Principal's Post
Dear Charger Parents and Families,
We have tons to celebrate this week! I often say what you CHOOSE to look for you will FIND! Well, we found a lot of great things happening at Pin Oak from celebrating our NJHS officer selections, a campus commitment around student positivity, affirmations, and goals to our POMS Movie Night turned Dance Party. It was a great week to be a Charger! Let’s keep it going.
POMS Movie Night turned Dance Party: Thank you to our hard-working Pin Oak administrators and volunteers for the quick pivot giving our students another fun event. I hope everyone enjoys the pictures and video shared below. |
February brings some fun and exciting events. The POMS Wraparound department will host our second annual Valentine’s Day Card and Flower fundraiser. We’re inviting all students to participate - express your friendship, kindness, and appreciation for each other by sending greeting cards and carnations to someone special. Visit the Valentine’s Table in the cafeteria during grade level lunches beginning on Thursday. Cards and flowers will be distributed on Tuesday, February 14, during Team Time.
Random Acts of Kindness Day – February 17: One can never go wrong with kindness, and there can never be too much of it. The idea behind Random Act of Kindness Day is to cultivate feelings of kindness and brighten up someone’s day. Every small act of kindness is significant. It may seem like it doesn’t accomplish much but, just like the domino effect, one act of kindness can lead to more positive outcomes. Celebrate Kindness: Random Acts of Kindness Day Ideas – Parent Cue
Progress Reports: We are two weeks away from completing the 4th six weeks and almost 2/3 of the way through the 2022-23 school year. Cycle 4 Progress Reports were distributed to all students during their Team Time class on Friday. 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 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.
STAAR Tutorials: Required STAAR tutorial notifications will be distributed to students that have not had success on one or more STAAR exams. Notifications should be signed by a parent and returned to school. Tutorials will be offered before and after school. |
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: - Our School Website: Here you can find information such as the Grade Level Teams, Magnet Program, Digital Resources, Virtual Library, and more.
- 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!
Be well and stay healthy, Lindsey Vela, Principal
Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram! Twitter: @pinoakms Instagram @pinoakchargers |
Useful POMS Links and Info |
| Register Today - POMS Auction is Happening NOW!
Ladies and gents, this is the moment you've waited for!
The POMS Auction virtual event is underway NOW! There is something for everyone at the auction, with some starting bids as low as $25!
Do you want to win BIG PRIZES for you and your Pin Oak student?Register/ sign in now to enter to win some exciting raffle prizes like a beach house weekend getaway, Apple AirPods Pro, Drone, or Electric Scooter! Raffle ticket prices vary from $10 to $100!
Visit the Instabuy section to purchase raffle tickets, a spot for your student to attend an ice cream social, or treat your favorite teacher or POMS staff member to a catered lunch!
Bid on amazing auction items such as - Vacation getaways to exciting destinations like Rome, Los Cabos, Vienna, and Buenos Aires
- Luxurious spa and health services
- Gift cards to your favorite area restaurants
- Gift certificates for the most popular summer camps
- Principal for the Day!
This completely virtual event ends Sunday, February 12 at 11:59 PM.
Don't wait... REGISTER NOW and view the full list of exciting auction items! (Please note that a credit card is required to register, but there are no charges unless you make a purchase or are the winning bidder.) Please contact the POMS PTO Auction Chairs, Amanda Phillips or Jenifer Jackson Schlaich at auction@pinoakpto.org |
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| POMS Movie Night Update
We appreciate all of the students who participated in Pin Oak Movie Night. We hope everyone enjoyed the event and had fun with friends.
A malfunction with the movie company’s equipment prevented showing the end of the movie. But never fear -- our fast-thinking Pin Oak administration quickly turned the movie night into a dance party in the multipurpose room! We played music so the students could still spend time together to finish out the night. We appreciate your understanding.
Thank you to our hard-working Pin Oak admin team, staff and to our very well-behaved Pin Oak Chargers for making it a fun evening!  Thank you to our Auction Chairs, Jenifer Jackson Schlaich and Amanda for their planning of the movie night and the auction that kicks off today. Thanks to our VPs of Fundraising, Lindsay Colvin and Dawn Johnson and our VP of Communications, Rebecca Grazier, for all their tireless work to raise money for the POMS PTO and getting the word out on all of our exciting events!
Many thanks to all the parent volunteers who donated items or their time - you make magic happen and we could not do it without you.
Finally, thank you to our POMS Movie Night Spotlight Sponsor, Greater Houston Orthodontics! |
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| Boys Soccer Tryouts Start Monday, February 6 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
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| Join us for Spirit Night at Los Tios Mexican Restaurant on Monday, February 13!
Pin Oak Middle School is hosting spirit night at Los Tios Mexican Restaurant, located at 4840 Beechnut Street, Houston TX 77096. The event will take place Monday, February 13th from 3-9 PM and includes dine in or to go orders.
Los Tios will donate 20% of sales back to POMS. Be sure to provide the flyer or mention Pin Oak Middle School so we receive credit for your purchase. |
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| Sign Up to Give Our Teachers & Staff a Sweet Valentine's Day Treat
Let’s show our teachers and staff some love with lunch and a Valentine's Day Dessert Bar!
Please view the Valentine's Day Dessert Bar Sign Up to volunteer to bring treats, drinks, or other items by 10:45 AM on Tuesday, February 14.
Please email the POMS PTO Staff Appreciation Committee atstaffappreciation@pinoakpto.org any questions.
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| Register Now for POMS Color Run on Friday, March 3 Pin Oak's annual Color Run is returning and your student will not want to be left out!
Color Run is a fun run style event on Friday, March 3, where students can leave class to hang out, listen to music, visit the Kona Ice truck, run or walk around the track, and throw color on each other in the Post Run Color Party.
Register now for this exciting event which will be held during the school day on Friday, March 3.
Purchase a spot for your student to be a Color Thrower ($50), Walker/Runner ($25), or Spectator ($5). Color Bags for the Post Run Color Party must be purchased separately.
Online sales will close at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, February 26.
Registration for Color Throwers and Runner/Walkers includes a T-shirt, but T-shirt size is not guaranteed and is first come, first served, so be sure to register early to get the size you want!
If you are VIPS approved and would like to volunteer at the Color Run, please click here to sign up. We especially need help on the morning of the Color Run for setup. If you have any questions, please email POMS PTO Color Run Chairs, Jamie Broach Byrd and Dana George at colorrun@pinoakpto.org. |
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| The POMS PTO Needs YOU!
Ready to make a difference at Pin Oak? Here’s your chance!
We are looking for a President-Elect for the POMS PTO Board for the 2022-23 school year. For only a few hours per week, you can leave your positive impact at Pin Oak! The President-Elect will become the POMS PTO President for 2023-24 school.
We also have open opportunities to chair one of our important committees: - School Supplies Chair – Our current chair, Allison Rudin, has been doing this for the last five years! She really loved being the School Supplies chair! Allison, we appreciate everything you have done for POMS PTO. We are looking for a School Supplies Chair for the 2023-24 school year. Allison has kindly agreed to train the next person in charge.
- Grant Chair – Christina Lyster has been our grant purchaser for three years. Thank you, Christina, for your meticulous purchase process. We are looking for a Grant Purchaser for the 2023-24 school year. Christina has kindly agreed to train the person and be available for any questions throughout the process.
Interested volunteers, please email POMS PTO President, Anu Hiremaglur at President@pinaokpto.org |
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| Attention All 8th Grade Parents! - Wednesday, March 8 (8:45 AM-9:15 AM): 8th Grade Panoramic Photo
- Friday, May 19 (6 PM - 8:30 PM):8th Grade Semi-Formal Dance
- *DANCE IS FOR 8TH GRADE PIN OAK STUDENTS ONLY!*
- Tuesday, May 23 (8:15 AM - 5:30 PM): 8th Grade Field Trip to Splashway!
- Tuesday, May 30 (8:30 AM - 10:30 AM): 8th Grade Breakfast & Yearbook Signing
- Wednesday, May 31 (9 AM): 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 8" 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 8" Ultimate Package is your best value. For only $88, you get an exclusive "Club 8" Swag Bag which includes: - a POMS beach towel
- lip balm
- 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.
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| Come to Greece with Us!
I am so excited to be leading a student/parent trip to Greece in 2024. This trip is going to be one for the books! I hope you will join us.
The interest meeting will be on Thursday, February 23rd in the Cafeteria at 5:45 PM. I will also make it virtual if there is an interest in participating on Microsoft Teams.
Click here to learn more about the upcoming interest meeting. Be sure to register for the meeting by February 22nd.
Contact Ms. Shelly Hulbirt with any questions. |
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| Yearbook Needs Your Photos!
Yearbook wants to feature your students!
Do you have photos of POMS students at POMS events? First day of school? Performances? Athletics? Competitions? Do you have a POMS student who has done something special (school related or not)?
Email your photos to us. Please include students' first and last names, grade levels, and a short description of what is happening in the photo. Email it to our yearbook advisor Ms. Beckman at abeckman@houstonisd.org |
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| Alumni: Share your POMS memories for the 20th anniversary yearbook!
Yearbook is looking for Pin Oak MS alumni to share their POMS memories for our 20th-anniversary yearbook.
Please use our survey link or share it with alumni you know.
Have a photo to add? Email it to our yearbook advisor Ms. Beckman at abeckman@houstonisd.org. |
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| 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. |
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| 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 |
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| Lamar High School Computer Science National Honor Society Hackathon Camp
The Lamar CSNHS is proud to announce its first-ever hackathon. We invite you to join us on February 25th from 10:30-3:30 at Lamar High School.
The goal of our Hackathon is to promote student interest in computer science. We want to make sure that all students have the opportunity to participate. We want to stress that students should not worry, it’s not scary, and no experience is required. We will have CSNHS student volunteers working individually to support students in successfully completing a project.
We have included a link to a google folderwith files of past projects completed by our own students.
You will have to download the projects to be able to run the Jar file. Please let us know if you have any questions. If you do not have an idea, you can still participate!
We will take ideas submitted on the google form and assign mentors for the duration of the hackathon to help groups. We have attached a flyer with information on how to enter, the time, date, and the google form. Please sign up before February 20th!
If you have any questions please reach out to Ms. Woolweaver (sally.woolweaver@houstonisd.org) |
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| Join Mrs. Vela's POMS Parent Group 2022-2023 on Remind
To join via mobile phone: - Send a text to 81010
- Text this message: @pomsparen
To join via web: https://www.remind.com/join/pomsparen
Download the Remind app: |
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| 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. |
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| POMS Amazon Wishlist
Please consider helping us purchase items on the Pin Oak Amazon Wish List.
Thank you so much for your generosity! |
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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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| 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 Chair. |
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| 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) |
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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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| 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, February 6 | | | | Tuesday, February 7 | | | | Wednesday, February 8 | | | | Thursday, February 9 | | | | | | Friday, February 10 | | | Saturday, February 11 | | | Sunday, February 12 | | | Monday, February 13 | | | | Tuesday, February 14 | | | Friday, February 17 | | | Monday, February 20 | | | Tuesday, February 21 | | | Thursday, February 23 | | | Friday, February 24 | | | Friday, March 3 | | | | | Monday, March 6 | | | Wednesday, March 8 | | | Thursday, March 9 | | | Monday, March 13 | | | Tuesday, March 14 | | | Wednesday, March 15 | | | Thursday, March 16 | | | Friday, March 17 | | | Friday, March 31 | | | Friday, April 7 | | | Monday, April 10 | |
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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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