Originally delivered on 9/11/2022 3:56 pm

SUBJECT: Charger Chatter

September 11, 2022

Principal's Post



Dear Charger Parents and Families,


Today marks the 21st anniversary of all those who lost their lives in the tragic events of September 11th.  On this Patriots Day, please take a moment of silent reflection, out of honor and respect for those individuals who were taken from us that day. 

Friday was the mid-way point for this 1st six weeks, so progress reports will come home this week! Please take this opportunity to discuss this school year with your child and review their progress toward their goals.  I strongly encourage you to access HISD Connect Parent Portal on a regular basis to review your child’s grades and attendance. Don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teachers for information or assistance. 

Congratulations to our Pin Oak Volleyball Team for their 7th & 8th-grade win against Rogers and our Cross-Country Girls Team on their strong finish! Wednesday is our second volleyball game against the Pershing Pandas and Thursday is our first football scrimmage against the Shamrocks from 5-7:00 p.m. at POMS. Let’s get CHARGED and SHOW UP to support our Chargers this week!


6th Grade Mixer - The POMS Athletic Dept. will host the first annual 6th Grade Mixer - Game Night this Friday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tickets will be sold during the 6th-grade lunch all week. Students can purchase their tickets for $10 (cash).  Contact Coach Carter for more information. 


Open House - Please mark your calendar for POMS Open House Tuesday, September 20th.  We will begin at 5:30 p.m. with parents reporting directly to their student's 1st-period class.  

Campus Updates & Reminders


Student Lanyard & ID

Each student was issued a grade-specific lanyard and ID last week. Beginning tomorrow all students are expected to wear their lanyard around their neck with their student ID clearly visible. This is purely a safety procedure for both your child and our staff, not to mention it speeds up the lunch process. 

Things to remember:

  • First lanyard and ID are FREE
  • SCHOOL ISSUED Lanyard and ID must visible (top half of body)
    • 6th Grade: Charger White 
    • 7th Grade: Charger Gray
    • 8th Grade: Charger Blue
  • Replacement ID $5 and Lanyard $2 
    • Replacement ID & Lanyard may be purchased from the Student Success Table located by the main entrance. 


Tardies Start on Monday

I have personally walked the campus from one end to the other and still made it to class on time, so your student should have no problem getting to class on time if they use their time wisely and do not stop to visit with friends between the classes that require the most “walk” time. 

It is extremely important that students arrive before 8:30 a.m. Any student not in class at 8:30 a.m. will be marked absent/ tardy depending on their time of arrival. We open our doors at 7:45 a.m. so there is more than enough time for students to be in class when the tardy bell rings. 


Attendance

Students who have been absent or tardy must present a written excuse from their parents or guardians when they return to school. Parents may also email excuse notes to the attendance clerk at: michelle.fusilierjohnson@houstonisd.org.

Excuses for absences and tardies are:

  • personal illness
  • sickness or death in the family 
  • quarantine 
  • weather or road construction making travel dangerous
  • participation in school activities with permission of the principal
  • juvenile court proceeding documented by a court officer
  • religious holidays

In the case of ANY absence, excuse notes must be turned in to the attendance office within three days of returning to school.  All notes must contain the following:

  • student’s full legal name and school ID number
  • date(s) of absence  
  • date the note was written
  • parent name, signature, and contact phone number


Additional information can be found on our website. 


Dress Code

All students attending Pin Oak Middle School will be required to follow the Pin Oak Dress Code. All articles of the uniform are to be maintained and worn in a way that represents the individual students and the school in a positive way. Students are required to wear the uniform to school and throughout the entire day until leaving for the day. The provisions of the dress and grooming code shall be enforced equally with regard to all students to whom the provisions apply.


Please read our dress code policy carefully. Students that are not in dress code will be referred to their House Administrators and parents/ guardians will be notified. 

  • The length of shorts and skirts should be no shorter than 4 inches above the knee
  • Students must wear a collared shirt; colors: royal blue, white, or gray.
  • Clothing must be size appropriate, including sweatshirts and jackets. 
  • All clothing must be school appropriate. Tank tops, camis, and clothing designed to be worn as an undergarment are not permitted to be worn as a shirt. 


Food/ Drinks Outside of the Cafeteria

There will be no chewing of gum, food, or candy in the school at any time with the exception of food in the cafeteria. Coffee, energy drinks, and the like are not allowed in classrooms or in the hallways. Teachers may ask students to throw such items in the trash if they show up in their rooms.


Chromebook Expectations

All students have a Chromebook, an incredibly powerful tool, with them in the classroom and at home.  It is important that we have clear expectations as to the responsibilities that come with this privilege. 

  • Please make sure your student brings their fully charged Chromebook each day. Students are encouraged to leave their chargers at home since paying for a lost charger is one of the most common expenses students incur (lost chargers are not covered by the insurance).
  • Students must secure their Chromebook in their clear backpacks when transitioning from class to class. 
  • Students must use wired headphones.  Bluetooth headphones are not allowed
    • Why are Bluetooth headphones problematic? A few reasons are listed below.
      • Students can easily hide Bluetooth headphones and listen to music, videos, podcast, etc. during instructional time.
      • Students can use their Bluetooth headphones to control their phone, start and stop music, send text messages, be on calls with students in other classrooms, etc. 


School Safety & Transportation Reminders

School Safety - We are looking for a Golf Cart! Please consider donating a usable golf cart to help us supervise around campus to keep our staff and students safe. We look forward to hearing from you via email Principal Vela. Your support is appreciated.


School Zone Safety

Traffic patterns, as expected, were heavy during the first weeks of school. Each day seemed to get a little better, but the reality is, with 1000+ students being dropped off/ picked up from POMS this is going to take some time to get through the traffic. Think of it like this…leaving POMS is like leaving a concert/event parking lot, the same patience and understanding is needed by everyone. With your help, we can get you on your way and clear Circle Drive by 4:15 p.m. Let’s keep helping each other!


The City of Bellaire has asked us to remind parents to follow school zone regulations.

  • Be on the lookout for school zone signals and ALWAYS obey the speed limits.
  • Avoid your cellphone. 
  • Never text while driving in a school zone.
  • Watch out for school crossing guards and obey their signals.
  • Never pass other vehicles while driving in a school zone.
  • Never change lanes while driving in a school zone.
  • Never make U-Turns while driving in a school zone.
  • Yield to buses at all times. You MUST stop if you see yellow or red lights, and the stop arm deploy.
  • Unless licensed to do so, never use handicap or emergency vehicle lanes or spaces to drop off or pick up children at school.


Car Riders/ Bike Riders/ Walkers

POMS Traffic guidelines are provided below to ensure student safety. Please adhere to the following:

  1. 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. 
  2. 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
  3. Place your car in park and allow your child(ren) to exit the vehicle on the curb side.  It is dangerous to exit from the driver side of the vehicle. 
  4. Wait patiently for cars ahead of you to unload.  Do not attempt to pass vehicles in the drop-off lane.
  5. When exiting the school driveway, you must turn right on to Glenmont.  
  6. 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. 
  7. If your child is going to walk or ride his/her bike to school, 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
  8. 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. 


HISD Bus Transportation

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.



HISD Back to School Guidelines

HISD developed the 2022-2023 Back to School Guidelines as a resource guide for all things HISD. These guidelines outline important information for students, staff, and parents regarding health and safety protocols, academic initiatives, instructional supports and so much more. I encourage you to review these Back-to-School Guidelines to understand all the tools available in HISD.


Campus Administrators


Lindsey Vela
Principal


Jeremy Gates
A-House Assistant Principal


Kiran Kumari
A-House Assistant Principal


Natasha Cruz-JeffersonB-House Assistant Principal


Johnny Morse
B-House Assistant Principal


Ashly Vining
C-House Assistant Principal


Campus Support Team


Molly Childs
Magnet/Transportation Coordinator


Barrett DokeInstructional Technologist


PendingCounselor (Alpha split L-Z)


Katty WarrenCounselor (Alpha split A-K)


Ashleigh ToddWraparound Specialist


Sharon AndersonSpecial Education Coordinator


Thea Troetscher
Nurse


Astaire Carter
Athletic Coordinator


Joyce HsuUser Device Technician


Michelle Fusilier JohnsonAttendance Clerk


Felissa SalinasStudent Identification Clerk


Pin Oak Middle School ~ Premier Foreign Language Magnet is an A rated campus and received ALL distinction designations! 

  • ELA/Reading
  • Math
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • Comparative Academic Growth
  • Postsecondary Readiness
  • Comparative Closing the Gaps

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

Upcoming Meet & Greet for 2022-23 Incoming 6th Grade Parents


Thank you to everyone that RSVPed! We have now reached capacity for the event.


We look forward to seeing everyone that RSVPed on Sep 16th at The '401 Table and Tap from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. for light bites and to meet new faces! 


Sponsored by: The Beauchamp, Dabney, Dagley, Grazier, Johnson, Lee, Mandayam, Sederis and Steen families.

Join us for Spirit Night at CounterCommon


Join the POMS community for our first Spirit Night of the 2022-23 school year at CounterCommon, located at 5413 Bellaire Blvd, Bellaire, TX 77401 on Monday, September 19 from 4-9 p.m.


CounterCommon will donate 10% of all food and merchandise purchases back to Pin Oak Middle School. Simply provide your server with the code POMSCCBK22 or tell your server you are with the POMS community.


Download the flyer here.

POMS Amazon Wishlist


Please consider helping us purchase items on the Pin Oak Amazon Wish List


Thank you so much for your generosity!

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.

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.

Updates Coming Soon: Mrs. Vela's POMS Parent Group 2022-2023 on Remind


Look for updates in next week's Charger Chatter.

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)

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.

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.

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

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
Monday, September 12
9:00a POMS PTO Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, September 14
POMS Staff Appreciation Breakfast
6:00p POMS Volleyball vs Pershing MS @ POMS
Thursday, September 15
5:00p POMS 8th Grade Football Scrimmage vs. Shamrocks @ POMS
Friday, September 16
4:30p POMS 6th Grade Mixer / Game Night
Monday, September 19
4:00p POMS Spirit Night at CounterCommon
Tuesday, September 20
9:00a POMS PTO General Meeting
5:30p POMS Open House
Thursday, September 22
6:00p POMS Volleyball vs. Tanglewood MS @ Tanglewood MS
Saturday, September 24
POMS Cross Country Westbury Invitational @ Willow Waterhole
Tuesday, September 27
7:00p POMS 8th Grade Football vs. Meyerland MS @ Butler Stadium
Thursday, September 29
6:00p POMS Volleyball vs. Lanier MS @ Lanier MS
Friday, September 30
POMS End of 6 Week Grading Period
Saturday, October 1
POMS PTO Charger Commitment Campaign Begins
POMS Cross Country HISD Invitational @ North Forest High School
Tuesday, October 4
POMS No School - Teacher Service Day
Wednesday, October 5
POMS No School - Fall Holiday
Thursday, October 6
6:00p POMS Volleyball vs. Meyerland MS @ POMS
Friday, October 7
4:00p POMS Kona Ice Friday
Saturday, October 8
POMS Report Cards
Monday, October 10
9:00a POMS PTO Executive Board Meeting
Wednesday, October 12
3:00p POMS Homecoming Pep Rally @ POMS
5:30p POMS Homecoming Tailgate @ Butler Stadium
7:00p POMS Homecoming 8th Grade Football vs. Lanier MS @ Butler Stadium
Thursday, October 13
6:00p POMS Volleyball vs. Rogers MS @ POMS
Saturday, October 15
POMS Cross Country HISD Zone Meet @ North Forest High School
Monday, October 17
9:00a POMS PTO General Meeting
Tuesday, October 18
7:00p POMS 8th Grade Football vs. West Briar MS @ Butler Stadium
Monday, October 24
POMS Red Ribbon Week: Be BOLD, Be BRAVE, Be YOU! Wear RED, WHITE, & BLUE!
Tuesday, October 25
POMS Red Ribbon Week: TEAM UP against DRUGS! Wear your favorite SPORTS JERSEY
Wednesday, October 26
POMS Red Ribbon Week: Orange you glad you say NO to drugs! Wear ORANGE
7:00p POMS 8th Grade Football vs. Pershing MS @ Butler Stadium
Thursday, October 27
POMS Red Ribbon Week: Lei OFF DRUGS! Wear your favorite Hawaiian Shirt
Friday, October 28
POMS Red Ribbon Week: My future is BRIGHT without drugs! Wear NEON
Tuesday, November 1
5:00p POMS 8th Grade Football vs. Lawson MS @ Butler Stadium
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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