Sycamore Springs Middle School

Hello Sycamore Springs Middle School Families,

It was another exciting week at SSMS! Our volleyball team faced off against Lake Travis, and our cross country runners showed their grit at the Tiger Scrimmage against DSMS. At the first PTA Membership Meeting, our Principal’s Student Advisory Committee had the opportunity to present their big projects for this year, including writing a grant to provide feminine hygiene products in all restrooms and creating a school store. We are so proud of these students for sharing their ideas and representing their peers so well!

Looking ahead, we’ve got some great opportunities to connect, celebrate, and show our Tiger spirit—including our first Principal’s Coffee & Chat this Wednesday, the Rodeo Round Up Pep Rally on Friday, and the start of our Parent Book Study. Be sure to check the details below so you don’t miss out.

Go Tigers!

Sincerely,

Kelly Miller

Principal

1. We’re excited to kick off our first Principal’s Coffee & Chat this Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 8:15 am. This is an informal opportunity to connect with Principal Miller, ask questions, and be part of the conversation at SSMS.

2. UIL Eligibility Reminder - This Friday, September 19, is the first UIL eligibility snapshot. Students participating in UIL (University Interscholastic League) competitive activities must be eligible to compete. Grade reporting and eligibility check deadlines are consistent across DSISD and are approved by UIL. Students who are not passing at this snapshot will become ineligible beginning Friday, September 26. Please click HERE to view the UIL Eligibility Calendar, also linked at the bottom of this week’s newsletter.

3. Get ready, Tigers! Our Rodeo Round Up Pep Rally is happening Friday, September 19th during Tiger Win. Throw on your cowboy hats, boots, and bandanas to match the rodeo theme and join us for an exciting time with the band, performances, and tons of school spirit!

4. Parent Book Study - Starts this Friday, Sept 19 - Check out this flyer with information on an upcoming Parent Book Study on the book- “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt. This District-Wide book study is being facilitated by two of our Licensed Mental Health Professionals (LMHPs).

5. For Parents of 6th and 7th Grade Students - We have a permission form for parents regarding their child’s access to the Young Adult (YA) section of the library. Access to this section is opt-in only and requires parent/guardian approval. If your child is currently in 7th grade and you completed this form last year, there is no need to fill it out again. Please click the link below to review the form and additional details. Parent Permission to Read Form

6. Homecoming Week in DSISD begins next week, Sept 22. Please see the flyer below for the HOCO dress-up themes. On Wednesday, Sept. 24, DSHS is inviting the community to come out for the annual HOCO parade, pep-rally, and carnival. See flyer below for more information. The parade starts at 6pm at DSHS with the pep-rally and carnival right after. And, finally, Friday, Sept 26 is the big Homecoming game against Akins at Tiger Stadium. Kick-off is at 7:30pm.

7. Mario Kart eSports Tournament - You are invited to attend our 2nd eSports Tournament at SSMS, featuring: Mario Kart 8 on Nintendo Switch! The tournament will be held after school in the SSMS cafeteria on Friday, October 3rd from 4:15 to 6 PM. See below for more information or click HERE to access the flyer.

8. Secondary Grading Information: Have you noticed we have three different categories of grades in our Skyward gradebooks? You will see a Formative category, which accounts for 30% of a student’s final grade, a Summative category, which accounts for 70% of a student’s final grade, and a Practice or PRAC, which does not have a numerical impact on a student’s grade. PRAC, however, is still a very important column for us to monitor. PRAC grades may include ungraded homework, and/or ungraded assignments that were completed in class. Though not graded, PRAC assignments are very important to the learning process! It’s challenging for a teacher to understand a student’s true level of understanding if PRAC assignments are not completed. How can you help as a parent? If you see zeros in the PRAC category, discuss the importance of practice with your Tiger. We don’t want the first data about a student’s understanding to be on the formal assessment! We’ll talk more about the Formative and Summative sections of the gradebook in the coming weeks. As always, thank you for your partnership, Tiger parents!

9. 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!

10. SMS Attendance Matters - Weekly Update: The results are in for Week 5, and we're thrilled to see our average daily attendance on the rise! We are focused on our goal to increase attendance from 95.9% to 96.9% this year, and every week we get closer to that target.

A huge congratulations to our 6th graders, who set the bar high with an outstanding average daily attendance of 98.6% for the week. This is an incredible achievement and the highest attendance rate of any grade level this year!

Let's continue this momentum. Remember, every day in the classroom is a learning opportunity. Thank you for your partnership in making attendance a top priority at SSMS.

We hope you all had an amazing weekend! We are moving into week six of school this week!

On September 25 & 26, our 6th graders will receive instruction, as required by Senate Bill 9 and the state guidelines for public schools, to teach lessons 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 It's Harassment and the focal point is Respect for others. This lesson builds empathy by tackling issues such as appreciation of our differences, bullying, cyberbullying, safe bystander intervention, and flirting vs. sexual harassment. This curriculum will be taught this year to students in 6th grade with a developmentally appropriate lesson. The lesson 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 hosted a parent preview/information session for this lesson on September 12, 2025. If you were unable to attend and still have questions, please contact your students counselor.

6th grade parents received an email from Actionaly last Tuesday. This email has the electronic opt in form for the lesson. You must opt in your student on this form if you want them to receive the lesson. The deadline to submit your opt in form is September 22, 2025.

September is Suicide Awareness Month. For more information, check out this flyer that has information on warning signs and steps you can take.

Check out this flyer with information on an upcoming Parent Book Study on the book- “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt. This District-Wide book study is being facilitated by two of our Licensed Mental Health Professionals (LMHPs).

We hope you have a great week! Go Tigers!

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

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

We’re excited to kick off our first Principal’s Coffee & Chat on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 8:15 am. This is an informal opportunity to connect with Principal Miller, ask questions, and be part of the conversation at SSMS.

Get ready, Tigers! Our Rodeo Round Up Pep Rally is happening Friday, September 19th during Tiger Win. Throw on your cowboy hats, boots, and bandanas to match the rodeo theme and join us for an exciting time with the band, performances, and tons of school spirit!

Celebrate HOCO week by dressing up!

Monday: Sunrise & Slippers - Wear PJs

Tuesday: Golden Icons - Dress as your favorite celebrity

Wednesday: Sunrise vs Sunset - 6th & 7th grade wear bright/pastels, 8th grade wear darker nighttime colors

Thursday: The Golden Days - Wear 70s Disco or 80s Glam

Friday: Gold-Level Spirit - Maroon & Gold Out

You are invited to attend our 2nd eSports Tournament at SSMS, featuring: Mario Kart 8 on Nintendo Switch! The tournament will be held after school in the SSMS cafeteria on Friday, October 3rd from 4:15 to 6 PM.

The races will be held in 4-player groups, raced across 4 tracks on 150cc, and with All Items. The Top 2 races in each group will advance to the next round in the "Gold Cup" bracket. But don't worry, the bottom 2 racers in each group are NOT eliminated, but they will continue on to the "Silver Cup" bracket and continue racing!

Everyone is guaranteed to have a great time competing and racing, and at the end of the evening we will crown our first ever Mario Kart Champion of SSMS! Join us for a fun-filled evening of racing and competition.

Encourage and challenge your friends AND teachers to join us on Friday, October 3rd in the cafe after-school!

Registration: SSMS PTA Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Tournament FOR STUDENTS & STAFF

Check out this flyer with information on an upcoming Parent Book Study on the book- “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt. This District-Wide book study is being facilitated by two of our Licensed Mental Health Professionals (LMHPs).

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 Ainsley Robinson 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 Volleyball players! We especially want to recognize the following players of the game from this week's game against LTMS!

Congratulations to our Runners of the Week! For the week of August 22nd-26th, we recognized runners who exemplified our SSMS XC team spirit for their support of their teammates, modeling respect for others, leaving things better than they found them and an endless dedication to be present and committed to SSMS XC. Congratulations to Ayden (7G), Luke C.(7B), Petra (8G), and Henry Z (8B) and thank you for all you do to represent us with pride.

For the week of September 2nd-5th, we recognized runners who consistently give their all to improve themselves and their teammates. These runners push themselves to go farther faster by putting in the work from warm-ups to the trails to meets. They are always looking for their next challenge or goal to beat. . Congratulations to Ava (7G), Theo (7B), Juliana (8G), and Emerson (8B). I can't wait to see what you'll accomplish this season with your endless effort!

Happy Trails!
Coach McGilvray

On Wednesday, September 3rd, SSMS XC joined DSMS XC on the trails at DSHS for a "Tiger Scrimmage". Our evening started with the GARGANTUAN arrival of our new SSMS XC Team Tent! The team was blown away by the size, the swagger and the gift of our own personalized shade! We are beyond grateful for the shade and the recognition this brings to our runners who leave everything on the trail.

A huge shoutout to Coach Puryear and her DSHS XC team for all of their support to make this meet happen. From setting up the course to cheering on the Tigers on the trails to ensuring every runner finished, we are so thankful for the opportunity to run together with DSMS as Dripping Springs Tigers. SSMS XC posted 58 PRs (personal records) and worked together as a team to increase their pace on the trail. Way to run, Tigers!

Our Cheerleader of the Week was Paisley Lintz! She is our sweetest, kindest girl who wears her heart on her sleeve and is the embodiment of kindness. Paisley is incredibly hard-working and always has a smile on her face. This young lady cheers with her whole heart, loves with her whole heart and takes care of others with her whole heart. She lifts up everyone around her, and our team is so lucky to have her!

Please help me in congratulating our Tiger Belles of the Week!!!

•We have officially passed our membership total from last year! We’re currently at 319 with a goal is 350+ SSMS PTA members-just 31 MORE TO GO! Join PTA TODAY: JoinPTA – JoinPTA

You’ll be entered in BOTH upcoming raffles-our next drawing is next month, Oct 30th for a YETI Hopper Flip 12!

•We had a successful first week of Workroom Warriors-thank you! You can help free up teaching time to educate & mentor by simply volunteering to make copies in our workroom WEEKLY. Please, consider signing up for one or MORE slots that is convenient for you.

Sign up here: SignUpGenius - Mobile

Note: You must have a current background check completed with DSISD Inspiring Volunteers, Volunteering at DSISD | Dripping Springs

Questions? Contact volunteers@ssmspta.org

•The SSMS PTA will be hosting Parent to Parent Campus Tours THIS month-FRIDAYS- upcoming Sept 19th, and 26th 11:30AM-12:15PM

Sign up here: SignUpGenius - Mobile

•Join DSISD for a Secondary Parent Book Study facilitated by two of our LMHPs on the “Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt starting THIS FRIDAY to explore how screentime & social media are impacting kids-and what YOU can do to help!

Google Meet: Fri Sept 19th -Sign up here: Secondary Anxious Generation Parent Book Study sign up

•Be sure to Like & Follow 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!

Homecoming Week in DSISD is next week! On Wednesday, Sept. 24, DSHS is inviting the community to come out for the annual HOCO parade, pep-rally, and carnival. See flyer below for more information. The parade starts at 6pm at DSHS with the pep-rally and carnival right after. And, finally, Friday, Sept 26 is the big Homecoming game against Akins at Tiger Stadium. Kick-off is at 7:30pm.

Monday, 9/15 - A Day

7th Football @ LTMS; 4:15/5:30/7:00pm

Tuesday, 9/16 - B Day

NJHS Membership Meeting; 6th Grade Pod @ 8:05-8:20am

Principal's Student Advisory Meeting; during Tiger Win

8th Football vs LTMS @ SSMS; 4:15/5:30/7:00pm

Wednesday, 9/17 - A Day

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

NJHS Membership Meeting; 6th Grade Pod @ 4:20-4:35pm

Thursday, 9/18 - B Day

Volleyball @ HCMS; 8B/7A 5:00pm & 8A/7B 6:15am

Band Booster Meeting; Sycamore Room @ 5:30pm

Friday, 9/19 - B Day

📣Fall Pep Rally; During Tiger Win

PTA Parent to Parent Campus Tours;11:30-12:15 (click HERE to sign up)

Saturday, 9/20

Volleyball Hays Tournament @ Hays CISD

9/22 - 8th Football vs HCMS @ Westlake HS; 5:00/6:30pm

9/22 - School Board Meeting Featuring SSMS; CLL @ 6pm in Board Room

9/23 - 7th Football vs. HCMS @ SSMS; 5:00/6:30pm

9/23 - MS Volleyball Night @ DSHS Volleyball Varsity Game; @ DSHS

9/24 - New Student Breakfast; Sycamore Room during Tiger Win

9/25 - 6th Grade - SB 9; "It's Harassment" Lesson in science class

9/25 - Volleyball vs HBMS @ SSMS; 8B/7A 5:00pm & 8A/7B 6:15am

9/26 - 6th Grade - SB 9; "It's Harassment" Lesson in science class

9/26 - PTA Parent to Parent Campus Tours;11:30-12:15 (click HERE to sign up)

9/26 - Varsity Football vs. Akins - Homecoming and MS Choir Night; Tiger Stadium @ 7:30pm

9/29 - 7th Football @ HBMS; 4:15/5:30/7:00pm

9/30 - 8th Football vs HBMS @ SSMS; 4:15/5:30/7:00pm

10/2 - CAC Meeting #1; Sycamore Room @ 7:45am

10/2 - Volleyball @ WRMS; 8B/7A 5:00pm & 8A/7B 6:15am;

10/3 - PTA Board Meeting; Pecan Room @ 8:15am

10/3 - PTSA/SSMS Mario Kart eSports Tournament; Cafeteria @ 4:15pm

10/6 - 7th Football vs. WRMS @ SSMS; 5:00/6:30pm

10/7 - 8th Football vs WRMS @ Westlake HS; 5:00/6:30pm

10/9 - Parent Meeting for Terrace Metrics (7th Grade Families); Pecan Room @ 9am

10/9 - Volleyball @ BCMS; 8B/7A 5:00pm & 8A/7B 6:15am

10/9 - Fall Choir Concert; Cafeteria @ 7pm

10/17 - PTA Parent to Parent Campus Tours;11:30-12:15 (click HERE to sign up)