Sycamore Springs Middle School

Hello Sycamore Springs Middle School Families,

I hope you are able to find some time to relax and celebrate with friends and family over the Thanksgiving break. During the Thanksgiving season when we traditionally take time to give thanks, I want to express my personal gratitude.

Thank you to our parents and guardians for your continued support and partnership with Sycamore Springs Middle School. We are grateful for your commitment in the success of all students.

Thank you to those who engage through strong community service and partnerships. Your support for our school brings opportunities that take us beyond our means. Groups such our PTA, our Booster Clubs, Dripping Springs Education Foundation, DSYSA, Hays County Sheriff's Office, Hays County Constables, and numerous local businesses provide so much of their time, energy, and generosity to our campus.

Thank you to our faculty and staff for the commitment that you make every day to the students of SSMS. I thank you for your dedication and passion for excellence and your drive to make sure all students are welcomed, supported, and are heard. I am so thankful for being a part of the Sycamore Community!

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. District Holiday - Next week (11/24-11/28) all district offices and campuses will be closed. Students and staff will return to school on Monday, December 1.

2. SSMS PTA Fall Fundraiser - THANK-FALL - is now underway! Keeping it simple to benefit our programs (Talent Show, Spelling Bee, Staff Appreciations, etc) in a BIG way: Click here: Thank-FALL Tigers Fundraiser Frenzy

3. 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

4. Come out to P. Terry's on Monday, December 1st and help the Student Council make our school events even better. Every meal helps. Just tell them you are supporting the Student Council when you order and a portion goes right back to Sycamore Springs Middle School StuCo. Bring friends and make it a fun night out.

5. December 2, SSMS is hosting their first ever blood drive sponsored by DSHS . Teachers, staff, and community members may donate blood from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. The Blood Drive Bus will be parked in the main/maroon lot.

6. 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.

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. Interested in trying out for DSHS Dance Team? Interest meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 5:15 pm in the DSHS Lecture Hall.

9. The DSISD 18+ Program is selling 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀 (black pens) through 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟱! These customizable pens are designed and assembled by our students as part of the program’s entrepreneurial training component, and all profits directly support the program—helping students explore new entrepreneurial opportunities. To purchase, visit this LINK.

10. Nurse Smith is 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 spinal curvature problems. Please click on this LINK to read the full letter from Nurse Smith.

Round 2 during the month of December:

-All 7th grade girls: Scoliosis

-All 8th grade boys: Scoliosis

11. 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.

12. Secondary Grading Information: A Quick Note About Grades

As we approach the end of the semester, it’s a good time to revisit what grades are—and what they aren’t. Grades are simply a way to communicate how well a student is progressing toward a specific learning goal. They help answer three key questions for students:

• Where am I going? What is the learning goal or expectation?

• How am I doing? How close am I to meeting that goal?

• What’s next? What steps will help me grow?

A few important reminders:

• Grades reflect performance, not potential. They don’t measure your Tiger’s talent or ability; they show where they are on their learning path at a particular moment.

• Grades are based on standards, not comparisons. Looking at how one child performs relative to peers doesn’t give meaningful insight into their learning and can create unnecessary pressure.

How can families help?
Encourage your Tiger to view grades as feedback—information that helps them understand their progress and what they can work on next. Reassure them that grades don’t define who they are; they simply guide where they’re headed.

13. SMS Attendance Matters - Weekly Update 🦃As we head into the holiday break, thank you for your commitment to attendance! Our overall Average Daily Attendance (ADA) for Week 15 (11/17-11/21) was 95.5%. While this is a slight dip, we are working hard to close the gap on our 96.6% annual goal. A huge shout-out this week goes to the 6th Grade, who continue to lead the school with an excellent 97.0% ADA!

We know that every day is valuable. Since we are on a block schedule, please remember that missing one day means missing two days of instruction for those subjects. We appreciate your partnership in making sure your student is present and on time every day possible to prevent learning gaps!

We hope you all have a safe and restful Thanksgiving break!

On Dec 1 & 2, eighth graders will receive a lesson on Vaping. This will be given in 8th grade Tiger win classes by our High school Health Science students. If you do not want your student to receive this lesson, please email your student’s counselor.

On Dec. 8 & 9, 6th Graders will receive a Bullying Prevention lesson in their Social Studies class. This lesson will be given by Emily Heinatz with Safe Schools. If you do not want your student to receive this lesson, please email your student’s counselor.

If you or someone you know is facing difficult times, please know that help is available — the following Resources are here to provide care, support, and nourishment to those in need.

Please see this message from Our District LMHP team: Hello Tiger Families! The end of the semester is upon us, and the holidays are quickly approaching! Check out this English Newsletter or Spanish Newsletter created by our DSISD LMHP Team to learn how you can support your children and manage the stress of the holidays together.

Go Tigers!

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

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

Come out to P. Terry's on Monday, December 1st and help the Student Council make our school events even better. Every meal helps. Just tell them you are supporting the Student Council when you order and a portion goes right back to Sycamore Springs Middle School StuCo. Bring friends and make it a fun night out.

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!

SSMS is hosting a blood drive on Dec. 2. Community members, faculty, and staff can stop by from 9 am - 1pm to donate blood. The Blood Drive Bus will be parked in the main/maroon lot.

Interested in trying out for DSHS Dance Team? Interest meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 5:15 pm in the DSHS Lecture Hall.

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)

Check out our November Roots Newsletter.

A huge congratulations to Mr. Romero’s Tiger WIN class, our Food Drive champions, with an incredible 115 items donated! Thanks to the generosity of our entire campus, we collected just under 1,000 food items to support Helping Hands of Dripping Springs and a neighboring high school pantry.

We are so proud of our Tigers for showing what kindness, teamwork, and community spirit look like in action. Thank you to every student, staff member, and family who contributed—you helped make this year’s food drive a tremendous success! 🐯💛

This week we celebrated all of our Tigers who achieved Perfect Attendance for Term 1! These students showed outstanding commitment by being present, on time, and ready to learn every day. We are so proud of their dedication and hard work.

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!💪🎉

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

•SSMS PTA is THANK-FALL for your quick donations. Keeping it simple to benefit our programs (Talent Show, Spelling Bee, Staff Appreciations, etc) in a BIG way: Click here: Thank-FALL Tigers Fundraiser Frenzy

•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

•Such amazing feedback for another DSMS/SSMS PTA MS Night: HC Elite Athletics Wed Dec 10th 7-8PM Only 20 slots available so sign up NOW: SignUpGenius - Mobile

•”BAKING seasons bright” with SSMS PTA Sugar Shack Help us put together the sweetest buffet of holiday treats for SSMS teachers & staff on Fri Dec 12th. Be on the look out for sign up, coming soon!

•LAST SSMS PTA Membership Raffle- THIS WEEK Fri Nov 28th for a YETI Hopper M12 Backpack! JoinPTA – JoinPTA to be entered in it, just in time for the holidays! Also, congrats to SSMS PTA for earning the Snappy Increase Award for growing our SSMS PTA members to 377 from 302 last year!

•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. 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, 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 LAST of 25’ are Fri 12/5 & 12/12 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!

The DSISD 18+ Program is selling 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀 (black pens) through 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟱! These customizable pens are designed and assembled by our students as part of the program’s entrepreneurial training component, and all profits directly support the program—helping students explore new entrepreneurial opportunities. To purchase, visit this LINK.

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.

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, 12/1 - A Day

Tuesday, 12/2 - B Day

Blood Drive @ SSMS

Wednesday, 12/3 - A Day

Thursday, 12/4 - B Day

CAC Meeting #2; Sycamore Room @ 7:45am

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

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

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

Jazz Band Concert; Stage @ 6:30pm

Friday, 12/5 - A Day

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

Regional Band Rehearsals and Clinic; AISD Performing Arts Center

Saturday, 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 - NJHS Meeting; 6th grade Pod @ 8:05am

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 - NJHS Meeting; 6th grade Pod @ 4:20pm

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 🍭🍪

12/12 - Winter Orchestra Concert, 7:00pm at DSHS (all DSISD string orchestras)

12/13 - Boys Basketball Barton Springs Tournament

12/15 - Dress up day: Ugly Sweater Day

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

12/16 - Dress up day: Holiday Characters

12/16 - 5th and 7th Period Exams (modified bell schedule)

12/17 - Dress up day: Winter Wonderland (blue, silver, white)

12/17 - 1st and 3rd Period Exams (modified bell schedule)

12/18 - Dress up day: Holiday Pajamas

12/18 - 8th and 6th Period Exams (modified bell schedule)

12/19 - Early Release

12/19 - Dress up day: Holiday Colors (wear red and green)

12/19 - 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