April 12, 2026

Dear Charger Parents and Families, 

STAAR testing continues this week for all 8th grade students. Students will take the STAAR Science assessment on Wednesday, April 15. It is very important that students arrive on time so we can begin testing promptly. Additionally, students must bring their fully charged Chromebook on testing day.

Please note that our campus will be closed to visitors on all STAAR testing days to maintain a secure and focused testing environment. A detailed testing schedule has been provided below for your reference.

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, or other electronic devices

TSA Students Achieve Outstanding Success at State Competition

This past Friday and Saturday, our Technology Student Association (TSA) students competed at the state competition in Dallas and delivered an exceptional performance.

Since launching our TSA program in 2023, our students have earned two State Championship titles in both the first and second years of the program. This year, they raised the bar even higher by earning three State Championship titles, marking another milestone for our growing program. For such a young program, this level of success is truly remarkable and reflects the dedication of our students and their teacher, Ms. Martinez.

Competition Highlights:

• 28 First Place finishes
• 8 Second Place finishes
• 4 Third Place finishes
• 9 additional Top 5 placements

As a result of their achievements, our TSA students have qualified to compete at the National TSA Competition this summer.

We are incredibly proud of our students for their commitment, innovation, and excellence. Their accomplishments are a testament to hard work, perseverance, and strong leadership, and they continue to represent Pin Oak Middle School at the highest level.

Algebra Interest/ STAAR Interim Exam

This exam is available for any current 6th or 7th grade student interested in meeting the criteria for Algebra I placement for the 2026–2027 school year. Families may review the Algebra I placement criteria using the Algebra I Matrix linked here. 

IPC Placement – Current 7th Grade Students

Students interested in IPC (Integrated Physics and Chemistry) must meet specific requirements. Please review the IPC placement criteria using the IPC Matrix linked here.  

IPC Placement Requirements Include:

• Enrollment in Algebra or Geometry as an 8th grader
• 7th Grade Math STAAR score at the Masters level
• End-of-Year performance and growth in Science & Math (NWEA MAP Test)
• Successful completion of the IPC Qualifier Test
• Completion of assigned Khan Academy units

Additional details about Algebra I, IPC, and World Languages requirements are available on our campus website. 

Upcoming Campus Events

Athletics & Clubs

2026-2027 Academic Calendar 

Make sure to mark the dates as you plan for the upcoming school year. 2026-27 Academic Calendar in English and Spanish (Español).

Food Systems Summer Camp Opportunity

Connecting with you is important to us—we’re here for you!

Helpful Links & Info:

• POMS website (staff directory & more)
• Student Handbook
• Attendance Policy (email excuses to agny.ibarra@houstonisd.org)
• Bell Schedule
• Dress Code Policy
• School Safety & Transportation page
• Tutoring Schedule

Stay Connected:

• Remind app (text @cf3a8ca to 81010)
  
• X @pinoakms and Instagram @pinoakchargers
• PTO on Facebook and Instagram @pinoakpto

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. It is truly a great time to be a part of the Pin Oak community.

Lindsey Vela, Principal

PTO NEWS

🎪 Be Our Guest at 🎪

CHARGER FEST 

Saturday, April 25 12-4 PM

We are TWO weeks away from Pin Oak Middle School's annual Charger Fest and you are invited to join us.

Charger Fest is a fun-filled afternoon featuring carnival games, inflatables, fine arts performances, international food trucks and popcorn bar, school tours, purchase and pick up POMS merch at the school store, visit the book fair and more for the whole family. 

What to Do Next

 Pre-order wristbands online
(Online sales close Friday, April 24 at 6 PM)
or purchase in person with cash or card during all student lunches
April 20, 21, 22, 23, or 24 

$20 | $25 at the door
(wristbands for children to participate in inflatables and games)

💙 SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER

Parents and students can volunteer 
Opportunities include staffing activity booths and games, supervising inflatables, directing guests, staffing the used uniform sales, helping at the popcorn bar, and keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Whether you can lend a hand for an hour or stay for the whole event, your time and energy make a big difference.

💧 Support the Water Donation Fund
⭐ Become an event underwriter or booth sponsor 

For more information, please contact the POMS PTO Charger Fest Chairs

Save the date for the best days of the school year!
That’s right, the Book Fair is coming to POMS!

On Thursday, April 24 and Friday, April 25, the Book Fair will be open each day during all lunch periods. Plus, we will be open on Saturday, April 26 from Noon to 4pm during Charger Fest!

You can pay with cash, check (payable to POMS PTO), credit card, or setting up a Scholastic e-wallet. 

We need VOLUNTEERS to make this a great book fair for all our students! Click on the Book Fair Volunteer Sign-Up to pick a time slot! 

You must be VIPS approved to volunteer. 

Questions? Contact bookfair@pinoakpto.org.

Buy your student’s school supply pack today! Packs will be shipped to POMS and distributed to your student at school.  Be sure to order the pack for your child’s 2026-2027 grade.

Purchase 1^st Day School Supplies here.

For questions, email schoolsupplies@pinoakpto.org

Calling all Horn Elementary alumni! Join us for an afternoon of service as we give back to our school and community. Service hours will be available. See details above and register to participate!

For more information contact Meghan Lutschg. 

Pin Oak Middle School PTO

4601 Glenmont • Bellaire, TX 77401

pinoakpto.org