Sycamore Springs Middle School

Hello Sycamore Springs Middle School Families,

As we wrap up the fall semester, I want to take a moment to pause and reflect on all that has taken place at Sycamore Springs. This semester has been full of growth and it has been exciting to see our students rise to challenges, try new things, and continue to grow as learners and leaders.

I am incredibly proud of our students for their hard work and perseverance, both in and out of the classroom. From academics to fine arts, athletics, clubs, and service opportunities, our Tigers have shown commitment, creativity, and resilience.

I am also deeply grateful for our teachers and staff. Their dedication to students, high expectations, and daily investment in creating a supportive learning environment make Sycamore Springs a special place. We are fortunate to have such an outstanding team serving our students.

To our parents and guardians, thank you for your continued partnership and support. We truly value the trust you place in us and appreciate the many ways you work alongside us to support your child’s success.

Winter break is a well-deserved time to rest, recharge, and enjoy time with family. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in January as we begin the second half of the school year together.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year!

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. Student Holiday - DSISD will be closed for the winter break from December 22 - January 4. January 5-6 are student holidays/teacher work days. All students will return on Wednesday, January 7th.

2. 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

3. Our next Principal Coffee and Chat will be on January 14 from 8:15 - 9:00 am in the Pecan Room. We hope you can join us.

4. 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.

5. Register NOW for study materials to practice over break at SSMS Spelling Bee Registration for the SSMS PTA Scripps Spelling Bee, Tues Jan 20th 2026 5:30PM SSMS Cafeteria. Questions, email spellingbee@ssmspta.org

6. UIL Academics gives students a chance to shine in subjects they enjoy while building skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. It’s a positive, confidence-building experience that supports both academic growth and personal development.

Competition Dates:

• Wednesday, March 25, 2025 at Bee Cave MS — transportation provided

• Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Lake Travis MS — transportation not provided

If your child is interested, please have them complete the UIL Interest Form on their Tigers Canvas page, or access it ,and other information, on our UIL Website. Filling out the form doesn’t commit them; it simply allows our UIL coaches to reach out with details on events and next steps. Please note that the student must be the one to fill out the form. Thanks for supporting your student and helping us build our UIL team!

7. This year, parents will have access to a parent portal in Lightspeed, which provides parents with visibility and control of their child's Chromebook during after-school hours. Parents will know when and what sites are accessed, and be able to pause internet or control app usage as needed to promote healthy screen time habits (after school hours and only for grades 6-12 who take home their Chromebook).

To access the user guide and link to sign up for the portal, please visit the Lightspeed page on the Digital Learning Site: https://www.dsisdtx.us/o/dsisd/page/lightspeed-parent-portal

Please direct any questions to EdTech Coordinator, April Requard (april.requard@dsisdtx.us)

8. SSMS Attendance Matters - Weekly Update: We are sharing our attendance results for Week 18 (12/15-12/19)! Our overall Average Daily Attendance (ADA) was 93.1%. While this is a dip from last week's 96.2%, we are focusing on a strong finish to the semester as we work toward our annual goal of 96.6%!

This week, we want to give a massive shout-out to the 7th Grade for maintaining the highest attendance rate at 94.3 %! That is a great level of dedication to being present during the busy final week of the year. The 6th Grade also had a notable week, following closely with an attendance rate of 93.8%.

Thank you, SSMS families, for continuing to make attendance a top priority. Your partnership ensures your student doesn't miss out on critical instruction and semester-end activities. We wish you a wonderful winter break and look forward to seeing everyone back in the New Year!

Go Tigers!

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

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

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.

Our next Principal Coffee and Chat will be on January 14 from 8:15 - 9:00 am in the Pecan Room. We hope you can join us.

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!

UIL Academics gives students a chance to shine in subjects they enjoy while building skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. It’s a positive, confidence-building experience that supports both academic growth and personal development.

Competition Dates:

• Wednesday, March 25, 2025 at Bee Cave MS — transportation provided

• Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Lake Travis MS — transportation not provided

If your child is interested, please have them complete the UIL Interest Form on their Tigers Canvas page, or access it, and other information, on our UIL Website. Filling out the form doesn’t commit them; it simply allows our UIL coaches to reach out with details on events and next steps. Please note that the student must be the one to fill out the form.

Thanks for supporting your student and helping us build our UIL team!

Best regards,

Michelle McCoy

Facilitator of Learning and Innovation

This year, parents will have access to a parent portal in Lightspeed, which provides parents with visibility and control of their child's Chromebook during after-school hours.

Parents will know when and what sites are accessed, and be able to pause internet or control app usage as needed to promote healthy screen time habits (after school hours and only for grades 6-12 who take home their Chromebook).

To access the user guide and link to sign up for the portal, please visit the Lightspeed page on the Digital Learning Site: https://www.dsisdtx.us/o/dsisd/page/lightspeed-parent-portal

Please direct any questions to EdTech Coordinator, April Requard (april.requard@dsisdtx.us)

DSISD is proud to spotlight Sycamore Springs Middle School math teacher and cross country coach Nicole McGilvray in our first Teacher Feature of the school year! Discover how Mrs. McGilvray makes math class engaging and exciting and the positive impact she has on students and staff at SSMS: https://youtu.be/yKMYrxeH5gc?si=HTohKDfddRn7Rvmj

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!💪🎉

•Takes a TREE-mendous effort to run your SSMS PTA to benefit our students, teachers & staff! Please, help us SPRUCE up our funding with a “Holiday One-Click” Fundraiser. BRANCH OUT-share this to friends & family too! DONATE HERE: Jingle All the Way Holiday Fundraiser

•Save the Date: The SSMS PTA Middle School MixTape Talent Show next year, is 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 final winner of the YETI Hopper M12 Backpack from the SSMS PTA Membership Drive raffle last month-Andrea Guidry! Thank you for growing our PTA to 377 members from 302 last year!

•Join the 13 participants studying NOW over Winter Break at SSMS Spelling Bee Registration for the SSMS PTA Scripps Spelling Bee, Tues Jan 20th 2026 5:30PM SSMS Cafeteria. Questions, email : spellingbee@ssmspta.org

•THANK YOU to all our NEW (& old!) SSMS PTA Workroom Volunteers who show up to free up teaching time to educate & mentor in the workroom WEEKLY. Just a few more slots to fill for 25’ 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 an All Abilities Committee led by ACC Aide, Ms. Connolly Lees, for All Abilities Month in Dec as well as a Talent Show Committee for Feb, headed by SSMS parent Carl Coccaro, and we’re STILL looking for volunteers to make events happen! 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.

•Continuing to host informative SSMS PTA Parent to Parent Campus Tours in 26! Come see why SSMS received the School of Excellence Award before the incoming Class of 2033-6th Grade families arrive. Sign up here: SignUpGenius - Mobile

•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!

Monday, 1/5 - Student Holiday/Teacher Work Day

Tuesday, 1/6 - Student Holiday/Teacher Work Day

Wednesday, 1/7 - A Day

First Day of Spring Semester🙂

Thursday, 1/8 - B Day

Friday, 1/9 - B Day

Winter Pep Rally, during Tiger Win 📣🏀

PTA Board Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 8:15am

Boys Basketball Liberty Hill Tournament

Saturday, 1/10

Boys Basketball Liberty Hill Tournament

Girls Basketball Hays Tournament @ Hays ISD

1/14 - Principal Coffee & Chat; Pecan Room @ 8:15am

1/14 - Principal's Student Advisory Meeting; Tiger Win

1/15 - FCA; Small Gym @ 8am

1/15 - DSISD Lunch and Learn - Balancing School, Sports and Mental Health; 11:30am

1/15 - Boys Basketball Game @ WRMS; 7A/8B 5:15pm & 7B/8A 6:30pm

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

1/19 - District Holiday/No School

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

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 - 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

1/24 - 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

1/29 - 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

2/5 - FCA; Small Gym @ 8am

2/6 - PTA Souper Bowl Staff Luncheon 🏈🍲

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

2/13 - Dance Tryout Clinic; 4:15pm

2/14 - Dance Competition

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

2/16 - District Holiday/No School