Originally delivered on 1/22/2023 8:17 pm

SUBJECT: Charger Chatter

January 22, 2023

Principal's Post



Dear Charger Parents and Families,


With the adoption of Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Military-Connected students are now recognized as a distinct subgroup, including students whose parents are active duty, members of the National Guard or Reserves or Veterans of the United States Military. If your family is described above, please take a few minutes to complete the survey. 

The POMS Spelling Bee is scheduled for Friday, January 27th. Parents are welcome to attend.

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

Help Us Celebrate 20 Years of Pin Oak!


Come help us celebrate 20 years of Pin Oak! The POMS PTO online auction runs from February 5-12, 2023.

 

Here are just a few ways to start celebrating:

 

Sponsor an auction item

  • Sponsor one of the multiple raffle items! The kids LOVE to win stuff!

Donate an auction item

  • Have season tickets to sporting events? Do you have a beach house? 
  • Contribute items for a basket, such as a bottle of fine wine! 
  • Host a social event for students or parents!


Be creative!

 

Stay tuned for details on how to register for the auction.

 

Need ideas?  Have any questions? Please contact the auction chairs, Amanda Phillips or Jenifer Jackson Schlaich at auction@pinoakpto.org

Tickets On Sale for the POMS Outdoor Movie Night on Friday, February 3


Purchase a ticket for the POMS Outdoor Movie Night on Friday, February 3, from 7:00-9:30 PM. 


Tickets are $10 and pizza is $5 per slice. 


Or upgrade to one of our Movie Night Packages that include pizza and extra snacks!


We need volunteers to help make this event a success!  Please sign up today!


This year's movie is Disney's Jungle Cruise (2021). It is rated PG-13. By purchasing a ticket to the POMS Outdoor Movie Night, you are giving permission for your child to watch this movie. If you would like to know more about this movie before completing your purchase, please check out the reviews and ratings on Common Sense Media.


POMS Outdoor Movie Night is an event for Pin Oak Middle School students only.

  • Students will be required to show their student ID upon entry.
  • Siblings of students who aren't current POMS students and students from other schools will be denied entry.


Questions? Contact POMS PTO Auction Chairs Amanda Phillips and Jenifer Jackson Schlaich at auction@pinoakpto.org.

.

Special thanks to our POMS Outdoor Movie Night Spotlight Sponsor, Greater HoustonOrthodontics!

POMS Spirit Night at Skeeter's is Tuesday, January 24


Need a break after getting back into the swing of the new year?

 

On Tuesday, January 24, take the night off from cooking and join us for a POMS Spirit Night at Skeeters on Weslayan from 3 PM - 9 PM, dine in or carry out.

 

Skeeter's Mesquite Grill

5529 Weslayan St.

Houston, TX 77005

(713) 660-7090


Please bring this flyer and give it to the cashier to indicate that you are with Pin Oak Middle School, and Skeeter’s will donate 20% of our food purchases (dine in or to go) to our school.

Attention All 8th Grade Parents

The POMS 8th Grade Activities Committee is pleased to announce the following events celebrating the Class of 2023: 

  • Wednesday, March 8 (8:45AM-9:15AM): 8th Grade Panoramic Photo
  • Friday, May 19 (6PM - 8:30PM):8th Grade Semi-Formal Dance
    • *DANCE IS FOR 8TH GRADE PIN OAK STUDENTS ONLY!*
  • Week of May 15th - Day TBD (ALL DAY): 8th Grade Field Trip to Splashway!
  • Tuesday May 30th (8:30AM - 10:30AM): 8th Grade Breakfast & Yearbook Signing
  • Wednesday May 31 (9AM): 8th Grade Promotion Parade & Day of Fun

To be able to provide all of these fun and exciting events for our 8th graders, we need your help and support.


If you're wondering what you can do to make these events the most memorable and successful for our kids, please consider:
  • Being an underwriter for the 8th Grade Breakfast, Dance, or Day of Fun!
    • For only $188, you'll receive one 8th Grade "Club 88" Ultimate Package and recognition in the POMS PTO Charger Chatter, website, and social media! 
    • For only $100, you'll receive recognition in the POMS PTO Charger Chatter, website, and social media! 
    • If you want to sponsor more than one event, please do!!
  • Donating to the 8th Grade Activities Fund - there is no donation amount too small!


If you are unable to commit to being an underwriter at this time, the 8th Grade "Club 88" Ultimate Package is your best value. For only $88, you get an exclusive "Club 88" Swag Bag which includes a POMS beach towel, POMS sunglasses, sunscreen & drawstring backpack ($25), 8th grade panoramic photo ($30), ticket to the 8th Grade Semi-Formal Dance ($10), 8th Grade T-shirt ($15), & 8th Grade Yard Sign ($20). This package is valued at $100, but is priced at only $88 until March 1, 2023.


Though the "Club 88" Swag Bag is only available as part of the 8th Grade "Club 88" Ultimate Package, you may purchase other items individually.


If you have any questions, please reach out to 8th Grade Activities Chairs, Dana George and Pauline Mathiesen at 8thgradeactivities@pinoakpto.org.

Track and Field Tryouts on January 24 & 25


Tryout dates for POMS Track and Field:

  • Tuesday, January 24th, 4:20 - 5:45 PM for those interested in short distance
  • Wednesday, January 25th, 4:20 - 5:45 PM for mid to long-distance runners 


View the interest letter for additional details.

Save the Date for Soccer Tryouts


Boys Soccer

  • Tryouts: February 6th to February 9th from 4-5:30pm
    All documents need to be completed on registermyathlete.com prior to tryouts.
  • Questions: contact Coach Terrel at jonathan.terrel@houstonisd.org


Girls Soccer
  • Tryouts: January 31st to February 2nd from 4-5:30pm
    All documents need to be completed on registermyathlete.com prior to tryouts.
  • Questions: contact Coach Biondolilo at liana.biondolilo@houstonisd.org 
Save the Date for Charger Cheer Team Tryouts


March:

  • Monday, March 1: Cheer Team Tryout Application available
  • Tuesday, March 21, 5:30 PM: Parent Interest Meeting in the POMS cafeteria
  • Thursday, March 30, 4:00 PM: Deadline for completed application – NO LATE APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED

April:
  • Sunday, April 2: Tryout video posted by 5:00 PM
  • Sunday, April 2 – Tuesday, April 11: Applicants learn and practice tryout material from posted videos
  • Wednesday, April 12, 4:15 PM: In-person cheer clinic to refine material learned on video (POMS gym)
  • Thursday, April 13, 4:15 PM: Mock Tryouts (POMS gym)
  • Friday, April 14, 4:15 PM: Tryouts in front of independent judges (POMS gym)
  • Friday, April 14: 2023-2024 Cheer Team announced via POMS website
  • Tuesday, April 18, 4:30 PM: 2023-2024 Cheer Team uniform fitting, dance room, bring a parent (all team members are required to attend)


June:

Summer Commitment – Cheer Camp (POMS gym): 

  • Thursday, June 1, 8 AM - 4 PM
  • Friday, June 2, 8 AM - 4 PM


All 2023-2024 cheer team members are expected to attend and participate in the Cheer Camp held at Pin Oak Middle School.


There will be a panel of three independent judges evaluating each applicant. Selections by independent judges are FINAL.


Stay tuned to the Charger Chatter and daily announcements for details as tryouts get closer.


Please email Coach Taylor with questions.


Go Chargers!

Cheerleader for a Day Clinic on Saturday, April 1, 2023


The annual Pin Oak Middle School Cheerleader for a Day Clinic is scheduled for Saturday, April 1 from 9 AM - 12 PM with a star-studded performance at 11:45 AM in the Pin Oak gym. The clinic is a great way to get familiar with Pin Oak Middle School and to work with our current cheer team to learn cheers and dances. 6th and 7th graders - this is a great way to learn new skills to prepare for Pin Oak Cheer Team tryouts.


Please use this link to register your cheerleader. Pay $30 now to take advantage of the early bird special. 


Your donation includes a t-shirt, light snacks and water. Pre-K - 7th graders are welcome to attend. We just ask that the pre-k'ers are good with leaving mom or dad for the morning!


Please email Coach Taylor with questions. Space is limited! Sign up now to save your spot. Go Chargers!

HISD Gifted and Talented Testing


Please follow the Request to Evaluate Parent Steps if your student is not currently identified as Gifted and Talented and you are interested in having your student tested for Gifted and Talented identification. All testing will be done on paper. For more information please visit the district G/T site.


Please fill out the request (English form or Spanish form) and the school will fill out the teacher recommendation form. You can also fill out the paper application and return it to Ms. Vining.

School Choice Applications are Now Open for the 2023-2024 School Year


Please visit ChooseHISD.org to apply. 


Please contact the Office of School Choice with any questions.

Pin Oak Middle School Tours


Pin Oak will be hosting tours for interested families on upcoming Thursdays. Spots are limited so click here to learn more and sign up.


We look forward to seeing you!!

High School Tours
Lamar High School Course Selection


Hello Future Texans!


It is time to start thinking about the classes you will take at Lamar next year!


Rising 9th graders will be able to complete a course selection Google form this spring. The form will be available in February for zoned students and April for students with approved transfers. We will offer virtual course selection meetings throughout the spring for students who plan to attend Lamar. 


You must register in advance to attend a meeting. Our first meetings will be for zoned students only and will take place in February and March. You can register to attend below, and a link will be emailed the Friday before the meeting. Additional dates will be available for students who will attend Lamar on a transfer (and for zoned students who cannot attend in February or March) later in the spring. It is not necessary to attend one of these meetings in order to complete the course selection form. Information about how to select courses and a video will be available with the course selection form.


Currently, the only sessions available are for zoned students. Additional dates will be added once transfers are approved in April. 


Register here!


If you have any questions, please reach out to Casey Titus: ctitus@houstonisd.org

Get your Pin Oak 20th Anniversary Yearbook!


2022-2023 yearbooks are now on sale!


This will be a very special book commemorating Pin Oak's 20th anniversary. We sell out every year and you won't want to miss getting your copy. 


Books are $55 until December 31 then rise to $60 on January 1. 


Get yours at www.balfour.com and type Pin Oak Middle School in the search bar.

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.

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
Tuesday, January 24
3:00p POMS Spirit Night at Skeeter's Mesquite Grill
4:20p POMS Track Tryouts - Sprinters
Wednesday, January 25
4:20p POMS Track Tryouts - Long Distance
Thursday, January 26
6:00p POMS Boys Basketball vs West Briar @ West Briar
6:00p POMS Girls Basketball vs West Briar @ POMS
Friday, January 27
POMS PTO Spring Grant Applications Due
Tuesday, January 31
4:00p POMS Girls Soccer Tryouts
Wednesday, February 1
4:00p POMS Girls Soccer Tryouts
Thursday, February 2
4:00p POMS Girls Soccer Tryouts
6:00p POMS Boys Basketball vs Rice @ POMS
6:00p POMS Girls Basketball vs Rice @ Rice
Friday, February 3
4:00p POMS Kona Ice Friday
7:00p POMS Movie Night
Sunday, February 5
POMS Auction: Celebrating 20 Years!
Monday, February 6
POMS Auction: Celebrating 20 Years!
4:00p POMS Boys Soccer Tryouts
Tuesday, February 7
POMS Auction: Celebrating 20 Years!
4:00p POMS Boys Soccer Tryouts
Wednesday, February 8
POMS Auction: Celebrating 20 Years!
4:00p POMS Boys Soccer Tryouts
Thursday, February 9
POMS Auction: Celebrating 20 Years!
4:00p POMS Boys Soccer Tryouts
6:00p POMS Boys Basketball vs Pershing @ Pershing
6:00p POMS Girls Basketball vs Pershing @ POMS
Friday, February 10
POMS Auction: Celebrating 20 Years!
Saturday, February 11
POMS Auction: Celebrating 20 Years!
Sunday, February 12
POMS Auction: Celebrating 20 Years!
Monday, February 13
9:00a POMS PTO Executive Board Meeting
Tuesday, February 14
POMS Staff Appreciation Valentine Dessert Bar
Monday, February 20
POMS No School - Teacher Service Day
Tuesday, February 21
9:00a POMS PTO General Meeting
Friday, February 24
POMS End of 6 Week Grading Period
Wednesday, March 1
POMS Cheer Tryout Applications Available
Friday, March 3
POMS Report Cards
POMS Color Run
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
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -