Originally delivered on 3/26/2023 6:20 pm

SUBJECT: Charger Chatter

March 26, 2023

Principal's Post



Dear Charger Parents and Families,


As a reminder, the Cycle 5 Progress Report window closed last Friday, March 24th. We will have a school holiday this Friday so progress reports will be sent home on Thursday, March 30th. Please take time each week to review your child’s academic progress by accessing HISD Connect. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s academic progress, I encourage you to contact your child’s teacher or cluster leader. Cluster leaders will schedule parent conferences for any student in jeopardy of failing for the year.


This week, students in grades 6-8 will be taking the mandatory TEA Math/ Algebra Interim Assessment. The TEA Interim Assessments are just one of several important tools to help identify how students are progressing on the learning standards. We only ask that students arrive on time and do their personal best. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Warren at AWARREN4@houstonisd.org or Mrs. Catoni at OCATONI@houstonisd.org


POMS MODIFIED WEEKLY SCHEDULE

2022-2023 Celebrations

Our students and faculty are excited to have a bevy of celebrations to close the academic year. POMS is planning the following activities. Additional information will be shared in upcoming newsletters. 

  1. 8th Grade Panoramic—March 9th 
  2. Charger Tailgate—May 5th 
  3. 8th Grade Semi-Formal at POMS—May 19th 
  4. 8th Grade Field Trip—May 23rd 
  5. 8th Grade Breakfast & Yearbook Signing Party—May 30th 
  6. Charger Kickball Tournament—May 30th 
  7. 8th Grade Promotion Parade & Fun Day—May 31st

Calling All 6th & 7th Grade Parents

The Algebra preparation process has started for our 6th and 7th graders. The full presentation is available for parents and students in Canvas. Please direct all questions to Dr. Morse, POMS Math Administrator

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

PTO General Meeting on Tuesday, March 28th


Join us for our upcoming POMS PTO General Meeting!

 

When? Tuesday, March 28, 9 - 10 AM

Where? Via Microsoft Teams (virtual attendees can submit written questions during meeting using chat)

Proposed Changes to the POMS PTO Bylaws


Per Article V, Section 2 of the Pin Oak Middle School PTO Bylaws, any proposed alterations, amendments, or revisions to the Bylaws must be made available to the general PTO ten (10) days prior to the general PTO meeting.


The following is a proposed change to Article IV, Part C, Section 1 of the Pin Oak Middle School Bylaws. The proposed revision is in red. The purpose of this change is to add an additional safeguard to our financial policies and procedures. It will be voted on at the POMS PTO General Meeting on Tuesday, March 28, at 9:00 AM.


C. Financial Review Audit Committee

Section 1 - The Financial Review Audit Committee, appointed by the President, shall be made up of no fewer than two (2) people who do not currently serve on the Executive Board and do not have signatory authority on any PTO financial accounts. The Audit Committee should be formed no later than Oct. 15th. The Financial Review Audit Committee shall review the financial records of the PTO and prepare a fiscal year-end review report due by the last day of school no later than Dec. 31st. Any member Reviewer of the Audit Committee cannot review a year for which they prepared the books and records. The fiscal year-end report will be presented by one of the Audit Committee members to the POMS Executive Board and POMS General PTO members no later than March 31st.

Join us for Spirit Night and Bingo at Betsy's at Evelyn's in the Park on Wednesday, April 5th!


We have only two more Spirit Nights remaining this school year. For April, Betsy's at Evelyn's Park is hosting Pin Oak Spirit Night on Wednesday, April 5th from 11 AM - 8 PM


To make it even more exciting Betsy's will also be hosting bingo from 6-8 PM. Betsy's will donate 20% of sales from the day to Pin Oak. Be sure to show your flyer or mention Pin Oak to ensure your purchases are included. This will include dine-in or to-go purchases.

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 (8:45 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 (8:00 AM - 4:00 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 $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!

Though the "Club 8" Swag Bag is no longer available for purchase, you may purchase other items individually.


View 8th Grade Activities FAQs here.


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

Come with us to Greece Summer 2024

Pin Oak families, I am hosting an information meeting for the travel opportunity to Greece summer 2024 on Tuesday, April 18 at 6 PM in the Pin Oak Cafeteria. I am super excited about this upcoming trip. Greece has always been on my bucket list and I have heard from others it is on theirs too. Our bus is half full as of now and there has been lots of interest so I am having one last push to get this trip filled and wrapped up. EF Tours, HISD's official travel partner, is my choice for great student trips (family members welcome).

I apologize for the last posting for a meeting and the link to nowhere, my EF rep and I cannot figure out how that happened. I've changed the way to RSVP for this meeting, just click the bit.ly link provided below

https://bit.ly/3Fq3YfO


Contact Shelly Hulbert with any questions.

Tickets for "Rock of Ages" on SALE!


Tickets are on sale for the POMS musical "Rock of Ages," running March 23-24 and 29-30th at 6 PM. 


These shows WILL SELL OUT, buy your tickets soon!

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:

  • Grant ChairChristina 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

POMS School Store Update


Calling all incoming 6th grade families! Beat the summer rush and purchase your school uniforms early. The school store will be open afterschool from 4:30PM to 5:30PM on Monday, April 10th through Thursday, April 13th. Please check in at the front office and they will direct you to the school store to purchase uniforms for your incoming Chargers. Please feel free to reach out to: schoolstore@pinoakpto.org with any questions or concerns. Thank you!


**ATTENTION** - There will be a price increase on 1/4 zips and full zip jackets effective April 1st! Due to increasing costs, these items will go up to $35 online and $37 in-store to accommodate for sales tax. 

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.

Lamar High School Rangerette Tryouts!


Are you interested in joining the Lamar Rangerettes Drill Team? 


Tryouts are approaching! Click here for more information. 


Questions? Contact Ms. Troche.

Lamar High School Cheer Tryouts!


Are you interested in trying out for the Lamar High School Cheer Team? 


Tryouts are approaching! 


Questions? Contact Ms. Granger.

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 Chair.

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, March 28
9:00a POMS PTO General Meeting
Wednesday, March 29
6:00p POMS Rock of Ages
Thursday, March 30
6:00p POMS Rock of Ages
Friday, March 31
POMS No School - Chavez-Huerta Day
Friday, April 7
POMS No School - Spring Holiday
Monday, April 10
9:00a POMS PTO Executive Board Meeting
Thursday, April 13
POMS Cheer Tryouts
Friday, April 14
POMS End of 6 Week Grading Period
4:00p POMS Kona Ice Friday
Monday, April 17
9:00a POMS PTO General Meeting
Tuesday, April 18
6:00p POMS Greece Information Meeting
Thursday, April 20
POMS Report Cards
Friday, April 21
POMS No School - Spring Holiday
Monday, May 1
POMS Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week
POMS Principal Appreciation Day
Tuesday, May 2
POMS Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week
Wednesday, May 3
POMS Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week
Thursday, May 4
POMS Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week
Friday, May 5
POMS Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week
POMS Volunteer Appreciation Lunch
POMS Nurse Appreciation Day
POMS Charger Tailgate
4:00p POMS Kona Ice Friday
Monday, May 8
9:00a POMS PTO Executive Board Meeting
Monday, May 15
9:00a POMS PTO General Meeting
Friday, May 19
6:00p POMS 8th Grade Semi-Formal Dance
Tuesday, May 23
8:00a POMS 8th Grade Field Trip to Splashway Waterpark
Wednesday, May 24
POMS Staff Appreciation End of School Luncheon & Gift Distribution
Monday, May 29
POMS No School - Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 30
POMS Charger Kickball Tournament
8:30a POMS 8th Grade Breakfast & Yearbook Signing
Wednesday, May 31
POMS Last Day of School
POMS End of 6 Week Grading Period
POMS Report Cards
9:00a POMS 8th Grade Promotion Parade & Day of Fun
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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