Sycamore Springs Middle School

Hello Sycamore Springs Middle School Families,

Happy New Year and welcome to the second week of the spring semester! It was so great to have all our students back in the building this past Wednesday. As the spring semester kicks off counselors will start visiting with students about registering for courses for the 2026-2027 school year. Here is the LINK to the 26-27 DSISD Middle School webpage with links to Middle School Course Catalog, choice sheets for each grade level, and applications for certain elective classes. Several changes have been made to our course offerings for the 26-27 school year. Make sure to check out the Middle School Course Catalog to read about each individual course we offer.

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. The 26-27 DSISD Middle School Choice Sheets have been updated and posted on the district website. Click HERE to access them and the Course Catalog.

2. Middle School Elective Showcase - We invite all rising 6th–8th grade students and families to join us for our annual Middle School Elective Showcase on Wednesday, January 21, from 5:30–7:00 PM at Sycamore Springs Middle School. See below for more information.

3. For 8th Grade Families - Check out the Rising Freshman Grade Newsletter. We recommend that you bookmark this link for future reference as updates will be made as needed.

4. Our next Principal Coffee and Chat will be on January 14 from 8:15 - 9:00 am in the Pecan Room. Mrs. Miller will review the 26-27 Middle School Choice Sheets and schedule of events to support parents and students with selecting classes for next school year. We hope you can join us.

5. Join us for Taxpayer Tuesday on Jan. 13 at Sycamore Springs Middle School! The event will include a guided tour of the newly-expanded SSMS campus as well as a presentation on DSISD's student-centered academic programs. RSVP

6. Student/Staff Holiday this Monday, Jan. 19. All campuses and district offices will be closed.

7. Student ID badges remain an important part of our campus safety plan. Middle and high school students are expected to wear their ID badge on a lanyard each day. Beginning after Winter Break, students who do not wear their badge or fail to check in for a temporary badge will receive a lunch detention. Thank you for helping remind students to wear their badge daily. Replacement badges may be purchased through the DSISD Webstore

8. On February 6, the SSMS Tiger Belles will host a Tryout Clinic open to all incoming 6th, 7th, and 8th graders interested in auditioning. STUDENTS DO NOT NEED TO REGISTER TO ATTEND, AND WILL SIGN UP WHEN THEY ARRIVE. See below for more information.

9. Yearbook Announcements:

• The SSMS yearbook team is looking to spotlight the wonderful things that you and your family are getting up to over the break! By clicking HERE, you and your student can share your favorite memories from over the break!
• Buy your yearbook ad before they freeze up. Click HERE.

10. SSMS Attendance Matters - Weekly Update: Welcome back, Tiger families! We are starting 2026 with incredible momentum. For our first week of the new semester (1/7–1/9), our overall Average Daily Attendance (ADA) was 96.2%. This is a fantastic 3.1% increase from our final week in December, putting us right on track toward our campus goal of 96.9%!

Grade Level Highlights:

• 6th Grade: Led the school this week with an impressive 97.1%!

• 8th Grade: Followed closely with 95.9%.

• 7th Grade: Finished strong with 95.6%.

Attendance & Secondary Grading

In DSISD, we believe consistent student attendance is essential to successful learning and a necessary component of academic credit. Per Texas compulsory school attendance law, a student may not be given credit for a class unless the student is in attendance at least 90% of the days for each semester.

How can you help as a parent?

Partnership with our SSMS families is vital to ensure your student meets this state requirement and maximizes their learning:

• Ensure your Tiger is present at school every opportunity possible. Of course, if your Tiger is ill, please keep them home.

• Consult the academic calendar before scheduling non-emergency appointments, family trips, or vacations. Since SSMS operates on a block schedule, missing just one day means your student actually misses two days' worth of critical instruction for those subjects.

• Otherwise, we are here to partner with you in resolving any concerns that impact your Tiger’s attendance.

We hope you all enjoyed your time with friends and family and that the new year is off to a great start for you all! We loved welcoming back the students this week!

Course selection for the 26/27 school year is coming up soon!

We will meet with current 6th and 7th graders for two visits. Visit 1 is informational. Visit 2 is for entering the courses in Skyward.

6th Grade first visit—January 20 & 21 in Science classes

7th Grade first visit—January 22 & 23 in ELA classes

During this first visit, we will cover course selection information. Each student will receive their Choice sheet so they can start considering classes. We ask students to bring the course sheet home to parents so you can be part of the course selection process and sign that you approve of the choices.

For the second visit, we ask that all students bring back their completed choice sheet with student and parent signatures. For this visit, we will help the students add their classes in Skyward. We will also collect the students' choice sheet at this visit and those will remain with the Counselors. We recommend taking a picture of the choice sheet so you know what your student submitted. The second visits are as follows:

6th Grade second visit—February 5 & 6 in ELA classes

7th Grade second visit—February 9 & 10 in Science classes

For current 6th & 7th graders, changes to 26/27 courses in Skyward can be made up until March 5th. After that Skyward will close on the student side and only counselors can make changes.

Please refer to this very Helpful link for course selection information, choice sheets, and course descriptors. Please reach out to your student’s counselor if you have any questions!

For our current 8th graders transitioning into high school, the High school counselors will be visiting on Feb 2 & 3 in History classes. They will go over course selection information and assist students in entering their courses in Schoolinks. For rising 9th Grade course selection information, please review this very Helpful link. If you have any questions, please contact Sandy Zimmerman at sandra.zimmerman@dsisdtx.us

On Jan 21st, SSMS will host an Electives showcase night, from 5:30pm-7pm. We invite you to join us and learn more about core and elective classes.

Please see a message from our District LMHP’s:

Join us Thursday, January 15th from 11:30am- 12:15pm for a Lunch & Learn hosted by the counseling department. This month's topic will be: Balancing School, Sports, and Mental Health. Click here to register to get the link. You can also view the recording of the previous Lunch & Learn: Building Resiliency.

Go Tigers!

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

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

Our next Principal Coffee and Chat will be on January 14 from 8:15 - 9:00 am in the Pecan Room. Mrs. Miller will review the 26-27 Middle School Choice Sheets and schedule of events to support parents and students with selecting classes for next school year. We hope you can join us.

Middle School Elective Showcase - We invite all incoming 5th–7th grade students and families to join us for our annual Middle School Elective Showcase on Wednesday, January 21, from 5:30–7:00 PM at Sycamore Springs Middle School. See below for more information.

Families will have the opportunity to explore all elective offerings, meet elective teachers, and visit with 6th grade core teachers to learn more about on-level and honors course options. In addition, there will be a short parent presentation specifically for rising 6th grade families covering middle school expectations, course selection, and key information to support a smooth transition to SSMS.

We hope you’ll join us for this informative evening as you begin planning for your student’s middle school experience.

Dripping Springs ISD remains committed to campus safety, and student identification badges play a crucial role in our safety strategy. Middle and high school students are expected to wear their student ID badges visibly on a lanyard around their neck each day.

Beginning when students return after Winter Break, there are some important changes regarding consequences for non-compliance with badge expectations.

Students who remove their ID during the day or fail to check in at the front office to receive a temporary badge (wristband) if they forget or lose theirs will now receive a lunch detention. We appreciate your support in reminding your student(s) to wear their badge every day. Replacement badges may be purchased through the DSISD Webstore.

Following these guidelines helps ensure a safe school environment for everyone. If you have any questions about our badge guidelines or this message, please don't hesitate to contact me or our Director of Safety, Sirenna Cumberland.

On February 6, the SSMS Tiger Belles will host a Tryout Clinic open to all incoming 6th, 7th, and 8th graders interested in auditioning. STUDENTS DO NOT NEED TO REGISTER TO ATTEND, AND WILL SIGN UP WHEN THEY ARRIVE.

Tryout information will be released on January 21 at 5PM, on Social Media, and at the Tryout Clinic where students will receive

• Tryout materials (Dance and Technique Combination)
• A QR Code for an Online Parent Meeting,
• A tryout Packet with Application
• Details for the Official Tryout on February 26 at 5:30P

Students should wear all-black dance attire, and dance shoes and bring a water bottle to the clinic. You can find the QR for the Tryout SportsYou Page HERE.

If you are unable to attend the clinic on 2/6/26, please contact Mrs. Robbins at senanu.robbins@dsisdtx.us to receive the necessary materials and video of the tryout routine for the 2/26/26 tryout.

1. Submit Photos for Yearbook - The SSMS yearbook team is looking to spotlight the wonderful things that you and your family are getting up to over the break! By clicking HERE, you and your student can share your favorite memories from over the break!

2. Yearbook Ads - The best time to reserve your student spotlight is now! Yearbook ad space for giving your student the recognition they deserve is limited! By clicking HERE, you can ensure your student gets the congratulations they deserve!

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:

• January 28 - Career Technology Education (CTE) Showcase at DSHS - this event allows students to see their CTE options and meet the teachers and students in the program.
• Date TBD - CTE programs of study exhibits at lunch, led by DSHS students
• Feb. 2 & Feb. 3 - DSHS Counselors Visit w/ 8th Graders @ SSMS
• Feb. 4 - Virtual Course Plan Meeting for Rising 9th parents
• Feb. 9 & Feb.11 - 8th Grade Field Trip to DSHS (during the school day)

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

•Our first “One-Click Winter Fundraiser” of the New Year! Donations here help SSMS PTA programming like our upcoming 26’ SSMS PTA Talent Show, Spelling Bee, and much MORE! DONATE HERE (easily once or monthly): ONE-CLICK Fundraiser

Questions email SSMS PTA Fundraising at fundraising@ssmspta.org

•Thank you to Austin Cotillion for donating $150 last fall! They are now giving back $50 for every SPRING 4th-8th Grade registration by Feb 1st-mention your SSMS PTA Classes start Thurs Feb 26th 6-7:30PM at Mt. Olive Register: REGISTER | Austin Cotillion

Questions, email: austincotillion@gmail.com

•First event of 26’ is the SSMS PTA Spelling Bee NEXT week Tues Jan 20th SSMS Cafeteria Register at SSMS Spelling Bee Registration Questions, email : spellingbee@ssmspta.org

•Save the Date: The SSMS PTA Middle School MixTape Talent Show is next month Thurs Feb 26 & Fri Feb 27th (Times TBD)! Auditions for performers & emcees is Thurs Feb 12th & Fri Feb 13th. Mandatory run throughs are Thurs Feb 19th & Fri Feb 20th (Times TBD) Note: Acts to be 3 minutes max! Please, bring music and any instruments needed. Email: president@ssmspta.org with questions

•Congrats to our SSMS ‘I Belong’ Reflections Winners for the 25’-26’ school year!

Award of Excellence advancing to Council Level (good luck) •Emma O'Keefe- Film •Shirhan Karthikeyan- Literature •Evelyn Ogden- Visual Arts

Award of Merit at school Local Level: •Ryan Uppal- Literature •Julie Nutt- Visual Arts •Shirhan Karthikeyan- Literature

Thank you to all who submitted entries. The SSMS PTA looks forward to Reflections again next fall!

Questions, please email: reflections@ssmspta.org

•THANK YOU to ALL our SSMS PTA Workroom Volunteers who show up to free up teaching time to educate & mentor in the workroom WEEKLY. New sign ups are live for 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 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 a Talent Show Committee for Feb, headed by SSMS parent Carl Coccaro, and we’re STILL looking for volunteers to make events happen! Note: There is an opportunity to join Ms. Connolly Lees on the All Abilities Committee too. 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.

•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!

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 Taxpayer Tuesday next week (Jan. 13) at Sycamore Springs Middle School! The event will include a guided tour of the newly-expanded SSMS campus as well as a presentation on DSISD's student-centered academic programs. RSVP

Join us Thursday, January 15th from 11:30am- 12:15pm for a Lunch & Learn hosted by the counseling department. This month's topic will be: Balancing School, Sports, and Mental Health. Click here to register to get the link. You can also view the recording of the previous Lunch & Learn: Building Resiliency.

Monday, 1/12 - A Day

Tuesday, 1/13 - B Day

Tax Payer Tuesday; 9:30 @ SSMS (RSVP Here)

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

Wednesday, 1/14 - A Day

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

Principal Coffee & Chat; Pecan Room @ 8:15am (Topic: 26-27 Course Requests/Choice Sheets)

Principal's Student Advisory Meeting; Tiger Win

Thursday, 1/15 - B Day

FCA; Small Gym @ 8am

DSISD Lunch and Learn - Balancing School, Sports and Mental Health; 11:30am

Boys Basketball Game @ WRMS; 7A/8B 5:15pm & 7B/8A 6:30pm

Girls Basketball vs. WRMS @ SSMS; 7A/8B 5:15pm & 7B/8A 6:30pm

Friday, 1/16 - A Day

1/19 - District Holiday/No School

1/20 - 6th Graders Choice Sheet Info Session for 26-27 in Science Classes

1/20 - Spelling Bee🐝; 6:30 pm in Cafeteria

1/21 - 6th Graders Choice Sheet Info Session for 26-27 in Science Classes

1/21 - Elective Showcase; 5:30-7pm (all rising 6th graders and current 6th & 7th graders invited)

1/22 - FCA; Small Gym @ 8am

1/22 - 7th Graders Choice Sheet Info Session for 26-27 in ELA Classes

1/22 - Boys Basketball vs. BCMS @ SSMS; 7A/8B 5:15pm & 7B/8A 6:30pm

1/22 - Girls Basketball @ BCMS; 7A/8B 5:15pm & 7B/8A 6:30pm

1/23 - 7th Graders Choice Sheet Info Session for 26-27 in ELA Classes

1/24 - Boys Basketball HLMS B Team Tournament @ HCMS

1/24 - Girls Basketball District B Team Tournament @ West Ridge MS

1/24 - Dance Competition

1/24 - Choir Region Auditions

1/26 - FCA; Small Gym @ 8am

1/26 - Boys Basketball vs DSMS @ SSMS; 7A/8B 5:15pm & 7B/8A 6:30pm

1/26 - Girls Basketball vs DSMS @ DSHS; 7A/8B 5:15pm & 7B/8A 6:30pm

1/28 - Career Technology Education (CTE) Showcase at DSHS for rising 9th graders

1/29 - Roots Meeting; F232 @ 8am

1/29 - Band Booster Club Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 5pm

1/31- Boys Basketball HLMS A Team Tournament @ BCMS

1/31 - Girls Basketball District A Team Tournament @ HBMS

2/2 - 2/6 - National School Counseling Week 🙌🎉

2/2 - SB 9 Parent Meeting; Pecan Room @ 9am

2/2 - DSHS Counselors Visit w/ 8th Graders @ SSMS

2/3 - DSHS Counselors Visit w/ 8th Graders @ SSMS

2/4 - DSHS Virtual Course Plan Meeting for Rising 9th parents

2/5 - FCA; Small Gym @ 8am

2/5 - 6th Grade Enter Course Request into Skyward in ELA classes (Counselor Visit #2)

2/6 - 6th Grade Enter Course Request into Skyward in ELA classes (Counselor Visit #2)

2/9 - 7th Grade Enter Course Request into Skyward in Science classes (Counselor Visit #2)

2/9 - 8th Grade Field Trip (first group) to DSHS (during the school day)

2/10 - 7th Grade Enter Course Request into Skyward in Science classes (Counselor Visit #2)

2/11 - 8th Grade Field Trip (second group) to DSHS (during the school day)

2/6 - PTA Souper Bowl Staff Luncheon 🏈🍲

2/6 - Dance Tryout Clinic; 4:15pm

2/7 - Dance Competition

2/9 - "7 Habits of Highly Effective Families" workshop for our DSISD families; CLL @ 8:30am

2/9 - 8th Grade Field Trip to DSHS (group 1); 9-10:30am

2/9 - Girls Track Parent Meeting; Big Gym @ 5:30pm

2/10 - Beginning Band Concert; Big Gym @ 6:30pm

2/11 - 8th Grade Field Trip to DSHS (group 2); 9-10:30am

2/11 - Principal's Student Advisory Meeting; Tiger Win

2/11 - Girls Track @ DSMS-Run Only; 4:15pm

2/11 - Boys Track @ SSMS - Run Only Event; 4:30pm

2/12 - FCA; Small Gym @ 8am

2/12 - DSISD Lunch and Learn - Fostering Grit; 11:30am

2/14 - Dance Competition

2/15 - National School Resource Officer Day 👮‍♂️🙌

2/16 - District Holiday/No School