Originally delivered on 11/14/2021 3:58 pm

SUBJECT: Charger Chatter

November 14, 2021

Principal's Post



Dear Charger Parents and Families,


The 2nd six weeks is a wrap and the 3rd six weeks kicks off tomorrow! As I said last week, our POMS students and staff have done an amazing job treating one another with kindness. As a proud Charger Nation, please join me in setting a positive example as we continue our focus on social awareness: the ability to take the perspective of and empathize with others. We are committed to success, kindness, and acceptance in the building, on the field or court, and beyond the POMS walls! #WeArePinOak.


Thank you so much to all of our parents and students for reaching out to your teachers for help and asking questions about assignments, tests, and grades. Please continue to email your student’s teachers, as they can assist you the quickest with classroom questions.


Though water fountains are still disabled due to the district's COVID-19 health and safety protocols, students are able to use any of the five water filling stations on campus to refill water bottles brought from home. Beginning tomorrow, please send a water bottle with your child to school each day. Please make sure your child's name is clearly labeled on it. Thank you for your help in keeping our students safe, healthy, and hydrated!


Congratulations to the Advanced Theatre cast and crew for an incredible performance of their play “Small Actors” at the UIL District competition this week. Three members of the company received awards at the competition: Nia Covington for Outstanding Technician, Naz Demir received Honorable Mention for acting, and Seneca Lyster was acknowledged as an All-Star Performer. Also awarded last week at the Zone competition were Kathryn Balke (Outstanding Technician) and Paul Gau and Abby Freedman (Honorable Mentions for acting). Congratulations again to this incredible group of artists for all of their hard work!


Admin Contact Information


Campus Administrators


Lindsey Vela
Principal


Jeremy Gates
A-House Assistant Principal


Kiran Kirmani
A-House Assistant Principal


Johnny Morse
B-House Assistant Principal


Ashly Evans-Vining
C-House Assistant Principal


Campus Support Team


Katty Warren
Counselor


Thea Troetscher
Nurse


Brigid Gould

Wraparound Specialist

Astaire Carter

Athletic Coordinator

Kelly Moore
Magnet Coordinator


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

POMS PTO General Meeting is Tomorrow, November 15 @ 9AM


Join us tomorrow, November 15, at 9:00 a.m. for our next PTO General Meeting on Microsoft Teams.

POMS Athletic Department Spirit Day/Night at MOD Pizza is Tuesday, November 16


Spirit Day/Night Benefitting Pin Oak Athletics


Tuesday, November 16, 2021

10:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.

MOD Pizza
5103 Bellaire Blvd. Suite 130
Bellaire, TX 77401


MOD Pizza will donate 20% of POMS sales back to the school.

Restaurant Website
Visit MOD Pizza's online order website.

Use the coupon code of "GR209316P" and 20% of your meal’s price will be donated back to Pin Oak Middle School.

Storefront Walk-in
Visit the location at 5103 Bellaire Blvd. Suite 130, Bellaire 77401 and they will take your order from their storefront for take-out. Mention that you are with Pin Oak Middle School before placing your order.

*There is no donation made on phone orders.

RSVP if you plan to attend.
The restaurant gives us extra credit if you RSVP in advance!

No charge, just add your name here:
https://grouprai.se/f209316

POMS 8th Grade Volleyball Team vs. POMS Faculty/Staff Volleyball Game is Wednesday, November 17


During Team Time on Wednesday, November 17, we will have our annual POMS 8th Grade Volleyball Team vs. POMS Faculty/Staff Volleyball Game! Tickets will be sold during all 3 lunches for $5 and students must be in good standing within the HERO system to attend.

POMS Baseball Tryout Information


Any student interested in trying out for the POMS Baseball Team must pick up a baseball packet and information sheet from the Boys' Coaches Office, complete the baseball form, and return it to Coach Fujiwara by the date listed below or you may not try out:


  • Pitchers/Catchers: Return by lunch time on Monday, November 29
  • Position Players: Return by lunch time on Monday, December 6.


Please remember, pitcher/catcher tryouts will do the same skills and drills as position player tryouts. If you are not a pitcher or catcher, you will only come to the position player tryout.


If you have any questions, please email Coach Fujiwara.

POMS Girls' Lacrosse Club Registration Now Open


Registration for POMS Girls' Lacrosse Club is now open. To register, please visit pinoakgirlslax.com. Registration will close on Friday, December 17, no exceptions.

 

Due to supply chain issues, we will be ordering uniform jerseys soon. If you are registering a brand new player who is not on our current roster and has not attended practices this fall, please email us at pinoakgirlslaxhouston@gmail.com right away so that we can ensure that she gets a uniform jersey.

Bellaire HS IB Program Info Session is Tuesday, November 16 at 5PM


If you are interested in learning more about Bellaire High School's International Baccalaureate program, there will be a meeting on Tuesday, November 16, at 5:00 p.m. in the LGI #2 on campus.


The information provided will explain what is involved and the application process to be part of the IB Diploma track.


This is for students requesting a transfer or zoned to Bellaire High School. If you have any questions, please contact Bellaire HS IB Coordinator Ann Linsley-Kennedy.

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 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.

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.

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
Next Level Youth Flag Football at Rice University


Join the Rice Football staff and student-athletes for Next Level Flag Football at Rice University. The program is open to all participants Kindergarten through 7th Grade. Registration is now open as league activity starts in mid January and runs through early March.


Questions? Contact Lance Smith with Next Level Sports.

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.

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, November 15
9:00a POMS PTO General Meeting
Tuesday, November 16
10:30a POMS Spirit Day/Night at MOD Pizza
6:00p HISD's Virtual Parent University
Wednesday, November 17
POMS Staff Appreciation Luncheon
1:32p POMS 8th Grade Volleyball Team vs. POMS Faculty/Staff Volleyball Game
Thursday, November 18
HISD Magnet Applications Close (Phase 1)
5:30p POMS Girls' Basketball vs. Meyerland PVA @ POMS
Friday, November 19
POMS Report Cards
Monday, November 22
POMS No School - Thanksgiving Break
Tuesday, November 23
POMS No School - Thanksgiving Break
Wednesday, November 24
POMS No School - Thanksgiving Break
Thursday, November 25
POMS No School - Thanksgiving Break
Friday, November 26
POMS No School - Thanksgiving Break
Monday, November 29
11:30a POMS Baseball Pitcher/Catcher Tryout Forms Due
Thursday, December 2
5:30p POMS Girls' Basketball vs. Pershing MS @ Pershing MS
Friday, December 3
4:00p POMS Kona Ice Friday
Monday, December 6
11:30a POMS Baseball Position Player Tryout Forms Due
Thursday, December 9
5:30p POMS Girls' Basketball vs. Lawson MS @ Lawson MS
Friday, December 10
4:15p POMS SDMC Meeting
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
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