Originally delivered on 10/16/2022 6:55 pm

SUBJECT: Charger Chatter

October 16, 2022

Principal's Post



Dear Charger Parents and Families,


Homecoming Week was so much fun for our students, staff, and families. I want to personally recognize and thank Ms. Cordero, Mrs. Taylor, Coach Carter, and POMS staff that helped with the planning, prepping, and working before and after school to make it the best week for our Chargers! I appreciate ALL of you! Thanks to all our Chargers (students and staff) for being ALL IN with our dress up days! We captured tons of fun pics on Twitter so make sure and check them out! Wednesday night’s game had tons of fans celebrating our second homecoming tailgate and packing the stands to cheer on our football team to a 28-6 WIN! We even had Mr. Williams, the Lanier principal join in on the fun. The athletic department hosted our throwback to the 2000’s Homecoming Dance for our 7th and 8th graders Friday night. Our students had a blast singing and dancing with their friends. I even saw a few parents showing off some of their moves on the dance floor. Overall, the dance was a HUGE success due to the support of our coaches, administrators, and parent volunteers who worked to help organize an incredible event for our students. Thank you for your time, dedication, and energy! I want to specifically recognize Mickie Turner for going above and beyond to make this the best middle school homecoming dance by providing amazing balloon decorations and displays for our homecoming dance. Her willingness and generosity to provide this for our school two years in a row still has me speechless but so grateful. We truly have the best and most supportive parents! 


Club Connections

Chargers will go to clubs this week! Staff will offer clubs on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month during Team Time. Students have been notified and club posters are visible in the cafeteria and along Champions Way (hallway leading to the gym) with student club assignments. Contact Molly Childs, Magnet Coordinator if you have a question about clubs. 


PSAT Update

On Wednesday, October 12th, POMS administered the PSAT 8/9 to 396 8th graders to start preparing our students for the PSAT/NMSQT.  The Preliminary SAT, also known as the PSAT/NMSQT® (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test), is a practice version of the SAT exam. You can only take the PSAT once per year, and many students take the test in both 10th and 11th grade. If you earn a high score on the PSAT your junior year, you could qualify to receive a National Merit Scholarship - $180 million dollars in merit scholarships are awarded to students each year. The PSAT is 2 hours and 45 minutes long and tests your skills in reading, writing, and math. Unlike the SAT, the highest score possible on the PSAT is 1520. 


Red Ribbon Week

We are excited to announce that POMS will participate in Red Ribbon Week (October 24th – 28th). The 2022 Red Ribbon Week Theme, Celebrate Life. Live Drug Free is a reminder that everyday Americans across the country make significant daily contributions to their communities by being the best they can be because they live Drug-Free! Please see the flyer below for dress up information. 


Socioeconomic Form

Have you submitted this form? All our forms are important, but this one impacts our funding!  Please make sure that this form is updated or completed for the 2022-23 school year.  Currently, 93% of our families have completed this form. It is very important that we have all forms completed accounted for by October 28th to ensure we have the funding needed for our Chargers.

Please email Mrs. Salinas if you have questions or need assistance. 

Upcoming Campus Events

  • 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

Charger Commitment Campaign Kicks Off Tomorrow


Dear Pin Oak Family,


Pin Oak Middle School is strong thanks to support from people like you. The kickoff to our 2022 school year reminds us of what life was like before the pandemic. POMS offers so many opportunities for our students to learn, grow and try new things.


Your PTO can only support all of the extras with your help!


To that end, we humbly ask for you to consider making a donation to the third annual Charger Commitment Campaign. The campaign kicks off on Monday, October 17 and runs through November 15. Your contribution gives consistent and vital support to our teachers and staff, as well as provides and sustains essential school programs where the HISD budget falls short.


It's reassuring to know that Pin Oak Middle School has friends like you to count on!


Please click here to learn more. Questions? Please email commitment@pinoakpto.org. Next week, we can't wait to show you how your dollars support a variety of programs at Pin Oak.


We are so grateful for your support of Pin Oak Middle School and its unique programs - many of which are offered only BECAUSE of your generous donations.


Here's to a wildly successful 2022 Charger Commitment Campaign!


Sincerely,

Francyne Davis Jacobs and Katie Wylie

Lady Chargers Basketball Interest Meeting Tomorrow at 8 AM


All 7th and 8th grade girls interested in trying out for the girls basketball team, please meet in the DLL (inside of the library) at 8:00 a.m. for all details regarding tryouts. 


Please read through the POMS Lady Charger Basketball Interest Letter for required documents to be eligible to tryout for the team.

POMS PTO General Meeting Tomorrow at 9 AM


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.

POMS Swim Team Interest Meeting Tomorrow at 5 PM


Pin Oak Swimming has an interest meeting for the current season for both swimmers and parents tomorrow, October 17 at 5:00 p.m. in the POMS Cafeteria.

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 Parent Algebra Night on Tuesday, October 18 at 5:30 PM


All POMS Algebra Parents are encouraged to attend Algebra Night on Tuesday, October 18 from 5:30 - 6:30 PM.


The meeting will take place in POMS Cafeteria.

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 Monday, October 17th through Thursday, 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 Start October 24


All 7th and 8th grade girls interested in trying out for the Lady Charger Basketball Team, please:



Tryouts

  • 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. 


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

Buy Your Wristbands and Volunteer for Charger Fest on November 5


Pin Oak Middle School is hosting its annual Charger Fest on Saturday, November 5, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and we would like to invite everyone from the Pin Oak community to join us!

 

Charger Fest is a fun-filled day of carnival games, inflatables, fine arts performances, food, sweets, and more for the whole family!

 

Buy yourwristbandsnow to join in all the fun! There are also many underwriting and booth sponsorship opportunities available, so get yours now!

 

We need volunteers to help make this event a success! Please click the links below to sign up as a parent or student volunteer:

 

If you have any questions, please contact the POMS PTO Charger Fest Chairs at chargerfest@pinoakpto.org.

POMS School Store Open During Charger Fest on November 5


The school store will be open for uniform sales during Chargerfest on Saturday, November 5th from noon to 4PM. Please stop by to purchase uniforms, sweatshirts and new full-zip jackets.


We also have several school store volunteer shifts open. Please sign up for a day/time that works for your schedule and meet other parents while volunteering in the store.


Click here to volunteer


POMS Online School Store 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 Thuy Promubol and Jean Lee at: schoolstore@pinoakpto.org with any questions or concerns.


Thank you!

Submit HISD Socioeconomic Form by October 28


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. Currently, 93% of our families have completed this form. It is very important that we have all forms completed accounted for by October 28th to ensure we have the funding needed for our Chargers. 

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.

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.

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 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 17
POMS PTO Charger Commitment Campaign Begins
8:00a POMS Lady Charger Basketball Interest Meeting
9:00a POMS PTO General Meeting
5:00p POMS Swim Team Interest Meeting
Tuesday, October 18
5:00p POMS Spirit Night at Chick-fil-A
5:30p POMS Algebra Parent Night
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
POMS Girls Fall Sports Picture Day
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
POMS Boys Fall Sports Picture Day
Friday, October 28
POMS Red Ribbon Week: My future is BRIGHT without drugs! Wear NEON
POMS Socioeconomic Forms Due
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
Saturday, November 5
POMS Charger Fest
POMS Book Fair
Monday, November 7
9:00a POMS PTO Executive Board Meeting
Friday, November 11
POMS End of 6 Week Grading Period
Monday, November 14
9:00a POMS PTO General Meeting
Tuesday, November 15
POMS PTO Charger Commitment Campaign Ends
Wednesday, November 16
POMS Staff Appreciation Luncheon
POMS Fall School Picture Day
Friday, November 18
POMS Report Cards
Monday, November 21
POMS No School - Thanksgiving Break
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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