Originally delivered on 1/24/2021 3:36 pm

SUBJECT: Charger Chatter

January 24, 2021

Principal's Post


Dear Pin Oak Chargers and Parents,


I hope everyone is doing well and staying safe.


This week, I had the pleasure of meeting with Andrei Perepelitsa, one of our 8th graders. Andrei scored a perfect 1440 on the PSAT! Congratulations to Andrei and all our 8th graders for their continued academic work. You are gaining valuable skills of determination, self-discipline, communication, and resilience.

A little more information about Andrei - his academic record includes Horn, Pin Oak, and Bellaire HS (Class of 2025). He developed a love for math in 2nd grade, so his parents enrolled him in after school math enrichment classes with an algebra emphasis. His parents believe in soaking up each level to get stronger, so he took PAP math in 6th and 7th grades and is currently in Algebra with Mr. Redstone as an 8th grader. He is in C House, so his chosen language is German.

He said Mr. Jones is one of his favorite teachers because he started speaking German to them in 6th grade, giving Andrei the desire to learn more. He also mentioned Ms. Coffman and her always prepared and focused on science teaching style. She doesn't waste a minute!


Andrei's best advice to other students: "Good things come if you avoid missing assignments. Things just pile up if you put it off." He said he always turns in his assignments on time so he knows what the teachers are talking about in class. It pays off.


I enjoyed visiting with Andrei because of his humble, kind, and focused spirit. I'm proud we have been able to build on his love for math at Pin Oak. I agree with his parents that a strong math emphasis is important in the foundational years. It's not about doing it quickly, but about a solid learning of the objectives at each level. It will be fun to see his bright future unfold as he grows up. #ChargeOn


We are looking forward to potentially welcoming new students February 1st. Chargers - please bring your charged device and earbuds of some sort each day. Wear a blue, grey, or white top, and a mask. We are keeping each other safe by following our safety protocols of masks and staying 6 feet apart.


I met with the 8th Grade Activities Committee this week. We are already working on our end of the year 8th grade celebration. We have also added an information page on the school website that will host high school information, activities, dates, and other useful links.


Let's stay diligent with safety and patience for the next few months. I know this is a challenging year, but our hope is to plan a few special opportunities later in the spring. Hang in there and let us know how we can help!


As always, thank you,


Michelle Shoulders

#ChargeOn



This Week's Schedule:

Monday: BLUE

Tuesday: SILVER

Wednesday: BLUE

Thursday: SILVER

Friday: NO SCHOOL (TEACHER PREP DAY)

Exam & Testing Schedule


IPC Midterm: January 25th (1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.)


Algebra & Geometry Midterms: January 27th (1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.)


Foreign Language 8th Grade Midterms: Week of January 25th during class


STAAR Tested Classes: Will take a District Level Assessment as a curriculum and learning benchmark

  • 6th Grade Reading & Math
  • 7th Grade Writing & Math
  • 8th Grade ELA, Math, Science, & Social Studies
HISD Athletic & UIL Events Reinstated

HISD is reinstating all athletic and UIL events, effective Monday, January 25th.

All district-level varsity competitions as well as non-district events, including tournaments, will resume as scheduled. Previously suspended sports at the middle school, junior varsity and freshman levels also will resume. This includes middle school cross country, football, swim, and volleyball seasons. Club sports also will be reinstated.


POMS students and parents will be hearing from their coaches via email regarding specific athletic schedules.

PTO General Meeting Tomorrow @ 6 p.m.

Join us for our PTO General Meeting on Monday, January 25th, at 6 p.m. Use this Teams link to join.

Get Involved With POMS Virtual Auction

We are looking for parents who would like to help in planning our 2021 virtual auction. All meetings and planning will also be virtual - and we have ways to get involved that do not include solicitation!


Please complete the POMS Virtual Auction Volunteer Form if you would like to get involved! 


Questions? Contact Melissa Bayne at fundraising@pinoakpto.org.

Last Call for 8th Grade Spirit Shirts

Be sure to order your 8th Grade Spirit Shirt for the POMS Class of 2021! The last day to order is Thursday, January 28th.


We hope to have the shirts available for students to pick up, along with the 8th Grade Yard Signs, during Picture Day on February 10th.


If you previously ordered a shirt and did not pick it up, they are now in the POMS front office. The 8th Grade Yard Signs are staked in the front drive of the school - feel free to grab one from the ground if you haven't already!


Questions? Email 8thgradeactivities@pinoakpto.org.

POMS Volleyball Practice Tuesday A.M.

POMS Volleyball practice will start Tuesday, January 26th, at 6:45 a.m. Doors will open at 6:30 a.m.

Yearbook Photos & Survey

The first 128 families to upload a photo (head and shoulders, facing the camera) of their Pin Oak student wearing a mask are guaranteed a spot in the yearbook! Please upload using the Balfour ImageShare app. Code is 115643. Include the student's first and last name with your upload and caption it "The 128."


Separately, please complete this survey to help us with yearbook content.

Reminder: School Dress Code

Students must wear our school colors each day. They can wear a polo, spirit shirt, t-shirt, or sweatshirt in grey, white, or royal blue. This is for supervision and safety reasons since students will be outside. All pants/shorts must be school appropriate length.

Reminder: No Deliveries to Front Office

Just a reminder that due to COVID-19 safety protocols, the front office is unable to accept deliveries for students. This includes parents dropping off lunches, instruments, etc. Thank you for your help in keeping our campus safe and healthy!

POMS Amazon Wish List

Our teachers are being diligent with cleaning the desks and work areas. If you would like to help us keep our campus safe and healthy by purchasing additional cleaning products, please see our Amazon Wish List. All items will be shipped directly to the school. Thank you!

Questions? Contact PTO President Tricia Onufer at president@pinoakpto.org.

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.

Questions? Contact Bruno Mesa.

Looking Ahead
Monday, January 25
6:00p POMS PTO General Meeting
Thursday, January 28
POMS End of 3rd 6 Weeks
Friday, January 29
POMS Teacher Service Day (No Students)
POMS Last Day of 1st Semester
Monday, February 1
POMS First Day of 2nd Semester
Friday, February 5
POMS Report Cards
Wednesday, February 10
POMS Picture Day
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