Sycamore Springs Middle School
Weekly Newsletter
May 17, 2026
Hello Sycamore Springs Middle School Families,
Happy Sunday! It is hard to believe that this is the last week for the 2025-2026 school year!
This past week was filled with exciting events at our school, starting with the 6th and 7th grade award ceremonies, where we celebrated our students' hard work and achievements. Our 8th graders showcased their inspiring passion projects, many of which focused on giving back to the community. We also welcomed our rising 6th graders from RSE, CSE, and SSE for our annual Tigers Rise event. It was so fun having them in the building meeting and connecting with other Tigers! The week culminated in a memorable 8th-grade graduation, with the traditional clap-out, and an end-of-year celebration in the courtyard! Thank you to all the staff, parents, community, and PTA for your support in making the 8th grade celebration such a huge success!!!
As we close out this school year I would like to think our families, students, teachers, and entire community for such an amazing school year! I would also like to wish all of our 8th grade students good luck on their journey of academic success at DSHS. You are an amazing group of 8th graders who are not only academically talented but also great athletic competitors! I would also like to welcome all of our rising 6th graders from Rooster Springs Elementary, Cypress Springs Elementary, and Sycamore Springs Elementary schools. It was so great to have you on our campus last and we can't wait for you to join us in the fall!
We have a lot of reminders to share before we close out the 25-26 school year, so please take a minute to read over this week's newsletter. 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. This Monday, May 18 is our Teachers vs. Students Mighty Tigers Games from 3:00–4:00 PM in the Big Gym! Students... please note that there will be no Tiger Win and we are flipping your 2nd and 3rd periods to ensure everyone keeps their normal A day lunches! See below for more information.
2. Final Exams start Tuesday. Make sure you are aware of the schedule. Please note that Friday, May 22 is an early release day. Students will be dismissed at 1:10pm
3. MAP Testing During Finals Week -Your child will take their end-of-year ELA and Math MAP assessments during their final exam block for each class. This is an adaptive assessment that is used to help with tracking students’ growth and understanding and is individualized to meet students where they are at. Students do not need to prepare for this assessment beyond ensuring a good night’s rest and breakfast. Thank you for reminding your child to bring their fully charged device to class on their testing day.
4. 2025-2026 Student Schedules - This week will be the last opportunity to change your 2025-2026 course requests before the end of the school year. Skyward Family access is open until May 22 at 4pm, so families can review schedule requests for the next school year. If you have questions and or want to make changes to your student’s schedule, please contact your Middle School counselors. Schedule change requests after this period will be depended on class availability and will require administrator or counselor approval. Please see the list of classes to choose from for each grade level HERE.
5. Is your son planning on participating in UIL Athletics next school year? We have an important informational meeting coming up. We highly recommend all incoming 7th grade families attend this meeting to get the essential details to set you and your athlete up for a smooth transition to middle school UIL sports.
When: Tuesday, May 19th @ 6:00 PM
Where: SSMS Competition Gym
See flyer below for more information.
6. Interested in SSMS Cross Country? Share Your Interest Today!
SSMS Cross Country is a great opportunity for you to start your day off running (literally). We practice before school four days a week (schedule to be provided) beginning the second day of school. Cross Country is open to any 7th or 8th grader. Runners do not need to enroll in Athletics to participate with SSMS Cross Country, but must have a current physical on file.. Coach McGilvray is willing to work with students who are balancing other activities or sports. Don't miss out on the fun, share your interest today and know that completing the interest form is not a commitment. It will just ensure that you are included on all XC information that is distributed. Click here to complete the SSMS Cross Country Interest Form today! In addition, please download the SportsYou app and join our page to stay up-to-date on SSMS XC. The access code is 84JBNG7Q
7. Our Lost & Found is overflowing! All Lost & Found items are in the front of the school and/or the Rotunda area. Items will remain on display through Friday, May 22 at 12:00 PM. After that time, any unclaimed belongings will be bagged up and donated to a local organization.
8. Our school supply lists are now available. We are also offering School Supply Kits that will be shipped directly to your house. The deadline to order your School Supply kit is July 1, 2026. Click HERE to place your order today.
9. Changing Schools OR Leaving DSISD Next Year? Please click on this link to complete a short form if your student will NOT be returning to SSMS next year OR will NOT attend 9th Grade at DSHS for the 2026-2027 school year. After completing the Leaving DSISD Form, an Intent to Withdraw Form will be emailed to you. Please sign and return the Intent to Withdraw Form, so we can complete the withdrawal process for your student. Email our SSMS Registrar, Jen Havlin, with any questions.
10. If your child has medication stored in the nurse's office, please ensure you arrange to pick it up by 1:00pm on May 22, 2026. Medications cannot be sent home with students. Please see this notice from Nurse Blair for more details.
11. 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.
We hope you all had a wonderful weekend!
As we circle back to course selection for the 26/27 school year, we will open Skyward Family access from May 11-May 22, so families can review schedule requests for the 2026-2027 school year. During this May 11-22 timeframe, If you have questions and or want to make changes, please contact your Middle School counselor. Please see the list of classes and course catalog HERE.
For the 26/27 School year, Schedule changes will only be made during the first two weeks of school if:
– A core class is missing
– A student is in the wrong level of a core class (e.g., On-Level vs. Honors)
– A class period is blank or unassigned
– Two classes are scheduled during the same period
We will not process elective changes during the first two weeks. Elective change requests will be considered beginning in Week 3 on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to availability. Also, remember that a course change request can result in a schedule having to be moved around quite a bit.
Please see the end of year information from our District LMHP’s here.
Have a great week ahead!
Go Tigers!
Ms. Dykhoff, Grades 6-8 last names A-K
Mrs. Zimmerman, Grades 6-8 last names L-Z
🐯 Campus Announcements 📢
INCOMING 7TH BOYS ATHLETIC MEETING
Is your son planning on participating in UIL Athletics next school year? We have an important informational meeting coming up. We highly recommend all incoming 7th grade families attend this meeting to get the essential details to set you and your athlete up for a smooth transition to middle school UIL sports.
When: Tuesday, May 19th @ 6:00 PM
Where: SSMS Competition Gym
What We Will Cover:
Scheduling & Eligibility: Get the details on the daily/seasonal athletic schedule and the academic requirements needed to stay eligible.
Physicals & Paperwork: Important details on registration and required forms.
Multi-Sport Athletes: Learn how we actively encourage and accommodate multi-sport participation throughout the school year.
Booster Club & Q&A: Find out how you can get involved, followed by a live Q&A session to answer all your questions.
Getting everything sorted early is the best way to make sure your athlete is ready to hit the ground running on day one. We hope to see you there!
TPD!
Mighty Tiger Game - May 18
Go Tigers!
Please note:
- No Tiger Win
- 2nd and 3rd periods are swapped to ensure everyone keeps their normal A day lunches!
Changing Schools OR Leaving DSISD Next Year?
Please click on this link to complete a short form if your student will NOT be returning to SSMS next year OR will NOT attend 9th Grade at DSHS for the 2026-2027 school year. After completing the Leaving DSISD Form, an Intent to Withdraw Form will be emailed to you. Please sign and return the Intent to Withdraw Form, so we can complete the withdrawal process for your student. Email our SSMS Registrar, Jen Havlin, with any questions.
Spring Final Exam Schedule
2026-2027 School Supplies
Our school supply lists are now available. We are also offering School Supply Kits that will be shipped directly to your house. The deadline to order your School Supply kit is July 1, 2026. Click HERE to place your order today.
END OF YEAR MEDICATION PICK-UP FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE
If your child has medication stored in the nurse's office, please ensure you arrange to pick it up by 1:00pm on May 22, 2026. Medications cannot be sent home with students. Please see this notice from Nurse Blair for more details.
Required Immunizations for all 7th graders
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:
Tetanus, Diphtheria and Acellular Pertussis-containing vaccine (Tdap): 1 dose within the last 5 years to be valid.
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
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you,
Nurse Blair
Attention 8th Graders 🐯
1. 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.
🎉 Campus Celebrations 🙌
🎂 Staff Birthdays 🎉
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! 🐯
Hunter's Education Certification
Congrats to the 19 Outdoor Ed students who completed their certification in Hunter's Education through Texas Parks and Wildlife!
🏈🏐 Athletics 🏀🏐
🏀Boys' Athletics 🏈
We had 18 Off-Season records broken this year!!💪🎉
🏐Girls' Athletics🏀
SSMS PTA
ATTENTION: Following the very last SSMS PTA Membership Meeting last Friday we are pleased to announce the SSMS PTA 2026-2027 Executive Board. The VP of Volunteers remains vacant, if interested please contact: president@ssmspta.org
Speaking of, SSMS PTA is searching for a special someone to join our Hospitality Committee and/or
Executive Board as VP of Volunteers! Email: president@ssmspta.orgwith any questions, suggestions, or interest!
ACTION: The SSMS PTA is just getting started for 26’-27’!
Few of the way your SSMS PTA has impacted our community recently: We provided new equipment for the new SSMS Flag Football Club and volunteer support & hotdog lunch at the 26’ Tigers RiSE!
We're already preparing for our SSMS Staff & Students-Back-to-School teachers & staff lunches, another Esports Tournament, Staff & Student Grants, Spelling Bee, Talent Show, & Staff Appreciations like the recent week we had throughout the year! GIVE HERE: Donate to Sycamore Springs Middle School PTA to help us support our students, teachers, and staff. to ensure everyone starts the new school year being supported, celebrated, and ready to succeed! Questions? Email: SSMS PTA Fundraising at fundraising@ssmspta.org
Be sure to Like & Follow Sycamore Springs Middle School PTA on ourFacebookandInstagram - we post information & updates daily throughout the school year, and we’ll show up more often the more you react to the posts! We’re just 10 followers away from 500 followers?! Note: Incoming 6th Graders Class of 2033 info is there too!
PTA Executive Board
PTA Fundraiser
District Announcements
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!
Annual Verification for the 2026-27 school year is now open!
Parents can begin the process by logging into Skyward Family Access. A reminder email with Family Access login information is sent prior to the verification window opening.
Please complete verification for each child in your family as soon as possible; this process should be completed by Saturday, May 23. During the verification process, parents will complete back-to-school forms. This process takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.
If you have problems with the online process, please contact your child’s campus and ask for the Skyward Family Access contact/Student Records Specialist. Computers are available at campuses for those who do not have one available at home.
🗓Upcoming Events!
This Week:
Monday, 5/18 - A Day
FCA Meeting; Small Gym @ 8am
Mighty Tiger Games; Big Gym @ 3pm
Girls Soccer vs DSMS @ DSHS; 5/6:15pm
Boys Soccer vs SSMS @ SSMS; 5/6:15pm
Tennis vs DSMS @ DSHS; 5:30pm
Tuesday, 5/19 - B Day
Final Exams (5th & 7th exam)
NJHS Ceremony; Cafeteria @ 7pm
Wednesday, 5/20 - A Day
Final Exams (1st and 3rd exams)
Thursday, 5/21 - B Day
Final Exams (8th and 6th exams)
Friday, 5/22 - B Day
Final Exams (2nd and 4th exams)
Last Day of School!!! 😎 (Early Release)
Summer Dates:
6/4 - 6/5 - Tiger Belles Pre-Camp; 8-2 in big gym
6/6 - 6/8 - Tiger Belles Officer Camp in San Marcos
6/9 - 6/11 - Tiger Belles Line Camp; 8-5 in big gym
7/1 - The deadline to order your School Supply kit. Click HERE to place your order.
7/21-7/23 - Cheer Pre-Season Camp
7/22 - 7/25 - Tiger Belles UDA Camp in San Marcos
7/23 - Cheer Team Photos on Football Field
7/28-7/31 Band Camp at SSMS (all rising 7th and 8th grade students invited!)
