Originally delivered on 4/14/2024 5:34 pm

SUBJECT: Charger Chatter

April 14, 2024

Principal's Post



Dear Charger Parents and Families,


STAAR testing begins this week and it is very important that students are in attendance for these test dates. We need students to arrive on time so we can begin on time. In addition, we need every student to bring their fully charged Chromebook. Please reach out to Mrs. Catoni or Mrs. Vining with questions. 


STAAR Testing Tips

  • Get a good night's sleep
  • Eat a healthy breakfast
  • Arrive to school early
  • No early pickup on test days
  • NO phones/smartwatches/electronic devices

On Friday, all 8th grade students attending Bellaire High School will complete their course selection during Team Time. Please reach out to the Bellaire counselors with questions.

IPC & Algebra Matrix

Here at Pin Oak, we offer high school credit courses for our students, such as IPC and Algebra I. To qualify for these courses, students must meet specific requirements within a designated time frame. Please review the matrix for specific requirements.

Upcoming Campus Events

  • STAAR Reading (6-8): Tuesday, April 16
  • STAAR Science (8): Thursday, April 18
  • PTO General Meeting: Friday, April 19
  • STAAR US History (8): Wednesday, April 24
  • STAAR Math/Algebra (6-8): Wednesday, May 1
  • POMS Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon: Friday, May 3
  • NWEA Math: Tuesday, May 14
  • NWEA ELAR: Wednesday, May 15
  • NWEA Science: Thursday, May 16

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

The Crew Auditions on Tuesday, April 16


The Crew is hosting auditions for the 2024-2025 school year on Tuesday, April 16 at 4 PM. Come audition if you think you got what it takes.

Prepare a two 8 count solo for your audition. See flyer for details.

Please contact Mr. Leal will any questions.

Virtual PTO General Meeting on Friday, April 19


Join us for the next PTO General Meeting:

When? Friday, April 19, 9 - 10 AM

Where? Virtual only via Microsoft Teams

Notice of Proposed Changes to 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 are the proposed changes to current bylaws with the proposed revisions in red. These changes will be voted on at the POMS PTO General Meeting on Friday, April 19, at 9:00 AM.

Buy Your 2024-2025 School Supplies Now


School Supplies for the 2024-2025 school year are now on sale! Purchase your student's supplies now and make it easy for yourself when school starts. Packs will be shipped directly to school and distributed prior to the first day of school!

Be sure to order the pack for the grade your child will be in for the 2024-25 school year!

To purchase from 1st Day School Supplies, click here.

Questions? Please contact the POMS PTO School Supplies Chairs at schoolsupplies@pinoakpto.org

POMS Online School Store


The POMS Online School Store has moved to a new site. 

You can place your online orders for uniforms, planners and yard signs. Online orders take a few days to fulfill and you will be notified when ready for pick up.

Please contact schoolstore@pinoakpto.org with any questions.

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. 

POMS Amazon Wishlist - Student Snacks Needed for STAAR & NWEA Testing


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!

High School Course Selection
Bellaire High School
Bellaire High School Course Selection
BHS eMotion Dance Company Spring Show


All are invited to attend the award-winning eMotion Dance Company's Spring Show on Friday, April 26th at 6:30 PM. This is a high energy event featuring Breakdance, Hip Hop and Modern teams. 

$10 ticket may be purchased online (encouraged) or at the door. 

Bellaire High School Auditorium, 5100 Maple Street, Bellaire 77401. Doors open at 6:00 PM.

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 and details for the next meeting, students should complete the form below.

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 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.

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
Tuesday, April 16
POMS STAAR Reading (6-8)
4:00p POMS The Crew Auditions
Thursday, April 18
POMS STAAR Science (8)
Friday, April 19
9:00a POMS PTO General Meeting
Monday, April 22
4:15p POMS Algebra I Placement Exam (6 & 7)
Wednesday, April 24
POMS STAAR US History (8)
Friday, April 26
POMS Report Cards
Wednesday, May 1
POMS STAAR Math/Algebra (6-8)
Friday, May 3
POMS Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon
4:00p POMS Kona Ice Friday
Monday, May 6
4:15p POMS Algebra I Placement Make-Up Exam (6 & 7)
Thursday, May 9
9:00a POMS PTO Executive Board Meeting
Friday, May 10
6:45p POMS 8th Grade Semi-Formal Dance
Tuesday, May 14
POMS NWEA Testing - Math
Wednesday, May 15
POMS NWEA Testing - ELAR
Thursday, May 16
POMS NWEA Testing - Science
9:00a POMS PTO General Meeting
Monday, May 20
4:15p POMS IPC Placement Exam (7)
Monday, May 27
POMS No School - Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 28
9:00a POMS 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony (A House Only)
Wednesday, May 29
9:00a POMS 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony (B House Only)
Thursday, May 30
POMS Staff Appreciation End of School Luncheon & Gift Distribution
9:00a POMS 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony (C House Only)
4:00p POMS Sports Physicals
Friday, May 31
POMS 8th Grade Field Trip to Splashway
Tuesday, June 4
8:30a POMS 8th Grade Breakfast & Yearbook Signing
Wednesday, June 5
POMS Last Day of School
POMS Report Cards
9:00a 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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