May 3, 2026

Dear Charger Parents and Families,

We are entering the final four weeks of the six weeks, with 23 instructional days remaining, and there is a great deal happening at Pin Oak Middle School as we close out the school year. Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

At this time, we ask that all current 6th and 7th grade families complete and submit the Intent to Return form so we can plan appropriately for the 2026–2027 school year. Please also take note of the Chromebook return dates. Students must return both their Chromebook and charger on their assigned day. 

Students enrolled in high school credit courses will receive their final exam review materials this week. Final exams will take place the week of May 11–15 and will count for 10% of a student’s overall course average. Final exams are not eligible for reassessment, so it is important that students prepare thoroughly to ensure success.

Please review the detailed information below and reach out if you have questions. We appreciate your support as we work together to finish the year strong.

Upcoming Campus Assessments

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

World Language Placement Current 6th Grade Students

Current sixth grade students who are already proficient in one of the world languages offered at our campus may be eligible to participate in World Language placement testing as they prepare to enter seventh grade. Proficiency means the student demonstrates strong skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in the language. Languages offered include Chinese, French, German, Italian, Latin, and Spanish.

Eligible students will have the opportunity to take a two part World Language Placement Exam on May 12 and May 13. Students who meet the qualification requirements and successfully demonstrate proficiency may begin the language at the high school credit level at the start of their seventh grade year.

Parents with questions or who would like more information may reach out to their child’s current world language teacher or contact Ms. Catoni.

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

District Assessment-NWEA & DSA (6th-8th)

As we approach our final round of district assessments, we want to share important information to help ensure a smooth testing experience for all students.

All students will be required to participate in the NWEA assessments on May 19, May 20, and May 21. In addition, all students will take the DSA on May 26.

Student attendance on these dates is essential. Please make every effort to ensure your child is present and arrives on time. Students must bring their district-issued Chromebook fully charged each testing day. 

For testing security and to limit disruptions, the campus will be closed to visitors on all assessment days.

Please be sure to regularly check our campus website for the latest updates and reminders. If your child is in need of additional academic support, teachers are available for tutorials. The tutorial schedule can be found here.

Upcoming Campus Events

Sports Physicals

A POMS Sports Physical Clinic is scheduled for Thursday, May 28 from 4 - 6 PM in the gym for current 2024-25 Pin Oak students. 

• Complete the Medical History portion of the Pre-participation Physical Evaluation Form and have your student bring it with them to the clinic
• The cost is $25 CASH ONLY
• Parents are not allowed in the gym
• No appointment needed
• Hold on to the form until upload instructions are available

Sports physicals are a MANDATORY REQUIREMENT for any student participating in sports at POMS. No student will be allowed to participate on an athletic team or attend practices without a current physical evaluation form on file. 

Sports physicals are good for the duration of one (1) year and physicals should be taken prior to the start of the school year. The form also can be completed by your student's physician.

For questions, please email Coach Carter, POMS Athletic Coordinator.

Yearbook Distribution

Students who purchased a yearbook can pick up their copy during their grade level lunch May 27-29.  Please contact Ms. Hulbirt or Ms. Payne if you have any questions.

Upcoming Campus Performances

Upcoming 8th Grade Events

We are excited to share that our end‑of‑year eighth grade activities will be kicking off soon. Our celebrations begin with our Semi‑Formal Dance on May 15.

Our 8th Grade Promotion Ceremonies are approaching—please be sure to register using the link or QR code provided below.

We are also happy to announce that all 8th grade students will attend Main Event on Monday, June 1. The campus has covered the cost for all students, so there will be no expense to families.

Additional events to look forward to include our 8th Grade Breakfast and Yearbook Signing Party on June 3, followed by our Promotion Parade and Picnic on June 4.

8th Grade Semi-Formal Dance 

POMS 8th graders are invited to the Semi-Formal Dance on Friday, May 16, 6:45-9:15 pm at POMS. 

How to purchase a ticket:

If you purchased an Ultimate Package, one dance ticket was included.

• Online
  Purchase online for $20. Sales close May 14 at 11:59 pm.
• Lunch Sales
  Purchase during 8th grade lunches May 11-15 for $15 (CASH ONLY).
• At the Dance
  Tickets sold at the door for $25 (Cash, Apple Pay or Card).

Please RSVP here for the promotion ceremony

Promotion Parade Spirit Wear

Our 8th graders are encouraged to wear a shirt from their selected high school to show their school spirit for our Promotion Parade on June 4. 

Bellaire High School
Order online from the Bellaire HS spirit store. In the notes section, add your student's name. Order deadline is May 20. Order pick-up will be at POMS May 22 during lunch.

Lamar High School
The Lamar School Store is open Mon-Fri from 8 am - 3 pm. Parents can stop by the school and purchase. Please call the school store with any questions (713) 522-5960.

Celebrations & Recognitions

PTO Volunteer Appreciation Celebration – Cinco de Mayo at Pin Oak

For the past five years, our campus has proudly hosted an annual Cinco de Mayo Parent AppreciationCelebration as a way to intentionally recognize and thank the incredible parent volunteers who give so generously of their time, talents, and energy to support our school. This tradition was created to honor the many ways our parents uplift our students, staff, and community, and it continues to be one of our most meaningful celebrations. This year’s celebration was a beautiful reflection of the strength of our Pin Oak PTO and the unwavering commitment of our volunteers. 

A special thank you to Niki Vogel, PTO President, for her leadership, responsiveness, and steadfast advocacy for our school. Her ongoing support has been instrumental in helping our campus thrive.

Thank you as well to Ms. Escamilla for her creative support in bringing the celebration to life through stunning decorations and thoughtful details. Her creativity and attention to detail helped enhance the experience and create a warm, welcoming environment for our volunteers.

We are deeply grateful for every parent volunteer who contributes to making Pin Oak such a special place. It is truly an honor to celebrate you.

Tailgate Lunch: Celebrating Our Students

Our Chargers were treated to an awesome time at our annual Cinco de Mayo Tailgate. Due to weather, the celebration was held in the cafeteria, where students enjoyed hamburgers, hotdogs, and live music from our amazing Charger Stage Band! Fun, food, and music made it a day to remember.

Families can view highlights from the celebration in Tailgate Live Video 1 and Tailgate Live Video 2.

 Clubs

Mark Your Calendar

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 Español.

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

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

Pin Oak Middle School PTO

4601 Glenmont • Bellaire, TX 77401

pinoakpto.org