AUGUST 23, 2026

A Note to Our Charger Families

Same Charger Spirit, Fresh New Chatter

Charger Chatter has always been about keeping our Pin Oak community connected. As Dr. Crowley now shares her weekly school newsletter directly with families through ParentSquare, we’re giving Charger Chatter a fresh new chapter of its own — same Charger spirit, with a clearer and more useful way to stay connected.

We’re still in the process of shaping this new version, and you’ll see the look and format continue to evolve over the coming weeks. We didn’t want to pause our communication while we worked through that transition, because keeping our families informed is simply too important.

Going forward, Charger Chatter will focus on PTO news, school events, athletics, volunteer opportunities, community highlights, and helpful resources, while also making it easy to access Dr. Crowley’s latest ParentSquare updates.

We hope you’ll enjoy seeing the new Chatter take shape with us, and we appreciate a little patience along the way as we continue finding the best way to keep our Charger community connected. 💙

Here’s what’s happening with the PTO — upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and ways for students and families to get involved and stay connected.

Student Store Updates

The online store is currently OPEN.

Blue and Grey Hoodies (Logo on Back) are back in stock, including youth sizes!
New White 1/4 Zip Sweatshirts now in stock! (Please note that this style is only available in adult sizes)
Additional hoodie sweatshirt styles (Tone on Tone) and blue polos are expected to arrive back in stock soon.

Thank you for your patience during a busy uniform season!

Volunteers Still Needed in the School Store!

This is your chance to volunteer and be in the middle of the action! It's a great way to meet other parents and interact with the students in the school store.

FOR ALL NEW VOLUNTEERS: ALL NEW volunteers must attend a training session. The remaining training session will take place at 10:45 AM in the school store on Monday, August 24.

2026-2027 School Store Shifts

Sign up for the group (A or B)/day(s) that works best for you (shifts are every other week). The 1st shift covers 6th grade lunch and the 2nd shift covers 7th/8th grade lunches.

Monday, August 24 - School Store opens on campus and volunteer shifts begin

All school volunteers are required to be VIPS approved. Please complete your VIPS application using the same first and last name on your ID to expedite check-in at the front office.

Complete VIPS Approval

As always, feel free to reach out to us at schoolstore@pinoakpto.org.

Big Year. Big Memories. Be Part of It.

8th grade is a BIG year at Pin Oak, and it takes a village of mildly organized adults to make all the fun stuff happen! This year’s 8th Grade Committee is led by Jean Lee, Tricia Onufer and Cindy Wu, and we’re looking for parents to jump in.

We need volunteers in the following areas:

Promotion Parade and Picnic (PPP)
8th Grade Field Trip
Homecoming Tailgate
Semi-Formal Dance
Breakfast

Each committee will have a chair(s) and volunteers. (And just to be clear, “chair” does not mean “do every single thing yourself.” It means rallying a team and helping keep everyone moving in the same general direction.)

No special experience required. You do not need to be a professional event planner, own a Cricut or have your life completely together. If you are willing and reliable, you’re qualified.

Come help us make their last year at Pin Oak one they’ll remember! To volunteer or ask questions, please contact 8thgradeactivities@pinoakpto.org.

Fun Food Friday is back!

Kick off the weekend with a campus favorite. This Friday, August 28, the PTO is serving up Chick-fil-A during all lunch periods.

Menu & Pricing

Chick-fil-A Sandwich: $6
Chips or Cookie: $1 each

Payment Details

Accepted:Cash and physical credit/debit cards only.
Please note: Phone/smartwatch payments are not accepted.

Send your student with cash or a physical card so they don't miss out!

Kona Ice Friday!

Kona Ice will be at POMS after school on Friday, September 4. The Kona Ice truck will be parked on Glenmont Street by the crosswalk.

Please bring cash to purchase a treat. A cup of shaved ice is $5, $6, or $7, and 20% of proceeds benefits POMS.

POMS Open House is scheduled for Thursday, September 3, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

All Pin Oak parents are invited to meet our teachers and staff.

Parents will report straight to your Charger’s 1st period class. Parents are encouraged to take a picture of their student’s schedule on HISD Connect Parent Portal. You may also download the free PowerSchool app on your mobile phone and take a screenshot of the schedule.

Parents will follow their student’s schedules and have a brief opportunity to meet each of their teachers and hear about course expectations. The purpose of Open House is to put a face to the name, receive contact information, and provide an overview of the class content and expectations for the school year. This is not the time for parent/teacher conferences. If you have individual concerns about your student, please email his/her teacher or house administrator directly.

CHARGER BUZZ

Here’s what’s happening around Pin Oak — school events, athletics, student activities, and highlights from across our Charger community.

Join the Pin Oak Tennis Club!

The Pin Oak Club Tennis Program is open to students in grades 6–8 of all skill levels and offers year-round training through 10-week sessions each semester, led by professional coaches from the JCC.

A lottery for available spots will be held on August 26. Please scan the QR code or complete this form to be entered into the lottery.

Questions? Contact Coach Stewart.

Game On: Volleyball Tryouts

Volleyball tryouts begin this week for 7th and 8th grade girls.

Please arrive by 6:15 AM at the side gate to the Gym entrance. The gate will be closed and locked at 6:30 AM. No late admittance.

Athletes should come in workout clothing with hair up, jewelry removed, and athletic shoes, and should bring knee pads and a water bottle.

Please make sure all required paperwork and physicals are completed before tryouts.

August 28 may be added if needed; coaches will communicate if athletes need to return.

For questions:

7th Grade — Coach Bailee Jackson

8th Grade — Coach Erin Morris

Partner with Pin Oak PTO

Corporate sponsors play a vital role in elevating the Pin Oak experience directly funding classroom grants, campus technology, curriculum enrichment, and staff appreciation.

Packages start at $1,500 and include high-visibility perks:

Campus banner placement
Logo and link on the Pin Oak PTO website
Dedicated recognition in this newsletter

How You Can Help

Whether you own a business or frequent a local favorite like your dentist, realtor, or neighborhood restaurant, a personal connection makes all the difference. An introduction from a parent carries far more weight than a cold email.

Interested in partnering with us or introducing a business?

For more information contact Mayra Marshall.

Get Started: Click here!

CHARGER SHOUT-OUT

Laney Richardson | USA Softball All American

We love celebrating our Chargers! 💙 A big shout-out to 8th grader Laney Richardson, who was selected to represent Region 5 at the USA Softball All American tournament.

Laney spent her summer traveling with her club team and competing at some of the biggest events in the country. Her selection is an incredible accomplishment and a reflection of all the hard work she has put into the sport.

Way to go, Laney! We’re so excited to celebrate you and your amazing summer!

Kayla Montiel | National SAR Brochure Contest

A big shout-out to Kayla Montiel, who earned Second Place in the National Sons of the American Revolution Brochure Contest!

Kayla’s work advanced all the way to the national competition, where her outstanding brochure earned her this incredible recognition along with a $300 prize.

Congratulations, Kayla — what an incredible achievement!