Sycamore Springs Middle School
Weekly Newsletter
May 10, 2026
Hello Sycamore Springs Middle School Families,
Happy Mother's Day! I hope you and your family are having a wonderful weekend. Thank you for all of the donations and volunteers who helped to make our Staff Appreciation Week so amazing. Our staff was overwhelmed by the amount of support and kindness that you showed them.
As we enter the last few weeks of school, please make sure pay attention to all the upcoming events as there is always an increase in activity this time of the year. As always, if you need anything or have any questions, please contact your student's teacher, counselor, or administrator.
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. SSMS Front Office is seeking volunteers to help with our Award Assemblies this week. We would love help with welcoming families and passing out visitor badges. See section below for more information or click HERE to sign up.
2. End of Year Celebrations RSVP links are below. RSVP links close 24 hours prior to the award assembly. See section below for more detail about parking, checking in, which students will be recognized, etc...
- 6th Grade - Tuesday, May 12 @ 3:00 pm in Competition Gym (Invitation Only)
- 7th Grade - Wednesday, May 13 @ 3:00 pm in Competition Gym (Invitation Only)
- 8th Grade - Friday, May 15 @ 1:00 pm in Competition Gym (all 8th grade families)
8th Grade Celebration and Award Ceremony RSVP
3. Is your son planning on participating in UIL Athletics next school year? We have an important informational meeting coming up. We highly recommend all incoming 7th grade families attend this meeting to get the essential details to set you and your athlete up for a smooth transition to middle school UIL sports.
When: Tuesday, May 19th @ 6:00 PM
Where: SSMS Competition Gym
See flyer below for more information.
4. NJHS Applications due Monday., May 11th at 4:15 PM - On Monday, May 4th at 4:30 PM, all 6th and 7th grade students whose grades meet the academic grade requirement for selection to National Junior Honor Society will receive an invitation via email to apply for membership into the SSMS chapter of National Junior Honor Society. Emails will be sent to the student's DSISD email address. Please ensure your student checks their email to determine if this is an opportunity available to them. Completed applications are due no later than Monday, May 11th at 4:15 PM. Please note that late applications will not be accepted. Please understand that completion of the application requirements does not guarantee membership. See section below for more information.
5.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
6. Looking for 6th & 7th grade parents to help volunteer... 8th Grade Celebration is May 15. To help it run smoothly, we need the help of 6th and 7th grade parents to volunteer to set up and take down. You can sign up here! Please make sure you've also completed a background check through Inspiring Volunteers.
7. Our school supply lists are now available. We are also offering School Supply Kits that will be shipped directly to your house. The deadline to order your School Supply kit is July 1, 2026. Click HERE to place your order today.
8. 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.
9. For 8th Grade Families - Please see below for upcoming events:
- May 11 - Incoming Freshman Athletics Parent Meeting; DSHS Cafeteria @ 6pm
- May 15 - 8th Grade Celebration;
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. 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 34 was 91.3%. 6th Grade led the school at 93.4 % followed by 7th Grade at 92.1% and 8th Grade at 88.5%. Let’s continue to focus on strong attendance as we head into the final stretch of the year—every day counts!
School is more than academics—it’s where students build friendships and grow socially and emotionally. Being at school each day helps students stay connected, engaged, and supported.
2 weeks until sweet summertime!
As we circle back to course selection for the 26/27 school year, we will open Skyward Family access from May 11-May 22, so families can review schedule requests for the 2026-2027 school year. During this May 11-22 timeframe, if you have questions and or want to make changes, please contact your Middle School counselor. Please see the list of classes and course catalog HERE.
For the 26/27 School year, Schedule changes will only be made during the first two weeks of school if:
– A core class is missing
– A student is in the wrong level of a core class (e.g., On-Level vs. Honors)
– A class period is blank or unassigned
– Two classes are scheduled during the same period
We will not process elective changes during the first two weeks. Elective change requests will be considered beginning in Week 3 on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to availability. Also, remember that a course change request can result in a schedule having to be moved around quite a bit.
Please see the end of year information from our District LMHP’s here.
Have a great week ahead!
Go Tigers!
Ms. Dykhoff, Grades 6-8 last names A-K
Mrs. Zimmerman, Grades 6-8 last names L-Z
🐯 Campus Announcements 📢
SSMS End-of-Year Celebrations
SSMS End-of-Year Celebrations are this week!!! 🐯🎉
- 6th Grade - Tuesday, May 12 @ 3:00 pm in Competition Gym (Invitation Only)
- 7th Grade - Wednesday, May 13 @ 3:00 pm in Competition Gym (Invitation Only)
- 8th Grade - Friday, May 15 @ 1:00 pm in Competition Gym (all 8th grade families)
End of Year Celebrations RSVP links are below. RSVP links close 24 hours prior to the award assembly.
8th Grade Celebration and Award Ceremony RSVP
For 6th & 7th Grade Families:
Because of the amazing number of students earning awards, and due to time constraints, some award recipients will be asked to stand to be recognized, while others will be invited to the stage to receive their award. Students who receive a personal invitation from their teacher (Academic Achievement & Outstanding Citizenship) will be called to the floor to be recognized. Parents will receive that invitation from the student’s teacher via email.
*Students who earned Honor Roll will also be called to the floor to be recognized.
Students will stand to be recognized for the following Awards: Student Council, UIL Participants & Winners, Tiger Leaders, Principal Advisory, and PALS
Parking: Please note that Sycamore Springs Elementary dismisses at 3:00 pm. There will be an increase in traffic and parking congestion. Parents are welcome to come early and wait under the awning in front of the school.
Check-in Process: Plan to get here early! All visitors will be required to check in and obtain a visitor badge.
To receive a pre-printed visitor badge, you must:
Have your valid government issued ID scanned at SSMS (if you haven’t already done so this school year), and
Submit the RSVP form at least 24 hours before the event you plan to attend.
Important Safety Information:
Every adult attending must have a DSISD staff badge or a printed Raptor visitor name tag. Law enforcement officers will be on campus to ensure all safety procedures are followed.
Visitor Badge Guidelines:
If you have scanned your badge at SSMS before (this school year): Just fill out RSVP form. Your name tag will be pre-printed, and you can use the “Fast Pass” lane at check-in.
If you have NOT scanned your badge at SSMS recently: Please stop by the front office ASAP—no later than 24 hours before the event—to have your ID scanned. Then complete the RSVP form.
If you do not check in ahead of time: Be prepared for delays. You’ll need to wait in line to scan your ID and receive your badge at the time of the event.
Thank you for helping us keep our campus safe and organized!
For 8th grade families - make sure you are checking your email for all the details.
SSMS End of Year Celebration Volunteer Opportunity
Dear SSMS Parents and Guardians,
Our End of Year celebrations are quickly approaching, and we are looking for a few parent volunteers to help the SSMS Front Office make these events run smoothly and successfully!
We are seeking a few volunteers for each grade level celebration to assist with welcoming guests and handing out visitor badges as families arrive. Your help would be greatly appreciated and will help ensure an efficient and positive experience for everyone attending.
If possible, it would be especially helpful to have parents volunteer during a celebration they are not personally attending. This helps allow volunteers to focus on assisting guests without feeling rushed trying to make it to their own student’s event. Of course, we are grateful for any help you are able to provide!
If you are interested in volunteering, please use the link below to sign up for a celebration:
SSMS EOY Volunteer Signup (Front Office)
End of Year Celebrations:
- 6th Grade Celebration - Tuesday May 12th, 2026
- 7th Grade Celebration - Wednesday May 13th, 2026
- 8th Grade Celebration - Friday May 15th, 2026
Thank you for supporting SSMS and helping us celebrate our students!
Sincerely,
SSMS Front Office
SSMS NJHS Applications due Monday, May 11th at 4:15 PM
On Monday, May 4th at 4:30 PM, all 6th and 7th grade students whose grades meet the academic grade requirement for selection to National Junior Honor Society will receive an invitation via email to apply for membership into the SSMS chapter of National Junior Honor Society. Emails will be sent to the student's DSISD email address. Please ensure your student checks their email to determine if this is an opportunity available to them. Completed applications are due no later than Monday, May 11th at 4:15 PM. Please note that late applications will not be accepted. Please understand that completion of the application requirements does not guarantee membership.
National Junior Honor Society is a national organization that serves to honor students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. Candidates eligible for selection to the SSMS National Junior Honor Society chapter must be current 6th and 7th graders who meet the following requirements for membership:
Candidates must have been in attendance for at least one semester at Sycamore Springs Middle School.
Candidates shall have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 92 in their four core courses (ELA, Math, Science and Social Studies) for T1-T3 when their nine weeks grades for each course are averaged. (Please note: Candidates may add 5 points to their cumulative average for a course if they are taking a Honors or above grade level course.)
Candidates must receive recommendations from two (2) current-year teachers.
Please note that invitations were only sent to NEW applicants and returning members will be contacted separately regarding their membership for next year. If you have any questions regarding SSMS NJHS or if your child did not receive an invitation to apply and you believe that they have met the academic requirements for membership, please contact Mrs. Nicole McGilvray, SSMS NJHS Adviser, at nicole.mcgilvray@dsisdtx.us.
INCOMING 7TH BOYS ATHLETIC MEETING
Is your son planning on participating in UIL Athletics next school year? We have an important informational meeting coming up. We highly recommend all incoming 7th grade families attend this meeting to get the essential details to set you and your athlete up for a smooth transition to middle school UIL sports.
When: Tuesday, May 19th @ 6:00 PM
Where: SSMS Competition Gym
What We Will Cover:
Scheduling & Eligibility: Get the details on the daily/seasonal athletic schedule and the academic requirements needed to stay eligible.
Physicals & Paperwork: Important details on registration and required forms.
Multi-Sport Athletes: Learn how we actively encourage and accommodate multi-sport participation throughout the school year.
Booster Club & Q&A: Find out how you can get involved, followed by a live Q&A session to answer all your questions.
Getting everything sorted early is the best way to make sure your athlete is ready to hit the ground running on day one. We hope to see you there!
TPD!
Mighty Tiger Game - May 18
Go Tigers!
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.
Spring Final Exam Schedule
Tiger Belles Spring Show
Join us on Thursday, May 14 for the Tiger Belles Spring Show. See flyer for details.
2026-2027 School Supplies
Our school supply lists are now available. We are also offering School Supply Kits that will be shipped directly to your house. The deadline to order your School Supply kit is July 1, 2026. Click HERE to place your order today.
Required Immunizations for all 7th graders
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:
Tetanus, Diphtheria and Acellular Pertussis-containing vaccine (Tdap): 1 dose within the last 5 years to be valid.
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
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you,
Nurse Blair
Attention 8th Graders 🐯
1. All 8th graders will be recognized at the 8th Grade Awards Ceremony on May 15 at 1:00 pm. For a smoother process, please have your ID scanned in the front office and fill out the RSVP before May 14. The Awards Ceremony will start at 1:00 and after, the students will continue the tradition of a clap out though the elementary school and middle school. The clap out will end in the courtyard for a celebration. There will be pizza, ice cream, drinks and a photo booth opportunity. If you want to sign your student out early use the QR codes that will be posted as you exit.
2. 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
🎉 Campus Celebrations 🙌
🎂 Staff Birthdays 🎉
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! 🐯
🏈🏐 Athletics 🏀🏐
🏀Boys' Athletics 🏈
Congratulations to the Tiger of the Week!💪🎉
🏐Girls' Athletics🏀
Choir Students of the Week! 🎶
Varsity Highlights:
June Rougeron: A dedicated worker with a sweet attitude and a great practice ethic!
Claire Hollis: Demonstrating impressive maturity and honorable communication.
6th Grade Superstars:
Olivia Mabry: Always inquisitive and perfectly prepared.
Savannah Santiago: Noted for her sweet spirit and accountability.
Gwen Maxwell: A model of hard work and focus.
Maddie Heerema: A great sport with a wonderfully calm demeanor.
Oriah McLeod: Bringing the energy and keeping our spirits high!
Sadie Stewmon: A strong section leader who isn't afraid to let her voice be heard.
Great job, ladies! Keep leading by example.
SSMS PTA
ATTENTION: Following the very last SSMS PTA Membership Meeting last Friday we are pleased to announce the SSMS PTA 2026-2027 Executive Board. The VP of Volunteers remains vacant, if interested please contact: president@ssmspta.org
Speaking of, 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!
Last week, the SSMS PTA hosted Staff Appreciation Days from Morning Fuel Monday, Taco ‘Bout Appreciation Tuesday, Wellness Wednesday, Thirsty Thursday Treats, to Finale Friday! THANK YOU to everyone who volunteered and contributed to making this week so special for our teachers & staff at SSMS!
ACTION: The SSMS PTA is just getting started for 26’-27’! We're already preparing for our SSMS Staff & Students-Back-to-School teachers & staff lunches, another Esports Tournament, Staff & Student Grants, Spelling Bee, Talent Show, & Staff Appreciations like the recent week we had throughout the year! GIVE HERE: Donate to Sycamore Springs Middle School PTA to help us support our students, teachers, and staff. to ensure everyone starts the new school year being supported, celebrated, and ready to succeed! Questions? Email: SSMS PTA Fundraising at fundraising@ssmspta.org
SSMS PTA Parent to Parent Campus Tours for May! Wed 5/13 and Fri 5/15 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!
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: 5/5, 5/6, 5/7, 5/8, and 5/11 Sign up here: SignUpGenius - Mobile Note: You must have a current background check completed with DSISD Inspiring Volunteers, Volunteering at DSISD | Dripping Springs
Since our last SSMS Newsletter we have celebrated School Lunch Heroes Friday May 1st and School Nurse Appreciation Day Wednesday May 6th. Thank you for all you do for our SSMS Community!
ACTION: SSMS Parents please make sure IDs have been scanned into system PRIOR to EOY events-starting with Award Ceremonies THIS Tuesday May 12th! 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!
HELP! SSMS PTA Lunch Volunteers are needed for just 30 mins to give students outside time on days without the rain! Sign up now: SignUpGenius - Mobile Note: You must have a current background check completed with DSISD Inspiring Volunteers, Volunteering at DSISD | Dripping Springs
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 10 followers away from 500 followers?! Note: Incoming 6th Graders Class of 2033 info is there too!
PTA Executive Board
PTA Fundraiser
Lunch Volunteers
Parent to Parent Tours
District Announcements
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!
Annual Verification for the 2026-27 school year is now open!
Parents can begin the process by logging into Skyward Family Access. A reminder email with Family Access login information is sent prior to the verification window opening.
Please complete verification for each child in your family as soon as possible; this process should be completed by Saturday, May 23. During the verification process, parents will complete back-to-school forms. This process takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.
If you have problems with the online process, please contact your child’s campus and ask for the Skyward Family Access contact/Student Records Specialist. Computers are available at campuses for those who do not have one available at home.
🗓Upcoming Events!
This Week:
Monday, 5/11 - A Day
FCA Meeting; Small Gym @ 8am
7th Grade Field Trip to The Alamo (Group 1)
Extrava-Banda Band Concert; Gym @ 6:30pm
Tuesday, 5/12 - B Day
7th Grade Field Trip to The Alamo (Group 2)
8th Grade Passion Projects; Small Gym & Courtyard
ACC End of Year Celebration
6th Grade Award Assembly; Big Gym @ 3pm (by invitation)
NJHS Meeting; 6th Grade Pod @ 4:20pm
Golf @ HLMS District Tournament; Legends @ 4:10pm
Tennis vs BCMS @ DSHS; 5:30pm
Stop the Bleed Training for Students; CLL @ 6:00 pm
Choir Spring Concert; Cafeteria @ 7:00 pm
Wednesday, 5/13 - A Day
NJHS Meeting; 6th Grade Pod @ 8:05am
8th Grade Passion Projects; Small Gym & Courtyard
PTA Parent-to-Parent Tour; 11:30am (Sign-up HERE)
7th Grade Award Assembly; Big Gym @ 3pm (by invitation)
Boys Soccer @ BCMS; 5/6:15pm
Girls Soccer vs BCMS @ SSMS; 5/6:15pm
Thursday, 5/14 - B Day
Tigers Rise (Rising 5th Graders Visit SSMS) 🐯
Tiger Belles Spring Show; Big Gym @ 5:30pm
Tiger Orchestras Final Concert; DSHS PAC @ 6:30pm
Friday, 5/15 - A Day
PTA Parent-to-Parent Tour; 11:30am (Sign-up HERE)
8th Grade Award Assembly & Celebration; 1:00 pm
ESport Smash Tournament; Cafeteria @ 4:15pm
Cheer Showcase; Big Gym @ 5:30pm
This Month:
5/18 - FCA Meeting; Small Gym @ 8am
5/18 - Mighty Tiger Games; Big Gym @ 3pm
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 (5th & 7th exam)
5/19 - NJHS Ceremony; Cafeteria @ 7pm
5/20 - Final Exams (1st and 3rd exams)
5/21 - Final Exams (8th and 6th exams)
5/22 - Final Exams (2nd and 4th exams)
5/22 - Last Day of School!!! 😎 (Early Release)
