Ramadan
Muslims worldwide will spend the next month observing one of the five pillars of Islam, Ramadan, a holiday that usually includes intensive daily fasting. If there are any Pin Oak students who are observing this period of fasting and need alternate arrangements for their lunch time, please reach out to Wraparound Specialist Brigid Gould at brigid.gould@houstonisd.org and accommodations will be made.
April is Autism Acceptance Month
The autism team at POMS has worked together on creating events to celebrate and spread a positive message of acceptance all month long. We look forward to coming together as a school and celebrating.
At POMS, we believe in promoting acceptance and inclusion. Members of our autism team have developed a wealth of resources for teachers to share with their students. Below is a resource for parents that may be helpful in explaining autism to your student.
https://www.autismsociety-nc.org/classmates-autism-acceptance/
2021-2022 Celebrations
Our school will return to some traditions that we have missed and add a few new ones. Our students and faculty are excited to have a bevy of celebrations to close the academic year. POMS is planning the following activities:
- Charger Tailgate
- Thursday, May 5 (All Lunches)
- 8th Grade Semi-Formal Dance at POMS
- Friday, May 6 (7PM - 10PM)
- 8th Grade Field Trip to Splashway Water Park
- Tuesday, May 24 (All Day)
- 8th Grade Breakfast & Yearbook Signing Party
- Friday, June 3 (8:30AM - 10:30AM)
- Charger Kickball Tournament
- 8th Grade Promotion Parade & Day of Fun
RULE REMINDERS:
Electronic Devices
The use of electronic devices (including, but not limited to earbuds, AirPods, or headphones), unless allowed by teacher/administrator for educational purposes, is not permitted during the school day, including transitions or in the hallways. Electronic devices are not allowed in the restrooms. Staff members are allowed to confiscate and safeguard a student’s cell phone or other devices until the end of the school day. Students who do not comply with a staff member’s request will face further discipline, as outlined in the code of conduct, including detentions or retrieval of a device by a parent/guardian. Per the POMS Handbook 2021-2022 (pages 8-9) and in accordance with Texas Education Code 37.082, a $15 administrative fee will be collected by the POMS Business Office upon return of the device.
Food/Drinks Outside of the Cafeteria
There will be no chewing of gum, food or candy in the school at any time with the exception of food in the cafeteria. Coffees, energy drinks and the like are not allowed in classrooms or in the hallways. Teachers may ask students to throw such items in the trash if they show up in their rooms.
Morning Announcements
Each morning, the tardy bell rings at 8:30 a.m. and announcements begin. If you happen to be running late that day and are still in the hallway, please make sure you are stopping and pausing (quietly) during the pledges and moment of silence. Once this is over, you are welcome to head to class. I am asking all adults and students to please be respectful of this expectation moving forward.
Attendance
Attendance matters. We have noticed an increase in student absences and tardies without notification to the main office as to the reason for the absence. Written excuses should be in the school’s possession no later than three days after the day of the absence or tardy. The three-day period begins with the day the student returns to school. Please note that missing even one class period to attend a doctor's appointment requires a written excuse to the attendance clerk within the three-day window. Simply signing the checkout sheet when picking up your child during school hours does not fulfill this requirement or excuse your child from that absence.
Students may enter the building at 7:45 a.m. Students must be in their seats by 8:30 a.m. If a student arrives late, they will be required to get a tardy pass from their house office. No student should be on school grounds any earlier than 7:45 a.m. as there is NO SUPERVISION until 7:45 a.m.
If you have any questions regarding attendance or to submit your written excuse electronically, please email our attendance clerk, Michelle Fusilier Johnson, at michelle.fusilierjohnson@houstonisd.org.
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.
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!
