Originally delivered on 8/13/2023 7:53 pm

SUBJECT: Charger Chatter

August 13, 2023

Principal's Post



Dear Charger Parents and Families,


Welcome to the 2023-24 school year! We are so excited to have your students in the building on August 22 for Charger Camp. As a reminder, your first day of school is Monday, August 28. This upcoming year we will focus on helping students build positive relationships with one another to create a school culture that promotes self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making. This will create a positive impact on our school culture as students and staff all know the expectations for behavior as we do life together at school.

Charger Camp - calling all Chargers for Charger Camp – Tuesday, August 22

  • 6th Grade - 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 
  • 7th & 8th Grade - 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

*Please note – Charger Camp is for students only.  We want to give our staff a chance to personally interact, show them around, and really get to know them before we kick off our first week with all 1,200+ Chargers together! I promise to take good care of them!

Please drop them off at circle drive (front entrance). You cannot miss it; the cheerleaders and staff will be ready to welcome them inside. 

Please pick up your Charger at the FRONT of the school

For any student who is NOT able to attend Charger Camp, do not worry.  

  • PTO School Store VP’s will email parents and make arrangements to have orders delivered before the first day of school. If parents have questions, they can email schoolstore@pinoakpto.org  
  • Pre-ordered school supplies will be placed in your student’s Team Time class, so they have them on the first day of school.  If you did not pre-order school supplies, click here to view the supply lists by grade.
  • Parents can pick up student schedules from the main office on Friday, August 25th from 9:00 – 2:00 or you can access your student’s schedule on HISD Connect.


Charger Camp Traffic & Safety Procedures

1. Coming from 610, form 1 line on Glenmont. Please turn right into circle drive and stay in the carpool line. Do not drop-off or pick-up your child(ren) off Glenmont.  This maybe a time saver for you, but it is not SAFE. 

2. As you enter circle drive, please pull up as far as you can. When the car ahead of you leaves, please pull up. If your child is not ready, you will be asked to exit the lane and park in the front parking lot. Do not stop your car on the crosswalk

3. Place your car in park and allow your child(ren) to exit the vehicle on the curb side.  It is dangerous to exit from the driver side of the vehicle. 

4. Wait patiently for cars ahead of you to unload.  Do not attempt to pass vehicles in the drop-off lane.

5. When exiting the school driveway, you may turn right or left on to Glenmont. Be careful of oncoming traffic.

6. Please NEVER leave your car unattended. If you need to enter the school building; please park your car in the parking spaces in the front lot. 

7. If your child is going to walk or ride his/her bike to Charger Camp, please remind them to be very careful. They must always obey the traffic signals, and always cross with the light and in the crosswalk. They should never have earbuds/ headphones, AirPods, or any Bluetooth device distracting them when walking or riding their bike. They must stay alert and aware of what is happening around them

8. Students and parents are not allowed to cross in the middle of the street instead of crossing at the cross walk. 

Reminders:

  • Do Not U-turn on Glenmont.
  • Do NOT pick-up or drop-off in the teacher/staff parking lot at the back of the school.
  • Avenue B is NOT a sanctioned pick-up or drop-off location and do NOT block driveways. Bellaire police will give tickets to those who are parked illegally.

Lastly, we are all responsible for the safety of our students. Treat every student you see as if they were your own. Please try not to be in a hurry during drop-off and pick-up. I cannot stress enough that lines will be long so please plan accordingly and have patience, so this remains a positive and fun event for students and staff

Communication - 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 will find information on Spirit Events, PowerUp, Canvas, Clusters, Magnet Program, Clubs, Digital Resources, Virtual Library, and more.
  • Remind: Join the 2023-24 Remind group to receive important communication through text message or email. Join Remind or send a text to 81010 and text this message @hghga3b
  • Follow our #WeArePinOak hashtag and Principal Vela on Twitter @POMS_Principal: We will post pictures and information on our daily activities at POMS to our #WeArePinOakhashtag. We encourage you to share your Charger pride here as well!


I’m excited to share that we added TWO additional languages to our 6th grade language wheel. In total, POMS has EIGHT foreign language options for the 2023-24 school year. Over the last two years we’ve grown our foreign language department by 62%. We offer the most foreign languages of any middle school in HISD. WOW!

We’ve also added TWO new electives: Coding and Media Technology to our extensive course catalogue. 


Are you ready for the 2023-24 school year? Please review the helpful resources below so you are prepared for the 2023-24 school year. 


Academic Calendar - for more information, please visit 2023-2024 HISD Academic Calendar.


After School Charger Care - follow the link to learn about the program and registration. If you have any questions, contact Norma Ruiz (nruiz@houstonisd.org), After School Care Coordinator. 


Backpack Policy - all students will be expected to have their backpack before receiving a school issued Chromebook. Lockers will not be utilized this year and students must carry their school issued Chromebook in their backpack when transitioning from class to class (no exceptions).  Clear backpacks are not required for the 2023-2024 school year.

Bell Schedule - all students will follow a modified block schedule for the 2023-24 school year. Please click the link to view this year’s POMS Bell Schedule.


Canvas (Learning Management System) is a reliable and reputable web-based learning management system (LMS). It allows institutions to manage digital learning, educators to create and present online learning materials and assess student learning, and students to engage in courses and receive feedback about skill development and learning achievement. Learn more about Canvas here

Chromebooks - POMS PowerUp Parent Night will take place on Friday, August 18th from 5:00-6:00 PM in the cafeteria. Students will not receive a Chromebook until all requirements are met


PowerUp - in order to prepare our students for a world beyond the four walls of a classroom, POMS launched PowerUp, a campus initiative aimed at transforming teaching and learning. PowerUp is about creating a personalized learning environment for today’s 21st-century learners and to enable teachers to facilitate instruction, manage curriculum, collaborate with their peers, and engage today’s digitally wired students more effectively. 


POMS PowerUp Parent Night - Friday, August 18 from 5:00-6:00 PM

Come and learn about what we need from our POMS students and parent before our Chromebook rollout. 

  • Parent Digital Safety Course
  • Student Device Loan Agreement
  • Pin Oak Technology Acceptable Use Policy
  • PowerUp Device Fee - SchoolPay

School Uniforms - all students will be expected to be in their school uniform for the first day of school. Please click the link for the full POMS Dress Code Policy

Athletics - UIL & Club Sports

We offer a full UIL athletics program for 7th and 8th graders. Our student athletes are competitive, but our program emphasizes the importance of being part of a team. Several sports are offered as Club Sports to students in all grades. 

Fall Sports Parent Information Night is scheduled for Thursday, August 17th from 5:00-6:30 in the POMS Gym. All coaches will be available to speak about their program and answer parent questions. 


Athletics - Sports Physicals 2023-2024

  • Any student interested in participating in Athletics for the 2023-2024 school year must complete the requirements listed below by Friday, August 25th!
  • Athletic Physicals are a MANDATORY REQUIREMENT. They are not optional! No student will be allowed to participate on an athletic (UIL and/or Club Sport) team or practice without a current Athletic Physical. Athletic Physicals are good for the duration on one (1) year and physicals should be taken prior to the start of the school year.
    • Parents, if you have a child playing school sports in HISD/ POMS, please watch the video guide and go to HISD REGISTER MY ATHLETE.COM. Parents are required to register their athlete before August 25th.
    • Parents, make sure you give a copy of the Athletic Physical to the Athletic Coordinator, Coach Carter by Friday, August 25th. Also, make certain to keep a copy for your personal records. 
  • POMS Sports Physical Clinic - Monday, August 21st (8:00-10:00 AM) in the POMS Gym. The sports physical clinic will be an open event (walk-in) for current 2023-24 Pin Oak students. The cost is $20 CASH ONLY.  
  • Please see the links and content below regarding athletic requirements.

Please contact Coach Carter, POMS Athletic Coordinator if you have any questions.


REQUIRED IMMUNIZATIONS FOR 7th GRADE

  • Tdap – 1 dose of Tdap is required if at least 5 years have passed since the last dose of tetanus-containing vaccine.
  • Meningococcal (MCV4) – 1 dose of quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine is required on or after the student’s 11th birthday. If a student received the vaccine at 10 years of age, this will satisfy the requirement.

If your child is a rising 7th grader, s/he MUST have the vaccines listed above in addition to all previously required vaccinations, or risk being removed from school until proof of vaccination is presented. For more information, visit Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements for Students Grades K-12.


Where to go for low cost immunizations?


Contact Nurse Troetscher at Thea.Troetscher@houstonisd.org or 713.3295.6500 if you have questions. 

Campus Administrators


Campus Support Team

See you soon!

Lindsey Vela, Principal


Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram!

Twitter: @pinoakms

Instagram @pinoakchargers

POMS Used Uniform Sale on August 22nd


We have gently used uniforms for sale: Pin Oak polos, jackets, shorts, skirts, and spirit shirts. 


Stop by the circle drive in front of the school on Tuesday, August 22nd, 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.


CASH SALE ONLY 


Come early for the best selection! 


For more information, please contact the Used Uniform Committee at useduniforms@pinoakpto.org.

Volleyball Tryouts! August 29th through August 31st


All 7th and 8th grade girls interested in trying out for the Pin Oak Middle School Volleyball Team, please read the interest letter below with full details regarding tryouts. 

POMS Volleyball Interest Letter

HISD Physical Form

HISD Insurance Waiver


TRYOUT DATES: Tuesday, August 29th - Thursday, August 31st

TIME: 6:30 - 7:45 a.m. (doors open at 6:20 AM)

Please enter the gate near the football field closest to the gym doors. (The gate will be open)


Please contact Coach Willis with any questions.

The POMS Online School Store is open!


Place your orders this summer and they will be available for pickup at Charger Camp on August 22nd.


Beat the back to school rush and order your uniforms now.


PTO School Store VP’s will email parents and make arrangements to have orders delivered before the first day of school. If parents have questions, they can email schoolstore@pinoakpto.org.  

Volunteer at the POMS School Store


This is your chance to volunteer and be in the middle of the action! It's a great way to meet other parents and interact with the students in the school store. 


Signups are for the 2023-2024 school year and we require at least 2 people in the store at all times. The school store is open during the students' lunch periods. Please sign up for the group (A or B)/day(s) that works best for you (shifts are every other week).


All NEW store volunteers are required to attend a orientation session on Thursday, August 31st at 10:30 a.m. or Thursday, September 7th at 10:30 a.m. 


Please feel free to reach out to Jean Lee or Thuy Promubol at: schoolstore@pinoakpto.org with any questions or concerns. 


Thank you for your time.

Join the POMS PTO for 2023-2024


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.

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 Anu Hiremaglur for more details.

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.

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
Thursday, August 17
5:00p POMS Fall Sports Parent Information Night
Friday, August 18
2:00p POMS Coach Frazier Campus Memorial
5:00p POMS PowerUp Parent Night
Monday, August 21
8:00a POMS Sports Physicals
Tuesday, August 22
POMS PTO Fall Grant Applications Open
9:00a POMS Charger Camp - 6th Grade
11:30a POMS Used Uniform Sale
1:00p POMS Charger Camp - 7th/8th Grade
Friday, August 25
POMS Physicals Due for Fall Sports
Monday, August 28
8:30a POMS First Day of School
Tuesday, August 29
6:30a POMS Volleyball Tryouts
Wednesday, August 30
6:30a POMS Volleyball Tryouts
Thursday, August 31
6:30a POMS Volleyball Tryouts
Friday, September 1
4:00p POMS Kona Ice Friday
Monday, September 4
POMS No School - Labor Day
Friday, September 15
POMS PTO Fall Grant Applications Due
Monday, September 25
POMS No School - Fall Holiday
Friday, October 6
4:00p POMS Kona Ice Friday
Friday, November 3
4:00p POMS Kona Ice Friday
Tuesday, November 7
POMS No School - Teacher Development Day
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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