Originally delivered on 11/29/2020 3:09 pm

SUBJECT: Charger Chatter

November 29, 2020

Principal's Post


Pin Oak Community,


It's hard to believe we are already turning the calendar to December. I enjoyed the Thanksgiving week - rode my bike, enjoyed being with family, and took a nap every day. It was all needed and good.


We have a few things to look forward to in December and January. I want to remind you these few months are usually a grind even during "normal" times. Grades close December 4th for the second six weeks. There will be celebrations and maybe a few tears as we process with our students their efforts and progress. The second six weeks always brings a hill climb in our journey, so strengths and weaknesses are brought to light. We must remember to process learning together - grades, relationships, time management, study strategies, goals - it's all connected and middle school is the right time to put it together. Let's be reflective and honest about how we can continue to grow. We still have lots of time together this year and that makes me smile because I know the incredibly strong teaching faculty that is ready to help our students. And I know our students are smart and capable of anything they focus on. Let's stay focused together.


Chargers - you will receive a Reflection Survey from me this evening via your HISD email. I want every student to return it by Monday night at 11:59 p.m. It requires you to look up your grades in math, science, English, and social studies. The form is for reflection purposes only, so be honest and know that our intentions are to help each of you grow and stay connected.


As always, thank you.


Michelle Shoulders

#ChargeOn


This Week's Schedule:

Monday: BLUE

Tuesday: SILVER

Wednesday: BLUE

Thursday: SILVER

Friday: CHARGER DAY

Baby, It's Cold Outside! Order Your POMS Sweatshirts Today!

POMS School Store is now virtual! If you would like to purchase polos, sweatshirts, or spirit shirts for your Charger, you can do so here.


You will have to log into your Membership Toolkit account (the same way you do to access the school directory) or create a new account if you don't already have one. You can pay for your items through PayPal or with a credit/debit card.


Once you have purchased your items, you will be contacted by the school store volunteers regarding picking up those items. We will have designated pick-up days for items ordered through the online store.


Due to COVID restrictions, the physical store at school will remain closed until further notice.


Please email schoolstore@pinoakpto.org with any questions. Thank you for supporting POMS!

Opportunity for G/T Chargers!

The Houston ISD Gifted and Talented Department has invested in a special opportunity for our Gifted and Talented Chargers by partnering with Renzulli Learning to support gifted learners at home.


Your child must complete the Renzulli Profiler by December 11th so they can start maximizing the potential of this app for G/T Students!


Students will log in to CLEVER. Under SEARCH, they will select RENZULLI. In the top left corner, they will click on THE PROFILER. Students will select interests to develop their learner profile.


Parent Welcome Letter

Renzulli Learning Quick Start Guide


For more information, visit HISD's website or contact Rebecca Ryan at rryan@houstonisd.org.

PSAT Information

This sign-up is for all 8th grade virtual students who have NOT already taken the PSAT (Oct. 27th). Please note the first 30 students for each date will be allowed to come to test so that CDC/Federal/State/HISD/College Board testing and health guidelines can be followed. Ms. Warren will notify/confirm each student, through their HISD email, as to their testing date. Please remember that the PSAT is optional in 8th grade and only counts toward admission into Bellaire's IB program. The remaining testing dates are as follows: 12/1, 12/7, 12/9, 12/10, and 12/16. Ms. Warren will send an email confirmation to each student's HISD email the MONDAY before the testing date. (In the case of a Monday test date, it will go out Friday.)

Please remember that you must be signed in to your HISD email to access the document.


Questions? Contact Kat Warren at awarren4@houstonisd.org.

Bellaire High School International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program

Bellaire HS will be hosting a virtual overview and application process for the IB Program on December 3rdand December 7th at 6 p.m. for all interested applicants. IB is available for zoned, magnet, or transfer students pending acceptance. Click on dates above to link to meetings.


Questions? Contact Ann Linsley, IB Coordinator, BHS.

POMS School Directory

Log in to update your directory info or sign up for a new account if you're a new user. If you have used Membership Toolkit at another school, you may log in using your same account information.


Also, be sure to download the free Membership Toolkit app on the App Store or Google Play, so you'll have the school directory and school calendar with you at all times on your mobile device! You can even sync the PTO calendar to your phone's calendar and opt to receive push notifications for important announcements!

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.

Looking Ahead
Friday, December 4
POMS End of 2nd 6 Weeks
Friday, December 11
POMS Report Cards
Monday, December 14
9:00a POMS PTO Executive Board Meeting
Monday, December 21
POMS Winter Break
Stay Connected
Ways to Give

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.

When you shop at smile.amazon.com, Amazon will donate a percentage to Pin Oak Middle School PTO.

Use the new Box Tops App 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.

We Appreciate Our Corporate Sponsors & Community Partners