Sycamore Springs Middle School

Hello Sycamore Springs Middle School Families,

Happy Sunday! I hope you are enjoying your weekend. We had another great week this past week. The building was full of energy and excitement with course selections for next year happening and with track season just around the corner. We are excited about February and all the events that will be happening.

This week is also Counselor Appreciation Week! 💛

We are so grateful for Mrs. Dykhoff, Mrs. Zimmerman, and Mrs. Winn. Their dedication, passion, and unwavering support have not only impacted individual students but have also created a positive and nurturing environment for our entire school. Thank you, both, for being a beacon of support, guidance, and inspiration. Your work is truly appreciated, not only this week but every day of the year.

As always, if you need anything or have questions, please contact your student’s teacher, counselor, or administrator.

Go Tigers!

Sincerely,

Kelly Miller

Principal

1. February 2, 2026, SSMS is hosting another blood drive sponsored by DSHS . Teachers, staff, and community members may donate blood from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. The Blood Drive Bus will be parked in the main/maroon lot.

2. Valentine's Day Grams by Tiger Leaders - Starting February 3 through February 11, students can purchase a FunDip Candy Gram for just $1. These "sweet treats" will be available for purchase during lunch and tutorials. See below for more details.

3. Our campus was selected by TEA to participate in the 2025-2026 Stand-Alone Field Test. All 7th and 8th graders will take the ELA STAAR Field Test on Friday, Feb. 6. Due to testing, there will be not clubs or ZAP this day. Please see below for more details.

4. This Friday is our annual PTA Souper Bowl MMXXV Staff Luncheon! Make the team by bringing in a soup, stew, dish, salad, treat, or other luncheon necessities for our winning SSMS Staff. Bring it in hot by 10am on Friday February 6th - please sign up HERE!

5. For 8th Grade Families - DSHS will be hosting several events catering to rising freshmen and their families.

• Feb. 2 & Feb. 3 - DSHS Counselors Visit w/ 8th Graders @ SSMS
• Feb. 4 - Virtual Course Plan Meeting for Rising 9th parents; 9am and 6pm (Zoom Link)
• Feb. 9 & Feb.11 - 8th Grade Field Trip to DSHS (during the school day)

***For more details and a full list of events, please check out the Rising Freshman Grade Newsletter. We recommend that you bookmark this link for future reference as updates will be made as needed.

6. 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.

7. Hey Tigers, are you ready to cheer? If you’re interested in trying out for cheer, a Parent or Guardian must attend one of two sessions on Feb. 5 or Feb. 19 (students are welcome and encouraged to attend!) where we’ll break down everything you need to know about practice schedules, costs, required skills, the tryout process, application packets, and expectations for cheerleaders throughout the school year. This meeting helps families decide if cheer is the right fit before committing to tryouts. Quick reminder - cheer is only available for rising 7th and 8th graders. Let’s get ready to bring the spirit! Click HERE to access the flyer with more information.

8. Questions about the DSISD Acceleration Process? If you have questions regarding the acceleration process for your student, please visit the Credit by Exam & Grade Placement page on the district website. This page contains important dates, testing calendars, and referral windows.

For a comprehensive overview of the procedures and requirements, you can access the DSISD Acceleration Guide directly here.

9. 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families PD - Join DSISD on Monday, Feb. 9 from 8:30-11:30 am for a free "7 Habits of Highly Effective Families" workshop designed to help you build stronger, deeper connections with your family. This workshop is hosted by our very own DSISD staff and family members. Discover how the same 7 Habits principles that our students learn in school can be applied at home to help your family thrive. This engaging, self-discovery workshop will provide you with new skills and fresh perspectives. Make sure to check out the flyer linked above for more details.

10. SSMS Attendance Matters - Weekly Update: We are sharing our results for Week 22! Our overall Average Daily Attendance (ADA) was 94.9%. While this is slightly below our campus goal of 96.9%, we are working hard to finish the semester strong and appreciate everyone’s effort to be in class!

Grade Level Highlights:

• 6th Grade Leadership: A massive shout-out to our 6th Graders, who led the school this week with an impressive 97.1% attendance rate—exceeding our campus goal!

• 7th Grade: Followed with 94.8%.

• 8th Grade: Finished at 92.6%.

Why Every Day Counts - Every day in the classroom is an opportunity for growth and connection:

• Academic Achievement: Staying on track and avoiding learning gaps.

• Lifelong Habits: Developing responsibility and time management.

• Social Growth: Building friendships and engaging in our school community.

The 90% Rule & Academic Credit - Per Texas law, students must attend at least 90% of their classes to earn course credit.

• Fall Limit: 4 unexcused absences.

• Spring Limit: 5 unexcused absences.

• Reporting: You have 48 hours to report an absence via Family Access, email, or phone call.

It’s been fun talking with current 6th and 7th graders about course selection! Each student received 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.

We will return for the 2nd visit as follows:

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

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

For this second visit, we ask that current 6th graders bring their completed choice sheet to their ELA teacher by Feb. 3. For current 7th graders, we ask them to bring their completed choice sheet to their Science teacher by Feb. 6. At this second 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.

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 also note that all applications for student aide, office aide, CL & I aide, Elementary aide are due by March 5th. We will not accept any applications filled out after this deadline.

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 with your student.

If you have any questions, please contact Sandy Zimmerman at sandra.zimmerman@dsisdtx.us

On February 17 & 18, our 7th graders will receive instruction, as required by Senate Bill 9 and the state guidelines for public schools, relating to the prevention of child abuse, family violence, dating violence and human trafficking. DSISD administration, Board of Trustees, and the Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC) have selected and approved the curriculum to use for these lessons. The lesson is called Relationships: Paint Them Healthy”. This presentation addresses healthy and unhealthy aspects of a relationship, including mutual respect, boundaries, jealousy and control, how to break up, and communication skills. Regardless of what we’ve seen and learned growing up, we can gain the tools to make a conscious decision about the kind of relationship we want.

The lesson will be presented by the counselors in 7th Grade History classes. It is approximately 45 minutes in length and includes a video and a script to guide discussions both before and after the video. You may preview scripts and watch trailers at Play it Safe. Counselors are also hosting a parent preview/information session on Feb. 2 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Pecan room at SSMS.

7th grade parents received an email from Actionaly on Friday, January 30. This email has the electronic opt in form for the lesson. If you want your student to receive this lesson, you must opt them in. The deadline is Feburary 12.

Please see this information from our DSISD LMHP team: Grit is having the perseverance and passion to pursue one’s goals despite failures and setbacks. This is a teachable skill that anyone can develop! Please see this newsletter created by our DSISD LMHP Team for information and strategies you can use to foster grit in your children. There is also a Lunch & Learn Thursday, February 12th from 11:30am- 12:15pm on: Fostering Grit. Click here to register to get the link.

We hope you had a great weekend!

Go Tigers!

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

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

SSMS is hosting a blood drive on Feb. 2. Community members, faculty, and staff can stop by from 9 am - 1pm to donate blood. The Blood Drive Bus will be parked in the main/maroon lot.

Our Tiger Leaders are busy putting their leadership skills into action! To celebrate the season of kindness, they are organizing a FunDip Candy Gram Fundraiser to help students spread joy and appreciation to their peers and teachers.

Starting February 3 through February 11, students can purchase a FunDip Candy Gram for just $1. These "sweet treats" will be available for purchase during lunch and tutorials.

Each Candy Gram will be hand-delivered by our student leaders during Tiger WIN just before Valentine’s Day. Not only is this a great way for our students to practice Habit 4 (Think Win-Win) by supporting their school and brightening someone's day, but it also helps fund future Tiger Leader projects and events.

We encourage you to send a dollar or two with your student next week to help them participate in this fun school tradition. Thank you for your continued support of our student-led initiatives and for helping us keep our school culture Safe, Respectful, and Responsible!

Our campus has been selected by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to participate in the 2025–2026 STAAR Stand-Alone Field Test.

What is a Stand-Alone Field Test? Field tests are periodically necessary to help the state develop questions for future STAAR assessments. By testing these questions separately, TEA can reduce the overall length and burden of the regular spring assessments for students.

Important Details for Parents:

• When: Our campus will administer the online field test on February 6, 2026, from 9-12pm.

• What: The test focuses on Reading Language Arts (RLA).

• How: The Stand-Alone Field Test is online only and has 13 to 24 questions and is not timed. However, most students finish within 2 to 3 hours.

• Who: Only students in grades 7 and 8 at our school will participate.

It is important to note, neither the school nor the individual students will receive performance data or scores from this administration and participation is required by TEA. For more information, visit the TEA’s STAAR Resources page online or contact our Campus Testing Coordinator at Lacey.Victor@dsisdtx.us.

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.

Hey Tigers, are you ready to cheer? If you’re interested in trying out for cheer, a Parent or Guardian must attend one of two sessions on Feb. 5 or Feb. 19 (students are welcome and encouraged to attend!) where we’ll break down everything you need to know about practice schedules, costs, required skills, the tryout process, application packets, and expectations for cheerleaders throughout the school year. This meeting helps families decide if cheer is the right fit before committing to tryouts. Let’s get ready to bring the spirit! Quick reminder - cheer is only available for rising 7th and 8th graders. Let’s get ready to bring the spirit! Click HERE to access the flyer with more information.

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:

• Feb. 2 & Feb. 3 - DSHS Counselors Visit w/ 8th Graders @ SSMS
• Feb. 4 - Virtual Course Plan Meeting for Rising 9th parents; 9am and 6pm (Zoom Link)
• Feb. 9 & Feb.11 - 8th Grade Field Trip to DSHS (during the school day)

The DSHS Cheer program will be holding a parent information meeting on Wednesday, February 4 from 6:00–7:00 pm in the Lecture Hall. This meeting is for families of students interested in trying out for cheer and will cover important information so candidates understand expectations for tryouts and the start of the season.

Tryout packets are available in the front office for anyone interested. All packets must be turned in by February 11 in order to be eligible to try out. We hope to see you there!

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! 🐯

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!💪🎉

Please help me in congratulating Savanna Barefoot for being our Tiger of the Week! We are so proud of all the hard work and effort you put into athletics!

We are so proud of all our basketball players! We especially want to recognize the following players of the game from this week's game against DSMS!

The SSMS track season is quickly approaching! Please take a minute to fill out the Girl's Track Interest Form linked below. This is so that coaches know what events you are interested in trying this season.

Girl's Track Interest Form: https://forms.gle/fXt9pU46gkxZwNsk9

Also please join the Girl's Track SportsYou. Access Code: XBAVXDM4

SportsYou will be the place where we post information about meets, weather and any last minute changes. The track meet schedule and practice schedules are already posted on the page. Running event practice will take place during the athletic period. Field events and running practice for athletes not in the athletics period will be after school until 5pm.

Our parent meeting will be February 9th in the Big Gym at 5:30pm. Please email Coach Hulett with any questions: megan.hulett@dsisdtx.us

Thank you to Austin Cotillion for donating $150 last fall! They are now giving back $50 for every SPRING 4th-8th Grade registration by TODAY 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

“One-Click Winter Fundraiser” Donations help SSMS PTA programming like our upcoming 26’ SSMS PTA Talent Show, SOUPer Bowl, and much MORE! DONATE HERE (easily once or monthly): ONE-CLICK Fundraiser THANK YOU for all the generous contributions so far! Questions email SSMS PTA Fundraising at fundraising@ssmspta.org

SSMS PTA Spirit Night ‘𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴’ at 𝗦𝘂𝗱𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗸𝗲𝘆 Thurs Feb 12th at 6:30PM Geared for middle schoolers. Check in at door & mention SSMS PTA.

The SSMS 3rd Annual SOUPer Bowl is next Friday Feb 6th, 2026 to show our SOUPer SSMS Staff how much we appreciate them. Donate items, soups/casseroles, or volunteer here to make it possible: SignUpGenius - Mobile Note: DO NOT include CINNAMON or BANANAS as any ingredient! Questions, email: president@ssmspta.org

The SSMS PTA Middle School MixTape Talent Show sign ups are now LIVE for Thurs Feb 26 & Fri Feb 27th (Times TBD)! Sign up here: SignUpGenius - Mobile WE NEED SPONSORS too-win up to $150 in prizes! Auditions for performers & emcees are on Thurs Feb 12th & Fri Feb 13th. Mandatory run throughs 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 inquiries

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

SSMS PTA is still building a Talent Show Committee for Feb, headed by SSMS Parent, Mr. 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! 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!

Join DSISD on Monday, Feb. 9 from 8:30-11:30 am for a free "7 Habits of Highly Effective Families" workshop designed to help you build stronger, deeper connections with your family. This workshop is hosted by our very own DSISD staff and family members. Discover how the same 7 Habits principles that our students learn in school can be applied at home to help your family thrive. This engaging, self-discovery workshop will provide you with new skills and fresh perspectives. Make sure to check out the flyer linked above for more details.

Event Details:

• Date: Monday, February 9, 2026

• Time: 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM

• Where: Live Oak Conference Room, DSISD Administration Building (300 Sportsplex Dr.)

To help us plan, please RSVP by Friday, January 23.

National School Counseling Week 🙌🎉

Monday, 2/2 - A Day

SB 9 Parent Meeting; Pecan Room @ 9am

DSHS Counselors Visit w/ 8th Graders @ SSMS

6th Grade Assembly - during Tiger Win

Tuesday, 2/3 - B Day

DSHS Counselors Visit w/ 8th Graders @ SSMS

7th Grade Assembly - during Tiger Win

Wednesday, 2/4 - A Day

DSHS Virtual Course Plan Meeting for Rising 9th parents; 9am and 6pm (Zoom Link)

8th Grade Assembly - during Tiger Win

Thursday, 2/5 - B Day

FCA; Small Gym @ 8am

PTA Parent-to-Parent Campus Tour; 11:30 (RSVP Here)

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

Cheer Parent Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 5pm

Friday, 2/6 - A Day

ELA STAAR Field Tests for 7th and 8th Graders

PTA Board Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 8:15am

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

PTA Souper Bowl Staff Luncheon 🏈🍲

Dance Tryout Clinic; 4:15pm

Saturday, 2/7

Dance Competition

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

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

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

2/10 - SSMS/SSE Lockdown Drill

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 Meet @ DSMS - Run Only; 4:15pm

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

2/12 - FCA; Small Gym @ 8am

2/12 - DSISD Lunch and Learn - Fostering Grit; 11:30am (Click here to register)

2/12 - PTA Parent-to-Parent Campus Tour; 11:30 (RSVP Here)

2/13 - Student Holiday/Staff PD Day

2/14 - Dance Competition

2/15 - District Holiday/No School

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

2/16 - District Holiday/No School

2/17 - 7th Grade SB9 "Relationships: Paint Them Healthy" Lesson in Science Class

2/17 - NJHS Meeting; 6th grade pod @ 4:20am

2/18 - NJHS Meeting; 6th grade pod @ 8:10am

2/18 - 7th Grade SB9 "Relationships: Paint Them Healthy" Lesson in Science Class

2/18 - Boys Track Meet @ DSMS; Field Events Only (4:15pm)

2/18 - Girls Track Meet vs DSMS @ SSMS; Field Events Only (4:15pm)

2/19 - FCA; Small Gym @ 8am

2/19 - Cheer Parent Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 5pm

2/20 - PTA Membership Meeting; Sycamore Room @8:15am

2/20 - PTA Parent-to-Parent Campus Tour; 11:30 (RSVP Here)

2/20 - Percussion Only Ensemble Concert; DSHS PAC @ 7pm

2/21 - Dance Competition

2/24 - Band Pre-UIL Concert at DSHS; 6:30pm

2/25 - Boys Track Meet @ LTMS; 4:15pm

2/25 - Girls Track @ West Ridge; 4:15pm

2/26 - CAC Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 7:45am

2/26 - Roots Meeting; F232 @ 8am

2/26 - FCA; Small Gym @ 8am

2/26 - Band Booster Club Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 5pm

2/27 - PTA Parent-to-Parent Campus Tour; 11:30 (RSVP Here)

2/28 - Dance Competition

3/2 - SB9 Sexting/Cyberbullying Parent Presentation; 9am in Pecan Room

3/2 - Cheer Clinic Day 1; 4:15pm

3/3 - Cheer Clinic Day 2; 4:15pm

3/4 - Boys Track Meet @ WRMS; 3pm

3/4 - Girls Track Meet @ Hudson Bend; 4:15pm

3/4 - Cheer Clinic Day 3; 4:15pm

3/4 - UIL One Act Play Community Performance; 6pm in Cafeteria

3/5 - PTA Parent-to-Parent Campus Tour; 11:30 (RSVP Here)

3/5 - Cheer Tryouts; 4:15

3/5 - UIL One Act Play Community Performance; 6pm in Cafeteria

3/5 - Deadline to for 5th-7th graders to make changes to their course requests in Skyward

3/6 - UIL One Act Play School Performance; 1:30pm in Cafeteria

3/7 - UIL OAP Festival @ DSMS

3/10 - Band UIL Concert & Sightreading; Hays PAC

3/10 - 7th Grade Boys/Girls Pre-District Track Meet @ DSHS; 4:15pm

3/11 - Band UIL Concert & Sightreading; Hays PAC

3/11 - 8th Grade Boys/Girls Pre-District Track Meet @ DSHS; 4:15pm

3/12 - FCA; Small Gym @ 8am

3/12 - Choir Pre UIL; DSHS PAC @ 7pm

3/13 - PTA Board Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 8:15am

3/13 - PTA Parent-to-Parent Campus Tour; 11:30 (RSVP Here)

3/16-3/20 - Spring Break 😎🏄‍♀️⛱️

3/23 - 8th Grade Panoramic Picture

3/25 - District Track Meet - Day 1 @ Westlake HS; 2pm

3/26 - FCA; Small Gym @ 8am

3/26 - Roots Meeting; F232 @ 8am

3/26 - District Track Meet - Day 2 @ Westlake HS; 2pm

3/27 - Tennis Parent Meeting; Time TBD