Sycamore Springs Middle School

Hello Sycamore Springs Middle School Families,

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend! Last week was National Assistant Principal Week, and I want to take a moment to recognize Ms. Sisk and Mrs. Victor. They are incredible leaders who pour so much into our students, staff, and campus each day. I am truly grateful for their dedication, heart, and commitment to the SSMS community. Their impact does not go unnoticed. Please join me in celebrating them!

This week, we also celebrate National School Librarian Appreciation Day, and I want to give a special shout-out to Mrs. McCoy. She is amazing! Mrs. McCoy creates a welcoming space for our students, fosters a love of reading, and supports both students and staff in so many ways. We are so lucky to have her at SSMS!

I’d also like to give a big shout-out to everyone who helped make our Blacklight Pep Rally such a success. It was a fun, high-energy way to wrap up the week and celebrate our Tiger spirit!

We will continue with STAAR testing this week for our 8th grade students. Science testing will take place on Tuesday, and Social Studies will be on Thursday. We appreciate your support in ensuring students get a good night’s sleep, arrive on time, and are ready to do their best.

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

Go Tigers!

Sincerely,

Kelly Miller

Principal

1. STAAR Testing Starts this Week!!!

• Tuesday, April 14: Science STAAR (8th Grade Only)

• 6th and 7th-grade students will follow their normal daily schedule.

• Thursday, April 16: Social Studies STAAR (8th Grade Only)

• 6th and 7th-grade students will follow their normal daily schedule.

• Tuesday, April 28: Math STAAR (All Grades)

• In the afternoon, students will attend their 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th period classes.

** See flyer below for more information.

2. Our Leader in Me MRA Survey is now open! Please click on this LINK to take the LIM Family Survey. It takes less than 5 minutes but provides us with invaluable insights into your family’s experience at our school. Students who have parent permission, will take the student survey on April 17 & 20 in ELA class.

3. SSMS Field Trips are coming up... See flyer below for more information.

• April 29 - 8th Grade @ Highland Lakes ($40 per student)
• May 4 & 5 - 6th Grade @ Pedernales Falls (split into two groups) - Free
• May 11 & 12 - 7th Grade @ The Alamo (split into two groups) - Cost TBD

4. Visitor ID Scanning for End-of-Year Events: As we begin preparing for upcoming end-of-year events, we kindly ask that all parents and guardians ensure their IDs have been scanned into our system for the current school year if they plan to RSVP and attend any events on campus. Please see the link below for additional information. Visitor ID Scanning for End-of-Year Events

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

• April 29 - 8th Grade Field Trip to Highland Lakes; Click HERE to pay, Click HERE for Permission Slip
• May 11 - Incoming Freshman Athletics Parent Meeting; DSHS Cafeteria @ 6pm
• May 15 - 8th Grade Celebration; see flyer below for more information.

6. DSISD will be hosting a Fentanyl and NARCAN Awareness Night for both parents and students on April 14. Dr. Kelly Clary from Texas State University will be presenting. The presentation will be held at the DSISD Center for Learning & Leadership at 6:00 p.m. Please use this link to RSVP.

7. This Spring we're hosting our 2nd annual Super Smash Bros Tournament on Friday, May 15. The tournament will take place in the SSMS cafeteria after school from 4:15 to 6PM. Whether you are a first-time player or an experienced tournament pro, we'll love to have you there! It's a free event to all and there will be prizes for the Top 8 finishers at the tournament! Register here: https://forms.gle/LiGsKAgzZ9NoqhPZ7

8. April is Child Abuse Awareness Month. In honor of this month, Play It Safe is offering free access to all of the child safety videos. These are the same videos that the counseling department presents to students who have parental consent to attend the child safety lessons. However, the video access does not include access to the script. For more information click on this flyer.

9. 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.

10. SSMS Attendance Matters - Weekly Update: Our overall ADA for Week 31 was 95.5%. A huge shout-out to 6th Grade for leading the school at 96.2%, followed by 8th Grade at 95.2% and 7th Grade at 94.9%.

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

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

• Campus Visitor Policy: On STAAR Testing days, the campus will be closed to visitors, guests, or volunteers to maintain a secure and quiet testing environment.

• Lunch Schedule Adjustments: Lunch times will be shifted on STAAR Days. Please do NOT plan on delivering food as it will be difficult for us to deliver it to your child at the correct time. Send them with snacks or have them buy that day.

• Attendance and Arrival: PLEASE BE ON TIME. Testing starts at 8:50am. Late arrivals are disruptive and have to be administered the directions individually or in small groups. You can help your child and the school be successful by ensuring your child is on time.

• Testing Dates: Please see the "Coming Up" section of this newsletter.

• Health and Wellness: Make sure your child gets a good night's sleep and a healthy breakfast!

April 7....Reading STAAR 6th, 7th, and 8th

April 14....Science STAAR 8th Grade

April 16....Social Studies STAAR 8th Grade

April 28....Math STAAR 6th, 7th, and 8th

PLEASE do NOT try to pick your child up early on STAAR days. Again, it is very disruptive and is a strain on staff. Let your child stay all day and then celebrate when school's out!

As we begin preparing for upcoming end-of-year events, we kindly ask that all parents and guardians ensure their IDs have been scanned into our system for the current school year if they plan to RSVP and attend any events on campus. Please see the link below for additional information.

Visitor ID Scanning for End-of-Year Events

Please see flyer below for upcoming field trips. More information will be coming.

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

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:

• April 11 - Student Physicals @ DSHS Gyms from 8-12pm
• April 29 - 8th Grade Field Trip to Highland Lakes; Click HERE to pay, Click HERE for Permission Slip
• May 11 - Incoming Freshman Athletics Parent Meeting; DSHS Cafeteria @ 6pm
• May 15 - 8th Grade Celebration

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 to all our boys who broke SSMS track records!!! 🏆

Congratulations to our 2026 Tigers Girls Tennis Team!

1. Spanton, Vanna

2. Coffey, Ellie

3. Allen, Heidi

4. Davidson, Avery

5. Hollis, Claire

6. Billings, Jianna

7. Eleazar, Mikayla

8. Noack, Kate

9. Garret, Brooklyn

10. Isaac, Cecilia

11. Drilling, Max

12. Reinold, Kate

13. Richardson, Nora

Congratulations to our 2026 Tigers Boys Tennis Team!

1. Norton, Grayson

2. Alvarez, Raziel

3. Ardolino, Andy

4. Knutstrom, Barret

5. Spanton, Dean

6. Krueger, Pence

7. Coffey, Maverick

8. Sever, Anderson

9. Jackson, Caleb

10. Medlock, James

11. Broussard, Andrew

12. Delgado, Austin

13. Leclere, Brooks

14. Coffey, Clark

15. Hill, Evan

Thank you to all athletes who tried out. Never give up , keep working hard and challenge again!

Varsity Choir:

Lena Leblanc has always demonstrated a maturity and work ethic that have helped keep the class super productive. Not only is she helpful with choir, but she also helps with theatre. She is such a sweet student, and her charity does not go unnoticed! Thank you, Lena, for all that you do!

6th Grade Choir:

Garner Geeslin has a spirit that is nothing but joyful. Not one day is boring with Garner in class, and I appreciate her energy keeping the class afloat. Thank you, Garner!

Elizabeth Stanley is such an amazing hard worker. She treats choir rehearsals like the Olympics, and our concerts like a marathon! I appreciate her dedication and seriousness in the program!

Evie West is such a well-grounded student. She is responsible and always aware of what needs to be done in our class time. She is never afraid of taking accountability (even though she is never is a problem ), and I admire that quality of hers! Thank you, Evie, for your hard work.

Grace Hogan, throughout the year, has always been a super sweet student. She shows up to class with a smile and leaves with a positive attitude. She is never afraid to ask for help and overall is a lovely human! Thank you, Grace!

• Pleased to present the proposed slate for the 26’-27’ Executive Board for the SSMS PTA with TWO open positions: VP of Volunteers and Membership. Email: president@ssmspta.org with any nominations or interest. Note: Other nominations may be taken from the floor at the SSMS PTA Membership Election Meeting-Friday 4/17 8:15AM Sycamore Room

• SSMS PTA Parent to Parent Campus Tours for April AND May! 11:30AM-12:15PM

  Sign up here: SignUpGenius - Mobile Come see why SSMS received the School of Excellence Award-perfect for incoming 6th Grade Parents!

• Our ongoing SSMS PTA “One-Click’ Fundraiser benefits upcoming events such as the upcoming SSMS Staff Appreciations in May & ESport Tournament, along with student & staff grants. DONATE HERE (easily once or monthly): 2025-2026: Show Your Tiger Spirit! Questions? Email: SSMS PTA Fundraising at fundraising@ssmspta.org

• We appreciate our regular SSMS PTA Workroom Volunteers and would love to see NEW faces who show up to help free up teaching time to educate & mentor in the workroom WEEKLY-we need help: Weds 4/15 Fri 4/17, Mon 4/20, and Wed 4/22. Sign up here: SignUpGenius - Mobile Note: You must have a current background check completed with DSISD Inspiring Volunteers, Volunteering at DSISD | Dripping Springs

• HELP! SSMS PTA Lunch Volunteers are needed for just 30 mins to give students outside time on days without April showers! Sign up now: SignUpGenius - Mobile Note: You must have a current background check completed with DSISD Inspiring Volunteers, Volunteering at DSISD | Dripping Springs

• On behalf of the SSMS 8th Grade Parents: Celebrate the Class of 2030 with a graduation yard sign for $6! Orders close Fri 4/24 Fill out this form and see payment info on top: SSMS CLASS OF 2030 YARD SIGN Interested in volunteering for the 8th Grade Celebration email: ssms8thgraders@gmail.com

• ACTION: SSMS Parents please make sure IDs have been scanned into system PRIOR to EOY events! If you haven’t visit the SSMS Front Office Mon-Fri 8AM-4PM otherwise badge won’t be preprinted when RSVPing at a later time closer to events. Please also note: Due to space, each student will be limited to TWO guests at the EOY celebration. Thank you!

• Also, 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!

DSISD will be hosting a Fentanyl and NARCAN Awareness Night for both parents and students on April 14. Dr. Kelly Clary from Texas State University will be presenting. The presentation will be held at the DSISD Center for Learning & Leadership at 6:00 p.m. Please use this link to RSVP.

Monday, 4/13 - A Day

FCA; Small Gym @ 8:00am

Golf @ HCMS Invitational; Plum Creek @ 4:10pm

DSISD High School #2 Ground Breaking; 5:30pm

Tuesday, 4/14 - B Day (STAAR Testing Day)

Science STAAR Test (8th Grade Only)

NJHS Meeting; 6th Grade Pod @ 4:20pm

Tennis vs LTMS @ DSHS; 5:30pm

Fentanyl and NARCAN Awareness Night; DSISD CLL at 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, 4/15 - A Day

School Librarian Appreciation Day 🎉

NJHS Meeting; 6th Grade Pod @ 8:05am

PTA Parent-to-Parent Tour; 11:30am (Sign-up HERE)

Thursday, 4/16 - B Day (STAAR Testing Day)

Social Studies STAAR Test (8th Grade Only)

Boys Soccer @ LTMS; 5/6:15pm

Girls Soccer vs LTMS @ SSMS; 5/6:15pm

Friday, 4/17 - B Day

STAAR Testing Makeup Day (Sci & SS)

PTA Membership Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 8:15am

LiM MRA Survey for Students; ELA Classes

PTA Parent-to-Parent Tour; 11:30am (Sign-up HERE)

4/20-4/24 - National Volunteer Recognition Week 🎉

4/20 - FCA Meeting; Small Gym @ 8am

4/20 - LiM MRA Survey for Students; ELA Classes

4/20 - 8th Grade Juvenile Laws & Bullying Presentation by Safe Schools

4/20 - Golf @ LTISD Tournament; Hidden Falls @ 4:10pm

4/21 - Tennis vs HCMS @ WHS; 5:30pm

4/22 - National Administrative Assistant Day! 🎉

4/23 - Roots Meeting; 8:00 in F232

4/23 - 8th Grade Juvenile Laws & Bullying Presentation by Safe Schools

4/23 - PTA Parent-to-Parent Tour; 11:30am (Sign-up HERE)

4/23 - Band Booster Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 5pm

4/23 - Girls Soccer @ HCMS; 5pm

4/23 - Boys Soccer @ HCMS; 6:15pm

4/24 - Student Holiday/Staff Workday (Founders Weekend) 🤹‍♂️

4/25 - Band Performing @ Founders Day Stage

4/27-5/1 - Teacher Appreciation Week! 👩‍🏫🎉

4/27 - FCA Meeting; Small Gym @ 8am

4/27 - Golf @ DSISD Tournament; Grey Rock @ 4:10pm

4/28 - Bus Driver Appreciation Day! 🚌

4/28 - Math STAAR Test (All Grades)

4/28 - Tennis vs HBMS @ DSHS; 5:30 pm

4/29 - 8th Grade Field Trip 🎉

4/29 - Principal Coffee and Chat; Pecan Room @ 8:15

4/29 - PTA Parent-to-Parent Tour; 11:30am (Sign-up HERE)

4/29 - DSISD Evening of Jazz; Canyonwood Ridge @ 6:30pm

4/30 - CAC Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 7:45am

4/30 - Boys Soccer @ HBMS; 5/6:15pm

4/30 - Girls Soccer vs HBMS @ SSMS; 5/6:15pm

5/1 - Math STAAR Makeup Test (All Grades)

5/1 - PTA Board Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 8:15am

5/1 - PTA Parent-to-Parent Tour; 11:30am (Sign-up HERE)

5/4-5/8 - Teacher Appreciation Week!!! 🎉🙌

5/4 - FCA Meeting; Small Gym @ 8am

5/4 - 6th Grade Field Trip to Pedernales Falls (Group 1)

5/4 - Golf @ WRMS Tournament; Vaaler Creek @ 4:10pm

5/5 - 6th Grade Field Trip to Pedernales Falls (Group 2)

5/5 - Tennis vs WRMS @ WHS; 5:30pm

5/6 - School Nurse Appreciation Day! 👩‍⚕️

5/7 - Staff Faculty Meeting; No tutorials

5/7 - Girls Soccer @ WRMS; 5pm

5/7 - Boys Soccer @ WRMS; 6:15pm

5/8 - PTA Membership Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 8:15am

5/8 - PTA Parent-to-Parent Tour; 11:30am (Sign-up HERE)

5/8 - Mean Girls Jr. Musical; TBD

5/9 - Band Schlitterbahn Trip

5/9 - Mean Girls Jr. Musical; TBD

5/11 - FCA Meeting; Small Gym @ 8am

5/11 - 7th Grade Field Trip to The Alamo (Group 1)

5/11 - Extrava-Banda Band Concert; Gym @ 6:30pm

5/12 - 7th Grade Field Trip to The Alamo (Group 2)

5/12 - 8th Grade Passion Projects; Small Gym

5/12 - ACC End of Year Celebration

5/12 - 6th Grade Award Assembly; Big Gym @ 3pm (by invitation)

5/12 - NJHS Meeting; 6th Grade Pod @ 4:20pm

5/12 - Golf @ HLMS District Tournament; Legends @ 4:10pm

5/12 - Tennis vs BCMS @ DSHS; 5:30pm

5/13 - NJHS Meeting; 6th Grade Pod @ 8:05am

5/13 - 8th Grade Passion Projects; Small Gym

5/13 - PTA Parent-to-Parent Tour; 11:30am (Sign-up HERE)

5/13 - 7th Grade Award Assembly; Big Gym @ 3pm (by invitation)

5/14 - Tigers Rise (Rising 5th Graders Visit SSMS) 🐯

5/14 - Boys Soccer @ BCMS; 5/6:15pm

5/14 - Girls Soccer vs BCMS @ SSMS; 5/6:15pm

5/14 - Tiger Orchestras Final Concert; DSHS Pac

5/15 - PTA Parent-to-Parent Tour; 11:30am (Sign-up HERE)

5/15 - 8th Grade Award Assembly & Celebration

5/15 - ESport Smash Tournament; Cafeteria @ 4:15pm

5/15 - Cheer Showcase; Big Gym @ 5:30pm

5/18 - FCA Meeting; Small Gym @ 8am

5/18 - Girls Soccer vs DSMS @ DSHS; 5/6:15pm

5/18 - Boys Soccer vs SSMS @ SSMS; 5/6:15pm

5/18 - Tennis vs DSMS @ DSHS; 5:30pm

5/19 - Final Exams

5/19 - NJHS Ceremony; Cafeteria @ 7pm

5/20 - Final Exams

5/21 - Final Exams

5/22 - Final Exams

5/22 - Last Day of School!!! 😎 (Early Release)