Originally delivered on 10/24/2021 6:35 pm

SUBJECT: Charger Chatter

October 24, 2021

Principal's Post



Dear Charger Parents and Families,


This week, we are raising awareness and TACKLING breast cancer. Friday is PINK OUT Day, and we would love for all Chargers to bring $1 to our PINK OUT table during lunch so we can make a Charger Nation donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation where it will help fund mammograms, support education, and help reach women in underserved communities. Our donations truly matter. Every dollar counts and makes a difference in a life, as we have lost too many Charger mamas, grandmothers, aunts, and friends through this breast cancer battle. PINK OUT Day is Friday…let's make it happen Chargers!



Red Ribbon Week

This week, Chargers will participate in Red Ribbon Week (October 25 – 29). The 2021 Red Ribbon Week theme, Drug Free Looks Like Me, is a reminder that everyday Americans across the country make significant daily contributions to their communities by being the best they can be because they live Drug-Free!


Please see below for dress up information.


Boot Walk to End Cancer

The 2nd annual Boot Walk to End Cancer is scheduled for Friday, November 5. Students can purchase a wristband for $5 before school and during all lunches leading up to the walk. Anyone who makes a $5 donation is eligible to walk. All money raised by Team #kirbystrong will go directly to MD Anderson to support patient programs, research, prevention, and education.100% of the funds raised by walk participants directly support MDA’s mission to end cancer.



Shout Out to Chargers Cross Country Team

Pin Oak Middle School 8th Grade Girls' Cross Country WON District at Saturday’s race! Congratulations to all runners for finishing strong! It is a testament to the work ethic and discipline of our runners and coaches.


Thanks to Coach Merz and Coach Ward for a great season!


8th Grade Girls' Cross Country Medalists:


1st PlaceSophia Hamdani


2nd PlaceCharlotte Hart


5th PlaceLuna Al-Ramahi


8th PlaceElizabeth Gamero


8th Grade Boys' Cross Country Medalists:


3rd OverallAlps Xia




5th PlaceAlps Xia


7th PlaceGraydon Colvin


7th Grade Girls' Cross Country Medalist:


2nd PlaceElla Ladenburg


7th Grade Boys' Cross Country Medalists:


1st PlaceRyan Sequeira


5th PlaceGrayson Hodges


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

Charger Commitment Campaign House Competition Update


Congratulations to A-House for winning the Charger Commitment Campaign House Competition! A-House students will have a popsicle party during Team Time the first week of November!


Thank you to all who participated in the CCC House Competition! The money raised will support programs at Pin Oak this school year - and that makes everyone a winner!


There is only one more week left to donate to the Charger Commitment Campaign!


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.


Don't wait! Click here to donate today! The Charger Commitment Campaign ends on Sunday, October 31 at 11:59 p.m.



Thank you,


Francyne Davis Jacobs

Get Involved with the Pin Oak PTO Auction Team


The Pin Oak Auction will be a virtual event again this year and we are looking for volunteers to help this event be another great success for POMS PTO. 


Almost all of our soliciting is done via email, but if that is still not your thing, we can still use your help!


If you would like to get involved with this fun team, please email POMS PTO VPs of Fundraising, Melissa Bayne & Dawn Johnson at fundraising@pinoakpto.org.

Upcoming POMS Sports Teams Tryouts


Register My Athlete Instructions

Preparticipation Physical Evaluation


POMS Girls' Basketball

  • WHO: 7th & 8th grade girls
  • WHEN: Wednesday, October 27 - Friday, October 29
    • 6:30 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. (Doors open at 6:20 a.m.)
  • WHERE: POMS Gym
    • Enter through the gate near the football field closest to gym doors.
  • MORE INFO: POMS Girls' Basketball Info Packet
  • CONTACT: Coach Alexis Willis


POMS Boys' Basketball


POMS Swim Team


POMS Boys' Lacrosse

Applications to Join the Pin Oak Press Due Tomorrow, October 25


Calling all 6th, 7th, and 8th graders who have an interest in journalism! Apply now to join the student-run Pin Oak Press!


You will get to write articles for our school's newspaper and possibly start your own column! 


Please complete this Google form to submit your application. All applications must be submitted by Monday, October 25!


If you have any questions, please contact Jules Beech at julesbeech@icloud.com.

Charger PINK OUT Shirts for Sale Through Thursday During All Lunches


The POMS Athletic Department will be selling Charger PINK OUT shirts during all lunches through Thursday, October 28, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Shirts are $20 with a percentage of the proceeds going towards breast cancer research.


Please contact Coach Carter if you have any questions.

POMS Boot Walk to End Cancer is Friday, November 5


Again. this year on Friday, November 5, Pin Oak Middle School is teaming up with Team #kirbystrong to participate in the 2021 M.D. 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 5, 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" on Friday, November 5. Wristbands will be sold before school and during all lunches.

 

If you'd like to make an additional donation to M.D. 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   

Kona Ice Friday Returns on Friday, November 5


Kona Ice will be at POMS after school on Friday, November 5, on Glenmont Street in front of the school.


Please bring your cash to purchase a treat. Treats will range from $3.00 to $6.00. Come enjoy a cold treat with friends!


Please email POMS PTO Kona Ice Chair Margaret Pinkston with any questions at konaice@pinoakpto.org.

Join us for POMS Spirit Night at Los Tios Meyerland on Tuesday, November 9


Looking for an easy way to support Pin Oak and have a great meal? Mark your calendars for Tuesday, November 9, and join the Charger community for a delicious meal.


The Spirit Night will be hosted at Los Tios in Meyerland where 20% of all purchases between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. (dine in or take out) will be donated back to our school!


Show or mention the attached flyer at time of purchase to ensure proceeds are earmarked for Pin Oak!

POMS Chickens are Back!


This is a unique volunteer opportunity to take care of our Pin Oak chickens, even if you are not part of the Urban Agriculture classes. It is a rewarding experience and you get to take fresh eggs home!


POMS Chicken Care Information Letter

POMS Chicken Care Sign Up Genius


For questions, please contact Angela Roth.

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.

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:

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.

Lamar HS Virtual Texan Roundup is Thursday, November 4


Future Lamar Texans!


Join us on Thursday, November 4, 2021 for our Virtual Texan Roundup and learn about all that Lamar has to offer! You will have the opportunity to connect with our IB Coordinators, Academic Deans, Athletic Coordinator, CTE Coordinator, SPED & 504 Coordinators, Admissions Coordinator, and our Principal, Rita Graves!


These meetings will be held through Microsoft Teams. Click here to register to attend. A link to the meeting will be emailed sent on Wednesday, November 3.


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!

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.

POMS Lanyards/IDs

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
HISD's Parent University


The Houston Independent School District is holding its third Parent University event for the 2021-2022 academic school year on Tuesday, November 16, 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 (Virtual)


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.

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.

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.

Register for VIPS (Volunteers in Public School)


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.

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.

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.

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.

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 25
POMS Red Ribbon Week: Tell Drugs to "Take a Hike"! Wear Camo/Camping Gear.
POMS Pin Oak Press Applications Due
5:00p POMS 7th Grade Football vs. Pershing MS @ POMS
Tuesday, October 26
POMS Socioeconomic Forms Due
POMS Red Ribbon Week: "Team Up" Against Drugs! Wear Charger Spirit Gear.
7:00p POMS 8th Grade Football vs. Pershing MS @ Butler Stadium
Wednesday, October 27
POMS Red Ribbon Week: "I am Marvelous!" I Don't Let Friends Do Drugs or Bully! Wear a Superhero Shirt.
6:30a POMS Girls' Basketball Tryouts
4:05p POMS Boys' Basketball Tryouts
Thursday, October 28
POMS Red Ribbon Week: Drugs are "Old School"! Wear Throwback Outfits (60s, 70s, 80s or 90s).
6:30a POMS Girls' Basketball Tryouts
1:00p POMS Magnet Thursdays
4:05p POMS Boys' Basketball Tryouts
6:00p POMS Magnet Thursdays
7:00p POMS UIL Theater Performance
Friday, October 29
POMS Red Ribbon Week: Tackle Drugs & Breast Cancer! Wear Pink for Pink Out Day.
6:30a POMS Girls' Basketball Tryouts
4:05p POMS Boys' Basketball Tryouts
5:30p POMS UIL Theater Performance
7:00p POMS UIL Theater Performance
Sunday, October 31
POMS PTO Charger Commitment Campaign Ends
Monday, November 1
4:00p POMS Boys' Basketball Practice Begins
5:00p POMS Swim Team Tryouts
Wednesday, November 3
6:30p POMS Boys' Lacrosse Interest Meeting
Thursday, November 4
1:00p POMS Magnet Thursdays
6:00p POMS Magnet Thursdays
Friday, November 5
POMS Boot Walk to End Cancer
4:00p POMS Kona Ice Friday
Monday, November 8
9:00a POMS PTO Executive Board Meeting
Tuesday, November 9
4:00p POMS Spirit Night at Los Tios Meyerland
Thursday, November 11
1:00p POMS Magnet Thursdays
6:00p POMS Magnet Thursdays
Friday, November 12
POMS End of 2nd 6 Weeks
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
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -