Originally delivered on 1/28/2024 6:13 pm

SUBJECT: Charger Chatter

January 28, 2024

Principal's Post



Dear Charger Parents and Families,


I am thrilled and immensely proud to announce that Pin Oak Middle School ~ Premier Foreign Language Magnet has achieved an A rating for our campus. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our students and staff, and it speaks volumes about our commitment to academic excellence.

As many of you are aware, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) redesigned the state summative assessments for the 2022–2023 school year. The STAAR redesign introduced new question types, cross-curricular passages, and emphasized evidence-based writing. Despite these changes, our school community rose to the occasion and surpassed expectations.

In addition to our A rating, I am delighted to share that Pin Oak Middle School has received numerous awards and recognitions in recent years. These accolades include being named one of the best middle schools in HISD by the 2023 General Academic, recognized as a top Magnet School in HISD, awarded the Family-Friendly School Platinum Certification for the 2022-2023 academic year, designated as a No Place for Hate school for 2022-2023, honored by US News & World Report as one of the best middle schools in the nation for the 2023-2024 school year, and most recently, being named a Texas School Counselor Association CREST Award Winner for 2023-2024.

These achievements are a reflection of the unwavering commitment to academic excellence and high expectations that define our school culture. Each accomplishment is a testament to the collective efforts of our students, teachers, staff, and supportive community.

As we celebrate these successes, let us also remember our core values and motto: “Imagine, Believe, Achieve.” Together, we will continue to strive for excellence and create an environment where every student can thrive.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our success, and here’s to many more achievements in the future!

Upcoming Campus Events

  • Kona Ice: Friday, February 2
  • PTO Pajama Jam Auction: Sunday, February 11 - Sunday, February 18
  • Staff Appreciation Dessert Bar: Wednesday, February 14
  • PTO General Meeting: Thursday, February 15
  • Student Game Night & Adult Social: Friday, February 16
  • No School - Teacher Development Day: Monday, February 19

Connecting with you is important to us and we are here for you parents. Visit Our School Website for the full list of Pin Oak Support staff and assistant principals plus much, much more. Join Remind or send a text to 81010 with the message @hghga3b. Additional POMS Useful Links can be found below near calendar events.

See you soon!

Lindsey Vela, Principal


Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram!

Twitter: @pinoakms

Instagram @pinoakchargers

Track and Field Tryouts Dates on Monday & Tuesday


Tryout Details:

  • Monday, January 29: Athletes interested in trying out for sprinter events (100 meter dash, 200 meter, 400 meter dash and hurdles)
  • Tuesday, January 30: Athletes interested in trying out for mid to long distance events (800 meter dash, 1200 meter, 1600m)

Read through the interest letter for all details regarding tryouts!

Last Day to Order 8th Grade Items is Thursday!


All sales for 8th grade items (including 8th grade t-shirts), Club 8 packages, and recognition for underwriting opportunities END on Thursday, February 1st!

Only a ticket to the 8th grade dance will be available to purchase after this date!

Don't miss out...

ORDER HERE NOW!

If you have any questions, please email us at 8thgradeactivities@pinoakpto.org

Kona Ice Friday


Kona Ice will be at POMS after school on Friday, February 2 in the front parking lot near the entrance of the school.

Please bring your cash to purchase a treat. Treats are $4, $6, and $7.

Please email POMS PTO Kona Ice Chair Jennifer Deneen with any questions.

POMS PTO AUCTION Pajama Jam! February 11-18!


MARK YOUR CALENDAR for our Pin Oak PTO week-long auction starting Sunday, February 11, 2024! The auction is 100% online, so you can bid over coffee or cocktails! All funds raised enrich and enhance the quality of each student’s education at POMS. GET READY to bid on amazing auction items such as vacation getaways to exciting destinations, luxurious spa and wellness services, private wine tastings, gift cards to fav area restaurants, gift certificates for popular summer camps, Astros tickets, staycation R&R, and MORE!

CAN'T WAIT? We can't either! REGISTER NOW! (Please note a credit card is required to register, but there are no charges unless you make a purchase or are the winning bidder.)

NEW THIS YEAR: We will be hosting a Student Game Night and Adult Social on Friday, February 16 from 4:30 - 7:00 PM. Additional details and sign-ups coming soon!

AUCTION ITEMS NEEDED - Do you have a vacation home? Could you donate goods or services? Or when you're out and about, ask businesses you frequent if they would donate an item or gift card. Each generous, tax-deductible donation allows our PTO to continue supporting our kids and teachers. Click the link to complete the donation form. Questions? Please reach out at auction@pinoakpto.org.

POMS PTO Pajama Jam Auction SOCIABLES WANTED!


POMS PTO Auction Committee is seeking fun, adult SOCIABLES (parties) to include in our auction! Grab a group of friends or couples and play host!

PARTY IDEAS: Do you love karaoke? Is Poker Night your thing? Love to play Mahjong or Bunco? Amigas y Margaritas? Wine & Whiskey tasting? Crawfish Boil? Is bowling up your alley? Pickleball anyone? Be creative!

Click here to complete the donation form.

As a fundraiser, Hosts cover the entire cost of the Sociable, while the admission price proceeds support our incredible school. A FUN way to strengthen existing POMS friendships and create new ones, while benefitting our students and teachers! Date, Time, Theme, and Admission price per person set by host(s)... need help or have questions? Email auction@pinoakpto.org

POMS Amazon Wishlist - Student Snacks Needed


We are in need of student snacks for the upcoming district and STAAR tests.

Please consider helping us purchase items on the Pin Oak Amazon Wish List

Thank you so much for your generosity!

Charger Dungeons & Dragons After-School Club


We are excited to start on a new adventure at Pin Oak Middle School with the Charger Dungeons & Dragons Club. The club will run the first and third Wednesday after school (4 - 5:30 PM) at Pin Oak Middle School.

To indicate your interest in joining, students should complete this form by February 7 at 9:00 PM. 

D&D Club Interest Form

The club welcomes players of all experience levels who have an enthusiasm for tabletop roleplaying games. We ask that players draft an origin story for a character they might want to play, and tell us why they are excited about playing Dungeons and Dragons.

For questions, reach out to Kyle Verret.

Join the POMS Team for the Houston Texans Kids Triathlon


The Houston Texans Kids Triathlon will be held Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14 at Texas Typhoon Waterpark in Katy, TX. Experienced triathletes and beginners are welcomed to register to join the Pin Oak Middle School team on Saturday, April 13.  

  • SHORT COURSE: 125-meter swim, 2-mile bike, and 1-mile run.
  • LONG COURSE: 225-meter swim, 4-mile bike, and a 1.6-mile run.  
  • SPLASH & DASH: 125-meter swim, and a 1-mile run. 

Pin Oak will have a team tent set up for pre- and post-race fueling and camaraderie. Parents are encouraged to bring snacks/drinks to share with other athletes, as well as a portable folding chair for rest.

Click here to register for the event.

When registering be sure to select:

  • Team: Pin Oak Middle School
  • Password: Go Chargers

You will receive a 10% discount on registration when you join POMS team. Registration fees increase by 25% on Wednesday, January 31 at 11:59 PM.  

Once you register for the event, please send an email with the name and the grade of your athlete to Norma Terrazas. We look forward to having another fun and memorable event!

8th Grade Yearbook Farewells!


Dear Parents and Students,

If you would like to include a farewell statement/quote for the graduating 8th graders this year, please email Mrs. Ventura or Ms. Shank. Please make sure it is only one or two sentences and includes your name.

2023-2024 Yearbooks on Sale!


2023-2024 yearbooks are now on sale!

Order yours today with Balfour starting at $65. Personalization options are available.

We sell out every year and you won't want to miss getting your copy. 

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.

POMS School Store Hours & Volunteers


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.***

Volunteers: 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).

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.

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)

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.

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.

Useful POMS Links and Info
Looking Ahead
Monday, January 29
4:20p POMS Track & Field Tryouts (Sprinter Events)
Tuesday, January 30
4:20p POMS Track & Field Tryouts (Mid-to-Long Distance Events)
Thursday, February 1
POMS Deadline to Buy 8th Grade Activities Items
Friday, February 2
POMS PTO Spring Grant Applications Due
4:00p POMS Kona Ice Friday
Thursday, February 8
9:00a POMS PTO Executive Board Meeting
Sunday, February 11
POMS PTO Auction Pajama Jam
Monday, February 12
POMS PTO Auction Pajama Jam
Tuesday, February 13
POMS PTO Auction Pajama Jam
Wednesday, February 14
POMS PTO Auction Pajama Jam
POMS Staff Appreciation Dessert Bar
Thursday, February 15
POMS PTO Auction Pajama Jam
9:00a POMS PTO General Meeting
Friday, February 16
POMS PTO Auction Pajama Jam
4:30p POMS Student Game Night & Adult Social
Saturday, February 17
POMS PTO Auction Pajama Jam
Sunday, February 18
POMS PTO Auction Pajama Jam
Monday, February 19
POMS No School - Teacher Development Day
Friday, March 1
4:00p POMS Kona Ice Friday
Wednesday, March 6
9:00a POMS 8th Grade Panoramic Photo
Thursday, March 7
9:00a POMS PTO Executive Board Meeting
Friday, March 8
POMS Report Cards
Monday, March 11
POMS No School - Spring Break
Tuesday, March 12
POMS No School - Spring Break
Wednesday, March 13
POMS No School - Spring Break
Thursday, March 14
POMS No School - Spring Break
Friday, March 15
POMS No School - Spring Break
Thursday, March 21
9:00a POMS PTO General Meeting
Monday, March 25
POMS No School - Chavez Huerta Day
Friday, March 29
POMS No School - Spring Holiday
Friday, April 5
4:00p POMS Kona Ice Friday
Saturday, April 6
POMS Charger Fest
Wednesday, April 10
POMS No School - Spring Holiday
Thursday, April 11
9:00a POMS PTO Executive Board Meeting
Friday, April 19
9:00a POMS PTO General Meeting
Friday, April 26
POMS Report Cards
Friday, May 3
4:00p POMS Kona Ice Friday
Thursday, May 9
9:00a POMS PTO Executive Board Meeting
Thursday, May 16
9:00a POMS PTO General Meeting
Friday, May 17
POMS 8th Grade Semi-Formal Dance
Monday, May 27
POMS No School - Memorial Day
Thursday, May 30
POMS Staff Appreciation End of School Luncheon & Gift Distribution
Friday, May 31
POMS 8th Grade Field Trip
Tuesday, June 4
8:30a POMS 8th Grade Breakfast & Yearbook Signing
Wednesday, June 5
POMS Last Day of School
POMS Report Cards
POMS 8th Grade Promotion Parade & Picnic
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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