Pin Oak Family:
Students - we are so excited to finally see you in class this week!
Your updated and accurate schedule is in HISD Connect.
In the HUB, we have noticed a 2-3 day lag in the syncing process from PowerSchool, so that’s why it looks inconsistent at times. Remember to always use your HISD email address so you can get in TEAMS.
There are screencasts on the front page of the Pin Oak Middle School website to guide you through getting in the HUB if needed.
Your blue Charger Camp folder had a copy of the Pin Oak Middle School Virtual Schedule that shows our “bell” schedule. We need you to put it near your study area so you are on time to each of your classes.
Remember – grades and attendance go hand in hand. Let’s start off strong in class and ready to learn. Be ready to turn your camera on and introduce yourself as your teachers get to know you.
This Week:
Tuesday – BLUE day (Pin Oak Connect with Ms. Shoulders at 8:30) LINK
Wednesday – SILVER day (Connection Groups in TEAMS at 8:30) This is the group you met with during
Charger Camp. Your leader will send you an email so you know where to find them. Check your HISD email!
Thursday – BLUE day (Connection Groups at 8:30)
Friday – SILVER day (House meetings with your House Principal) Links will be on the POMS website.
Platforms to get to know:
HISD Connect – contains records like grades, attendance, student schedules, etc. All students have access and parents were sent a code to use also.
HUB – Class details and asynchronous lessons are posted by the teachers on this platform. This is the main site for class objectives, turning in assignments, etc.
TEAMS – Synchronous (LIVE classes, groups, and meetings) happen in TEAMS. Links to the classes will be in the HUB.
Pin Oak Middle School Website and the Pin Oak PTO website – Both have updates and information about Pin Oak.
Students, we know it won’t be perfect and there will be an adjustment period. Please reach out to your teachers or House Principal if you need assistance - we are all here to help you!
Parents – We are learning virtually until October 16th . Please partner with us by getting your child up and ready for school each day! It’s important they have a quiet place with minimal distractions.
Remember – this is school for your child. It would not be appropriate for you to interrupt a class if we were in the building. In the same way, I ask that you please save your parent questions and comments for a private meeting. You can contact the House Principal if you want to set up a Cluster Meeting.
With regard to the future, I do not know how face-to-face learning will look starting October 19th. Let’s get virtual learning going first and then we can tackle the next challenge!
My thoughts and learning – We’ve learned so much since March 12th when we walked out of the building for virtual learning. Honestly, we haven’t stopped working since listening, evaluating, planning, and preparing. I think out of everything I’ve learned, the thing that sticks out the most is the power of words. Our words to each other during this time of isolation seem so much stronger. Maybe it’s because we are all more sensitive. I’ve found a few simple kind words can bring someone to tears. At the same time, other words can send a strong message of defeat that sinks deeper than normal. We don’t mean to hurt, but it accidently happens more easily. I’m asking you as a part of the Pin Oak community that we all exhale before we type or say something that might discourage, even if we think it’s very important in the moment. School is so important to our children and positive reactions can help aim them in the right direction. I promise you our entire faculty and staff is incredibly passionate about helping your child grow as a person and as a student. We are all just humans trying to do our best during a difficult time. I would encourage each of us to make a commitment to assume good intentions, ask a few questions, and smile more. We can get through this together.
Michelle Shoulders
#StrongerTogether
