August 4, 2024

Dear Charger Parents and Families,

It’s almost GO TIME! We are excited to welcome our students back on campus tomorrow for Charger Camp. Please note that 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 1,300+ Chargers together! I promise to take good care of them!  

We have a lot of information to share this week so hang on tight and be sure to read until the end.

Charger Camp Drop-off

• Please drop off at circle drive (front entrance). You cannot miss it; the cheerleaders and staff will be ready to welcome them inside. 
  • 6th Grade: 9 AM drop-off
  • 7th & 8th Grade: 1 PM drop-off

Charger Camp Pick-up

• Please pick up your Charger ON TIME at the FRONT of the school. 
  • 6th Grade: 12 PM pick-up
  • 7th & 8th Grade: 3 PM pick-up

Please make sure you have registered your child(ren) for Charger Camp. 

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. 

NEW High School Credit Courses

We are proud to announce a significant achievement in our academic program. Over the past two years, we have expanded our high school credit course offerings by an impressive 57%. In the 2021-2022 school year, we offered 8 high school credit courses. As we enter the 2024-2025 school year, that number has grown to 14, making us a leader in advanced education opportunities within the district. Please note the specific prerequisites for each course:

1. Fundamentals of Computer Science: This course is available only to 8th graders who mastered all STAAR assessments during the 2023-2024 school year and will be taking both Geometry and IPC in the 2024-2025 school year. To ensure equity in course opportunities, students will not be allowed to enroll in both Principles of Information Technology and Fundamentals of Computer Science in the same school year.
2. Art I: Students must have completed Art 6 and Art 7 and submit a portfolio for review to qualify for this course.
3. Theatre I: Enrollment requires that students have completed Theatre 6 and Theatre 7, auditioned in the Spring for Advanced Theatre, and were selected.

Additionally, we have made the following course adjustments:

• Principles of Information Technology: While this course was previously limited to 8th graders, we have now opened seats for a select number of 7th graders who mastered all STAAR assessments in the 2023-2024 school year and met the Algebra I matrix (seats are limited).
• Clay Sculpting: This elective is no longer offered as an individual course; it is now integrated into the Art I curriculum.

Thank you for your unwavering support as we continue to elevate the academic experience for our students. We are committed to providing your child with advanced educational opportunities to prepare them for future success.

Canvas - Parent Resource

Pin Oak students access all their classes through Canvas, a robust online learning management system. As a parent, you can create a Parent Observer account, which allows you to pair with your student and gain access to their course materials, assignments, announcements, syllabus, and more. Houston ISD created a webpage with all the information you need to learn more and sign up. We encourage all our Pin Oak parents to explore the website and sign up for a Parent Observer account today!

NWEA Beginning-of-Year Testing Update

Dear Parents,

During the week of August 19th, your child will take a MAP® Growth™ test from NWEA® on their 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 adapt to your child’s responses to measure your child’s knowledge. 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 where your child is on their learning journey—regardless of whether they are 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 in similar skills and topics and then plan instruction accordingly.

MAP Growth reports also provide typical growth data for students in the same grade and subject with the same starting performance level. Each school year, students grades 6th through 8th take the tests in August, January, and May. Following each testing period, you will receive a Family Report showing a summary of how your child is performing academically.

Please encourage your student not to guess on their responses and to use their testing time productively. Remind them of the importance of maintaining testing decorum, if they finish earlier than other students.  They may sit quietly and read a book upon completing their exam.

We are truly excited to focus on your child’s individual growth and achievement. For more information about MAP Growth, visit NWEA.org/familytoolkit 

Sincerely,

Principal Vela

POMS Parent Photographers - Photo Submission Form

With so many exciting events happening at Pin Oak throughout the school year, we are not always able to have a student photographer present to take photos. Therefore, we are asking parents who attend POMS events and take photos to share their best images with us so we can include them in our school yearbook.

Strong Start for Students - Back to School Fair August 3 & August 10

Get ready, set, go! The Strong Start for Students "Back to School Fair" is an event designed to support students and families as they prepare for the new academic year. Services at each event includes parent workshops, Hazel Health Telehealth consent booth, on-site immunizations, free vision screenings, food distribution, uniform distribution and varies community resources.

Defined Autonomy

The Houston ISD released the Defined Autonomy Framework (DAF), which is a system designed to allow for flexibility and innovation at high-performing campuses while maintaining rigorous expectations for all schools. 

Pin Oak Middle School is categorized within the framework as a Level 3. 

The linked document outlines the specific autonomies earned by the schools at each level. The greater the achievement and overall performance of a school, the more autonomous the school will be. The Defined Autonomy presentation that was shared at the Superintendent's Community Meeting is also linked here. 

Educational Results Partnership

We're proud to be named an Educational Results Partnership Honor Roll school, which recognizes high-performing, achievement gap-closing schools across the nation. The Educational Results Partnership Honor Roll, sponsored by the Campaign for Business and Education Excellence, is the only school award given in collaboration with state and local business leaders. The Honor Roll is a valuable resource for all schools to identify successful peers and learn about best practices that are improving student achievement. 

SDMC Nominations

The Shared Decision-Making Committee (SDMC) has been established on our campus to assist the principal. The committee meets for the purposes of implementing planning processes and site-based decision-making in accordance with Board policy and administrative procedure.  

Pin Oak Middle School is seeking nominations for community and business representatives to serve on the SDMC for the 2024-2025 school year.  We encourage you to submit your information if you are interested in serving next year!  Click here to access the SDMC Form.

Yearbook Update

Dear Pin Oak Parents & Guardians,

Thank you so much for your incredible patience as we navigated the distribution issues with Balfour. I’m thrilled to announce that yearbooks have finally arrived! They will be available for pickup in the main office from Monday, July 29 to Friday, August 9, between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

For this year's 7th and 8th graders, we have an exciting plan to turn this challenging experience into a fun and memorable one! Join us for a Yearbook Signing Party during Charger Camp, where students can gather, celebrate, and get their yearbooks signed by friends and teachers.

Thank you again for your understanding and support. We can’t wait to see our 2024-2025 Chargers at Charger Camp!

Are you ready for the 2024-25 school year? Please review the helpful resources below so you are prepared for new school year.

Academic Calendar

For more information, please visit 2024-2025 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, After School Care Coordinator. 

Backpack Policy

All students will be expected to have their backpack before receiving a school issued Chromebook. Hallway lockers are not utilized at POMS and students must carry their school issued Chromebook in their backpack when transitioning from class to class (no exceptions). 

Bell Schedule

All students will follow a modified block schedule for the 2024-25 school year. Please click the link to view this year’s POMS Bell Schedule.

Communications

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 @f7cb99g. Additional POMS Useful Links can be found below near calendar events.

Open House

Please make sure to mark your calendar for Open House! Join us September 5, from 5:30 PM - 7 PM.

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. 

Submit all documents to Nurse Troetscher.

For more information, visit: Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements for Students Grades K-12

Where to go for low-cost immunizations?

• City of Houston Health Centers
• Harris Health Troubleshooters
• Texas Children's Mobile Clinics

Questions? Contact Nurse Troetscher by email or call 713.295.6500.

School Store

All online orders placed over the summer will be available for pick up tomorrow at Charger Camp.

Both the PE and Strength & Conditioning uniforms are now available for purchase from the school store. Students will be expected to dress out beginning the week of 8/19, so please plan accordingly and purchase the required PE uniform for your class.

The online school store will reopen on Tuesday. You will be notified when your order has been fulfilled and where to pick up.

The school store on campus will be open this week. Any unworn and unwashed uniforms can be exchanged at the school store. All visitors must check in first at the front office and must show their photo ID. Please email schoolstore@pinoakpto.org with any questions. 

School Supplies

Pre-ordered school supplies will be placed in your student’s Charger/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.

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. 

Sports - 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 8 from 5:00 - 6:30 PM in the POMS Gym. All coaches will be available to speak about their program and answer parent questions. 

Sports Physicals

Athletic Physicals are a MANDATORY REQUIREMENT for any student participating in sports at POMS. They are not optional! No student will be allowed to participate on an athletic team or practices without a current Athletic Physical. Athletic Physicals are good for the duration of one (1) year and physicals should be taken prior to the start of the school year. 

POMS Sports Physical Clinic is scheduled for Friday, August 9 from 4 - 6 PM in the POMS Gym. The sports physical clinic will be an open event (walk-in) for current 2024-25 Pin Oak students. The cost is $25 CASH ONLY.  

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

Upcoming Campus Events

• Charger Camp: Monday, August 5
• Used Uniform Sale: Monday, August 5
• Fall Sports Parent Meeting: Thursday, August 8
• Falls Sports Physicals Clinic: Friday, August 9
• First Day of School: Monday, August 12
• NWEA Testing - Math: Wednesday, August 21
• NWEA Testing - ELAR: Thursday, August 22
• NWEA Testing - Science: Friday, August 23
• PTO General Meeting: Tuesday, August 27

See you soon!

Lindsey Vela, Principal

Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram!

Twitter: @pinoakms

Instagram @pinoakchargers

• Attendance Policy (email excuses to edit.churchill@houstonisd.org)
• Canvas
• Clubs
• Counseling Newsletter
• Dress Code for 2024-2025
• Grade Level Teams
• HISD Student Handbook
• Magnet Program
• Parent Resources
• POMS Student & Family Handbook 
• PowerUp
• SchoolPay
• School Safety & Transportation Reminders
• School Website
• Staff Directory (coming soon)
• Student Records Request
• Transportation
• Virtual Library

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.

Pin Oak Middle School PTO

4601 Glenmont • Bellaire, TX 77401

pinoakpto.org