September 22, 2024
Hello Sycamore Springs Middle School Families,
Happy Sunday! I hope you and your family are enjoying the weekend. If you need anything or have any questions, please reach out to your student's teacher, counselor, or administrator.
Go Tigers!
Sincerely,
Kelly Miller
Principal
1. Parents and Guardians - we need your help with reminding students to wear their student IDs. We printed over 400 temporary stickers this past week. If your student needs to order a new ID, click HERE. If your student has their ID, but needs a new plastic nametag holder or lanyard you can have them check the front office or you can buy them on Amazon. Click HERE for an example plastic nametag holder and HERE for a two-pack lanyard w/ plastic case.
2. Nurse Smith will be conducting state-mandated health screenings this semester. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) mandates that all children must be screened or have a professional examination for possible vision, hearing, Acanthosis Nigricans, and spinal curvature problems. Please click on this LINK to read the full letter from Nurse Smith.
Round 1 will take place on October 10th and 11th during Social Studies and will involve:
-All of 7th grade: Vision, hearing, and Acanthosis Nigricans screening (marker on back of neck for Type 2 Diabetes)
Round 2 timing TBD (notification will be sent out) and will involve:
-All 7th grade girls: Scoliosis
-All 8th grade boys: Scoliosis
3. We are happy to announce that the 2024 Congressional App Challenge (CAC) is now open! This is the sixth year that Congressman Roy has hosted a CAC for his district, TX-21. Students middle through high school are encouraged to compete. Attached is a flier with details about the CAC and how to register online.
4. Calling all 7th and 8th graders who want to join us this May on the Close up trip to Washington DC! If you are interested in learning more about The Close up trip to DC, please join us and a Close Up representative on Wednesday, October 23rd at 6pm in the SSMS cafeteria. The trip is scheduled for May 25-29, 2025. For questions, reach out to Coach Hulett at megan.hulett@dsisdtx.us or check out the FAQ. More information can also be found further down in the newsletter.
5. Student Attendance is Critical for Student Success. Our goal for this year is to increase our Average Daily Attendance (ADA) by 1%.
- When students are out, they miss critical learning opportunities that cannot be duplicated. Since we are on a block schedule, missing one day means they actually miss two days' worth of lessons. This adds up and creates learning gaps.
- Please click HERE for information on how to report an absence, attendance office contact information, attendance times, and additional information. To access the Attendance Matters in DSISD flyer, click HERE.
State-mandated Health Screenings
Nurse Smith will be conducting state-mandated health screenings this semester. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) mandates that all children must be screened or have a professional examination for possible vision, hearing, Acanthosis Nigricans, and spinal curvature problems. Please click on this LINK to read the full letter from Nurse Smith.
Round 1 will take place on October 10th and 11th during Social Studies and will involve:
-All of 7th grade: Vision, hearing, and Acanthosis Nigricans screening (marker on back of neck for Type 2 Diabetes)
Round 2 timing TBD (notification will be sent out) and will involve:
-All 7th grade girls: Scoliosis
-All 8th grade boys: Scoliosis
🏃♀️ Cross Country 🏃♂️
SSMS Runners of the Week: Sept. 9th to Sept. 13thSSMS XC is excited to recognize our Runners of the Week for September 9th to September 13th. The following runners know there is no "I" in team and represent SSMS XC with actions that are louder than words:
Callie Casto: As a dual athlete, Callie comes early each day to push herself on the trails and stays late to shine on the volleyball court. Even with all that she fits into a day, Callie's awareness for her teammates is astonishing. Callie goes above and beyond at practice and meets to look out for others, including taking to the trail to help a teammate run the final stretch of their workout or trail run. Thank you Callie for putting the team before yourself and always looking out for others. Your kindness warms my heart and your determination on the course is consistent
Avery Marusarz: As a new member to SSMS XC, Avery brings enough enthusiasm and excitement for SSMS XC that we are all inspired. When running the trails, Avery pushes himself to "close the gap" and "run his race." At meets when he's not running, it is guaranteed that Avery is on the sidelines cheering on his teammates and our competitors. His ability to spot his teammates instantly in a pack of runners has ensured we never miss a runner. Thank you Avery for your endless support. We are better because of your encouragement.
Congratulations!
Coach McGilvray
SSMS PTA Updates:
- THANK YOU to all who have already joined our PTA! Your support has helped Sycamore Springs Middle School PTA earn the Head Start Award by jump-starting the year with 75% or more of last year's total membership!
- If you haven’t joined PTA yet, we welcome you to support SSMS students and staff! Your $10.50 membership dues help to keep the PTA running, provides grants to students & staff, provides occasional meals for teachers, and helps to fund campus improvements! Please share ideas, concerns, and experiences to make the school year better for everyone. Scan the QR code or go to joinpta.org to join.
- Let your voice be heard: fill out this Form to suggest future PTA Meeting Topic Ideas for the board to consider.
- The SSMS PTA is excited to open the call for volunteers for two departments that greatly help and influence our staff and students - Workroom Helpers and Hospitality! Both of these opportunities help our staff to feel appreciated and free up time for them to work with students. Please go to our LinkTree to sign up for Workroom Help or other volunteer opportunities!
- Be sure to Like and Follow our Facebook and Instagram - we post information and updates daily, and we’ll show up more often in your feed the more you react to the posts!
