Sycamore Springs Middle School

Hello Sycamore Springs Middle School Families,

Happy Sunday! I hope you are enjoying the last day of Spring Break. We are excited to welcome all students back into the building tomorrow, Monday, March 23. Make sure to check out our weekly newsletter for important reminders and upcoming events.

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

Go Tigers!

Sincerely,

Kelly Miller

Principal

1.Our annual 8th grade panoramic picture is tomorrow during Tiger Win. See below for more information.

2. We’d love to see you at our Principal Coffee and Chat this Wednesday! Whether you have specific questions about the school year or just want to say hello and enjoy a cup of coffee, please stop by. We’ll be meeting in the Pecan Room at 8:15 AM this Wednesday. We can’t wait to see you there!

3. This Friday is our Spring Dance. We will continue to sell tickets during lunches on Monday and Tuesday. Tickets are $5.00.

Step into an Enchanted Garden on March 27 from 6–8 PM for a night of music, lights, and a little magic! Hosted by Student Council with support from our admin team, this is a night you won’t want to miss. Student Council is transforming our cafeteria into a magical garden to create a fun, memory-making evening for our students.

• Click HERE to access our Amazon Wishlist.

• Click HERE to sign up to volunteer.
• Click HERE for the background check.

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

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

5. Join us in the H-E-B Plastic Bag Challenge! Please collect your plastic grocery bags and drop them off at the front office, where you will find the collection bin. The more bags we collect, the more gift cards our school can earn! Let’s work together to support our community, help the environment, and make Sycamore Springs Middle School proud! GO TIGERS!

6. Calling all DSISD student-athletes, band members, cheerleaders, and dancers! It’s time to get your required physicals checked off the list for the upcoming season. Dripping Springs HS will be hosting a Physicals Clinic on Saturday, April 11, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the DSHS Gyms. At just $25 per student, it’s a quick and convenient way to ensure you're cleared and ready to play. See below for more information.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. SSMS Attendance Matters - Weekly Update: Week 28 results are in! Our overall Average Daily Attendance (ADA) was 93.7%. While we are still working toward our campus goal of 96.9%, a huge shout-out goes to our 7th Graders for leading the school this week with an attendance rate of 95.5%, followed by 6th Grade at 94.4% and 8th Grade at 92.2%.

Maintaining consistent attendance is vital for academic credit and student success. Per Texas law, students must attend at least 90% of their classes—staying within a limit of 5 unexcused absences this spring—to receive course credit. Because our block schedule means missing one day is actually missing two days of instruction for those subjects, we ask that you report all absences within 48 hours via Family Access and consult the school calendar before scheduling non-emergency appointments. Thank you for partnering with us to keep our Tigers on track!

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

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

We’d love to see you at our Principal Coffee and Chat this Wednesday! Whether you have specific questions about the school year or just want to say hello and enjoy a cup of coffee, please stop by.

All families are welcome, including our rising 6th-grade families. We will be sharing updates on our upcoming spring schedule and discussing events to kick off the next school year. We’ll be meeting in the Pecan Room at 8:15 AM this Wednesday. We can’t wait to see you there!

Join us in the H-E-B Plastic Bag Challenge! Please collect your plastic grocery bags and drop them off at the front office, where you will find the collection bin. The more bags we collect, the more gift cards our school can earn! Let’s work together to support our community, help the environment, and make Sycamore Springs Middle School proud! GO TIGERS!

Calling all DSISD student-athletes, band members, cheerleaders, and dancers! It’s time to get your required physicals checked off the list for the upcoming season.

Dripping Springs HS will be hosting a physicals clinic on Saturday, April 11, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the DSHS Gyms. At just $25 per student, it’s a quick and convenient way to ensure you're cleared and ready to play.

Important Details:

• Cost: $25 per student.

• Payment: Pre-pay online at the DSISD Webstore or pay via check only (payable to DSISD) if paying onsite.

• Required: A parent/guardian must be present, and you must bring a completed UIL Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation Form (available on the DSISD Athletics Dept. website).

Don't wait until the last minute—scan the QR code on the flyer or visit the link above to secure your spot and get game-day ready!

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

• Tickets are $5.00 (cash only) and will be sold March 9-13 in the cafeteria. Wristbands will be handed out March 24-26 during lunches.
• To help bring this vision to life, we’re asking for donations through our Amazon Wishlist (link below). Thank you to our amazing Tiger parents for your continued support!
• We’re also seeking parent volunteers for post-dance cleanup from 8:10–8:45 PM on March 27.
• A completed background check is required; see the flyer for details. We appreciate your help in making this event a success.

• Click HERE to access our Amazon Wishlist.

• Click HERE to sign up to volunteer.
• Click HERE for the background check.

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:

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

Our annual 8th grade panoramic picture has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 24 during Tiger Win. Please see flyer below for more information.

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! 🐯

Please join us in celebrating Mrs. Michal, our Teacher of the Year. An outstanding 6th-grade science teacher, Mrs. Michal's classroom is engaging, student-centered, and always grounded in curiosity. She excels at creating a supportive environment where students feel empowered to take risks, helping them build both academic confidence and a lasting appreciation for science. We are proud to have her on our team and appreciate her dedication to our students.

Big cheers to our amazing SSMS teachers who earned a shout-out from their peers this week! Your hard work and positivity keep our campus shining bright. We’re so lucky to have the BEST staff around. Thank you for making SSMS the place to be!

Congratulations to the Tiger of the Week!💪🎉

BOYS’ Soccer (7th & 8th ONLY)

Get ready for soccer tryouts taking place on March 27th, 30th, and 31st! The doors will open at 6:30 a.m., with tryouts commencing promptly at 7:00 a.m. and concluding at 8:15 a.m. on the football field. Please ensure your physical examination is completed before attending the tryouts to meet the requirements. Additionally, make sure to fill out the sign-in sheet for tryouts at https://forms.gle/CaqGB3UBwksF3UsKA. Good luck to all participants, and we look forward to seeing your skills on the field! Contact Coach Bookout for any questions christopher.bookout@dsisdtx.us

BOYS AND GIRLS Golf (7th & 8th ONLY)

BOYS AND GIRLS Tennis (7th & 8th)

Hey Tigers Coach Pillai would “LOVE” to have you join the SSMS Tennis Team! Tennis Season starts after Spring Break. Parent Meeting will be on March 23rd Monday at 5:30 in the Sycamore Room. This meeting will go over the commitment of joining the tennis team, match dates, morning practices etc. Tryouts will be after school with girls on 3/30 and 3/31 (Mon & Tue) and boys on 4/1 & 4/2 (Wed & Thur). Cuts will be made at the end of Day 1 for both, with final cuts at the end of Day 2 for both boys and girls teams. Morning practice will be 3 times a week (plus an open practice on match day mornings.) At this time Tennis is for current 7th and 8th graders ONLY. If you have any questions please reach out to Coach Pillai at akshara.pillai@dsisdtx.us. Please download the SportsYou app and enter the following code (TS2U-9PBE) to stay up to date with all the important information for Tennis at SSMS.

Girls’ Soccer (7th & 8th ONLY)

It's that time of year again! Girls Soccer tryout will be held March 30th- April 2nd. Tryouts will begin at 4:15pm and end at 5:30pm. After tryouts are complete there will be a parent meeting on Monday, April 6th, at 5:30pm in the big gym. If you have any questions about tryouts please reach out to me by email at meghan.ballinger@dsisdtx.us. Hope to see you out on the field!"

GO TIGERS!

Thank you for your support in the SSMS band's trips to UIL on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. Both bands had stellar performances and carried themselves with such confidence and maturity. The musicianship and artistry on their prepared music as well as sightreading music was fantastic!

This process included performing three prepared pieces then going to sightread new music, learn it for 7 or 8 minutes with a director, then perform it for a panel.

We are incredibly proud of every one of the students!

• ACTION: SSMS PTA Nominating Committee is meeting individuals to be on the 2026-2027 SSMS PTA Executive Board. It will be published a week before the Fri April 17th PTA Membership Meeting at 8:15AM in the Sycamore Room. Interested in serving on the 2026-2027 SSMS PTA Executive Board, or would like to nominate someone? Please, fill out this 26’-27’ SSMS PTA Board Officer Nomination Google Form by, Wednesday April 1st: Google Forms: Sign-in Questions, please email: nominations@ssmspta.org

• Our SSMS PTA “One-Click’ Fundraiser benefits events like the recent Queso Bar, student & staff grants, and upcoming SSMS Staff Appreciations in May & ESport Tournament, DONATE HERE (easily once or monthly): February Edition: Spirit Nights Questions? Email: SSMS PTA Fundraising at fundraising@ssmspta.org

• THANK YOU to our SSMS PTA for getting the SSMS teachers & staff over the ‘Wednesday hump’ before Spring Break with a Que-SO Ready for Spring Break Queso Bar! We also did a collab with the SSMS Athletic Boosters for concessions for track meets with proceeds to our initatives!

• We appreciate our SSMS PTA Workroom Volunteers who show up to free up teaching time to educate & mentor in the workroom WEEKLY-we need help upon return from Spring Break Mon 3/23 and Wed 3/25! 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 Lunch Volunteers for additional help during SPRING WEATHER lunchtimes. Great way to volunteer for just 30mins! Stay tuned at this link for updated sign ups: SignUpGenius - Mobile Note: You must have a current background check completed with DSISD Inspiring Volunteers, Volunteering at DSISD | Dripping Springs

• 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 our FacebookandInstagram - 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.

Dripping Springs will be hosting a FIRST in Texas District Competition at DSHS with 30 teams from the surrounding area competing on April 3rd and 4th. This event is free and open to the public. These competitions are a great opportunity for students interested in STEM to see how these FIRST robotics students took on the season's challenge of REBUILT to reimagine the past while designing, building and programming industrial sized robots.

Founder's Day is a huge annual community event. It takes a lot of supporting hands to help this event to run smoothly. Volunteers that work 4+ hours will receive a t-shirt, a VIP meal ticket and drink voucher.

https://www.cityofdrippingsprings.com/founders-day/pages/volunteers

3/16-3/20 - Spring Break 😎🏄‍♀️⛱️

Monday, 3/23 - A Day

8th Grade Panoramic Picture

FCA; Small Gym @ 8am

Tuesday, 3/24 - B Day

Golf Player Meeting; Small Gym @ 4:15pm

Wednesday, 3/25 - A Day

Principal Coffee & Chat; Pecan Room @ 8:15 am

District Track Meet - Day 1 @ Westlake HS; 2pm

Science STAAR Bootcamp; 4:30pm

Thursday, 3/26 - B Day

Roots Meeting; F232 @ 8am

District Track Meet - Day 2 @ Westlake HS; 2pm

Band Booster Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 5

UIL Orchestra Pre-Concert; DSHS @ 6:30 pm

Friday, 3/27 - B Day

Boys Soccer Tryouts Begin; Football Field @ 7am

Tennis Parent Meeting; 5:30pm

School Dance; Cafeteria from 6 - 8 pm

3/30 - Golf Tryouts Begin; Grass Field @ 4:15pm

3/30 - Girls Tennis Tryouts Begin; 4:15pm

3/30 - Girls Soccer Tryouts Begin; 4:15pm

3/31 - 7th Grade Cyber Safety Presentation by Safe Schools

4/1 - 7th Grade Cyber Safety Presentation by Safe Schools

4/1 - Boys Tennis Tryouts Begin; 4:15pm

4/6 - Girls Soccer Parent Meeting; Big Gym @ 5:30pm

4/6 - Mandatory Golf Parent Meeting; Cafeteria @ 5:30pm

4/8 - Boys Soccer Team Pictures; 7:30am

4/8 - Golf Team Pictures; SSMS Field @ 7:30am

4/8 - Tennis Team Pictures; Courts @ 7:30am

4/9 - Girls Soccer Team Pictures

4/11 - DSISD Physicals Clinic; DSHS Gym from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

4/13 - Golf @ HCMS Invitational; Plum Creek @ 4:10pm

4/14 - Tennis vs LTMS @ DSHS; 5:30pm

4/14 - Fentanyl and NARCAN Awareness Night; DSISD CLL at 6:00 p.m.

4/16 - Boys Soccer @ LTMS; 5/6:15pm

4/16 - Girls Soccer vs LTMS @ SSMS; 5/6:15pm

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

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

4/23 - Girls Soccer @ HCMS; 5pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5/7 - Girls Soccer @ WRMS; 5pm

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

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

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

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

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

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