Principal's Post
Dear Charger Parents and Families,
Welcome to the 2022-23 school year! We are so excited to have your students in the building on August 18th for Charger Camp. As a reminder, our first day of school is Monday, August 22nd. This year our school theme is “20 Years Strong”. Help us commemorate, congratulate, and celebrate 20 years of Pin Oak Middle School academic excellence throughout our Anniversary Year! We are excited to add our TENTH high school credit course, SIXTH foreign language, and FOUR new electives: Model UN, Principles of Information Technology, Odyssey of the Mind, and Tech Team to our extensive course catalogue.
This upcoming year we will continue to improve our house system as we look for ways to promote community in our school. Each student and staff member will belong to a house and participate in house competitions and bonding experiences. Additionally, we will focus on helping students build positive relationships with one another to create a school culture that promotes self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. This will create a positive impact on our school culture as students and staff all know the expectations for behavior as we do life together at school.
First Day - Monday, August 22nd: We start school at 8:30 am and end at 4:00 pm.
Class Schedules - Class schedules will be given to students at Charger Camp, August 18th.
Chromebook - POMS PowerUp Parent Night will take place on Friday, August 12th from 5:00-6:00 p.m. Students will not receive a Chromebook until all requirements are met.
Campus Updates:
Schedule Change Request - Before a schedule change request is reviewed by the house administrator(s) parents/ guardians must complete all beginning of the 2022-2023 forms for their child enrolled at Pin Oak Middle School. Please access HISD Connect Parent Portal once school begins to complete the forms. These forms can be viewed using the link provided (parent forms).
HISD Connect - How to Videos: Getting Started with HISD Connect Parent Portal How to create your account and associate your student’s information
Completing Forms in HISD Connect Parent Portal How to navigate to and complete forms after you are logged in to Parent Portal
Student Verification in HISD Connect Parent Portal How to complete the Student Verification steps after you are logged in to Parent Portal.
HISD Connect Parent Portal the Complete Guide How to create your account, associate your students information, complete forms and complete Student Verification in Parent Portal
Questions about your student’s schedule? If your student has a schedule conflict or a question about a particular class, please have your student contact their house administrator(s).
Canvas (NEW Learning Management System) - Canvas is a reliable and reputable web-based learning management system (LMS). It allows institutions to manage digital learning, educators to create and present online learning materials and assess student learning, and students to engage in courses and receive feedback about skill development and learning achievement. Learn more about Canvas here.
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PowerUp In order to prepare Houston’s students for a world beyond the four walls of a classroom, HISD launched PowerUp, a districtwide initiative aimed at transforming teaching and learning. PowerUp is about “powering up” all 282 schools to create a personalized learning environment for today’s 21st-century learners and to enable teachers to facilitate instruction, manage curriculum, collaborate with their peers, and engage today’s digitally wired students more effectively.
POMS PowerUp Parent Night - Friday, August 12 from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Come and learn about what we need from our POMS students and parents before our Chromebook rollout. - Parent Digital Safety Course
- Student Device Loan Agreement
- Pin Oak Technology Acceptable Use Policy
- PowerUp Device Fee - SchoolPay
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Charger Camp Calling all Chargers for Charger Camp – Thursday, August 18th (register here) - 6th Grade - 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
- 7th & 8th Grade - 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
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*Please note – Charger Camp is for students only. We want to give our staff a chance to personally interact, show them around, and really get to know them before we kick off our first week with all 1275+ Chargers together! I promise to take good care of them!
Arrival/Departure: - Please drop them off at circle drive (front entrance). You cannot miss it; the cheerleaders and staff will be ready to welcome them inside.
- Please pick up your Charger at the FRONT of the school.
For any student who is NOT able to attend Charger Camp, do not worry: - PTO School Store VP’s will email parents and make arrangements to have orders delivered before the first day of school. If parents have questions, they can email schoolstore@pinoakpto.org.
- Pre-ordered school supplies will be placed in your student’s Team Time class, so they have them on the first day of school.
- Parents can pick up student schedules from the main office on Friday, August 19th from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. or you can access your student’s schedule on HISD Connect.
Charger Camp Traffic & Safety Procedures: - Coming from 610, form 1 line on Glenmont. Please turn right into circle drive and stay in the carpool line. Do not drop off or pick up your child(ren) off Glenmont. This may be a time saver for you, but it is not SAFE.
- As you enter circle drive, please pull up as far as you can. When the car ahead of you leaves, please pull up. If your child is not ready, you will be asked to exit the lane and park in the front parking lot. Do not stop your car on the crosswalk.
- Place your car in park and allow your child(ren) to exit the vehicle on the curbside. It is dangerous to exit from the driver's side of the vehicle.
- Wait patiently for cars ahead of you to unload. Do not attempt to pass vehicles in the drop-off lane.
- When exiting the school driveway, you must turn right onto Glenmont.
- Please NEVER leave your car unattended. If you need to enter the school building, please park your car in the parking spaces in the front lot.
- If your child is going to walk or ride his/her bike to Charger Camp, please remind them to be very careful. They must always obey the traffic signals, and always cross with the light and in the crosswalk. They should never have earbuds/ headphones, AirPods, or any Bluetooth device distracting them when walking or riding their bike. They must stay alert and aware of what is happening around them.
- Students and parents are not allowed to cross in the middle of the street instead of crossing at the crosswalk.
Reminders: - Do Not U-turn on Glenmont.
- Do NOT pick-up or drop-off in the teacher/staff parking lot at the back of the school.
- Avenue B is NOT a sanctioned pick-up or drop-off location and do NOT block driveways. Bellaire police will give tickets to those who are parked illegally.
- The HCC Parking Lot is NOT available for parking. Your car will be towed.
Lastly, we are all responsible for the safety of our students. Treat every student you see as if they were your own. Please try not to be in a hurry during drop-off and pick-up. I cannot stress enough that lines will be long so please plan accordingly and have patience, so this remains a positive and fun event for students and staff.
Charger Camp Parent Volunteers Needed The success of this event relies on the support and involvement of our wonderful staff and parent volunteers. We encourage you to visit the Parent Volunteer Google Form and sign up for a volunteer slot. If you have any questions or require more information, please reach out to our Magnet Coordinator, Molly Childs.
Athletics - UIL & Club Sports We offer a full UIL athletics program for 7th and 8th graders. Our student athletes are competitive, but our program emphasizes the importance of being part of a team. Several sports are offered as Club Sports to students in all grades. The NEW Athletic Period is only available for 7th and 8th graders.
| UIL Sports (7/8 Grade ONLY) | Club Sports (6-8 Grade) |
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| Basketball | Soccer | Baseball | | Cross Country | Swimming | Lacrosse | | Football | Track & Field | Softball | | Volleyball | *** | Tennis |
Fall Sports Parent Information Night - Monday, August 15th from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. in the POMS Gym
- All coaches will be available to speak about their program and answer parent questions.
Athletics - 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 19th!
- Athletic Physicals are a MANDATORY REQUIREMENT. They are not optional! No student will be allowed to participate on an athletic (UIL and/or Club Sport) team or practice 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.
- Parents, if you have a child playing school sports in HISD/ POMS, please watch the video guide and go to HISD RegisterMyAthlete.com. Parents are required to register their athlete before August 19th. Any 7th/8th grader who selected Athletics will be dropped from the Athletic period if their profile is not active on Register My Athlete by Friday, August 19th.
- Parents, make sure you give a copy of the Athletic Physical to the Athletic Coordinator or School Nurse by Friday, August 19th. Also, make certain to keep a copy for your personal records!
- POMS Sports Physical Clinic
- Monday, August 15 from 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. in the POMS Gym
- The sports physical clinic will be an open event (walk-in) for current 2022-23 Pin Oak students.
- The cost is $20 CASH ONLY.
- Please see the links and content below regarding athletic requirements:
Please contact Coach Carter, POMS Athletic Coordinator if you have any questions.
Academic Calendar
After School Charger Care - Please follow the link to learn about the program and registration. If you have any questions, please contact Norma Ruiz (NRUIZ@houstonisd.org), POMS After School Care Coordinator.
Backpack Policy - All students will be expected to have their clear backpack before receiving a school issued Chromebook. Please click the link for the full POMS Backpack Policy.
Required Immunizations for 7th Grade - 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.
School Uniforms - All students will be expected to be in their school uniform for the first day of school. Please click the link for the full POMS Dress Code Policy.
School Supplies - All students will be expected to have their school supplies for the first day of school. Please click the grade level link for the full POMS School Supply List.
Social Media - Be in the Know!
Transportations - The Houston ISD Transportation Department determines eligibility for transportation services. The Transportation Department, upon determining eligibility, will assign a route and stop. For more information about eligibility, please visit the HISD Transportation Services Homepage.
- The information will also be available online at https://www.houstonisd.org/transportation. Please click on the ‘Find My Route’ button and enter your address to get your child’s route and stop information. For more information on transportation, please follow the links provided below.
Links and Contact Information for Parents:
If you have additional questions, you may contact Ms. Childs Molly.Childs@houstonisd.org. Please be patient and flexible, Ms. Childs is working to answer transportation questions for all Pin Oak families; therefore, I encourage you to follow the links provided to have your immediate questions answered. |
Admin Contact Information
Campus Administrators
Campus Support Team
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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 |
| Attend the POMS PowerUp Parent Night
POMS PowerUp Parent Night is scheduled for Friday, August 12 from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Come and learn about what we need from our POMS students and parents before our Chromebook rollout. - Parent Digital Safety Course
- Student Device Loan Agreement
- Pin Oak Technology Acceptable Use Policy
- PowerUp Device Fee - SchoolPay
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| POMS Online School Store Orders
The POMS Online School Store is open for all your POMS uniform needs!
Important Reminders: - Please place all uniform orders online by August 16th for pick up at Charger Camp on August 18th. Please do not stop by the school to pick up your online order.
- The School Store will not be open during Charger Camp.
- If your student is unable to attend Charger Camp, do not worry! PTO School Store VPs will email parents and make arrangements to have orders delivered before the first day of school.
- The school store will be closed for the first 2 weeks of school. Please place your orders online by August 16th for pickup at Charger Camp.
Thank you and please feel free to email any questions or concerns to schoolstore@pinoakpto.org.
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| 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. |
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| Charger Camp Parent Volunteers Needed
The success of this event relies on the support and involvement of our wonderful staff and parent volunteers. We encourage you to visit the Parent Volunteer Google Form and sign up for a volunteer slot.
If you have any questions or require more information, please reach out to our Magnet Coordinator, Molly Childs. |
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| POMS Used Uniform Sale
We have gently used uniforms for sale: Pin Oak polos, jackets, shorts, skirts, and spirit shirts.
Stop by the circle drive in front of the school on Wednesday, August 17th, 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. & 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
CASH SALE ONLY
Come early for the best selection!
For more information, please contact the Used Uniform Committee at useduniforms@pinoakpto.org. |
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| POMS Lady Chargers Lacrosse Recruiting New Teammates
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.
There will be opportunities to learn more at Pin Oak Fall Sports Parent Interest Meeting, August 15 at 5 p.m. in the POMS Gym and recruiting nights, August 23 and 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Feld Field.
For more information, please email pinoakgirlslaxhouston@gmail.com with any questions. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 2022-2023 Dress Code Policy
Click here to review the POMS dress code policy. |
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| 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 Store, join 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. |
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| Register for VIPS (Volunteers in Public School) on August 8th
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) |
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| Accessing STAAR Scores
2022 STAAR Scores are now available. Please click here for instructions to access the scores. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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 |
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| | Monday, August 8 | | | Friday, August 12 | | | Monday, August 15 | | | | | Tuesday, August 16 | | | Wednesday, August 17 | | | | Thursday, August 18 | | | | Friday, August 19 | | | | Monday, August 22 | | | Friday, September 2 | | | Monday, September 5 | | | Friday, September 9 | | | Monday, September 12 | | | Wednesday, September 14 | | | Monday, September 19 | | | Tuesday, September 20 | | | Friday, September 30 | | | Tuesday, October 4 | | | Wednesday, October 5 | | | Friday, October 7 | | | Saturday, October 8 | |
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 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. |
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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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