Originally delivered on 10/11/2026 7:27 pm

SUBJECT: 💙 Charger Chatter | October 11, 2026

OCTOBER 11, 2026

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

Charger Commitment Campaign

The Charger Commitment Campaign is officially underway, and our Chargers are already off to a great start! The campaign runs through October 31st. 

The campaign directly supports Pin Oak’s Teacher Grant Program, helping our incredible teachers provide the classroom resources, supplies, and tools they need to bring learning to life every day.

We’re Off to a Great Start!

The race is officially ON! 🏇💨

Campaign Goal: $120,000
Total Raised: $24,600

That means we’re already nearly 20.5% of the way to our goal!

Grade Level Standings

🥇8th Grade — $11,875

🥈6th Grade — $6,850
🥉
7th Grade — $5,975

It’s still anyone’s race! Every donation counts toward your grade’s total, and remember, you can donate more than once throughout the month.

The winning grade will earn bragging rights and celebrate with an ice cream party at lunch!

Here’s How You Can Help

Simply scan the QR code below to make your commitment online. It only takes a minute!

Every gift, big or small, makes a real difference for our teachers and students — and adds to your grade’s total in the race for the win.

We’ll be posting grade-level standings updates each week throughout October, so keep an eye out to see who’s in the lead.

Donate. Share. Rally your grade. LET’S GO, CHARGERS! ⚡🐴

Questions? Reach out anytime at commitment@pinoakpto.org.

Thank you for your generosity and for being committed to our school!

Chargers, come dance, hang out with your friends, and enjoy a fun night at Homecoming!

7th and 8th graders, get ready to dance the night away at Pin Oak Middle School’s Homecoming Dance!

Friday, October 16, 2026
6:00–8:00 PM

We’re looking forward to a night of music, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Tickets
$10 presale | $15 at the door

Important

  • POMS students only; one ticket per student. 
  • Students must attend school through the end of the day Friday to attend. 
  • Age-appropriate dance attire. 
  • Concessions are cash only.
Families, We Need Your Help Too!

PTO is looking for volunteers to help with:

  • Lunch ticket sales — October 12–16
  • Decorations & setup — October 16 beginning at 1:45 PM
  • Dance volunteers — check-in, food service, chaperoning, and photo booth
  • Cleanup & breakdown

Sign Up to Volunteer below, let’s make it a night of fun and celebration for our Chargers!

💙 Show Your Charger Pride All Year Long! 🐎

Homecoming is next week, but Charger spirit lasts all year! Charger Cheer is offering a limited-edition, dress-code approved spirit shirt for just $20, available in cotton or dry fit. Perfect for Charger Day, game day, or cheering on our amazing Charger athletics! Students and parents are encouraged to grab a shirt and show their POMS pride!

Shirts are expected to arrive early next week, with online ordering and distribution during lunch.

Please Note: Adult sizes only. Adult XS fits similarly to Youth XL. All sales are final. No returns. 🐎💙

Proceeds benefit the POMS Cheer Fund. 💙 ORDER YOUR SHIRT HERE.

A Winning Start: Mr. Johnson & the 6th Grade Quiz Bowl Team!

A big congratulations to Mr. Johnson and the POMS 6th Grade Quiz Bowl Team! In their very first competition, the team advanced to the playoffs at last weekend’s tournament at Cinco Ranch High School! Although they faced a more experienced team of 8th graders in the playoffs, our 6th Grade Chargers held their own, demonstrating impressive knowledge, confidence, and determination under pressure. What an incredible debut! We are so proud of Mr. Johnson and these young scholars! 💙🐎

Leading with Heart: Coach Barbie Parker

A big shout out to Coach Barbie Parker for bringing incredible energy, dedication, and heart to the POMS Dance and Cheer Team in her first year at Pin Oak! Coach Barbie has handled unexpected challenges with grace while dedicating countless early mornings and late evenings to practices and games. Most importantly, her kindness, encouragement, and positive spirit make every team member feel supported and valued. Thank you, Coach Barbie, for going above and beyond for our Chargers! 💙🐎

🎉 Let’s celebrate our Chargers!​​​​

Know a Pin Oak student, teacher, staff member, or group who deserves a BIG SHOUT-OUT?

We’re celebrating special accomplishments, acts of kindness, talents, milestones, and moments that make our Charger community special.

 Submit your BIG SHOUT-OUT here!

All submissions are reviewed. Submission does not guarantee publication. 

October is National Principals Month! Help us celebrate Dr. Crowley by sharing how she makes a difference in our Pin Oak community. Use the link above to submit a Big Shout Out and share how our principal has made a difference.

💙A BIG SHOUT-OUT for Dr. Crowley 💙

From a POMS parent:

“She always listens to parent concerns and takes prompt action in her busy schedule. Middle school can still be hard to navigate for kids, and Dr. Crowley allows parents to communicate their opinions and their kids’ needs and improves things based on feedback.”

Thank you, Dr. Crowley, for listening to families, responding to concerns, and making a difference for our Chargers.

📸 Picture Day!

Picture Day is Tomorrow, Monday, October 12th! Get ready to smile, Chargers. Students should be in regular dress code (POMS polo), or they may wear a Charger shirt for pictures. 

Makeup Picture Day will be December 15th.

📸 Pre-Order Your School Pictures

Families can pre-order Picture Day photos online at 1stPhotoTexas.com. Select Fall/Spring Individuals and use online code: 502226F46

POMS Yearbooks are now available to order!
8th-grade families celebrating their student’s final year at Pin Oak.

👉 Order a Yearbook
👉 Purchase an 8th-Grade Ad

POMS October General PTO Meeting

Join us this Thursday for our October 15 General PTO Meeting to connect, hear the latest PTO updates, and learn what’s coming up in our Pin Oak community.

Thursday, October 15 | 9:00 AM
Online only via Microsoft Teams

 Join the PTO Meeting here

🍧 Cool Treats Are Coming to POMS!

End the week with something sweet! Kona Ice will be at POMS on Friday, October 16, from 4:00 to 4:40 PM, serving up refreshing, colorful shaved ice treats! Look for the Kona Ice truck parked on Glenmont Street near the school's front entrance.

💵 Don't forget your cash! Treats range from $4 to $7. Stop by after school and enjoy a cool treat to kick off your weekend!

POMS Color Run: Let the Fun Begin!

Friday, November 13, 2026

Get ready for one of the most colorful days of the school year! The POMS Color Run is coming, giving students a chance to enjoy music, Kona Ice, and time with friends while running or walking the track. The fun wraps up with a Post-Run Color Party, where students can shower each other in color!

This exciting fundraiser takes place on campus during the school day, and a ticket is required to participate.

🎟️ Tickets go on sale soon! Stay tuned for more details!

💙 Volunteers needed! We’re looking for parent volunteers to help with ticket sales, setup, packet distribution, field support, color stations, and other event-day needs.

All parent volunteers must be VIPS approved through HISD.

👉 Sign up to volunteer

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.

CHARGER BUZZ

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

💙 It's Homecoming Spirit Week ! 🐎

Get ready to show your Charger pride October 12–16! Each day brings a new theme, from Crazy Socks Monday to Mardi Gras Friday! Join the fun, dress up, and help us fill the halls with Charger spirit all week long! 🎉

Spirit Week reminders: No Crocs or sandals, no pajama pants, and regular dress-code length still applies for shorts and skirts. Students may wear colors outside the usual uniform colors this week. 

Homecoming Tailgate — Tuesday, Oct. 13

Get ready for Homecoming, Chargers! 💙 Join us before the game for our Homecoming Tailgate at Butler Stadium.

Each grade will have its own community table, and families are invited to sign up to bring food, drinks, snacks, sweets, or folding tables to share.

📅 Tuesday, October 13
🕟 4:30 PM
📍 Butler Stadium

Sign up to bring something for your grade’s table

Then the 8th Grade Homecoming Game vs. Lanier starts at 5:30 PM. 

🏐 Volleyball Schedule 🏐
🥍 Pin Oak Boys Lacrosse

The Pin Oak Boys Lacrosse season is coming soon and we'd love your son to join us! It's a fun sport and a great team.

We will have weekly practices, team dinners, and play against local middle school teams.

The team is open to Pin Oak students only to ensure that's a fun, fair experience for all players. Players new to the sport are welcome!

Interested? Please complete the interest form so we can gauge the level of interest and keep in touch for upcoming events:

👉 Pin Oak Boys Lacrosse Interest Form 2026–27

Charger Connections Re-Run: The Heart of Pin Oak 💙

They’re often working behind the scenes, but their impact is everywhere.

Our custodial team helps keep Pin Oak running every single day, and this week we had the joy of spending time with Ms. Ventura and Ms. Smith. Their warmth, joy, and big hearts came through immediately.

When we asked what motivates them, they both came back to the same answer: the students.

In honor of National Custodian Appreciation Day, we’re celebrating our entire custodial team and thanking them for the care, pride, and heart they bring to Pin Oak every day.

It was truly a joy getting to know them better.
🎥 Watch our Charger Connections interview with Ms. Ventura and Ms. Smith here 💙    

Explore Pin Oak Clubs

Looking for ways to get involved? Check out the 2026–27 Pin Oak clubs and student activities in Dr. Crowley’s latest newsletter.

👉 View Club Information

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!

Be sure to check Dr. Crowley’s latest ParentSquare newsletter for this week’s school news and important reminders.

New to ParentSquare? Your account is automatically created for custodial guardians listed in PowerSchool. 

View the ParentSquare Quick Guide (English & Spanish)

Sign in using the same email address or phone number listed in PowerSchool, or download the ParentSquare app for easier access.

Sign in to ParentSquare

School Tours

Whether your family is looking ahead to high school or knows a prospective future Charger, here are a few campus tour opportunities to keep on your radar.

For 8th Grade Families

For Prospective Pin Oak Families

POMS Go-To Links

Parent Resources & Helpful Links

WHAT'S COMING UP 

Calendar Events
Monday, October 12
📸 POMS Picture Day
6:00p 7th/8th Grade Volleyball vs. Tanglewood @ Tanglewood
6:30p 7th Grade Homecoming Game: POMS vs. West Briar MS @ POMS
Tuesday, October 13
5:30p POMS Football vs Lanier MS (Homecoming Game)
Wednesday, October 14
8:30a PSAT - 8th Grade Students, 8:30 AM
Thursday, October 15
9:00a POMS PTO Meeting (via Microsoft Teams)
Friday, October 16
POMS Teachers' Friday Fun w/ Chocolate
4:00p POMS Kona Ice Friday
6:00p POMS Homecoming Dance (7th & 8th Grade)
Saturday, October 17
9:00a HISD Middle School District Meet (Cross Country) @ North Forest High School
Tuesday, October 20
7:30p POMS Football vs Meyerland PVA
Thursday, October 22
6:00p 6:00 PM — NJHS Induction Ceremony – MPR
Friday, October 23
POMS Teachers' Friday Fun w/ Chocolate
Monday, October 26
POMS Red Ribbon Week
Tuesday, October 27
POMS Red Ribbon Week
Wednesday, October 28
POMS Red Ribbon Week
Thursday, October 29
6:00p Fall “Spooktacular” – Orchestra – MPR & Cafeteria
Friday, October 30
8:00a POMS Hospitality Breakfast
1:30p POMS Snack Cart for Teachers & Staff
Wednesday, November 4
4:15p POMS SDMC Q2 Meeting
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS & COMMUNITY PARTNERS
AGENDA SPONSOR
CHARGER SPONSORS
THOROUGHBRED SPONSORS
RANGER SPONSORS
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