April 5, 2026

Dear Charger Parents and Families, 

STAAR testing begins this week and it is very important that students are in attendance for these test dates. We need students to arrive on time so we can begin on time. In addition, we need every student to bring their fully charged Chromebook. 

STAAR Testing Tips

• Get a good night's sleep
• Eat a healthy breakfast
• Arrive to school early
• No early pickup on test days
• No phones/smartwatches/electronic devices

These assessments play an important role in measuring student progress and academic achievement. They are also a key component of our campus accountability standards.   

Our school has consistently been recognized as an exemplary campus, and we are confident that with your continued partnership, this tradition of excellence will continue.   

Additionally, student performance on STAAR contributes to teacher evaluation measures, further underscoring the importance of each student’s best effort. 

Please note that the campus will be closed to visitors on all STAAR testing days to maintain a secure and focused testing environment.

The detailed testing schedule is provided above for your reference.

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to your child’s success. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Recognizing Our Assistant Principals

This week, we also celebrate Assistant Principals Appreciation Week. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. Amador, Ms. Catoni, Mr. Gates, Ms. Hall, and Ms. Vining for their unwavering dedication and the meaningful support they provide to our school community each day. Their leadership plays a vital role in making Pin Oak a place where students and staff thrive. 

Ms. Corso Earns Texas Librarian of the Year Recognition

Congratulations to Ms. Brooke Corso, who has been named Texas Librarian of the Year by the Texas Library Association.

Ms. Corso’s passion for reading, dedication to students, and commitment to fostering a love of literacy continue to make a lasting impact on our school community. Her work, including the implementation of “living libraries” at Pin Oak, reflects her innovation and leadership in supporting student learning.

We are proud of Ms. Corso for this well-deserved recognition and grateful for the difference she makes every day at Pin Oak. She was also recently featured in the Houston Chronicle.

Pin Oak Dance Teams Earn Top Honors at National Competition

Pin Oak students delivered an outstanding performance at the Crowd Pleasers National Competition, with both the Company and Crew teams earning top honors.

The Company team earned 1st Place in Small Ensemble, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, and Pom and was named National Champions in the Small Middle School Team Division.

The Crew team earned 1st Place in Group Hip Hop, Group Open, and Team Open, along with 2nd Place in Team Hip Hop and the Most Admired Team Award.

We are incredibly proud of our students for their hard work, talent, and dedication, and for the commitment and pride they demonstrated while representing Pin Oak at the national level

Algebra Interest/ STAAR Interim Exam

The Algebra Interest/ STAAR Interim Exam is available for any 6th or 7th grade student who is interested in meeting the criteria for Algebra I placement for the 2026–2027 school year. You may review the Algebra I placement criteria using the Algebra I Matrix linked here. 

PTO General Meeting 

Our next PTO meeting will be VIRTUAL ONLY on Friday, April 10 at 9:00 AM. Please join us on Teams here. 

Athletics & Clubs

2026-2027 Academic Calendar 

Make sure to mark the dates as you plan for the upcoming school year. 2026-27 Academic Calendar in English and Spanish (Español).

Connecting with you is important to us—we’re here for you!

Helpful Links & Info:

• POMS website (staff directory & more)
• Student Handbook
• Attendance Policy (email excuses to agny.ibarra@houstonisd.org)
• Bell Schedule
• Dress Code Policy
• School Safety & Transportation page
• Tutoring Schedule

Stay Connected:

• Remind app (text @cf3a8ca to 81010)
  
• X @pinoakms and Instagram @pinoakchargers
• PTO on Facebook and Instagram @pinoakpto

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. It is truly a great time to be a part of the Pin Oak community.

Lindsey Vela, Principal

PTO NEWS

Join us on Saturday, April 25 from 12:00–4:00 PM for an afternoon full of fun, food, and community spirit. Everyone in the Pin Oak community is invited — current families, incoming students, and future Chargers! 💙

There will be international food trucks, games, inflatables, school tours, special student performances, a book fair, and lots of fun for the whole family — you won’t want to miss it! Did we mention the unlimited popcorn bar? You're welcome! 🎪🍿

Volunteers Needed
We’re looking for both parent and student volunteers to help make Charger Fest a success. If you can help, we would love to have you!

What to Do Next

🎟   Pre-order wristbands
Only needed for children to participate in inflatables & games
$20 online | $25 at the door
Pre-ordered wristbands will be available for pickup at the event
Online sales close Friday, April 24 at 6 PM

💙 SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER

Parents and students can volunteer 
Opportunities include staffing activity booths and games, supervising inflatables, directing guests, staffing the used uniform sales, helping at the popcorn bar, and keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Whether you can lend a hand for an hour or stay for the whole event, your time and energy make a big difference.

💧 Support the Water Donation Fund

⭐ Become an event underwriter or booth sponsor (includes wristbands)

For more information, please contact the POMS PTO Charger Fest Chairs

Save the date for the best days of the school year!
That’s right, the Book Fair is coming to POMS!

On Thursday, April 24 and Friday, April 25, the Book Fair will be open each day during all lunch periods. Plus, we will be open on Saturday, April 26 from Noon to 4pm during Charger Fest!

You can pay with cash, check (payable to POMS PTO), credit card, or setting up a Scholastic e-wallet. 

We need VOLUNTEERS to make this a great book fair for all our students! Click on the Book Fair Volunteer Sign-Up to pick a time slot! 

You must be VIPS approved to volunteer. 

Questions? Contact bookfair@pinoakpto.org.

Buy your student’s school supply pack today! Packs will be shipped to POMS and distributed to your student at school.  Be sure to order the pack for your child’s 2026-2027 grade.

Purchase 1^st Day School Supplies here.

For questions, email schoolsupplies@pinoakpto.org

Pin Oak Middle School PTO

4601 Glenmont • Bellaire, TX 77401

pinoakpto.org