Originally delivered on 10/9/2022 6:27 pm

SUBJECT: Charger Chatter

October 9, 2022

Principal's Post



Dear Charger Parents and Families,


UPDATE: Backpacks and Lockers

I’ve had many good discussions over the past six weeks with parents, teachers and students regarding our clear backpack and locker policies. While we’ve seen the significant decrease in hallway congestion and tardies that we’ve been striving for, I’ve also heard from you that it can be cumbersome at times for students to carry the amount of materials they have been.

Just as we teach our students, we are always looking to improve as grown-ups. With your valuable feedback in mind and by working with our campus instructional leadership team, we are adjusting our policies as follows: 

Students will continue to use clear backpacks, but have additional opportunities to visit lockers in the middle of the day following this schedule:

  • Blue/Gray Days - Before school, after 3rd/4th period, before Team Time and after school
  • Charger Days - Before school, after 4th period, before 5th period and after school

Our sincere hope is that extra visits will alleviate the number of supplies students need to carry at one time, while also keeping Pin Oak hallway traffic manageable and safe.


PSAT

The PSAT is on October 12th for all 8th-grade students (no registration required). All students testing will receive an email from Mrs. Warren the week of testing that includes their testing room assignment. On the day of testing, students should be in their testing room by 8:30 a.m. Students will eat lunch once all testing is completed and then follow an altered class schedule for the afternoon. If you have a testing question, please email Mrs. Warren

Upcoming Campus Events

  • 10/10-14: Homecoming Spirit Week
  • Tue, 10/11: Homecoming Pep Rally
  • Wed, 10/12: Homecoming Tailgate & Football Game
  • Wed, 10/12: PSAT (8th Grade Only)
  • Thu, 10/13: Girls Volleyball vs. Rogers (7th & 8th Grade)
  • Fri, 10/14: Homecoming Dance (7th & 8th Grade)
  • 10/24-28: Red Ribbon Spirit Week
  • Fri, 11/4: MD Anderson Boot Walk
  • Sat, 11/5: Charger Fest

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:

  • Follow our #WeArePinOakhashtag and me on Twitter@POMS_Principal: We will post pictures and information on our daily activities at POMS to our #WeArePinOak hashtag. We encourage you to share your Charger pride here as well!


See You Soon!

Lindsey Vela


Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram!

Twitter: @pinoakms

Instagram @pinoakchargers

POMS Basketball Interest Meeting on October 12


Interested in joining the POMS basketball team? 


Learn more at the upcoming meeting on Wednesday, October 12 at 8 AM in the POMS library.

HISD Virtual Parent Meeting on October 12


HISD is hosting a virtual parent meeting on The Dangers of Vaping on Wednesday, October 12 from 9 - 10 a.m.


Learn more about the 2022-2023 HISD Coffee & Conversations meetings hosted by the Counseling and Student Services Department.


Click here to join via Microsoft Teams.

NJHS Applications Extended to Friday, October 14


Is your 7th or 8th grader interested in joining the National Junior Honor Society as a new member? If so, you can view our one-page application sheet here. On this one-pager, you’ll find the link to the online application. You will also find two slips (to be cut out) to be given to the two teachers chosen to complete the recommendation forms for students.


If chosen to be a member, students will be committing to do the following:

  1. Maintain an average of 93 in core classes and an E in conduct
  2. Participate in all NJHS meetings (once a month after school - Dates TBA at first meeting post-induction)
  3. Complete 20 hours of individual community service 
  4. Participate in the NJHS Chapter community service project 
  5. Demonstrate leadership, good citizenship and character at Pin Oak Middle School and in the community


If students cannot print the application sheets at home, they can swing by the front office or any house office to pick up a copy. Due to our short week, we have extended our application deadline to October 14th.


If you have any other questions, feel free to email Mrs. Cruz-Jefferson or Mrs. Kundert.

Volunteers Needed for POMS Homecoming Dance on October 14


We are in need of VIPS-approved volunteers for the POMS Homecoming Dance on Friday, October 14. 


We still need volunteers to help set up and breakdown the event.


Please click here to sign up today!

POMS PTO General Meeting on October 17


Join us for our second POMS PTO General Meeting of the school year!


When? Monday, October 17th from 9 - 10 a.m.

Where?  Parents have two options to attend:

  • Attend in-person at Pin Oak Middle School (DLL room in library)
  • Attend via Microsoft Teams (virtual attendees can submit written questions during the meeting using the Q&A tab)


If you plan to attend the meeting in person, please make sure to arrive at least 15-20 minutes ahead of time to get checked in at the front office with your driver's license.


Have a question but unable to attend the meeting?

For those parents who cannot attend, click here to submit your questions to Principal Vela. Please submit all your questions by 5pm on Thursday, Oct 13th.


We will consolidate the questions by topics for Principal Vela.  To be respectful of everyone’s time, we encourage questions that address school wide issues. If you have specific questions pertaining to your child please send those via email to their teacher or AP. 


Thank you for your understanding!

POMS Spirit Night at Chick-fil-A on Tuesday, October 18


Tight on time? Going to support the POMS football team? Don't feel like cooking? 


Make life easy and join the POMS community for Spirit Night at Chick-fil-A, located at 5325 S. Rice Blvd, on Tuesday, October 18th from 5-8 p.m. 


Chick-fil-A will donate 10% of all sales between 5-8 p.m., dine-in, carry out or drive thru, when you mention Pin Oak Middle School.


Click here for flyer.

POMS Talent Showcase Auditions on October 19 & 20


Attention Pin Oak Chargers: Do you have a special skill or talent that you would like to show off to your friends and family? Can you sing, land a double, or solve a Rubik’s cube in record time? Charger Fest on November 5 is your opportunity to shine!


Auditions will be held in the Guitar room after school on October 19th and 20th. Stop by the guitar room D102 and talk to Mr. Huezo to sign up for an audition slot and ask any questions.


Good Luck!

POMS 8th Grade Girls Volleyball Team vs. Faculty Game on October 21


Come out to watch the 8th grade girls volleyball team take on some of your favorite teachers in the annual student vs. faculty volleyball game, Friday, October 21st. 


Tickets will be on sale during all lunches for 5 dollars starting this Wednesday, October 12th and ending October 20th. 


Ticket sales are limited for each grade level so make sure that you purchase your ticket first! If you have any questions, contact Coach Willis.

POMS Lady Charger Basketball Tryouts


Calling all 7th and 8th grade girls interested in trying out for the POMS Girl's Basketball Team: 

  • Tryout Dates: Monday, October 24 - Wednesday, October 26
  • Time: 6:30 - 7:45 a.m.


Please enter in the gate near the football field closest to the gym doors. 


Please read through the POMS Lady Charger Basketball Interest Letter for all details regarding tryouts.


If you have any questions, please contact Coach Alexis Willis.  

2022 MD Anderson Boot Walk to End Cancer


Pin Oak Chargers are joining forces with Team #kirbystrong

for the 2022 MD Anderson Give Cancer the Boot Walk.


This annual fundraiser provides support for patient programs, research, prevention and education at MD Anderson — 100% of funds raised by participants directly support MD Anderson's mission to end cancer.


Monday, October 24 – Friday, November 4

Donations accepted before school. Donate $5 or more and receive a Give Cancer the Boot wristband. 100% of all proceeds go to MD Anderson to support their mission to end cancer.


Friday, November 4

Students can wear cowboy boots, hiking boots, rain boots, hunting boots, running shoes, high tops, low tops, gogo boots, anything comfy and we will walk to GIVE CANCER THE BOOT!


If you would like to make an additional donation to MD Anderson, please click here.


Thank you for your generosity! We won’t rest until we give cancer the boot.


#endcancer#kirbystrong

Join Mrs. Vela's POMS Parent Group 2022-2023 on Remind


To join via mobile phone:

  1. Send a text to 81010
  2. Text this message: @pomsparen


To join via web:

https://www.remind.com/join/pomsparen 


Download the Remind app:

HISD Connect Parent Portal Notifications


Please make sure you have subscribed to school notifications on HISD Connect Parent Portal. Its one of many notification tools for POMS. Please see the screenshot below on how to subscribe for school notifications.

HISD Socioeconomic Form


Have you submitted the socioeconomic information form? This form impacts our funding. Please make sure that the form is updated or completed for the 2022-2023 school year.

To complete the form online:

  1. Log in to the HISD Connect Parent Portal, which can also be found on the Pin Oak MS website on the left-hand side under Helpful Links. 
  2. Once inside the Parent Portal, click on the Forms section on the left-hand side navigation to access and submit the Socioeconomic Information Form for the 2022-2023 school year.

It is very important that we receive this form from everyone.  Please email Mrs. Salinas if you have questions or need a paper form.

Student Annual Verification is Now Available


ATTENTION PARENTS: The Student Annual Verification is now available on the HISD Connect Parent Portal. Please complete your child’s annual updates and forms by October 28 to ensure their information is accurate and up to date. 


Learn more: https://blogs.houstonisd.org/news/2022/09/06/hisd-parents-asked-to-complete-student-annual-verification/#more-43346

HISD Office of School Choice Update


Please visit ChooseHISD.org for an important update from our Chief of Schools regarding the 2023-2024 school choice application timeline. Applications for the 2023-24 school year will open in December!


A Special Message from Chief of Schools Denise Watts:

HISD Community,

School Choice Timeline is Changing!

In Houston ISD, all families have districtwide access to unparalleled educational opportunities, and now the school choice application process is changing to better meet family needs!

HISD will be opening phase one of the school choice application in December 2022 through February 2023. Phase two of the application process will open in April 2023 and go through June 2023. This will provide families with the time to settle into the current school year before they have to decide on the school that they want to attend for the next school year. The district is also rolling out a new application system to help streamline and improve the school choice application experience.

  • Who Should Apply in December?
    • Current HISD families that prefer for their child to transfer to another HISD school for the 23-24 school year â—‹ Families that will be new to HISD in the 23-24 school year
    • Families that are seeking to apply to a specific program that is not available at their child’s current and / or zoned school
    • Families with a child in a transitional grade
    • Families who want to enroll in their zoned neighborhood school
    • Families that have moved away from their formerly zoned HISD school
    • Out-of-district families seeking to attend a HISD school in the 23-24 school year
  • Who Does Not Need To Apply In December?
    • If your child is currently enrolled in an HISD school in a non-transitional grade, and you would like them to continue at that school for the 23-24 school year, you do not need to submit an application.

In the meantime, families should check-out HISD’s new School Finder platform to explore the vast opportunities available in HISD and help families find the school that’s right for them.


Please contact the Office of School Choice with any questions.

POMS Online School Store is Open!


We will fulfill orders once a week and let you know when they are available for pick up. Your student may pick up their items in the school store during their lunch period. Yard signs will only be available as porch pick-up. 


Please note that when purchasing uniforms in person at the school store, prices are slightly higher for sales tax and the ease of cash transactions.


T-Shirts/Polos - $22.00

Sweatshirts - $33.00

Long Sleeve Spirit Shirts - $27.00


Please feel free to reach out to schoolstore@pinoakpto.org with any questions or concerns. Thank you for supporting the POMS PTO!

POMS Amazon Wishlist


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


Thank you so much for your generosity!

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.

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.

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)

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.

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, October 10
POMS Spirit Week: 'Merica Monday - Patriotic - Pull out your RED, WHITE, & BLUE
9:00a POMS PTO Executive Board Meeting
Tuesday, October 11
POMS Spirit Week: Camo Tuesday - Hide Out! - Wear your camo gear
3:00p POMS Homecoming Pep Rally @ POMS
Wednesday, October 12
POMS Spirit Week: Charger Pride - Charger Colors - Show off your BLUE, GRAY, & WHITE
POMS PSAT for 8th Graders
8:00a POMS Basketball Interest Meeting
9:00a HISD Coffee & Conversations: The Dangers of Vaping
5:30p POMS Homecoming Tailgate @ Butler Stadium
7:00p POMS Homecoming 8th Grade Football vs. Lanier MS @ Butler Stadium
Thursday, October 13
POMS Spirit Week: Tackle Breast Cancer - Pink Out for Breast Cancer
6:00p POMS Volleyball vs. Rogers MS @ POMS
Friday, October 14
POMS Spirit Week: Fiesta Friday - Party Spirit - Show off your most colorful clothes
POMS NJHS Applications Due
6:00p POMS Homecoming Dance for 7th & 8th Graders
Saturday, October 15
POMS Cross Country HISD Zone Meet @ North Forest High School
Monday, October 17
POMS PTO Charger Commitment Campaign Begins
9:00a POMS PTO General Meeting
Tuesday, October 18
5:00p POMS Spirit Night at Chick-fil-A
7:00p POMS 8th Grade Football vs. West Briar MS @ Butler Stadium
Wednesday, October 19
4:00p POMS Talent Showcase Auditions
Thursday, October 20
4:00p POMS Talent Showcase Auditions
Friday, October 21
POMS 8th Grade Girls Volleyball Team vs. Faculty Game
Monday, October 24
POMS Red Ribbon Week: Be BOLD, Be BRAVE, Be YOU! Wear RED, WHITE, & BLUE!
6:30a POMS Lady Chargers Basketball Team Tryouts
Tuesday, October 25
POMS Red Ribbon Week: TEAM UP against DRUGS! Wear your favorite SPORTS JERSEY
6:30a POMS Lady Chargers Basketball Team Tryouts
Wednesday, October 26
POMS Red Ribbon Week: Orange you glad you say NO to drugs! Wear ORANGE
6:30a POMS Lady Chargers Basketball Team Tryouts
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
Friday, November 4
POMS - MD Anderson Boot Walk to End Cancer
4:00p POMS Kona Ice Friday
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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