SEPTEMBER 13, 2026

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.

🎥 Introducing Charger Connections!🌟

Get ready to meet the people who help make Pin Oak special! 💙

🎤 We’re launching a brand-new interview series where we’ll sit down with the amazing people who support, inspire, and strengthen our Charger community.

✨ From sponsors and staff to teachers and other special members of our community, we’ll be sharing their stories, learning more about what they do, and discovering what connects them to Pin Oak.

Our FIRST GUEST is Greater Houston Orthodontics! 🦷

👀 Watch our first Charger Connection video interview and get to know Greater Houston Orthodontics!

🎬 Follow along, meet our guests, and CONNECT with the people who make a difference at POMS! 💙

Top 3 Reasons to Volunteer in the School Store!

Your student can come visit you in the store while you volunteer. Do you ever wish you could say hi to your student during the school day? Volunteer at the school store!
Meet other Pin Oak parents. Each shift has at least 2 Pin Oak parent volunteers. By working the same shift throughout the year, you will have the opportunity to get to know each other in a fun environment.
Give back to the Pin Oak community. Each day over 100 students shop at the student store. The proceeds from the store support the PTO teacher grants.

Sign ups are for the 2026-2027 school year - if you can only sign up for a few weeks, please contact schoolstore@pinoakpto.org.
We will provide training for new volunteers.
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.

2026-2027 School Store Shifts

The following shifts currently are in severe need of volunteers:

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

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!

Friday, September 18

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

Parent Meet & Greet
4:00–6:00 PM

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.

Sixth graders must have a ticket to attend Game Night.

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!

**PLEASE NOTE: New interest meeting date and time**

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? Can't make the meeting but still interested? Let us know on the form or at pinoakgirlslaxhouston@gmail.com

Interest Form:Complete it here

Crochet Club Is Back!

Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sign up here to reserve a spot.

For more information, contact Ms. Lynda Cline.

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!

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.💙

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.