May 10, 2026

Dear Charger Parents and Families,

Happy Mother’s Day to all of our amazing Charger moms and the special women who support and care for our students each day. We are so grateful for your love, encouragement, and partnership.

This past week, during Teacher Appreciation Week, we had the honor of surprising our Teacher of the Year, Ms. Girard, in partnership with Chick‑fil‑A. She was recognized with a Best Teacher gift basket for her dedication, passion, and the positive impact she has on so many students. We are incredibly proud of Ms. Girard and thankful for all she does.

Click image below to see video

We are also excited to share that Pin Oak Middle School has been named a 2025–2026 Family Friendly School. This recognition reflects our strong partnership with families and our shared commitment to a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students. Together, we are strengthening our community and supporting student success.

Important Reminders for This Week

Students enrolled in high school credit courses will take their semester exams this week. Please reach out to your child’s teacher if you have any questions.

All 8th grade students enrolled in Algebra I will take the district‑mandated TSIA2 assessment on Monday morning.

Course Selections Are Open

It’s time for course selections! Students and parents may submit course requests from May 10–22. You may submit more than one request if changes are needed; however, only the most recent submission will be used. Please note that course selections are not guaranteed, but we will do our best to build your student’s schedule based on the selected electives.

We have also provided the elective descriptions for reference. Please keep in mind that not every elective is available to all grade levels, and some courses require prerequisites.

2026-2027 Elective Course Descriptions

2026-2027 6th Grade Course Requests
2026-2027 7th Grade Course Requests
2026-2027 8th Grade Course Requests

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. 

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

Join us for the last PTO General Meeting of the school year in-person in the POMS library or via Microsoft Teams.  An email will be sent soon with the Meeting Link.

Pin Oak Stage Band will hold auditions on May 20 & 21 after school in the guitar room D102. Drummers, guitar players, singers, keyboard players, and bass players are all needed. Come by the guitar room to sign up for a time and see Mr. Huezo before or after school for any questions about audition criteria.

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 (English) Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation Form (Español) 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 note that there is no physical dance ticket- your child's name will be on a list at the check-in table.
• Students do not need to bring/wear their IDs.
• Students should wear Semi-Formal Attire (Girls typically wear semi-formal length dresses/skirts. Boys usually wear slacks/collared shirt. Dress shoes or tennis shoes are fine!)

WHEN?

• Friday, May 15 (6:45PM - 9:15PM)

• Student drop off/pickup is in the front circle drive.

• Students should enter through the glass doors by the athletic fields.

• The dance ends at 9:15 PM. YOU MUST BE AT THE SCHOOL FOR PICKUP BY 9:15 PM!

• Principal Vela and school staff must stay until all students are picked up, so please be respectful of their time and be at school no later than 9:15 PM to pick up your child.

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.

 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

What a great teacher appreciation week at Pin Oak!  POMS teachers were showered with appreciation from our PTO last week and they loved it all! Thank you to Wynne Erickson, Katie Wylie and Staff Appreciation Team who made everyone at Pin Oak feel special, and especially all the parents who donated food and treats to help us spoil our teachers!

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