Originally delivered on 9/7/2026 3:19 pm

SUBJECT: 📣 Charger Chatter | Stay Connected at Pin Oak

SEPTEMBER 7, 2026

Here for Our Charger Families: HISD Resources

Every family deserves support when they need it. HISD Sunrise Centers are one-stop resource hubs that connect HISD students and families with assistance for everyday needs, including food, clothing, hygiene items, health and mental health services, case management, tutoring, adult education, job readiness, and support for families experiencing homelessness or foster care.

Families may visit any Sunrise Center, speak with a school counselor, teacher, or nurse, or complete the Student Assistance Form to be contacted by a case manager. Visit the HISD Sunrise Centers webpage to learn more about available services and find a location near you. Please know that help is available, and you are not alone.

If you need help accessing these resources, you can also contact Ms. Lebiga, our school counselor, at Alynn.Lebiga@houstonisd.org💙

💙Para nuestras familias de habla hispana 💙

Cada familia merece contar con ayuda cuando la necesita. ¿Necesitas información sobre alimentos, ropa, salud, tutorías u otros recursos para tu familia? Consulta los enlaces de arriba para conocer los servicios disponibles y solicitar asistencia con HISD.

Si necesitas ayuda para acceder a estos recursos, también puedes comunicarte con Ms. Lebiga - Alynn.Lebiga@houstonisd.org, nuestra consejera escolar, para recibir orientación.💙

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

Wednesday, Sept. 16 | 6:00–8:00 PM

Take the night off from cooking and let dinner do the fundraising. Chick-fil-A Meyerland Plaza gives 20% of before-tax sales back to Pin Oak PTO. Dine-in and drive-thru both count.

Say you're with Pin Oak when you order — the cashier presses the fundraiser button before the transaction closes, so mention it up front.

Ordering ahead? Tap "fundraise" at checkout in the Chick-fil-A App.

Student Store Updates

The online store is currently OPEN.

Blue polos (all sizes) are now in stock.
All sweatshirts are in! We now carry 8 styles, including regular blue and gray hoodies (logo on back and tone on tone styles), white pullover sweatshirts, new full zip hoodies in blue and gray, and new white 1/4 Zip sweatshirts. Please note that the white 1/4 zip style is only available in adult sizes.
A few sizes of gray and white polos are on long backorder from the vendor and will show as "sold out" online until they become available. As a reminder, gray and white polos do not need to be purchased from the school store.
The school store does not sell or coordinate sports uniforms (including dance, football, etc.). Please coordinate with coaches for sports uniform orders and distribution. We do sell regular PE uniforms and 8th grade Strength and Conditioning uniforms.

Help Keep the School Store OPEN

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.

Sign ups are for the 2026-2027 school year
We require at least 2 people in the store at all times
The School Store is open during the students' lunch periods.

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.

Many shifts are still looking for volunteers.Please scroll down once you click the link for shifts to see all openings.

The following shifts are currently in severe need of volunteers:

Monday Lunches 1st Shift (6th grade lunch): Group B (Begins Sept. 14)
Tuesday Lunches 2nd Shift (7th and 8th grade lunch): Group B (Begins Sept. 15)
Thursday Lunches 1st Shift (6th grade lunch): Group B (Begins Sept. 17)

The store cannot operate without volunteers.

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 | Aprobación VIPS

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.

Calling all 6th Grade Parents!

Join us for a casual Meet & Greet while our 6th graders enjoy Game Night.

The ’401 Bellaire | 6700 Ferris, Suite 150, Bellaire, TX 77401

Parents can head to school afterward for Game Night pick-up sharp at 6:30 PM.

Questions? Contact Wynne Erickson & Katie Wylie at activities@pinoakpto.org

CHARGER BUZZ

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

Lady Chargers, let’s play Lacrosse!

Lacrosse interest meeting coming up!

Girls’ lacrosse is fast, fun, and the fastest-growing women’s sport in the U.S. Whether she’s brand new or already loves the game, this is her chance to build skills, make friends, and have a blast.

Lacrosse is a spring sport, but practices will begin early October to build skills and confidence.

Students are invited to attend practices before committing to ensure it's a good fit!

Questions?pinoakgirlslaxhouston@gmail.com

Interest Form:Complete the form here

💙 Open House: Charger Community in Action 💙

Open House was such a great reminder of what makes the Pin Oak community special. The halls were full of Charger families meeting teachers, learning more about the school day, and connecting with one another.

It was great to see so many families around campus and so much Charger spirit in one place.

Take a look at a few vibrant moments from the night in our Open House video on Instagram.

Welcome all POMS Families from The Living Library!

The POMS Library is an award-winning center of reading, research, creativity, innovation, and relaxation that serves students of all fluencies and educational backgrounds. Our library program is built upon the engagement and agency of all types of readers (avid, occasional, struggling, reluctant) who keep it responsive and reflective of their voices, cultures, and feedback. Our Fall Family Flyer can be accessed here and contains links such as a virtual tour of every Nonfiction and Fiction section, instructions for downloading the Library App, newsletters, and more!

Speaker Series / Calling all POMS Parents!

Our 2026-2027 Speaker Series is about to begin in the POMS Library and we want YOU to share your career and educational journey with our students! STEM, the arts, law, business, real estate, fashion...our students love hearing about different careers!

Why are you passionate about your field? What did you study in school to get to where you are? Was your path straight from school to present career or did you take several side routes? How has your occupation changed since you began?

Fill out this form if interested and thank you for volunteering to share your voice!

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!

🎉 Let’s celebrate our Chargers!

Because every great accomplishment deserves a BIG SHOUT-OUT!

Do you know a Pin Oak Middle School student, teacher, staff member, or group who deserves to be celebrated? We want to hear about it!

The Charger Chatter BIG SHOUT-OUT is a chance to recognize the amazing accomplishments, acts of kindness, victories, talents, milestones, and moments that make our Pin Oak community special.

🏆 Did a charger compete, place, or earn recognition?
🎭 Did a student shine on stage?
🏅 Did a team accomplish something amazing?
📚 Did a student achieve an academic milestone?
💙 Did a teacher or staff member go above and beyond?

Tell us about it!

Please remember: This form is intended for special accomplishments, meaningful recognition, and moments worth celebrating. Routine announcements, general reminders, or everyday activities may not be selected for the newsletter.

👉 Submit your BIG SHOUT-OUT here!

All submissions will be reviewed by the Charger Chatter team. Submission does not guarantee publication.

Ms. Escamilla | The Heart 💙of the Front Office

A kind welcome for our Charger families, every day.

Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, Ms. Escamilla embodies professionalism. We’re lucky she’s the first face visitors see at Pin Oak.

She treats everyone with courtesy, patience, and respect, and that makes a difference in the experience of every family and visitor who walks through the doors.

A BIG SHOUT OUT to Ms. Escamilla! Thank you, for greeting our chargers and families with such kindness and grace, day after day. We’re so lucky to have you at Pin Oak!!💙

POMS Cheer | All-American Honors

Five Chargers. One incredible achievement.

An All-American cheer award is a top individual honor given to exceptional cheerleaders at summer training camps.

This summer, Chloe Pham, Kadette Martinez, Eha Singhal, Yardley Blackburn, and Katie Opot were named All-American Cheerleaders at the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) Summer Camp.

Their accomplishment is a reflection of their hard work, dedication, and willingness to challenge themselves. They represented Pin Oak with pride, supported one another, and demonstrated the teamwork and Charger spirit that makes our program special. Their story reminds all Chargers that with dedication, perseverance, and a positive attitude, you can accomplish great things.

Congratulations, Chargers — what an incredible achievement! 📣⭐