January 18, 2026

Dear Charger Parents and Families,

Please note that campus will be closed tomorrow in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 20.

NWEA MOY Algebra I Testing – Tuesday

We will administer the NWEA MAP Growth Algebra I assessment on Tuesday for students currently enrolled in Algebra I with Mr. Harvey or Ms. Cheng.

To support student success, please ensure your child:

• Arrives to school on time
• Is well rested
• Eats a nutritious breakfast
• Brings a fully charged Chromebook

Encourage your student to do their best and remind them that this assessment is an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.

Important Testing Day Information:

• The campus will be closed to parents/visitors during testing

• NO lunch drop-offs

• Students should bring a lunch from home or plan to eat a school-provided lunch. (the snack bar will be open)

• The School Store will be closed

Learn more about the NWEA MAP Growth assessments here.

CELEBRATING STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

As second-semester activities begin, we are proud to celebrate our students’ accomplishments both in and out of the classroom.

Pin Oak Artwork Advances to NRG Phase

We are proud to announce that three Pin Oak students’ artworks have been selected among HISD submissions advancing to the NRG phase of judging, chosen from over 800 outstanding pieces.

Selected Students and Artwork:

• Isabella Parra Marin, 8th Grade — Ephemeral Connection
• Angela Yuan, 7th Grade — Quiet Strength
• Olivia Moore, 7th Grade — Lunch on the Meadow

At the NRG level, these works will compete for:

• Best of Show
• Gold Medal
• Special Merit

Selected works will remain on display at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Hayloft Gallery. Congratulations to our talented students.

ATHLETICS & STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

8th Grade Girls Basketball Team

Congratulations to our 8th grade girls for earning second place at the San Jacinto Basketball Tournament. This outstanding achievement reflects their dedication, teamwork, and perseverance throughout the competition. A special thank you to Coach Krolczyk and Coach Carter for their leadership and commitment to the team’s success.

Historic Win for Pin Oak JCL 

Yesterday, Pin Oak’s Junior Classical League (JCL) students earned first place at the Rice Owl Certamen in their first competition. JCL is a student organization that studies Latin and Roman culture. Our Chargers competed against high school teams and private schools, and demonstrated strong preparation, teamwork, and academic excellence. We are proud of our students for representing Pin Oak so well.

UPCOMING CAMPUS EVENTS

Annual Parent & Family Engagement Night

Tuesday, January 20 at 5:30 PM
POMS Library

This meeting will focus on important topics that support student success, including TELPAS, NWEA MAP Growth Testing, Attendance, and Student Supports.

Sessions will be available in English and Spanish. 

PTO General Meeting - Rescheduled

Join us on Tuesday, January 27 at 9:00 AM in the POMS Library or virtually on Zoom.

ADDITIONAL PARENT OPPORTUNITIES

POMS Baseball Parent Interest Meeting: Tuesday, January 20 at 4:45 PM. A recording will be available on the school website for families unable to attend live.

HISD SchooLinks Parent Night (Virtual)

January 21, 5:00–6:00 PM 
Click here for Meeting Link

Learn how to access your student’s SchooLinks account, review course plans, and monitor college and career progress.

UPCOMING TRYOUTS

Baseball and Track tryouts are approaching. Additional details are shared below. Please contact Athletic Coordinator Coach Carter with questions.

STUDENT REMINDERS

All 8th grade students are encouraged to participate in the U.S. History Memory Challenge. Students may contact their U.S. History teacher for more information.

8th Grade Panoramic Photo
Date: Tuesday, February 3
Time: 8:30 AM
Students should wear their Pin Oak royal blue collared shirt.

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

2026 POMS Online Auction "Snowflakes and Sunglasses"

The Auction will be LIVE Jan 30 - Feb 6

Please register here to bid.

You won't believe the amazing experiences and one of a kind items you can bid on to support your Charger and Pin Oak Middle School! 

Whether you're dreaming of a white winter or a warm, beachy getaway, we have exclusive items and experiences to satisfy every desire. Bid from the comfort of your home, and let us help you add some sparkle and shine to your year. Learn more here

Volunteer: 
Please sign up to volunteer during student lunches to sell tickets and distribute already-ordered SWAG; volunteer and bring snack donations to Game Night.

Support the Auction:

Click here to donate an item
Click here to become an underwriter

Questions:
Contact POMS PTO Auction Chairs, Laura Curry, Jenny Hanks, and Shannon Westin

Auction Special Events

Support our school with a SWAG purchase today.  

Get an Auction hoodie and a POMS beanie to top it off! You can even bundle your purchase and save!

Quantities are limited - ORDER HERE NOW

(Hoodie in adult sizes only)

The POMS 8th Grade Activities Committee presents the following events:

• Tuesday, February 3 (8:30 AM): 8th Grade Panoramic Photo - Please have your student wear their Pin Oak royal blue collared shirt.
  
  
• 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 revisions)

Support 8th Grade Events

Please help make these events memorable for our kids by being an underwriter for the Breakfast, Dance, or Promotion Parade & Picnic. For more information, please contact POMS PTO 8th Grade Activities Chairs, Melissa Law and Tricia Onufer.

Pin Oak Middle School PTO

4601 Glenmont • Bellaire, TX 77401

pinoakpto.org