Originally delivered on 12/15/2024 4:06 pm

SUBJECT: Charger Chatter

December 15, 2024

Principal's Post

Dear Charger Parents and Families,

Happy Holidays! This is the last week of the first semester. We will follow a modified schedule this week and all students will take the required district-created social studies summative assessment. We will have a modified testing schedule on Monday, Dec. 16.

In addition, all students in a high school credit class will take their semester exams. See the schedule below. Don’t let off the pedal just yet, there is still work to be done before we get out at 4:00 pm on Friday!

A huge THANK YOU to all the families who brought items for the Staff Appreciation Lunch last week. You made our teachers and staff feel so special!

This is our last Charger Chatter until January, as I too will be stepping away to spend time creating memories with my own family during this winter break. I hope your family has a chance to rest, relax, and recharge over the break too, you all have earned it! Our Chargers return on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.

Connecting with you is important to us and we are here for you: 

See you soon!

Lindsey Vela, Principal
HISD West Division Middle School Principal of the Year 


Donate to the Teacher & Staff Holiday Gift Fund by Wednesday

We would love to match last year's gift fund, but we are just 9% short of our goal. Every little bit helps! Please help us show our wonderful teachers and staff how much we appreciate them by donating to the Teacher & Staff Holiday Gift Fund

Cash gifts will be distributed to all those involved in teaching and caring for our students including teachers, administrators, maintenance, and support staff!   

The deadline has been extended. Donations in any amount are greatly appreciated and will be accepted through Wednesday, December 18.

If you have any questions, please email Jenny Dagley and Wynne Erickson, VPs of Activities. Thank you!

POMS Spirit Day at Lankford's on Tuesday

Enjoy a great meal at Lankford's in Bellaire on Tuesday, Dec 17 between 11 am and 8 pm. Mention POMS at check-out and Lankford's will give 15% of your bill back to our school! In-store purchases only. (Dine-in or Carry-out) 5208 Bissonnet Street

POMS Auction Interest Meeting on Thursday

POMS Parents! Auction Week is February 21-28, 2025. (We are feeling those Charger Rodeo Vibes) We need your time and talents to help us host an awesome weeklong event and fundraiser for our Chargers. 

Learn how you can help at our festive committee interest meeting on Thursday, December 19 at 7:00 pm.   

For meeting location and more details, please contact Katie Hill and Shannon Westin, POMS Auction Co-Chairs.

Calling All 8th Grade Parents

We have lots of fun activities planned for our 8th graders this Spring.

Here you will find a list of save-the-dates for all the big events. The dates are subject to change if something changes with HISD. 

Club 8 Ultimate Package

The Club 8 Ultimate Package is just $88 and includes:

  • 8th grade t-shirt ($20 separately)
  • 8th grade semi-formal dance ticket ($15 presale/$20 at the door)
  • 8th grade yard sign ($20 separately)
  • 8th grade swag bag includes a drawstring backpack, beach towel, and sunglasses (not available separately)
  • 8th grade panoramic picture ($30 separately)

The price will increase to $108 on January 1st.

Underwriter Opportunities

Please consider being an underwriter for one of our fun events. For just $100, family and friends can underwrite any of the 8th grade events (semi-formal dance, breakfast and yearbook signing, or the parade/picnic). You can underwrite one, two, or all three events. Your name will be recognized on a banner on the circle drive, on the PTO website, and in the Charger Chatter.

Looking for additional ways to support our 8th grade class? Click here to learn more.

For more information, please contact Lindsay Colvin and Jennifer Deneen, 8th Grade Activities Chairs.

Track Interest Meeting on Monday

7th and 8th grade students are invited to a Track interest meeting on Monday, December 16 in the cafeteria during Team Time. 

Tryouts are January 13-14, 2025 after school.  Tryout information will be provided to students at the interest meeting. 

For more information, please contact Dayna Bates.

Audition for Beetlejuice The Musical Monday and Wednesday

December 16 & 18
4:00 - 7:00 pm
Blackbox Theatre

Sign up to audition in the theatre room. For more information, please contact Tierra Henry, POMS Theatre Director.

Stock Up for Winter at the School Store

The school store is open for students to shop during lunch. You can also shop the school store online. You will be notified when your online order is ready and your student may pick up the items during lunch.

Want to volunteer at the store? Please sign up for the group (A or B)/day(s) that works best for you.  Shifts are every other week. All volunteers are required to be VIPS approved.

For more information, please contact Jean Lee or Thuy Promubol.

Order Your 2024-2025 Yearbook

Pin Oak is excited to partner with Jostens for our 2024-2025 yearbook. Order your copy today

8th Grade Parents:

Want to recognize the accomplishments of your 8th grader in the Pin Oak Yearbook? We are selling recognition ads to be placed on the back pages. Ads are easy to make and a template is provided. Purchase your ad before January 31, 2025.

Got great photos of your kids at Pin Oak sponsored activities?

Please share your best pictures with the Yearbook staff via the QR code or link here. (Please no pictures of personal family vacation, dinners etc.)

POMS Magnet Tours - Through Feb 6

Parents interested in learning more about our outstanding programs are invited to one of our guided tours. Space is limited; pre-registration is required. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore all that Pin Oak has to offer - secure your spot today.

*All slots are full at this time, but a waitlist is available for each date.

High School Tours and News

Please consider helping us purchase items on the Pin Oak Amazon Wish List. Thank you!

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, 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 Adriana Cune, VP of Sponsorship, for details.

Full Calendar
Monday, December 16
POMS Track Interest Meeting during Team Time
POMS HISD Summative Assessment for Social Studies
4:00p POMS Auditions for Beetlejuice The Musical
Tuesday, December 17
POMS Spirit Night at Lankford's Bellaire (All Day)
Wednesday, December 18
POMS Last Day to Donate to Teacher & Staff Holiday Fund
4:00p POMS Auditions for Beetlejuice The Musical
Thursday, December 19
7:00p POMS Auction Interest Meeting
Friday, December 20
POMS Ugly Sweater Friday
Monday, December 23
POMS No School - Winter Recess
Tuesday, December 24
POMS No School - Winter Recess
Wednesday, December 25
POMS No School - Winter Recess
Thursday, December 26
POMS No School - Winter Recess
Friday, December 27
POMS No School - Winter Recess
Saturday, December 28
POMS No School - Winter Recess
Sunday, December 29
POMS No School - Winter Recess
Monday, December 30
POMS No School - Winter Recess
Tuesday, December 31
POMS No School - Winter Recess
POMS Last Day to Purchase Discounted Club 8 Ultimate Package
Wednesday, January 1
POMS No School - Winter Recess
Thursday, January 2
POMS No School - Winter Recess
Friday, January 3
POMS No School - Winter Recess
Monday, January 6
POMS No School - Staff Development Day
Thursday, January 9
9:00a POMS PTO Executive Board Meeting
Friday, January 10
4:00p POMS Kona Ice Friday
Monday, January 13
POMS Report Cards
Tuesday, January 14
POMS NWEA Testing - Math
Wednesday, January 15
POMS NWEA Testing - ELAR
Thursday, January 16
POMS NWEA Testing - Science
9:00a POMS PTO General Meeting
Monday, January 20
POMS No School - MLK Jr Day
We Appreciate Our Corporate Sponsors & Community Partners
AGENDA
CHARGER
THOROUGHBRED
RANGER
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