Sycamore Springs Middle School

Hello Sycamore Springs Middle School Families,

Happy Sunday! I hope you and your family were able to join in on some of the Founders Day festivities. We have an action-packed week ahead of us with our last week of STAAR testing (Math - all grade-levels), our 8th grade field trip, soccer, tennis, and golf competitions, and our spring musical showcase all happening this week.

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. We have one more STAAR test left! This Tuesday, April 28 is the Math STAAR (All Grades).

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

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

• See below for more information.

2. We’d love to see all current and future Tiger families at our final Principal Coffee & Chat on April 29 at 8:15 AM in the Pecan Room! This is a great opportunity to ask questions, learn more about SSMS, and connect as we prepare for the year ahead. We hope to see you there!

3. Our Spring Final Exam Schedule is now available. Click HERE to see the schedule. Please note that Friday, May 22 is an early release day. Students will be dismissed at 1:10pm

4. Changing Schools OR Leaving DSISD Next Year? Please click on this link to complete a short form if your student will NOT be returning to SSMS next year OR will NOT attend 9th Grade at DSHS for the 2026-2027 school year. After completing the Leaving DSISD Form, an Intent to Withdraw Form will be emailed to you. Please sign and return the Intent to Withdraw Form, so we can complete the withdrawal process for your student. Email our SSMS Registrar, Jen Havlin, with any questions.

5. Middle School Hybrid Schedule for 2026-27 - DSISD will host an informational meeting for parents on Thursday, May 7, at 1:00 p.m. in the Center for Learning & Leadership regarding the middle school schedule change for the 2026-27 school year. Middle school principals, instructional coaches, and teachers will be present to explain the rationale for the change and respond to questions.

6. 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

7. Save the Date... Our annual award assemblies have been scheduled. More detail to come later.

6th Grade - Tuesday, May 12

7th Grade - Wednesday, May 13

8th Grade - Friday, May 15

8. 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

9. 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.

10. Stop the Bleed Training for Students - DSISD nurses, along with North Hays County Fire staff, will conduct training on responding to traumatic injuries for students in grades 7–12 on Tuesday, May 12. Sign Up Here: Stop the Bleed Training for Students

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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.

13. SSMS Attendance Matters - Weekly Update: Our overall ADA for Week 33 was 95.2%. A huge shout-out to 6th Grade for leading the school at 96.2%, followed by 7th Grade at 95.7% and 8th Grade at 93.7%.

Regular attendance helps students build important life skills like responsibility, time management, and perseverance—habits that will benefit them far beyond middle school.

Every day spent in the classroom is an opportunity for growth, learning, and connection. Even a few absences can create gaps in learning, making it harder for students to keep pace with their peers.

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!

We’d love to see all current and future Tiger families at our final Principal Coffee & Chat on April 29 at 8:15 AM in the Pecan Room! This is a great opportunity to ask questions, learn more about SSMS, and connect as we prepare for the year ahead. We hope to see you there!

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 click on this link to complete a short form if your student will NOT be returning to SSMS next year OR will NOT attend 9th Grade at DSHS for the 2026-2027 school year. After completing the Leaving DSISD Form, an Intent to Withdraw Form will be emailed to you. Please sign and return the Intent to Withdraw Form, so we can complete the withdrawal process for your student. Email our SSMS Registrar, Jen Havlin, with any questions.

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

Join us on Thursday, May 14 for the Tiger Belles Spring Show. See flyer for details.

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

1. 8th Grade Student Field Trip: April 29 at Highland Lakes Camp and it’s $40 per student. Permission slips were sent home last week. Please pay here for your student ASAP.

• Here’s a link to the Highland Lakes permission slips if you need to print them. Students need to turn them in to their Tiger Win Teacher.

• Complete Actionally Permission (emailed)

• Here’s the form for any dietary needs or restrictions.

2. 8th Grade Celebration: May 15 at 1:00 pm The Celebration will start in the Gym then the clap out through SSES and SSMS and then celebration will end in the courtyard. We are planning pizza, sodas, and ice cream to celebrate our students. Fill out this snacks interest form! Suggested donation $10; please send your donation via Venmo to Laura Metcalf (@Laura-Metcalf-1, code 4683).

More details will be out soon. Please limit guests to two family members per student due to limited seating. If you haven’t already had your ID scanned this school year at SSMS you can come by the office to do so before May 13. This will allow us to have your sticker printed beforehand.

3. 8th Grade Yard Signs: A fun SSMS tradition and the deadline is April 24. As we approach the end of the school year, it’s time to order yard signs to celebrate our 8th graders! Please complete the yard sign FORM for your student. If you have more than one student in the same grade, kindly submit a separate form for each child.

4. 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 Transition Events:

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

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 Reese Youngblood for being our Tiger of the Week! We are so proud of all the hard work and effort you put into athletics!

Choir Students of the week!

• Roxie Custenborder: Roxie is celebrated for her incredible focus and for always pouring her heart into both her choreography and her vocals.

• Bey Delarosa: Bey’s positive energy is infectious! Her constant good mood creates a welcoming environment that puts the entire ensemble at ease.

• Whitley Hauger: Whitley is a steadying presence in the classroom. We appreciate her calm demeanor, sharp focus, and consistently kind spirit.

• Evelyn Benning: Evelyn stands out for her wonderful attitude and the genuine enthusiasm she brings to every rehearsal.

• Lela Roberts: A model of dedication, Lela’s hard work and quiet determination make her a cornerstone of our choir.

• Sofia Henderson Diaz: Sofia is recognized for her fantastic attitude and a sense of humor that can brighten anyone’s day.

• Scar Turba: A natural leader, Scar consistently "sings out" and is always the first to offer a helping hand to her peers.

• Emily Rao: Emily demonstrates remarkable maturity and integrity. She is a diligent worker who always advocates for doing the right thing.

• Lydia Naquin: Lydia’s passion for singing is evident in everything she does. Her intentionality and dedication to the craft are truly inspiring.

• The SSMS PTA following their April Membership ‘Elections’ Meeting is pleased to announce the SSMS PTA 2026-2027 Executive Board was approved! (2) Council Delegates and Parliamentarian are appointed positions. To be considered along with VP of Volunteers, please contact: president@rsespta.org

• Save the Date: We have just ONE more SSMS PTA Membership (Budget) Meeting, Friday May 8th 8:15AM in the Sycamore Room. We hope to see you there! RSVP here: SSMS PTA Membership Meeting RSVP 2025-2026

• SSMS PTA is searching for a special someone to join our Hospitality Committee and/or Executive Board as VP of Volunteers! Email: president@ssmspta.org with any questions, suggestions, or interest! We NEED you!!!

• Our ongoing SSMS PTA “One-Click’ Fundraiser benefits upcoming events such as the upcoming SSMS Staff Appreciations in May & ESport Tournament, along with Staff & Student Grants like the new Girls Flag Football Club and 6th Grade Owl Pellets for Science classes.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: Mon & Weds-4/27, 4/29, and Fri 5/1 into MaySign 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

• 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, on behalf of Ms. Rill and the 8th Grade Passion Project: School Supply Drive to benefit ALL students. Please, consider donating these lightly used or new supplies OR donate this Venmo (See graphic) NOW until Friday May 1st Email questions to: maryep2025@gmail.com

• Last, 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! We’re just 15 followers away from 500 followers! 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!

Monday, 4/27 - A Day

FCA Meeting; Small Gym @ 8am

Golf @ DSISD Tournament; Grey Rock @ 4:10pm

Tuesday, 4/28 - B Day (STAAR Testing Day!)

Bus Driver Appreciation Day! 🚌

Math STAAR Test (All Grades)

Tennis vs HBMS @ DSHS; 5:30 pm

Wednesday, 4/29 - A Day

8th Grade Field Trip 🎉

Principal Coffee and Chat; Pecan Room @ 8:15

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

DSISD Evening of Jazz; Canyonwood Ridge @ 6:30pm

Thursday, 4/30 - B Day

CAC Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 7:45am

Boys Soccer @ HBMS; 5/6:15pm

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

Friday, 5/1 - A Day

Math STAAR Makeup Test (All Grades)

PTA Board Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 8:15am

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

Musical Theatre Showcase; Cafeteria @ 7:00pm

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 - Middle School Hybrid Schedule Informational Meeting; CLL @ 1:00 pm

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

5/12 - Stop the Bleed Training for Students; CLL @ 6:00 pm

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)

5/13 - Boys Soccer @ BCMS; 5/6:15pm

5/13 - Girls Soccer vs BCMS @ SSMS; 5/6:15pm

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

5/13 - Tiger Belles Spring Show; Big Gym @ 5:30pm

5/14 - Tiger Orchestras Final Concert; DSHS PAC @ 6:30pm

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)