Originally delivered on 7/24/2022 9:37 pm

SUBJECT: Charger Chatter

July 24, 2022

Principal's Post



Happy Summer POMS Charger Parents!


I hope your summer has started off well. The Pin Oak staff is busy planning and preparing for the beginning of the school year and excited to welcome our new and returning Chargers. Thank you for sharing your children, your trust, and all your support as we come together as a true Charger Nation to make 2022-2023 the best year for students, staff, and parents!


Calendar of Events


PowerUp Parent Sessions - Becoming a 1-to-1 campus

  • Thursday, August 11 - Virtual (Time TBD)
  • Friday, August 12 - Virtual (Time TBD)


Fall Sports Parent Interest Meeting

  • Monday, August 15 - POMS Gym (5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.)
    • Football, Volleyball, Cross Country, Tennis, and Swimming


Charger Camp (register here)

  • 6th Grade - Thursday, August 18 (9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)
  • 7th Grade & 8th Grade - Thursday, August 18 (1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.)


Sports Physicals

  • Monday, August 15 - POMS Gym (8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.)
    • $20 cash
    • Open to POMS students (ONLY)


First Day of School

  • Monday, August 22 (8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)



Beginning of the Year Framework


POMS Clear Backpack Policy


POMS Dress Code Policy


Student Schedules

  • Students will be scheduled into 8 courses.
  • Schedules will be available at Charger Camp (August 18th). Even if students find a schedule online, please wait until you hear schedules are final before your student starts contacting house administrators. The scheduling team must verify that every student has a complete schedule, classes loaded correctly, sections are balanced, etc. Please keep in mind, we are building personalized schedules for 1275 students. Your support is appreciated. 


Scheduling - NEW (SEL) Class

  • Each student will be scheduled into CHARGER Time to allow for connection, community, character development, and Social and Emotional Learning instruction
  • Curriculum resources:
    • ReThink Ed
    • Say Something-Sandy Hook Project
    • Random Acts of Kindness


After School Care - Registration is Open



Testing Updates



Update Your Contact Information in HISDConnect

Parents, now is the time to update your contact information in HISDConnect and be sure that we have your address, working phone number(s), and an email address linked to your student’s account.


This is very important as we will need accurate information to contact you over the summer with information about Charger Camp 2022 and PowerUp parent information sessions.



Required Immunizations for Rising 7th Graders

  • Tdap – 1 dose of Tdap is required if at least 5 years have passed since the last dose of tetanus-containing vaccine.
  • Meningococcal (MCV4) – 1 dose of quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine is required on or after the student’s 11th birthday. If a student received the vaccine at 10 years of age, this will satisfy the requirement.

If your child is a rising 7th grader, s/he MUST have the vaccines listed above in addition to all previously required vaccinations, or risk being removed from school until proof of vaccination is presented.


For more information, visit the Texas Health & Human Services website.


Where to go for low cost immunizations?


Contact Nurse Troetscher at Thea.Troetscher@houstonisd.org or 713.295.6500 if you have questions.


Sports Physicals 2022-2023

Any student interested in participating in Athletics for the 2022-2023 school year must complete the requirements listed below by Friday, August 19.


Athletic Physicals are a MANDATORY REQUIREMENT. They are not optional! No student will be allowed to participate on an athletic team or practices without a current Athletic Physical. Athletic Physicals are good for the duration of one (1) year and physicals should be taken prior to the start of the school year. Please make sure that you give a copy of the Athletic Physical to the Athletic Coordinator or School Nurse. Also, make certain to keep a copy for your personal records!


Please see the links and content below regarding athletic requirements and the sports physicals clinic being hosted at Pin Oak Middle School on August 19, 2022. The cost is $20 CASH ONLY. 


Please contact Coach Carter, POMS Athletic Coordinator, if you have any questions.


POMS Sports Physical Clinics

  • Monday, August 15 (8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.)*
    • *Subject to change
    • Open to POMS students (only)




CAMPUS REMINDERS:

The front office is open Monday - Thursday this summer from 8 a.m. to  4 p.m. to assist you. You can also directly email us or call 713-295-6500 during the same hours. We are happy to help!


Admin Contact Information


Campus Administrators


Lindsey Vela
Principal


Jeremy Gates
A-House Assistant Principal


Kiran Kumari
A-House Assistant Principal


Johnny Morse
B-House Assistant Principal


Ashly Evans-Vining
C-House Assistant Principal


Campus Support Team


Katty Warren
Counselor


Thea Troetscher
Nurse


Astaire Carter

Athletic Coordinator

Molly Childs
Magnet Coordinator


Connecting with you is important to us. As a result, we have many ways to share the latest and greatest of Pin Oak Middle School, including:



See You Soon!


Lindsey Vela




Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram!

Twitter: @pinoakms

Instagram @pinoakchargers

Register for Charger Camp


Charger Camp is scheduled for August 18, 2022


6th Grade Charger Camp

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

7th / 8th Grade Charger Camp

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. 


To register for Charger Camp, click here.  

POMS Girls' Lacrosse Team Interest Form


If you have an incoming 5th - 8th grader interested in being on the POMS Girls' Lacrosse team for the 2022-23 season, please sign up here.


Please email pinoakgirlslaxhouston@gmail.com with any questions.

POMS Gardening Day


POMS Gardening Day🌱 is scheduled from 8:00-10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 30th. 

Please email Ms. Roth aroth@houstonisd.org if interested in learning and helping clean the gardens.

Clear Backpack Policy


To improve safety measures currently in place, Pin Oak MS will require all students to use clear backpacks for the upcoming school year. 


Students participating in an extracurricular activity are permitted to carry non-transparent bags to store items pertaining to their particular activity (i.e. athletics, band, etc.). Upon entry into school, all extracurricular activity bags must be stored in lockers or designated areas (not classrooms). All bags are subject to search. Small non-transparent bags no larger than 4”x4” will be allowed for personal items inside the backpack.


Additionally, the maximum size for non-transparent bags permitted to carry during the school day, such as lunch kits and purses, will be 6”x9”x5”.


View the POMS news story for more information.

POMS After School Care


Pin Oak is Now Enrolling Students for the 2022-2023 After School Program


POMS offers an after school program for students whose parents are not able to greet their child at the 4:00 p.m. dismissal time.

 

Our program runs Monday through Friday from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. If you don’t need the program daily, but might needed it occasionally, please note that we also offer drop-in service, when needed.

 

For application and additional information, please review the application or you may contact Ms. Norma Ruiz at 713 295-6500 or email nruiz@houstonisd.org.

 

To secure your spot, please make payment using SchoolPay.com and forward your application to nruiz@houstonisd.org.

2022-2023 Dress Code Policy


Click here to review the POMS dress code policy.

Accessing STAAR Scores


2022 STAAR Scores are now available. Please click here for instructions to access the scores.

POMS Summertime Reading Bingo


If you groan when you hear the words "summer reading", then we have some amazing news for you! Ms. Brooke Corso, our school librarian, has come up with an innovative way to incentivize and encourage students to ENJOY their summer reading with a new program called Summertime Reading Bingo!


Students are empowered to choose their own desired summer reading from a variety of selections and topics. Students can then earn reading badges based on their chosen interests, from listening to podcasts to creating original poetry to drawing a scene from their favorite book.


Never before has summer reading been so FUN!


For more information, please email Brooke Corso at brooke.corso@houstonisd.org.

Update Information for POMS 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.


The POMS PTO uses the Membership Toolkit platform across the board, so you'll need an account to receive the Charger Chatter, shop at the online School Storejoin the PTO, and more! It can all be found at pinoakpto.org.


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!


If you have any issues signing up or logging in, please contact the POMSPTO VP of Communications Rebecca Grazier.

Join the POMS PTO for 2022-2023


Join the Pin Oak Middle School PTO and help the students, teachers, fine arts, athletics, and academic programs at our school.


Membership is just $10.


Membership must be renewed each year, as annual membership expires at the end of each school year on June 30.


If you have any questions, please email POMS PTO Membership ChairChrissy Abaza.

POMS Online School Store Orders


The POMS Online School Store is open for all your POMS uniform needs!


Online orders will be available for pick up during Charger Camp on August 18th.


Please do not stop by the school to pick up your online order.


If you have any questions, please contact us at 
schoolstore@pinoakpto.org.

Attention Girls Born in 2008: Join Westbury Soccer Club


Westbury Soccer Club (incorporated in 1977) is seeking more athletes born in 2008 who are interested in playing girls soccer this coming fall, otherwise they won't be able to field a team for this age group! The club offers effective coaching, excellent camaraderie of players, and a cohesive community of parents. 


Interested parties born in 2008 and desiring to play girls' soccer this fall, please contact Blaine McElroy, Director of Coaching for Westbury Soccer Club, at doc@westburysoccer.org.

POMS Boys' Lacrosse Team Interest Form


If you're interested in being on the POMS Boys' Lacrosse team for the 2022-23 season, please sign up using this Google form.


Please email Coach Austin St. Denis with any questions.

Empowering Houston's LGBTQIA+ Youth


Hatch Youth is Houston’s oldest, currently active social group dedicated to empowering LGBTQIA+ youth between the ages of 7 and 20. Hatch Youth groups provide a safe and affirming environment where youth can socialize, make new friends, and engage in educational and creative activities to help youth in and around Houston not just survive, but thrive.


Educational programs include:
LGBTQIA+ health issues and accessing care
Mental health and wellness
LGBTQIA+ rights
Queer history
Creative writing and art
Social justice
Community resources
Empowering community speakers


The groups are comprised of introductions, social time, programming, and small group, and are curated by Hatch staff and trained volunteer facilitators. Youth have access to role models and peer support and can participate in special projects and events, including Hatch Prom and walking in the annual Pride Houston Parade. There are no costs for any activities.

Say Something Anonymous Reporting


Pin Oak Middle School implemented the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System last October. Sponsored by Sandy Hook Promise, the program educates secondary students, educators and administrators on how to recognize the signs and signals of individuals who may be at-risk of hurting themselves or others and encourages them to report that behavior through an anonymous reporting system. The reporting system allows administrators and law enforcement to create effective interventions and help prevent violence, suicide, bullying, self-harm and other forms of threatening behavior.


Anyone can submit an anonymous tip by going to the program’s website (www.saysomething.net), calling the hotline (1-844-5-SAYNOW) or using the Say Something mobile app, available on the App Store or Google Play.


The Say Something program is provided through Sandy Hook Promise, a nation-wide non-profit organization focused on preventing gun violence before it happens. For more information, contact Anastasia Warren at 712.296.5600.


Submit an anonymous tip:


Say Something Parent Guide

Say Something Parent Brochure

HERO Program


Pin Oak Middle School has a new positive behavior program named HERO. Students receive points for demonstrating Charger Core Values: Being Respectful, Being Responsible, and Being Resilient. Students and parents can see the points that are granted in real time once an account is created.


Parents please create an account on HERO so you can track your student's positive behavior and encourage them to be Charger Heroes on campus.


Then download the mobile app Hero by SchoolMint on the App Store or Google Playso you can track your student's HERO points at any time!


Please view this PDF that outlines step by step instructions on how to create a parent account and add your HISD student(s) to that account.

Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities


Do you know a business who is looking for corporate sponsorship opportunities? 


Pin Oak offers a variety of sponsorship levels and benefits, including school-wide newsletter and website recognition, banner display in a prominent location on campus, marquee signage and much more! By partnering with businesses in our community, we raise funds for teacher, student, classroom and technology support, curriculum enrichment, staff appreciation, and facility enhancements. 


Contact POMS PTO Co-VP of Fundraising & Corporate Sponsors Chair Dawn Johnson for more details.

Register for VIPS (Volunteers in Public School)


All volunteers in HISD must register to be VIPS approved. Please register at least two weeks before your scheduled volunteer shift, as it can take three to five business days to complete the background check. Even if you were previously VIPS approved, you will need to register again as your approval expires at the end of each school year.


VIPS Registration

VIPS Registration (Español)

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
Saturday, July 30
8:00a POMS Gardening Day
Monday, August 15
8:00a POMS Sports Physicals (POMS students only)
9:00a POMS PTO Executive Board Meeting
5:00p POMS Fall Sports Parent Interest Meeting
Tuesday, August 16
POMS PTO Fall Grant Applications Open
Thursday, August 18
9:00a POMS 6th Grade Charger Camp
1:00p POMS 7th/8th Grade Charger Camp
Friday, August 19
POMS Staff Appreciation Lunch
Monday, August 22
8:30a POMS First Day of School
Stay Connected
Ways to Give

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

Use the new Box Tops App on the App Store or Google Play 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.

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.

We Appreciate Our Corporate Sponsors & Community Partners
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