Dear Pin Oak Chargers and Parents,
As we all collectively embark on a fresh start in a new year, Monday's holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is an opportunity for each of us to reflect on how we can best honor his legacy, both as individuals and as a Pin Oak community. I hope you can enjoy the January 18th school holiday safely with your family.
"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The administrative team met this week to look at the master schedule for the spring semester and it is tight. We like offering our math study labs for extra support, but consequently we have fewer electives across the board.
Our 6th grade elective classes will not change in February unless there is a serious need. The students are doing well and earning their Fine Arts credit. We are hopeful our performing arts classes will be more active next year, which will allow our curriculum to broaden again.
Our 7th and 8th graders have a little more wiggle room, but not much. We will email them a list this week of electives offered each period. They have the opportunity to select another class during the same period if they wish to make a change. We want to keep the switch at the same period so our core classes stay intact and balanced. We don't feel like this is the year to do a massive switch at semester, so it's likely most of our students will keep the same schedule
Our master schedule is built around individual placement in each core class as well as a healthy selection of electives so each of our students is able to find interest in their learning. We appreciate your patience and trust with our modifications this year. We feel confident our focus on keeping the core classes supported is important. We remain hopeful for normal times again.
We are going to keep our same bell schedule with two lunches and office hours for the spring. Our teachers and students like the Blue, Silver, Charger Day schedule. I want to encourage our students to continue to take advantage of Office Hours. The majority of you are using this time to work on your assignments and meet with your teachers in scheduled tutorials and meetings. This skill of organization, planning, and reaching out for assistance will last you a lifetime. There are a few of you that are not using this time wisely, so I'm asking you to rethink your focus on academics. Our House Principals are looking at grades and attendance for each student to set up intervention plans, if needed. This includes the mandatory return to school for support and engagement. The learning and growth of each student remains our focus. Parents, thank you for partnering with us to help your children stay connected and learning.
"Keep feeling the need for being first. But I want you to be the first in love. I want you to be the first in moral excellence. I want you to be the first in generosity."
-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
As always, thank you,
Michelle Shoulders
This Week's Schedule:
Monday: NO SCHOOL (MLK DAY)
Tuesday: SILVER
Wednesday: BLUE
Thursday: SILVER
Friday: BLUE
