Parents! Friday 2/27 and Thurs 3/5 and Fri 3/13 11:30AM-12:15PM Sign up here: SignUpGenius - Mobile

• THANK YOU to all our SSMS PTA Workroom Volunteers who show up to free up teaching time to educate & mentor in the workroom WEEKLY. WE NEED HELP THIS WEEK: Mon 2/23-Thurs 2/26 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 excited to share the results of the SNSB Region Three Online Qualifier: Congrats Aditi! The Regional Bee will take place virtually via Zoom this Spring, Best of luck Aditi!

• 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!

Join us for an informative virtual session about DSISD’s Off-Campus Physical Education Program, where we’ll provide a brief overview and answer parent questions!

• February 26, 2026: Google Meet Link
• March 5, 2026: Google Meet Link

DSISD is seeking community input on the name and branding of the district’s second high school, projected to open in fall 2028. The survey is anonymous and will be open through Thursday, March 5. Click here to complete the survey!

Monday, 3/2 - A Day

SB9 Sexting/Cyberbullying Parent Presentation; 9am in Pecan Room

Cheer Clinic Day 1; 4:15pm

Tuesday, 3/3 - B Day

Cheer Clinic Day 2; 4:15pm

NJHS Meeting; 6th Grade Pod @ 4:20

Wednesday, 3/4 - A Day

NJHS Meeting; 6th Grade Pod @ 8:05

Principal's Student Advisory Meeting; Cafeteria during Tiger Win

Boys Track Meet @ WRMS; 3pm

Girls Track Meet @ Hudson Bend; 4:15pm

Cheer Clinic Day 3; 4:15pm

The Amazing Lemonade Girl; 6pm in Cafeteria

Thursday, 3/5 - B Day

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

Cheer Tryouts; 4:15

The Amazing Lemonade Girl; 6pm in Cafeteria

Friday, 3/6 - Student Holiday/Staff Workday

Saturday, 3/7

UIL OAP Festival @ DSMS

3/9 - 7th Grade Vaping Prevention Presentation in Health Class

3/10 - Band UIL Concert & Sightreading; Hays PAC

3/10 - 7th Grade Vaping Prevention Presentation in Health Class

3/10 - 7th Grade Boys/Girls Pre-District Track Meet @ DSHS; 4:15pm

3/11 - Band UIL Concert & Sightreading; Hays PAC

3/11 - 6th Grade SB 9 "Sexting & Cyberbullying Lesson in Social Studies Classes

3/11 - 8th Grade Boys/Girls Pre-District Track Meet @ DSHS; 4:15pm

3/12 - FCA; Small Gym @ 8am

3/12 - 6th Grade SB 9 "Sexting & Cyberbullying Lesson in Social Studies Classes

3/12 - Choir Pre UIL; DSHS PAC @ 7pm

3/13 - PTA Board Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 8:15am

3/13 - PTA Parent-to-Parent Campus Tour; 11:30 (RSVP Here)

3/16-3/20 - Spring Break 😎🏄‍♀️⛱️

3/23 - 8th Grade Panoramic Picture

3/25 - District Track Meet - Day 1 @ Westlake HS; 2pm

3/26 - FCA; Small Gym @ 8am

3/26 - Roots Meeting; F232 @ 8am

3/26 - District Track Meet - Day 2 @ Westlake HS; 2pm

3/27 - Tennis Parent Meeting; Time TBD