Originally delivered on 10/10/2021 3:18 pm

SUBJECT: Charger Chatter

October 10, 2021

Principal's Post


Dear Charger Parents and Families,

 

This is Homecoming Week at POMS! We have dress up days and homecoming activities scheduled all week long! I'm EXCITED to announce that we will have a Homecoming Dance for our 7th & 8th graders! Please see below for dress up and school dance information. 

This Tuesday is our first Homecoming Tailgate Party at 5:30 p.m. in the Butler Stadium parking lot! Invite your family, friends and neighbors! Everyone is welcome to cheer on our Chargers at Butler Stadium. We want a HUGE parent and student section, so come out and support our football team to kick off a week of winning!


Pin Oak Chargers Spirit Week


Homecoming Pep Rally

  • Tuesday, October 12 @ 3 PM
  • POMS Fields


Homecoming Tailgate Party

  • Tuesday, October 12 @ 5:30 PM
  • Butler Stadium Parking Lot


Homecoming Football Game

  • Tuesday, October 12 @ 7 PM
  • Butler Stadium


Homecoming Lunch Performances

  • Friday, October 15 @ All Lunches
  • POMS Cafetorium


Homecoming Dance for 7th & 8th Graders

  • Friday, October 15 (6 PM - 8 PM)
  • POMS Outdoor Courtyard



IDs/Lanyards

I want to thank you for your support and reminding your Charger to wear their ID/lanyard. It's noticed and appreciated!


Things to remember:

  • First ID and lanyard are FREE
  • SCHOOL-ISSUED lanyard and ID must be visible (top half of body)
    • 6th Grade: Charger White lanyard
    • 7th Grade: Charger Gray lanyard
    • 8th Grade: Charger Blue lanyard
  • Replacement ID ($5) & lanyard ($2)
    • Replacement ID & lanyard may be purchased at the main office student support table before school or during lunches


PSAT for 8th Graders (Wednesday, October 13)

All 8th graders will be taking the PSAT on Wednesday, October 13, 2021. There are only a few things you really need to bring on test day and a lot of things you'll be better off leaving at home. Please contact Mrs. Katty Warren, campus testing coordinator, if you have additional questions.


What to Bring:

  • Two No. 2 pencils with erasers
  • An approved calculator
  • Valid school or government issued photo ID (for students not testing at their own school and homeschooled students). If unavailable, use a notarized College Board Student ID Form.
  • Homeschoolers: Bring this code, too.
  • Epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g. EpiPens) are permitted without the need for accommodations. They must be placed in a clear bag and stored under the student's desk during testing. For policies on other medications and medical devices, contact Services for Students with Disabilities.


What Not to Bring:

  • Any devices, including smartwatches, that can be used to record, transmit, receive, or play back audio, photographic text, or video content.
  • Protractors, compasses, rulers
  • Highlighters, colored pens, colored pencils, mechanical pencils
  • Pamphlets or papers of any kind
  • Dictionaries or other books - there are no exceptions, even if English is not your first language
  • Food and drinks - including bottled water - unless your school has approved these as a testing accommodation for a disability. Learn more about testing with accommodations.



Fire Drill #3

This Friday, we will have our third fire drill. Before starting the fire drill, I will make a campus wide announcement to reassure students that it's only a drill and explain why we are practicing the procedures. Our goal is student preparedness in case of a real emergency.



Socioeconomic Form

Have you submittedthis form? All our forms are important, but this one impacts our funding! Please make sure that this form is updated or completed for the 2021-2022 school year. It is very important that we receive this form from everyone. All forms must be accounted for by October 26 to ensure we have the funding needed for our Chargers. Please email Mrs. Salinas at felissa.montanomarquez@houstonisd.org if you have any questions or need a paper form.



HISD Parent University Sessions

The Houston Independent School District is holding its second Parent University event for the 2021-2022 academic school year on Tuesday, October 19, 2021. For now, Parent University sessions will be held virtually via Zoom and will connect parents and students to HISD and community resources to help support successful academic outcomes as well as safe and healthy environments at home and in school. Sessions will have live translation audio in Spanish, Arabic, and Vietnamese. Visit www.houstonisd.org/parentuniversity for more information.


Fall 2021 Sessions

  • September 21 @ 6PM (Virtual)
  • October 19 @ 6PM (Virtual)
  • November 16 @ 6PM (Milby HS)*


Spring 2022 Sessions

  • January 18 @ 6PM (Madison HS)*
  • February 15 @ 6 PM (Bellaire HS)*
  • April 19 @ 6 PM (Houston MSTC)*


*Please note: Locations and times are subject to change due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19. Please continue to check www.houstonisd.org/parentuniversity for up-to-date information or call (713) 556-7290.



Connecting with you is important to us. As a result, we have many ways to share the latest and greatest of Pin Oak Middle School, including:



Be well and stay healthy,


Lindsey Vela




Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram!

Twitter: @pinoakms

Instagram @pinoakchargers

Important Traffic Reminders


Reminder to please be considerate of HCC neighbors and surrounding streets. These are NOT official pick-up/drop-off zones and we are fielding many complaints. Blocking driveways and parking on the streets are prohibited and Bellaire Police will be ticketing.


  • DO NOT U-turn on Glenmont.
  • DO NOT pick up or drop off in the teacher/staff parking lot at the back of the school.
  • Avenue B is NOT a sanctioned pick up or drop off location and DO NOT block driveways. Bellaire police are giving tickets to those who are parked illegally.
  • The HCC Parking Lot is NOT available for parking. You will be towed.


If you have any questions, please email Principal Vela.

Let's Keep Up the Generous Spirit!


Hey Chargers!


Y'all are the best! I can't thank you enough for your generous donations during the first week of our Charger Commitment Campaign. It's a wonderful start on the way to a great finish!


Your financial support is sincerely appreciated. The money you give is used this year for our current students. We just started the 2nd six weeks, and POMS already has additional needs, and we know that more will pop up during the year.


We are 1/4 of the way through our campaign, and are at 4% of families giving. Can we get to 10% by next Friday? We would like to see more of you participate and I know we can reach that goal!


Please give what you can - any and all amounts help and will benefit POMS students, teachers and staff in the current 2021-2022 school year.


Please click here to donate today or learn more. If you have any questions or want to get involved with the campaign, please email me at commitment@pinoakpto.org.


Let's see that Charger Spirit keep us going!


#ChargeOn


Francyne Davis Jacobs

Snacks, Water, & Volunteers Needed for POMS Homecoming Dance


We are in need of snacks, water, and VIPS-approved volunteers for the POMS Homecoming Dance on Friday, October 15.


Please click here to sign up today!

POMS Spirit Night at Betsy's


Mark your calendar for the first POMS Spirit Night of the year on Monday, October 18, at Betsy's in Evelyn's Park. Stay tuned for more details in the coming week!

Pants Needed in Adult Men's Sizes


Pin Oak Middle School is looking for uniform pants/shorts in waist size 32 or above. Please bring all donations to front office to Ms. Gould's attention.

Questions? Please email Wraparound Specialist Brigid Gould at Brigid.Gould@houstonisd.org.

Gifted and Talented Testing 2021-2022


HISD will be testing all 6th grade students who are not already identified as Gifted and Talented (GT) during the GT testing window of November 29 - December 11. The exact dates for testing at POMS will be announced soon. These tests will happen during the school day.

Current 7th and 8th graders who are interested in being tested for Gifted and Talented identification must complete the GT application and have it submitted to Ms. Vining (C House office) by November 11.

Online applications can be found through HISD Parent Connect or by submitting a paper application:


We will make sure that the teacher evaluation portion is done on campus.

Gifted Education Plans are currently being developed for identified GT students and will be completed by October 29, 2021.


Additional Resources:

Interested in Joining the POMS UIL Academic Team?


Are you interested in joining the POMS UIL Academic Team? 


If so, complete the UIL Academic Team Interest Form.


If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Kelly Moore.

POMS Magnet Thursday Events


Do you know someone interested in applying to Pin Oak Middle School for the 2022-2023 school year? Pin Oak Middle School will host virtual information sessions every Thursday from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. for prospective families. We encourage you to share this information with your community and help us spread the word about the great things happening at Pin Oak!


Join on Microsoft Teams here!


If you have any questions about the POMS Magnet Thursdays, please email POMS Magnet Coordinator, Mrs. Kelly Moore, at kelly.moore@houstonisd.org.

Purchase Your POMS Yearbook Today


Yearbooks are now available for sale at Balfour.com for $50. The price will increase to $55 on January 1, 2022.


We sell out every year so please reserve yours today!


If you have any questions, please contact POMS Yearbook Advisor Autumn Beckman.

POMS Girls' Basketball Tryouts and RMA Instructions


  • Tryout Dates: Wednesday, October 20 - Friday, October 22
  • Time: Doors will open at 6:20 a.m. and tryouts will be 6:30 a.m - 7:45 a.m.
    • Please enter in the gate near the football field closest towards the gym doors. (The gate will be open.)


An account on registermyathlete.com must be created and all forms must be uploaded before tryouts.


POMS Girls' Basketball Information Packet


If you have any questions, please contact Coach Alexis Willis.

POMS Boot Walk to End Cancer


Again. this year on Tuesday, November 2, Pin Oak Middle School is teaming up with Team #kirbystrong to participate in the 2021 MD Anderson Boot Walk to End Cancer which raises money to provide support for MDA’s mission, including patient programs, research, prevention, and education initiatives.

 

From October 25 - November 2, for a $5 donation kids can "purchase" a Give Cancer the Boot wristband. Everyone with a wristband will walk the track in their favorite "boots" during team time on Tuesday, November 2.

 

If you'd like to make an additional donation to MD Anderson, please click on this link:

 

https://secure3.convio.net/mdacc/site/TR/Walk/BootWalk?px=1141495&pg=personal&fr_id=1492  

 

100% of funds raised by participants go directly to MDA to advance their mission to end cancer. After all, who doesn't want to give cancer a swift kick out the door?

 

Thank you for your generosity! 

Gina Taylor

 

#kirbystrong  #endcancer   

Lamar HS Prospective Parents Virtual Tour


Interested in your child attending Lamar High School? Come join our Principal, Magnet Coordinator, and current parents for a virtual coffee.

Lamar will host three virtual coffees:

  • October 1
  • October 15
  • November 5

Each coffee will begin at 9:30 a.m.


Lamar asks that you register in advance and a link will be emailed the Thursday before the event.


These events will take place on Microsoft Teams which works best in Google Chrome or through the Teams app on your smart phone.


You can visit our Prospective Student Website and sign up to receive updates from our Admissions Coordinator, Ms. Casey Titus. She can answer questions whether you are zoned or not and will be your contact as you make decisions about next year!

Energy Institute HS Wants You!


Did you know that the applications for magnet transfer are now open? 8th graders are able to apply for specific high schools with specialty programs and this is a great way to find a school that meets your high school dreams. Each year Energy Institute HS has many 9th grade students who come from Pin Oak MS.


We are a STEM magnet school that offers engineering, content on Energy, but most importantly, we are the only school in HISD that is a Project Based Learning campus!


Reach out or explore our site for more information. The Magnet Coordinator can be contacted at jillian.estrella@houstonisd.org.


Energy Institute HS

Welcome to Energy Institute HS

Energy Institute HS Fact Sheet

Bellaire Belles Dance Clinic


Come Dance with Belles! Join us for a day of fun and learn a pom, hip hop, or advanced dance routine to perform for family and friends at the end of the clinic!

  • Date: Saturday, October 16, 2021
  • Location: Bellaire High School Gym (5100 Maple St. 77401)
  • Time: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
  • Age: K - 12th grade
  • Cost: $40 in advance before October 6 / $45 at the door and registrations received after the October 6 deadline.
  • Includes: Belles Dance Clinic T-Shirt (not guaranteed for walk-ins), snack and certificate. *Registration must be received no later than Wednesday, October 6 to be guaranteed a T-shirt*


Bellaire Belles Dance Clinic Website

Bellaire Belles Dance Clinic Registration (Paper Form)

Bellaire Belles Dance Clinic Registration (Google Form)


Questions? Contact bellairebelles@gmail.com.

Volunteer to Help with POMS Lunch Duty


Mrs. Vela and the POMS admin team need your help during lunch duty to encourage students to throw away their trash and exhibit appropriate behavior.


Please also talk to your children at home about why it's important to respect their school campus and clean up after themselves.


Click here to sign up! You must be VIPS approved.


Questions? Please contact POMS Assistant Principal Johnny Morse.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month


Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15 - October 15. The purpose of Hispanic Heritage Month is to honor the history and diversity of the Hispanic American community and to educate ourselves on the rich culture and traditions of Hispanic people who have made, and continue to make, important contributions to society.


Resources about this month can be found at the websites listed below:


POMS Amazon Wish List


Please consider helping us purchase items on our Amazon Wish List. All items will be shipped directly to the school.


Thank you so much for your generosity!


Please email POMS PTO President Tricia Onufer with any questions.

Missed the Virtual Parent Meeting on TX House Bill (HB) 4545?


Click here to view the replay. If you are asked for a log in, please enter your student's HISD email address and password.

Backpack Buddy is Back!


The Houston Food Bank’s Backpack Buddy Program works to fill the gap between school meals by providing nutritious, child-friendly food for school children to take home over the weekend.


Through the Backpack Buddy program, the Houston Food Bank works in partnership with our school to ensure that the food sacks are distributed to children every Friday during the school year.


In order to receive a food sack every Friday, you MUST submit a permission slip:


Food distribution is set to start in October. Please email POMS Wraparound Specialist Brigid Gould with any questions or to get more information.

Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities


Do you know a business who is looking for corporate sponsorship opportunities? 


Pin Oak offers a variety of sponsorship levels and benefits, including school-wide newsletter and website recognition, banner display in a prominent location on campus, marquee signage and much more! By partnering with businesses in our community, we raise funds for teacher, student, classroom and technology support, curriculum enrichment, staff appreciation, and facility enhancements. 


Contact POMS PTO Co-VP of Fundraising & Corporate Sponsors Chair Dawn Johnson for more details.

VIPS (Volunteers in Public School) Registration Now Open


All volunteers in HISD must register to be VIPS approved. Please register at least two weeks before your scheduled volunteer shift, as it can take three to five business days to complete the background check. Even if you were previously VIPS approved, you will need to register again as your approval expires at the end of each school year.


VIPS Registration

VIPS Registration (Español)

Join the POMS PTO for 2021-2022


Join the Pin Oak Middle School PTO and help the students, teachers, fine arts, athletics, and academic programs at our school.


Membership is just $10.


Membership must be renewed each year, as annual membership expires at the end of each school year on June 30.


If you have any questions, please email POMS PTO Membership ChairJamie Broach Byrd.

Join Mrs. Vela's POMS Parent Group 2021-2022 on Remind


To join via mobile phone:

1.  Send a text to 81010

2.  Text this message: @pinoakp


To join via web:

https://www.remind.com/join/pinoakp?utm_medium=ios


Then download the app on theApp StoreorGoogle Play.

Update Information for POMS Directory


Log in to update your directory info or sign up for a new account if you're a new user. If you have used Membership Toolkit at another school, you may log in using your same account information.


The POMS PTO uses the Membership Toolkit platform across the board, so you'll need an account to receive the Charger Chatter, shop at the online School Store, join the PTO, and more! It can all be found at pinoakpto.org.


Also, be sure to download the free Membership Toolkit app on the App Store or Google Play, so you'll have the school directory and school calendar with you at all times on your mobile device! You can even sync the PTO calendar to your phone's calendar and opt to receive push notifications for important announcements!


If you have any issues signing up or logging in, please contact the POMSPTO VP of Communications Melissa Law.

Need Food, Clothing, Child Care, Rental Assistance, or Health & Human Services?

HISD Wraparound Services is here to help. Please see the following documents and complete a Student Assistance Form (SAF) found here.

Wraparound Services Contact Sheet

Wraparound Services Info Sheet English/Spanish

For more information, visit HISD Wraparound Services or email POMS Wraparound Specialist Brigid Gould.

Looking Ahead
Monday, October 11
POMS Homecoming Spirit Week: RODEO
9:00a POMS PTO Executive Board Meeting
5:00p POMS 7th Grade Football vs. Meyerland PVA @ POMS
Tuesday, October 12
POMS Homecoming Spirit Week: CHARGER COLORS
3:00p POMS Homecoming Pep Rally @ POMS
5:30p POMS Homecoming Tailgate @ Butler Stadium
7:00p POMS Homecoming 8th Grade Football vs. Lanier MS @ Butler Stadium
Wednesday, October 13
POMS Homecoming Spirit Week: PATRIOTIC
POMS PSAT for 8th Graders
Thursday, October 14
POMS Homecoming Spirit Week: HAWAIIAN LUAU
1:00p POMS Magnet Thursdays
5:30p POMS Volleyball vs. West Briar MS @ West Briar MS
6:00p POMS Magnet Thursdays
Friday, October 15
POMS Homecoming Spirit Week: NEON
11:50a POMS Homecoming Performances (Cheer, Dance, Hip Hop) During All Lunches
6:00p POMS Homecoming Dance for 7th & 8th Graders
Monday, October 18
POMS Spirit Night at Betsy's
9:00a POMS PTO General Meeting
5:00p POMS 7th Grade Football vs. West Briar MS @ West Briar MS
Tuesday, October 19
5:00p POMS 8th Grade Football vs. Welch MS @ Butler Stadium
6:00p HISD's Virtual Parent University
Wednesday, October 20
6:30a POMS Girls' Basketball Tryouts
Thursday, October 21
6:30a POMS Girls' Basketball Tryouts
1:00p POMS Magnet Thursdays
5:30p POMS Volleyball vs. Rice MS @ POMS
6:00p POMS Magnet Thursdays
Friday, October 22
6:30a POMS Girls' Basketball Tryouts
Saturday, October 23
POMS Cross Country: HISD Zone Meet @ North Forest High School
Monday, October 25
POMS Red Ribbon Week
5:00p POMS 7th Grade Football vs. Pershing MS @ POMS
Tuesday, October 26
POMS Red Ribbon Week
POMS Socioeconomic Forms Due
7:00p POMS 8th Grade Football vs. Pershing MS @ Butler Stadium
Stay Connected
Ways to Give

When you shop at smile.amazon.com, Amazon will donate a percentage to Pin Oak Middle School PTO.

Use the new Box Tops App on the App Store or Google Play to scan your receipt. The app will find participating products purchased at any store and instantly add cash to Pin Oak Middle School PTO's earnings online.

Donate to Pin Oak Middle School PTO when you do your everyday shopping! All donations support excellence in education through activities and programs at Pin Oak Middle School.

We Appreciate Our Corporate Sponsors & Community Partners
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -