December 7, 2025

Dear Charger Parents and Families,

This past Monday, we held our annual Holiday Door and Hallway Decorating Competition. Staff and students worked together to transform our hallways with creativity and school spirit. We’re proud to announce that the Premier Foreign Language Magnet hallway, “Joy Around the World,” earned this year’s top recognition. Included below are a few of the winning doors.

The holiday festivities continue this week! Monday, December 8 is SportsJersey Day for A HOUSE ONLY! (Please wear school-appropriate uniform bottoms). During the recent Charger Commitment Campaign held by the PTO, A House students and families raised the most funds in a friendly House competition. Way to go Charger families!

Ugly Sweater Fridays are back! Students are invited to join in the fun. Keep an eye on our campus social media for weekly photos of our Pin Oak family showcasing their holiday spirit.

Tickets from Evening of Scenes are $5 available for purchase through SchoolPay.

Pin Oak Dance Department's Winter Showcase will be held on two nights, Tuesday, December 9 and Wednesday, December 10 from 6:00- 7:15 pm in the POMS gym. 

Purchase tickets through SchoolPay. All ticket purchases must print a receipt and bring to the door on your designated showcase night for entry. 

Important Academic Updates

All students will take the Social Studies District Summative Assessment on December 16. For students enrolled in high school credit courses, the semester exam schedule is provided below. Semester exams count for 10 percent of the student’s overall semester average. Please contact your student's teacher if you have any questions.

School Attendance

Attendance is very important. TEA requires students to be present in class at least 90 percent of the time. This means a student cannot miss more than seven days in any class during the first semester without being required to make up instructional time. If a student cannot be in attendance for any reason, please email a doctor’s note to Ms. Ibarra, attendance clerk, and contact her if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s attendance. As a reminder, early checkout ends at 3:15 PM so please plan accordingly.

Bike & Scooter Safety Reminder

Motorized bikes and scooters are not permitted for student travel to and from school to help ensure everyone’s safety. For students who bike, please review these essential safety reminders at home:

Stay Aware

Wear a helmet
No earbuds/headphones or phone use
Stay focused, even when riding with friends

Ride Smart

Follow traffic laws
Use bike lanes/paths
Be visible with bright/reflective clothing
Keep both hands on handlebars except when signaling
Signal turns/stops clearly
Avoid sudden swerves or risky behavior

Be Prepared

Check brakes/tires/chain before riding
Be cautious at intersections
Lock bikes at school

Thank you for helping keep our Chargers safe as they commute to and from campus!

Important Academic Updates

All students will take the Social Studies District Summative Assessment on December 16. For students enrolled in high school credit courses, the semester exam schedule is provided below. Semester exams count for 10 percent of the student’s overall semester average. Please contact your student's teacher if you have any questions.

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

• Visit the POMS website for a full staff directory and much more
• POMS Student Handbook
• Attendance Policy (email excuses to agny.ibarra@houstonisd.org)
• Bell Schedule
• Dress Code Policy
• POMS School Safety & Transportation page
• Use the Remind app (text @cf3a8ca to 81010) for timely reminders
  
• Connect on X @pinoakms and Instagram @pinoakchargers
• Connect to the POMS PTO on Facebook and Instagram @pinoakpto
• Other POMS helpful links and information

See you soon!
Lindsey Vela, Principal

The POMS 8th Grade Activities Committee is pleased to announce the following events celebrating the Class of 2026: 

• Tuesday, February 3 (8:30 - 10:00 AM): 8th Grade Panoramic Photo
• Friday, May 15 (6:45 - 9:15 PM): 8th Grade Semi-Formal Dance at POMS *8TH GRADE PIN OAK STUDENTS ONLY
• Tuesday, May 26 (2:30 - 4:00 PM): 8th Grade A House Promotion Ceremony
• Wednesday, May 27 (2:30 - 4:00 PM): 8th Grade B House Promotion Ceremony
• Thursday, May 28 (2:30 - 4:00 PM): 8th Grade C House Promotion Ceremony
• Wednesday, June 3 (8:30 - 10:30 AM): 8th Grade Breakfast & Yearbook Signing
• Thursday, June 4 (9:00 - 11:00 AM): 8th Grade Promotion Parade & Picnic

(Dates and times subject to change due to district or testing schedule revisions)

Support 8th Grade Events:

To be able to provide all of these fun and exciting events for our 8th graders, we need your help and support.

If you're wondering what you can do to make these events the most memorable and successful for our kids, please considerbeing an underwriter for the 8th Grade Breakfast, Dance, or Promotion Parade & Picnic for only $226. This price includes one 8th Grade "Club 26" Ultimate Package and recognition in the POMS PTO Charger Chatter, website, and social media!

If you are unable to commit to being an underwriter at this time, the 8th Grade "Club 26" Ultimate Package is your best value. For only $150, you get an exclusive "Club 26" Swag Bag which includes a POMS beach towel, POMS sunglasses, sunscreen & drawstring backpack ($45), 8th grade panoramic photo ($30), ticket to the 8th Grade Semi-Formal Dance ($25), 8th Grade T-shirt ($20), & 8th Grade Yard Sign ($30). 

Though the "Club 26" Swag Bag is only available as part of the 8th Grade "Club 26" Ultimate Package, you may purchase other items individually.

*Please note: the panoramic photo may be purchased as part of the 8th Grade "Club 26" Ultimate Package or separately only through the photography company on February 3. The deadline to order all other items (including "Club 26" Ultimate Packages, T-shirts, and yard signs) is Wednesday, December 31 at 11:59PM.

For more information, please contact POMS PTO 8th Grade Activities Chairs, Melissa Law and Tricia Onufer at 8thgradeactivities@pinoakpto.org.

“Ice Village at Rice Village”, is a new outdoor ice-skating rink experience created by Rice University to bring holiday cheer and community spirit to Houston.

Pin Oak students, families, and staff will receive an exclusive 10% discount on skating admission. Use code ICEPINOAK when purchasing tickets online through January 4, 2026.

Pin Oak Middle School PTO

4601 Glenmont • Bellaire, TX 77401

pinoakpto.org