Principal's Post
Dear Charger Parents and Families,
It was another great week to be a Charger! This week’s highlight comes out of the POMS Art Department. Thirty-one middle school campuses participated in the 2021-2022 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo School Art Competition. Over 1,000 pieces were submitted, and POMS had 22 entries of Rodeo Art that moved on to be judged this year! These Chargers certainly “GOT TALENT”!
I’m thrilled to announce Sebastian FoinquinosWON Middle School Best of Show – We Are Human Too. Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo finalists and campus-selected artwork will be on display at the Hattie Mae White Education Center in February. All pieces will be on display at POMS during this year’s ChargerFest scheduled for Saturday, March 5th.
A special thank you to Lindsey Slavin and Cindy Sather for creating a classroom environment that nurtures, celebrates, and encourages students to believe in their artistic abilities and willingness to take risks.
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As always, thank you for the encouragement that each of you provide our Chargers as they come to school full of confidence and support to succeed. On the same note, thank you for the positive encouragement that I see daily given to our teachers and support staff. As you all know, it is a challenging time in education with our current obstacles and substitute shortage, but together we will continue to push through and create the best school year possible.
The 2022 Color Run was a HUGE success! Our students and staff have experienced a challenging school year with COVID-19, so the Color Run was truly a celebration of our hard work and accomplishments!
This year, students ran around our track getting enveloped in multiple colors by our parent volunteers. Students and staff had a blast at the color party following the run. Make sure to view the pictures below!
The Color Run would not have been possible without POMS PTO Co-VP of Fundraising Melissa Bayne and all the parent volunteers. Thank you, Mrs. Bayne, for organizing and coordinating this fun-filled event. I’m blessed to work alongside a PTO that continues to go above and beyond to ensure that students and staff have everything they want and need.
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This past week we celebrated Magnet Coordinator Appreciation Week. With the many challenges we have all faced this year in education, Mrs. Kelly Moore has risen and stepped up to the plate to support all students and staff. Thank you for your commitment and dedication to POMS!
Safety Expectations and Reminders Thank you to the majority of our campus that is consistently wearing IDs and lanyards daily! You are noticed and appreciated.
If you do not have your ID or lanyard, you can purchase a new ID for $5 and a lanyard for $2 at the Student Success Table each morning from 7:45 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.
Why IDs? It’s all about campus safety and security. It makes students easily identifiable to ANY STAFF MEMBER (there are 115 adults in the building each day and not all of them will know your student or vice versa) in case of an emergency. Thank you for helping us keep OUR students safe. It’s my responsibility, so your cooperation and support is appreciated.
COVID-19 Protocol Reminder You can help us keep school running smoothly for all by not sending students to school who are ill. If there is any question, please err on the side of caution. When we have to send staff home because they are ill, it has a dramatic impact on all students and staff. Thank you for being our partners as we continue to navigate the complicated world of COVID-19.
Mask Wearing As we continue to navigate this pandemic, it remains imperative that our school community continues to emphasize the importance of and practice proper mask wearing. Please talk with your student about the importance of this safety measure. Masks must be properly placed over the nose and mouth. Your assistance is much appreciated.
Water Bottles Water is available through water-filling stations. Please send a refillable water bottle to school each day with your child. Please label the water bottle with your child’s name. The water bottle should be filled at home each morning before coming to school.
The front office is open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to assist you. You can also directly email us or call 713-295-6500 during the same hours. We are happy to help! |
Admin Contact Information
Campus Administrators
Campus Support Team
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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 |
| Lights, Camera, Auction! 2022
Are you ready for your close up?
Lights, Camera, Auction! is coming soon!
This completely virtual event will run from Sunday, February 20, at 12PM through Sunday, February 27, at 12PM.
We want to make you a star! And there are so many ways for you to get your big break!
What will you do?
- Bid over coffee or cocktails on incredible experiences and items for you and your Charger?
- Donate an item, talent, or experience (beach house, anyone)?
- Let your Charger walk the red carpet?
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| If you would like to donate water/snacks or volunteer for the POMS Outdoor Movie Night, please visit ourPTO website.
Special thanks to our POMS Outdoor Movie Night Spotlight Sponsor, Greater Houston Orthodontics! |
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| We can't wait to see you in a starring role in Lights, Camera, Auction!
If you have any questions or ideas, please reach out to me at auction@pinoakpto.org.
Shannon Westin |
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| Kona Ice Will Be at School on Friday, February 5
It's Kona Ice Friday time again! Come enjoy a treat after school dismissal on Friday, February 5. Truck will be parked on Glenmont Street. Treats range from $3 to $6. Stay safe and stay out of the street! |
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| Art Department T-Shirt & Hoodie Orders Due Tomorrow
The Pin Oak Art Department T-shirt is now available!
The design includes a line art drawing of a potted plant with flowers and art supplies sprouting up on the back, and a small flower on the front along with the text "Pin Oak MS 21-22."
It is printed in blue ink on dark gray fabric and is available as a short sleeve shirt, long sleeve shirt, or a hoodie with a front pouch pocket. Our winning design this year was created by 8th grade Advanced Art student Zoe Kimberly.
Anyone can purchase and wear this gear to show support for the visual arts program. Please visit SchoolPay to place your order online by Monday, January 31, at 11:59 p.m.
Thank you for your support! |
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| Work Backstage for the POMS Musical: Honk! JR.
The Musical is looking for some techies, hair & makeup designers, and ushers! Applications are now available for students interested in working behind-the-scenes for the show. Applications are due February 11.
Please see Ms. Goldman in the Theatre Room if you have questions or to submit your packet. Hard copies are available in her room. |
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| POMS School Store on Campus Reopens February 2
The POMS School Store on campus will reopen on Wednesday, February 2.
If you have any questions, please email POMS PTO VP of School Store, Peggy Chang, at schoolstore@pinoakpto.org. |
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| Bellaire Cardinal Kickoff is Wednesday, February 16
Bellaire Cardinal Kickoff, a night for all prospective students, will be held on Wednesday, February 16, at 6:30 p.m. at Bellaire High School.
See this flyer for more information or visit the Bellaire High School website. |
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| Join the POMS UIL Academic Team
Are you interested in competing in UIL Academics this school year?
Pin Oak Middle School already has 22 students in 18 different contests who have qualified for HISD's District UIL competition and we are looking for more students to join them!
If you are interested in showing off your skills in chess, mathematics, science, writing, social studies, spelling, or speaking, please complete this Google form to get information about our upcoming UIL competitions.
If you have any questions, please email Ms. Kelly Moore at kelly.moore@houstonisd.org. |
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| Send Us Photos of Your POMS Student for the Yearbook
Please send photos of your Pin Oak student to us for our yearbook!
We especially want to see your Charger in action doing hobbies outside of school, hanging with their pets, traveling, or at important events, milestones, and accomplishments.
Please only include Pin Oak students in the photos and no other people.
Email photos to abeckman@houstonisd.org along with the student's name, grade level, and a brief caption explaining what is happening in the photo.
Yearbooks are still available for sale at Balfour.com for $55. |
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| HERO Program
Pin Oak Middle School has a new positive behavior program named HERO. Students receive points for demonstrating Charger Core Values: Being Respectful, Being Responsible, and Being Resilient. Students and parents can see the points that are granted in real time once an account is created.
Parents please create an account on HERO so you can track your student's positive behavior and encourage them to be Charger Heroes on campus.
Then download the mobile app Hero by SchoolMint on the App Store or Google Playso you can track your student's HERO points at any time!
Please view this PDF that outlines step by step instructions on how to create a parent account and add your HISD student(s) to that account. |
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| POMS Cheerleader for a Day Clinic is Saturday, April 2
POMS Cheerleader for a Day Clinic will be held on Saturday, April 2, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the Pin Oak Middle School Gym for children Kindergarten through 7th Grade. Check in will begin at 8:45 a.m. and there will be a star-studded performance at 11:45 a.m.
Register by Friday, March 11, to take advantage of the early bird special ($25 donation). After March 11, it will increase to a $30 donation. Checks may be made payable to Pin Oak Middle School or you may pay via SchoolPay.
Donation includes t-shirt, light snacks, and water.
Check the Pin Oak Middle School website for more details closer to the date!
Please email Coach Gina Taylor for more information. |
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| 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
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| 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. |
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| 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) |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| | Thursday, February 3 | | | Tuesday, February 8 | | | | Wednesday, February 9 | | | Thursday, February 10 | | | | Monday, February 14 | | | | Tuesday, February 15 | | | | Thursday, February 17 | | | Friday, February 18 | | | Sunday, February 20 | | | Monday, February 21 | | |
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 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. |
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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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