SSMS Weekly Update
October 22, 2021
Dear SSMS Families,
The school year is flying by. We just finished week one of the second quarter. UIL eligibility took effect today for first quarter grades. Any student who lost eligibility can regain it by passing all their classes at the Term 2A interim in two weeks. Please check out our calendar events at the bottom of the page. Next week is another very busy and exciting week as we take on our crosstown rivals DSMS in football and volleyball to close out the season.
Go Tigers!
Dan Diehl
Principal
Sycamore Springs Middle School
Check Out This Week's SSMS News Student Broadcast
School Photo Retakes on October 26th
Support Team Sycamore As We Raise Awareness and Funding for Type 1 Diabetes!
At SSMS, we strive to look beyond ourselves and know that together we have the power to make a difference. If you would like to support Team Sycamore reach our goals, please use the link below to visit our webpage where you can make a donation, join the team or check out our progress!
https://tinyurl.com/TeamSycamore
Thank you for your support. If you have any questions regarding Team Sycamore, please reach out to Mrs. McGilvray, SSMS NJHS adviser.
Don't miss out next week! News from the SSMS PTA
There is a lot going on next week . . . and we are still looking for some extra help! Take a look at the activities below and help out if you can! We'd love to see you on campus :). Our amazing SSMS staff would greatly appreciate it, and so would we! :)SSMSPTA
October 29th is the Third Annual SSMS Chili / Soup Cook-off!
Help us treat our teachers & staff to a heartwarming lunch again this year...AND possibly win the title of best soup or chili in the entire SSMS Region! Click HERE to sign up! Spots still open for smaller items, and also several left for soups/chili’s!! If you’re making something for Halloween -double up and bring it in!!
Watch the video below and then click HERE to find out more. Any student can enter in any category: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts. Email reflections@ssmspta.org with questions! Submissions due 10/29 in the vestibule! VIDEO LINK
By the pricking of my thumbs, our WICKED Book Fair this way comes! They are still in need of volunteers to help out at the book fair! If you’d like a chance to get on campus, this is a perfect opportunity!10/25-10/29 Click HERE to sign up for a spot!
CLOSE UP IS BACK! STUDENT TRIP TO WASHINGTON, D.C.
We are so excited to be sharing this opportunity with our students again this year! Because of the travel restrictions of the last couple of years, we are opening the trip to all 7th AND 8th graders. After this year, however, only 7th grade students will be invited to attend.
There will be a parent information meeting on October 27th at 6:30 p.m. in the 8th grade pod.
Here are Frequently Asked Questions about the trip - if you would like to sign up, there is a link at the bottom of the FAQ document. Your enrollment coupon will be sent home with your child beginning next week.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to rebecca.smart@dsisdtx.us or kristin.wright@dsisdtx.us
Counselor's Corner
Hello everyone!!
Tiger Leaders Present Red Ribbon Week Next Week:
October 25 to October 29th is RED RIBBON WEEK:
Please help your student remember to dress up and say No to drugs and Alcohol:
Red Ribbon Week Dress Up Days
Monday - Wear red to support Red Ribbon Week
Tuesday - Wear a hat to put a cap on alcohol
Wednesday - Wear PJs to put drugs and alcohol to sleep
Thursday - Support your team - not drugs. Wear your favorite team/jersey
Friday - Wear Hawaiian attire to lei off drugs and alcohol.
Tigers Got Talent: Clifton Strengths Explorer:
7th grade parents: Remember to ask your student about their strengths next week. We will be in 7th grade social studies classes helping all 7th grade students to do Clifton Strengths Explorer.
As always we are here to help!!
LaDonna Caroselli Counselor 2021-2022: All of 7th Grade and all 6th Grade A-K
ladonna.caroselli@dsisdtx.us, 512-858-3623
Jennifer Burks, Counselor 2021-2022: All of 8th Grade and 6th Grade L-Z
jennifer.burks@dsisdtx.us, 512-858-3622
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, also known as IDEA, is a federal law that gives eligible students with disabilities the right to receive special education services and assistance in school. To be eligible for special education services, a student with a disability must need instruction that is specially designed to meet the student’s unique needs based on that disability.
If you suspect that your child may have a disability, you may request a special education evaluation. Please see the below link and/or attachment for more information.
The SSMS Book Fair is Coming
Have you set up your students eWallet for the SSMS Book Fair? This is a safe, cashless way for students to shop the fair and you to control how much they spend! Set it up today on the SSMS Book Fair Site. https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bookfairs/parent-how-it-works.html?fairID=5107959
Book Fair runs next Monday - Friday in person OR shop online 10/25-11/7. Thank you for supporting the SSMS CL&I!
DSISD Annual Dyslexia Parent Information Night
The DSISD Dyslexia team will be hosting our Annual Dyslexia Parent Information night on Wednesday, Oct. 27 from 5:30 to 7. This will be a virtual event for anyone interested in learning more about dyslexia and tips for supporting their children with dyslexia at home. Everyone is welcome to attend and no registration is required.
Events of the Week
10/25 - 10/29 - Book Fair in CL&I
10/25 Volleyball vs. DSMS (@DSMS) 5:15 p.m.
10/25 7th Grade Football vs. DSMS (@DSMS) 5:00 p.m.
10/26 Fall Picture Retakes in Sycamore Room pd 5 and TWT
10/26 8th Grade Football vs. DSMS (@DSHS) 5:00 p.m.
10/27 Close Up Washington D.C. Parent Meeting 6:30 pm.
10/27- 10/29 Boys basketball tryouts
10/29 PTA Chili Cook-off 11:00 a.m.
10/30 A Team District Volleyball Tournament
Upcoming Events
Nov. 1-3 Girls Basketball Tryouts
Nov. 6. Band District and Region Competitions
Staff Birthdays
Callie McIver - 10/29
Paula Cannon - 10/31
Dan Diehl - 11/2
Diane Bass - 11/5
Sycamore Springs Middle School
Website: https://www.dsisdtx.us/domain/12
Location: 4451 Sawyer Ranch Rd, Austin, TX 78737, USA
Phone: 512-858-3600