Principal's Post
Dear Charger Parents and Families,
We are truly on the final countdown now! We have lots of end of year great stuff coming up, so we have to keep pushing forward and finish strong with behavior, academics, and attendance! Giving your best effort in and out of the classroom will ensure that you will be able to enjoy your summer break! So, choose to do the right thing, even when no one is looking… that’s called character!
2022-2023 Course Requests Open Today! It is time to request classes for next year. There’s an abundance of new electives coming here to POMS: Athletics, AVID, Broadcast/Journalism, Japanese Language & Culture, Model UN, Odyssey of the Mind, Persian Language & Culture, Principles of Information Technology (PIT), Tech Apps, and Tech Team. These requests are NOT a guarantee that you will be placed into these specific courses. There are many factors that go into creating a schedule, including standardized and district assessment results.
Below you will find links to the 2022-2023 POMS Course Catalog and grade level course requests.
Course requests will be open from May 8, 2022, through June 8, 2022.
Rising 6th Graders: You will get a chance to request your electives and level of core subjects (on-level, HISD Advanced) for each subject. If a student does not pass the 2022 STAAR exam, they will automatically be put in on- level and intervention courses.
Rising 7th & 8th Graders: You must use your HISD log-in to complete the Google form. All levels of academic courses will stay the same. If a student does not pass the 2022 STAAR exam, they will automatically be put in on-level and intervention courses.
Athletics for 7th & 8th Graders: This is a class specific to student-athletes. Students will work on drills and training for Pin Oak sports. Requirement: Student physical, profile on Register My Athlete, and medical insurance information must be submitted to the Athletic Coordinator no later than August 19, 2022. Students who sign up for athletics must commit to tryout and/or participate in one sport (minimum). No exceptions.
High School Credit Classes - 7th Grade Algebra placement will be finalized over the summer.
- 8th Grade Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC) placement will be determined over the summer. Science grades and performance on district assessments will be reviewed before approval of placement in this class.
- 8th Grade Principles of Information Technology (PIT) placement will be determined over the summer. Science and math grades and performance on district and state assessments will be reviewed before approval of placement in this class.
All academic and IEP/504/IAT/HB4545 requirements will take priority over any request made.
Elective Course Descriptions 6th Grade Course Requests 7th/8th Grade Course Requests
*Schedules are subject to change at any time. |
New Staff Joining POMS 2022-23 - Lauren Friedlander – Math Department – Math Teacher
- Jonahira Cordero – PE/Fine Arts Department – Dance Teacher
- Jia Chang – World Language Department – Mandarin Chinese Teacher
- Mary Kundert – ELAR Department – English Teacher
- Philip Neal – Special Education Department – Co-Teacher & Case Manager
POMS STAAR Testing Information
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STAAR Testing Tips - Get a Good Night Sleep
- Eat a Nutritious Breakfast
- Arrive to School Early
- No Early Pickup on Test Days
- NO Phones/Smartwatches/Electronic Devices
STAAR EOC exams will be administered on the dates listed below. All students are required to take and pass the grade level STAAR End of Course (EOC) exams. All STAAR exams will be administered through the online testing platform, (except IEP/504 accommodations require administering a paper version).
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We would appreciate your support and partnership in trying to avoid removing students from school on test days for appointments. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Warren at awarren4@houstonisd.org.
Sports Physicals 2022-2023 Any student interested in participating in Athletics for the 2022-2023 school year must complete the requirements listed below by Friday, August 19.
Athletic Physicals are a MANDATORY REQUIREMENT. They are not optional! No student will be allowed to participate on an athletic team or practices without a current Athletic Physical. Athletic Physicals are good for the duration of one (1) year and physicals should be taken prior to the start of the school year. Please make sure that you give a copy of the Athletic Physical to the Athletic Coordinator or School Nurse. Also, make certain to keep a copy for your personal records!
Please see the links and content below regarding athletic requirements and the sports physicals clinic being hosted at Pin Oak Middle School in August 2022. The sports physical clinic sign-up link will be shared in the coming weeks. The cost is $20 CASH ONLY.
Please contact Coach Carter, POMS Athletic Coordinator, if you have any questions.
POMS Sports Physical Clinics - Friday, June 3 (12PM - 4PM)*
- Friday, August 19 (Time TBD)*
CAMPUS REMINDERS: 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!
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.
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.
IDs & Lanyards 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. |
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 |
| Thank You for an âš¡ï¸Electrifyingâš¡ï¸ 8th Grade Semi-Formal Dance
The Pin Oak MPR transformed into “Club POMS” on Friday night for the 8th Grade Semi-Formal Dance: An Electrifying Evening! The kids devoured a variety of sweets and candy at the Dessert Bar, danced the night away on the LED dance floor, took pictures with their friends in the photo booth, and left with a late night snack of Jack in the Box tacos.
Thank you to everyone below who helped make the dance such a huge success! We could not have done it without your generosity and support!
8th Grade Dance Underwriters Landon Beauchamp & Family Ashley Burt & Family Christian Chang & Family Ava Erickson & Family Emerson Etheridge & Family Christopher Garcia & Family Will Hazen & Family Esther Heaton & Family Eli Hyman & Family Alina and Kamilla Ledergerber & Family Isabel and Seneca Lyster & Family Roger Maldonado & Family William Martinez & Family Eli and Max Miller & Family Fahed Rimawi & Family Milan Shultz & Family
8th Grade Dance Sponsors Emerson Sloan PB & DJ Events Tree House Arts & Crafts
8th Grade Dance Contributors Shipley Donuts Krispy Kreme Donuts Fresh & Best Donuts - Bellaire Dandelion Cafe Island Grill Betsy’s at Evelyn’s Park Fioza Cafe
We would like to thank POMS administration for allowing us to have the dance and working with us to make our vision a reality.
We are so grateful to the many parent volunteers who gave up their free time to chaperone, serve food & drinks, and ensure a safe and fun environment for all. We could not have done it without your help.
Finally, we would like to thank the 8th Grade Dance Chairs, Jenny Beech and Julie Steif. From the theme to the LED dance floor to the dessert bar to the photo booth, these ladies knocked it out of the park! Over 350 of the 393 8th graders were in attendance, and every one of them had a great time! Thank you for all of your hard work!
If you have any questions about 8th Grade Activities, please email8thgradeactivities@pinoakpto.org. |
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| Deadline to Apply for 2022-2023 POMS Yearbook Staff is Friday, May 13
Do you want to help design next year's yearbook and leave your mark on Pin Oak?
Apply now to be part of our Pin Oak yearbook staff! Applications are due Friday, May 13. We do not accept late applications.
Contact our yearbook advisor Ms. Beckman at abeckman@houstonisd.org with questions. |
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| Purchase Your POMS Giving Tree Leaf Now
"Leaf" your mark on Pin Oak Middle School!
Honor your Pin Oak student (or favorite POMS teacher, coach, or athletic team) by purchasing a custom laser-engraved stainless steel leaf to add to our Giving Tree, which is displayed at the front entrance of the school.
The deadline to have your custom leaf installed by the end of the school year is Friday, May 13. Any order placed after May 13 will be installed before the first day of school in August. The cost is only a $300 tax-deductible donation to Pin Oak Middle School PTO.
If you have any questions, please email POMS PTO Giving Tree Chair Judy Cheng at givingtree@pinoakpto.org. |
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| Join Charger Theatre in 2022-2023
The Charger Theatre program is now accepting auditions and applications for Advanced and Intermediate Theatre for the 2022-2023 school year.
All current 6th and 7th graders are eligible to audition. Students must complete the application and submit all materials by Tuesday, May 17, to be eligible for the classes; students must also audition either May 16 or 17 to be considered for Advanced Theatre.
Please reach out to POMS Theatre Director Katherine Goldman for questions or clarifications. |
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| POMS Spring Showcase is May 19
Everyone is invited to the Spring Showcase on Thursday, May 19, 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. in the cafeteria at Pin Oak.
The art exhibition will feature artwork by every current Art and Photography student. Hip Hop Crew and Stage Band will also have performances during the show. Milk and cookies will be provided.
We hope to see you there, friends, family, and fan clubs included! |
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| POMS Online School Store Now Open
The POMS School Store on campus is closed for the remainder of the school year, but the POMS Online School Store is open for all your POMS uniform needs!
Online orders will be available for porch pickup on a weekly basis until Friday, May 20. After May 20, all online order will be available for pick up during Charger Camp in August.
We will contact you once we receive your order to schedule a porch pickup in a location close to Pin Oak.
Please do not stop by the school to pick up your online order.
If you have any questions, please contact us at schoolstore@pinoakpto.org.
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| 2022 HISD Visual Arts Summer Intensives Student Registration Now Open
Summer Intensives are open to all fine arts focused students 2nd-11th grade district wide! High level art instruction, all supplies provided, weekly field trips! Online application must be completed by June 8, 2022. |
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| Deadline to Complete Algebra Placement Coursework is Friday, May 27
Pin Oak has always been proud of the success of its high school math program. With instruction in Algebra and Geometry delivered by experienced, highly effective teachers, we strive to instill our love of mathematics and prepare our students for the challenges they will face when they leave our campus.
The 6th and 7th grade math teachers have been discussing our Algebra placement process with their classes. This year, current 6th and 7th grade students will be completing the required additional coursework this spring, with a deadline for completion by May 27.
We encourage families to discuss this potential option with their child to determine their level of interest in the program. Please click here for the necessary information. |
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| POMS Boys' Lacrosse Team Interest Form
If you're interested in being on the POMS Boys' Lacrosse team for the 2022-23 season, please sign up using this Google form.
Please email Coach Austin St. Denis with any questions. |
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| Need a Summer Activity? Apply for Breakthrough Houston!
Breakthrough is a college preparatory program that targets 6th graders and follows them throughout their college careers. During the summer, students participate in a 6-week program at St. John's where students take academic courses that will prepare them for the upcoming school year. Once the school year begins, students will attend sessions on Saturday (once a month) where students will receive tutoring and participate in community service projects.
The application deadline is May 13, 2022. Please contact Ms. Gould at brigid.gould@houstonisd.org if you are interested. |
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| Glenn Miller Conservation Camp at Lake Wilderness Park in New Caney
Sign up to attend the Glenn Miller Conservation Camp!
This will be an action packed overnight camp July 12-15 at Lake Wilderness Park in New Caney, Texas. The camp activities will include archery, fishing, nature walks, scavenger hunts, campfire, cook outs, shark anatomy, taxidermy, ranch tours, and more.
The application deadline is May 13, 2022. Applicants will need a letter of recommendation from a campus teacher.
Please contact Felicia Ceaser-White, Curriculum Manager, Health and Physical Education, K-12 HISD at fceaserw@houstonisd.org for more information. |
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| Say Something Anonymous Reporting
Pin Oak Middle School implemented the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System last October. Sponsored by Sandy Hook Promise, the program educates secondary students, educators and administrators on how to recognize the signs and signals of individuals who may be at-risk of hurting themselves or others and encourages them to report that behavior through an anonymous reporting system. The reporting system allows administrators and law enforcement to create effective interventions and help prevent violence, suicide, bullying, self-harm and other forms of threatening behavior.
Anyone can submit an anonymous tip by going to the program’s website (www.saysomething.net), calling the hotline (1-844-5-SAYNOW) or using the Say Something mobile app, available on the App Store or Google Play.
The Say Something program is provided through Sandy Hook Promise, a nation-wide non-profit organization focused on preventing gun violence before it happens. For more information, contact Anastasia Warren at 712.296.5600.
Submit an anonymous tip:
Say Something Parent Guide Say Something Parent Brochure |
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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 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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| | Monday, May 9 | | | Tuesday, May 10 | | | | | Wednesday, May 11 | | | | Thursday, May 12 | | | | Friday, May 13 | | | | Monday, May 16 | | | Tuesday, May 17 | | | Wednesday, May 18 | | | Thursday, May 19 | | | Friday, May 20 | | | Tuesday, May 24 | | | Friday, May 27 | | | Monday, May 30 | | | Friday, June 3 | | | Tuesday, June 7 | | | | | | | Wednesday, June 8 | | | Thursday, June 9 | | | Friday, June 10 | |
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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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