Principal's Post
Dear Charger Parents and Families,
We already have so much to celebrate, and this week I want to spotlight Open House, Game Night, and Debate. Parents and families had an opportunity to meet our faculty and staff, walk the halls, visit classrooms, learn about Canvas, and receive assistance and support so all families have access to HISD Connect Parent Portal. Our 6th graders had a blast at our second annual Game Night sponsored by our Athletic department. Having fun and building relationships with students, teachers and administrators was a fun event for all and something we plan to incorporate for years to come. It is with immense pride that I congratulate our outstanding debate team on securing 1st place in the Public Forum debate category in the debate tournament at Elkins HS. In addition, Josh Seagraves and Ethan Hill brought home a 1st place victory. This accomplishment is a testament to your talent, preparation, and teamwork. Competing against 33 entries is no small feat, and the fact that you not only made it to the finals but secured unanimous decision in both rounds is truly commendable. Beating high school teams in the semis and finals demonstrate the high level of skill and expertise you both possess. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mr. Henley, our dedicated debate coach, for his unwavering commitment to our student’s success. Once again, congratulations on this remarkable accomplishment. The 1st Six Weeks comes to an end on Monday, October 2nd. Thank you so much to all our parents and students reaching out to classroom teachers for questions and assistance about assignments, tests, and grades. Please continue to email your students teachers, as they can assist you the quickest with classroom questions. Students will receive their first six weeks report card on Friday, October 6th. |
NWEA (Northwest Evaluation Association) will be administered to all students this week - NWEA Reading Test: Wednesday, September 27th
- NWEA Science Test: Thursday, September 28th (recent district requirement)
During the next week, your child will take two MAP® Growth™ tests from NWEA® on a Chromebook. MAP Growth scores help teachers check student performance by measuring achievement and growth. Teachers use results to tailor classroom lessons and set goals for students. MAP Growth tests are unique, and it adapts to your child’s responses to measure your child’s skill level. If your child answers a question correctly, the next question is more challenging. If they answer incorrectly, the next one is easier. These results will provide a more complete picture of what your child knows and is ready to learn - whether it is on, above, or below their grade level. Since MAP Growth tests provide immediate and accurate information about your child’s learning, it’s easy for teachers to identify students with similar scores that are generally ready for instruction in similar skills and topics, and then plan instruction accordingly. MAP Growth reports also provide typical growth data for students who are in the same grade, subject and have the same starting performance level. Each school year, students in grades 6-8 take the tests in September. Following each testing period, you will receive a Family Report showing a summary of how your child is performing academically. We are truly excited to focus on your child’s individual growth and achievement. For more information about MAP Growth, visit NWEA.org/familytoolkit.
Student Lanyard & ID - Each student was issued a grade specific lanyard and ID last week. All students are expected to wear their lanyard around their neck with their student ID clearly visible. This is purely a safety procedure for both your child and our staff, not to mention it speeds up the lunch process. Things to remember: - First lanyard and ID are FREE
- SCHOOL ISSUED Lanyard and ID must visible (top half of body)
- 6th Grade: Charger White
- 7th Grade: Charger Gray
- 8th Grade: Charger Blue
- Replacement ID $5 and Lanyard $2
- Replacement ID & Lanyard may be purchased from the Student Success Table located by the main entrance.
Dress Code - All students attending Pin Oak Middle School will be required to follow the Pin Oak Dress Code. All articles of the uniform are to be maintained and worn in a way that represents the individual students and the school in a positive way. Students are required to wear the uniform to school and throughout the entire day until leaving for the day. The provisions of the dress and grooming code shall be enforced equally with regard to all students to whom the provisions apply. Please read our POMS Dress Code Policy carefully. Students that are not in dress code will be referred to their House Administrators. - The length of shorts and skirts should be no shorter that 4 inches above the knee.
- Students must wear a collared shirt; colors: royal blue, white, or gray.
- Pants and shorts must be worn at the waist.
- Clothing must be size appropriate, including sweatshirts and jackets.
- All clothing must be school appropriate. Tank tops, camis, and clothing designed to be worn as an undergarment are not permitted to be worn as a shirt.
Chromebook Expectations - All students have a Chromebook, an incredibly powerful tool, with them in the classroom and at home. It is important that we have clear expectations as to the responsibilities that come with this privilege. - Please make sure your student brings their fully charged Chromebook each day. Students are encouraged to leave their charger at home since paying for a lost charger is one of the most common expenses students incur (lost chargers are not covered by the insurance).
- Students must secure their Chromebook in their backpack when transitioning from class to class.
- Students must use wired headphones. Bluetooth headphones are not allowed.
- Why are Bluetooth headphones problematic? A few reasons are listed below.
- Students can easily hide Bluetooth headphones and listen to music, videos, podcast, etc. during instructional time.
- Students can use their Bluetooth headphones to control their phone, start and stop music, send text messages, be on calls with student in other classrooms, etc.
Say Something - As a campus, we are committed to creating and sustaining a comprehensive, coordinated effort to improve the overall safety and well-being of our students, educators, and administrators. To do this, we believe this must involve community-wide programs and initiatives involving parents, teachers, administrators, local law enforcement, wellness professionals and elected officials to take meaningful action to protect our students. During Charger Time we will conduct yearly mandatory “Say Something Anonymous Reporting System” (SS-ARS) student trainings for students in 6-8 grade. This program teaches students, teachers, and administrators how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, of individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and Say Something to a trusted adult OR use its anonymous reporting system. Specifically, the program educates participants to: - Recognize the signs and signals of at-risk behaviors – especially within social media
- Take every sign and signal seriously; act quickly to get help by talking to a trusted adult OR
- Report it anonymously through SS-ARS 24/7 Crisis Center, mobile app, or website
- Respond to and manage the submitted tip via a multi-disciplinary educator and administrator teams
- Sustain the curriculum and awareness via student clubs, in-school activities and call-to-action weeks
Our students often are aware of the problems their peers are facing, so we must empower them to know the danger signs and give them the tools to help each other with the assistance of trained and caring adults. As you know, most conversations are taking place on social media, therefore it is critical that we teach our students to be looking out for one another as these digital conversations are taking place. SS-ARS teaches them what to look for in text, video and photos while empowering them to act quickly to help a fellow student. The SS-ARS program is being provided through Sandy Hook Promise (SHP), a nation-wide non-profit organization. SHP’s programs are in 50 states – with 7,000+ schools and over 3.5 million students and adults trained. They have a track record, reputation, and knowledge of how to work effectively with kids, parents, and teachers to improve school safety and culture. The program is age-appropriate and research-based. They also have funding to provide and sustain the program at NO COST to the district. To date, SS-ARS and other SHP prevention programs have helped stop multiple school shootings, suicides, and gun threats; reduced bullying and cyberbullying; intervened upon cutting, drug use, racial conflicts, and other violent and victimization acts. We know this program will do the same for our district. |
Upcoming Campus Events(Due to district calendar changes and district testing expectations we’ve made a few adjustments to our campus calendar of events) - Fall Holiday: Monday, September 25th
- NWEA Testing: Wednesday, September 27th
- NWEA Testing: Thursday, September 28th
- End of 1st Six Weeks: Monday, October 2nd
- Begin 2nd Six Weeks: Tuesday, October 3rd
- 1st Six Weeks Report Card Distribution: Friday, October 6th
- Kona Ice: Friday, October 6th
- Student Holiday: Friday, October 13th
- Red Ribbon Week: October 16th – 20th
- Homecoming Week: October 23rd – 27th
- Color Run: Friday, November 3rd
- Kona Ice: Friday, November 3rd
- Student Holiday: Friday, November 10th
- End of 2nd Six Weeks: Friday, November 10th
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Campus Administrators
Campus Support Team |
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 #WeArePinOak hashtag. We encourage you to share your Charger pride here as well!
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Useful POMS Links and Info |
| Charger Commitment Campaign Coming Soon!
Get Ready, Pin Oak Families,
The Charger Commitment Campaign launches in just one week, on October 1st and runs through October 31st. We rely on the support of our Pin Oak families to help PTO fund all of the "extras" that make POMS the great school it is!
Look for more information later this week...but we can tell you: we have some new incentives this year!
Get ready to show your support!
Sincerely, Francyne Davis Jacobs and Katie Wylie |
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| Interested in Academic UIL?
Any student interested in participating in Academic UIL can access both the State and HISD resources pages at the links below to learn about the different events.
Our first meet is Saturday, October 14 at Carnegie Vanguard High School and will feature seven events: Creative writing, Editorial writing, Impromptu speaking, Modern oratory, Number sense, Ready writing, and Spelling.
UIL Resources |
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| POMS Fall Sports Picture Day is Thursday, October 5th!
Dear Parents,
Pin Oak Fall Sports Picture Day is October 5. All orders are Prepay. We do not email proofs.
During the Prepay period, you can choose Ship to School for FREE or Ship to Home. Shipping charges will apply.
Order Sports Pictures NOW!
We know that every student in front of our camera is the most important child in the world to someone. It is our sincerest pleasure to photograph yours! Thank you for the opportunity!
The Prepay Link remains active for 1 WEEK after Picture Day. Any order received after the Prepay period is considered a late order and is shipped to the address provided. Shipping charges will apply.
Please contact Customer Service at 800.883.6463 for assistance placing late orders.
❤️ PTP Houston |
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| Come to Italy with me Summer 2025
Hi Pin Oak parents and students! Its that time of year to talk about the next travel opportunity. There will be a meeting in the Pin Oak Cafeteria Thursday, October 12, 2023@ 5:45 PM to discuss our trip to Italy in the Summer 2025. There are still a few spaces on the Greece trip this coming summer and I will briefly discuss that one as well.
Register for the meeting here or from the link in flyer and join us to hear all about the trips I have planned.
EF Tours does a great job of planning these trips and they are always fun yet educational. Learn more here.
Please contact Ms. Hulbirt with any questions. |
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| POMS Girls Lacrosse Practice
Our next practice will be on Tuesday, September 26th from 6:30-8:30 PM @ Feld Park (6406 Avenue B). Please make sure your player has all the equipment: stick, goggles, mouth guard (not white or clear), water bottle, and snacks.
In October, we will start practice twice a week: - Mondays @ POMS Field from 7:30-9:00 PM
- Tuesdays @ Feld Park from 6:30-8:30 PM
Register your player on www.pinoakgirlslax.com and payment must be received before Oct 6th.
ALL players must email their player's medical form to pinoakgirlslaxhouston@gmail.com. |
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| Gifted and Talented Testing Requests
Are you interested in having your student tested for Gifted and Talented identification? Applications are due December 8, 2023.
Applications are submitted through HISD Connect. Please see the linked directions to request testing. Once the application is submitted through HISD Connect, POMS will gather the teacher's recommendation.
Testing will be in Spring 2024. Stay tuned for exact dates.
Please contact Ms. Vining with any questions. |
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| POMS School Store Hours
The POMS School Store is open during student lunches. Please refer below for full schedule: - Monday, Wednesday and Friday - open for all lunches
- Tuesday - open until 1 PM (some Tuesdays we may be open for all lunches. Please contact the school store with any questions.)
- Thursday - open until 1 PM
The POMS Online School Store is open for business. ***Please note that online orders may take a few days to fulfill and you will be notified to have your student come pick up orders when they are ready.*** |
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| Register for the POMS Dance Clinic on October 7th
Please join the Pin Oak Dance Company in their very own DANCE CLINIC!
This is open to any/all students of grade levels Pre-K through 8th grade. Participants will learn more about dance technique from an actual Dance Company member! No dance experience required.
DATE: Saturday, October 7th, 2023 TIME: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. Participant check-in @ 8:45 am, Performance at 11:45 pm LOCATION: Pin Oak MS Gym, 6401 Glenmont St, Bellaire, TX 77401 COST: $35.00 (Register Online) Registration fee includes: t-shirt, light snack, and a water ATTIRE: Be dressed to dance. Wear tennis shoes or soft soled dance shoes. |
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| POMS Swim Team Interest Meeting on Tuesday, October 17th
Are you interested in your child being on the Pin Oak Swim Team?
Come to the Interest meeting in the Pin Oak Cafeteria on Tuesday, October 17 at 5:30 PM.
Email Coach Hulbirt with any questions. |
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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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| Registration for the Middle School Workshops at Kinder HSPVA is open!
Hosted by HSPVA Friends, these annual workshops provide opportunities for students in grades 6-8 to participate in classes in Creative Writing, Dance, Instrumental and Vocal Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts.
Explore the workshops and register Download and print the flyer
The workshops are likely to sell out, so early registration is encouraged.
Questions? Email Shannon Werme, HSPVA Friends' Volunteer Manager. |
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| Come Dance with the Bellaire Belles
Join us for a day of fun and learn a Pom, Hip-Hop or Advanced Dance routine to perform for family and friends at the end of the clinic! No dance experience is required. All money raised will help our Bellaire Belles pay for uniforms, camps, and spring competitions. - Date: Saturday, October 7th, 2023, 9 AM - 12 PM
- Cost: $40 in advance $45 at the door and registrations received after deadline.
- Includes: Belles Dance Clinic T-Shirt (not guaranteed for walk-ins), snack and certificate. *Registration must be received no later than Friday, September 29 to be guaranteed a T-shirt*
Click here for additional details. Click here to register online*. *If you don't know a Bellaire Belles girl to list as referral, you can use Peyton Promubol. |
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| School Store Volunteers Needed
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 AM or Thursday, September 7th at 10:30 AM.
Please feel free to reach out to Jean Lee or Thuy Promubol at: schoolstore@pinoakpto.org with any questions or concerns.
All school volunteers are required to be VIPS approved. |
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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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| 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. |
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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 Anu Hiremaglur for more details. |
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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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| | Monday, September 25 | | | Wednesday, September 27 | | | | Thursday, September 28 | | | | Saturday, September 30 | | | Sunday, October 1 | | | Tuesday, October 3 | | | Thursday, October 5 | | | | Friday, October 6 | | | | Saturday, October 7 | | | Monday, October 9 | | | | Wednesday, October 11 | | | Thursday, October 12 | | | | Friday, October 13 | | | Saturday, October 14 | | | Monday, October 16 | | | | | Tuesday, October 17 | | | | | | Wednesday, October 18 | | | Thursday, October 19 | | | | Friday, October 20 | | | Monday, October 23 | | | | | Tuesday, October 24 | | | | Wednesday, October 25 | | | | | Thursday, October 26 | | | | Friday, October 27 | | | | | Monday, October 30 | | | | Tuesday, October 31 | | | Friday, November 3 | | | | Monday, November 6 | | |
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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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