Originally delivered on 5/15/2022 8:08 pm

SUBJECT: Charger Chatter

May 15, 2022

Principal's Post



Dear Charger Parents and Families,


I cannot believe we are in our LAST three weeks of school! What a journey we all have been on this year. Thank you all for supporting your child and our teachers this year as we navigated some “unchartered” waters. I am just so proud of all our students and the academic progress they made this year as we continue to work to close gaps over the next three weeks.


After STAAR testing, we will end this school year with some celebrations! The school will sponsor the 8th grade field trip to Splashway Waterpark on Tuesday, May 24. Permission slips are due by Thursday, May 19. The First Annual Charger Kickball tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 6. Additional information will be shared during morning announcements. 


Thank you for your flexibility, generosity, and responsiveness throughout this year. We are looking forward to smoother “sailings” next fall when we all return to school.



Update Your Contact Information in HISDConnect

Parents, now is the time to update your contact information in HISDConnect and be sure that we have your address, working phone number(s), and an email address linked to your student’s account.


This is very important as we will need accurate information to contact you over the summer with information about Charger Camp 2022 and PowerUp parent information sessions.



Required Immunizations for Rising 7th Graders

  • Tdap – 1 dose of Tdap is required if at least 5 years have passed since the last dose of tetanus-containing vaccine.
  • Meningococcal (MCV4) – 1 dose of quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine is required on or after the student’s 11th birthday. If a student received the vaccine at 10 years of age, this will satisfy the requirement.

If your child is a rising 7th grader, s/he MUST have the vaccines listed above in addition to all previously required vaccinations, or risk being removed from school until proof of vaccination is presented.


For more information, visit the Texas Health & Human Services website.


Where to go for low cost immunizations?


Contact Nurse Troetscher at Thea.Troetscher@houstonisd.org or 713.295.6500 if you have questions.



2022-2023 Course Requests Open Through June 8

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
  • Benjamin Frieben – World Language Department – Spanish Teacher
  • Richard Graham – Fine Arts Department – Band Teacher
  • Molly Childs – Magnet Coordinator



POMS STAAR Testing Information



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).



Attention Students Taking AP Exams:

Please read the following information carefully.

Morning exams: Students must be ready to enter testing room at 7:45 a.m. If you are not present for the exam at 7:45, you may be counted absent and not be allowed to test. Students need to make arrangements to get to school on time and allow for traffic. Students may not be dismissed until the exam has officially ended; they will not be allowed to leave early.


DO NOT bring the following to the exam room:

  • Cell phones, digital cameras, personal digital assistants (PDAs), Blackberry smartphones, Bluetooth-enabled devices, MP3 players, email/messaging devices, or any other electronic or communication devices. POMS is not responsible for any damaged or stolen electronics.
  • Books, mechanical pencils, colored pencils, correction fluid, dictionaries, highlighters, or notes
  • Portable listening* or recording devices (even with headphones) or photographic equipment
  • Food or drink*
  • Clothing with subject-related information

*Unless this has been preapproved as an accommodation by the College Board Services for Students with Disabilities office prior to the test date. 


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)*
    • *Subject to change




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 clerkMichelle Fusilier Johnsonat 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


Lindsey Vela
Principal


Jeremy Gates
A-House Assistant Principal


Kiran Kumari
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

Amazon Wish List Items Needed This Week


Please consider helping us purchase items on our Amazon Wish ListPin Oak needs snacks for STAAR testing!


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.

POMS PTO General Meeting Tomorrow at 9AM

Please join us for our final POMS PTO General Meeting of the year tomorrow, May 16, at 9:00 a.m. on Microsoft Teams.

POMS 8th Grade Field Trip to Splashway is Tuesday, May 24


All 8th grade students must arrive on campus by 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday, May 24. Students will return to campus by 4:30 p.m. Please note that students will NOT return to campus in time to ride their HISD bus home. All students must be picked up from campus.


Confirm your attendance by Thursday, May 19 by:

1.  Completing this Google Form

AND

2.  Returning the HISD permission slip inEnglish or Spanish to your child's cluster leader (8A: Colin Dabbs, 8B: Austin St. Denis, 8C: Joan Linsley)


What to Wear/Bring:

  • Apply sunscreen at home, extra will be available for reapplication.
  • Wear swimsuits under blue Pin Oak or 8th grade T-shirts and shorts/trunks.
  • Bring only what you need for the field trip. Leave books and backpacks at home (yay!).
  • Leave phones at home to prevent loss or damage at the waterpark.
    • Teachers and chaperones will be able to communicate with parents as needed via email (make sure you're signed up for a Membership ToolKit account), including any delays in return time.
  • Small bag to include a towel, hat if desired, sunblock, sunglasses, refillable water bottle, a set of dry clothes if desired, and a plastic bag for wet clothes.
    • If you purchased an Underwriter or "Club 88" Package, the swag bag will include a towel, sunglasses and hat that your student can bring to the park. On the morning of the field trip, these students should report directly to the table in the cafeteria to pick up the swag bag.
  • Sack lunch unless you chose the school lunch option on the Google Form.
    • Snacks and water will be provided.
  • LABEL EVERYTHING that your child brings from home.


What to Expect:

  • Sign up for Membership Toolkit to receive communication, photos, and other information on the day of the trip.
    • If you receive the Charger Chatter, you're already signed up.
  • The park is open to the public and other visitors on the day of our visit and may be crowded. To minimize security risks, leave phones and valuables at home.
  • Students should arrive at Pin Oak between 7:45 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. BUSES DEPART PROMPTLY at 8:30 a.m. The waterpark is approximately 90 minutes away.
  • Breakfast will be available as usual on the morning of the field trip.
  • POMS Staff and approved PTO volunteers will accompany the students.
  • Dismissal:
    • Dismissal is from Pin Oak only. Return time is estimated to be 4:30 p.m.
    • Students will NOT return to campus in time to ride HISD bus home and must be picked up from campus within 15 minutes of arrival.
    • Park at HCC until the buses drop off and depart. Please do not block the carpool loop.
    • Student safety is our top priority!


If you have any questions about 8th Grade Activities, please email 8thgradeactivities@pinoakpto.org.

Purchase Your POMS Giving Tree Leaf


"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.


Leaves 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.

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 25 or 26 to be considered for Advanced Theatre. 


Please reach out to POMS Theatre Director Katherine Goldman for questions or clarifications.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Deadline to Purchase Pre-Packaged School Supply Kits is Friday, July 1


School supply kitsfor the 2022-2023 school year are now on sale! Purchase your student's supplies now and make it easy for yourself when school starts.


Use this link: https://1stday.sale/104263 by July 1, 2022.


School supply lists for all grades can be found on the POMS PTO website.


Questions? Please contact the POMS PTO School Supplies Chairs at schoolsupplies@pinoakpto.org.

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.

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

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.

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
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 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.

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, May 16
9:00a POMS PTO General Meeting
Tuesday, May 17
POMS STAAR Test: 8th Grade Science
Wednesday, May 18
POMS STAAR Test: 8th Grade Social Studies
Thursday, May 19
5:00p POMS Spring Showcase
Friday, May 20
POMS STAAR Make-Up Tests: All STAAR Make-Up Tests (Online Versions)
Tuesday, May 24
POMS 8th Grade Field Trip to Splashway
Friday, May 27
POMS Deadline to Complete Algebra Placement Coursework
Monday, May 30
POMS No School - Memorial Day
Friday, June 3
8:30a POMS 8th Grade Breakfast
Tuesday, June 7
POMS Last Day of School
POMS End of 6th 6 Weeks
POMS Report Cards
POMS 8th Grade Promotion Parade/Day of Fun
7:00p POMS Cheer Overnight Camp
Wednesday, June 8
7:00p POMS Cheer Overnight Camp
Thursday, June 9
7:00p POMS Cheer Overnight Camp
Friday, June 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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