Sunday, December 13, 2015

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming Events

Monday, 12/14  TESTING BLUE
Period 1 & 3 Finals

Tuesday, 12/15 TESTING GREEN
Period 2 & 4 Finals
Winter Orchestra Concert, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, 12/16  TESTING BLUE
Period 5 & 7 Finals
Fall Dance Concert, 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, 12/17  TESTING GREEN
Period 6 & 8 Finals
SLL Fieldtrip
SDMC Meeting, 3:30 p.m.
Winter Choir Concert, 6:00 p.m.

Friday, 12/18  CHARGER
No after school care - Full School Dismissal, 3:30


Final Exam Schedule
 

Not all students will participate in Midterm/Final Exams in all classes. Teachers will communicate information about end of semester tests and final exams through the cluster websites. All students will follow the above schedule so as not to disrupt classes with some children out for exams.


Parents' Guide to Midterm/Final Exams
Students in high school credit classes (Algebra, Geometry, IPC, Theatre I, AP Spanish and 8th gr Language classes) will take midterm examinations December 14-17.  Other students may take an end of semester test or regular common assessments, but it will be counted as an ordinary test, not as an official midterm.

Pin Oak students in high school credit classes take midterms which are administered according to high school rules.  It is good to be aware of how this affects them:

·      The score on the midterm:
o   is not part of the grade average for the third grading cycle.   
o   is averaged with the three cycle grades to yield the overall grade for the semester.
Example:         1st six-weeks average:    86
                        2nd six-weeks average:    82
                        3rd six-weeks average:    93
                        Midterm exam grade:     90
  Semester grade:    88  

       There is a very strict academic honesty policy.  Cheating on a midterm will result in a grade of zero, without opportunity to rehabilitate the resulting grade average.  In the above grade calculation, the semester grade would be  (86+82+93+0)/4 = 65.  So, the student fails the entire semester and does not continue in the course for the spring semester.
We expect Pin Oak students to uphold high standards of integrity.  We hope that not only will they avoid cheating, but also they will do their best to avoid even an appearance of cheating. We expect that they will not receive inappropriate help or give someone else inappropriate help.  As we discuss appropriateness with them, we confirm that talking about the content of an exam is an example of inappropriate help.

Big Weekend Wins for POMS
This past weekend we made some big wins. Congratulations to...
  • 8th grade Girls' Basketball Team, who took first place in the POMS Basketball Tournament, 8th grade Division.
  • 7th grade Girls' Basketball Team, who took second place in the POMS Basketball Tournament, 7th grade Division.
  • POMS Chess Team who took 1st place in the TH Rogers Chess Tournament.
Exciting New Classes Available for Spring
We are thrilled to offer some new elective opportunities for Spring.  
  • Urban Agriculture
  • Comics and Graphic Novels
  • Computer Science and the Sciences
  • Game Design II (Coding)
  • The Real World (Personal Finance)
  • Bioengineering and World Health
  • Wings & Wheels (History and Model Building)
House Principals are finalizing schedules this week.  Students will receive their new schedule when they return on January 5th.  We will start the day in Advocacy.  In most cases, all core content classes will remain unchanged.

Ms. Howell's Retirement
Please join me in thanking Ms. Howell for her tremendous service to Houston ISD and Pin Oak Middle School.  As you may have already heard, she will be retiring at the end of this month.  Please take a moment to stop in and say thanks for the friendly smile, gentle spirit and dedicated service. She has been a tremendous help to me, and the many principals she has served alongside.  


Big Thank You 
... to George Mickelis and family, owners of Cleburne's Cafeteria for the generous donation for the teacher appreciation luncheon on December 16.  Cleburne's Cafeteria continues to be a strong supporter of Pin Oak Middle School with sponsorship throughout the year.

Corporate Matching Gifts
POMS PTO is so grateful for the generosity shown by parents in their gifts of time and donations.  As the year comes to a close, please check with your employer about their matching gifts program. It's a simple way to double the impact of your donation!  Questions? Contact Jodie Rephlo at mjrephlo@yahoo.com.

POMS Giving Tree
This holiday season consider gifting POMS, and leave a lasting marker of your child's time at Pin Oak. Purchase a metal leaf ($300) or granite stone ($1000) to honor your student, teacher, club, or athletic team. Place your order by December 18th at http://pinoakpto.org/pin-oak-tree/ for an early spring semester installation.  Contact Lauren Earthman (learthman@sbcglobal.net) if you have any questions.








Sunday, December 6, 2015

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming Events

Monday, 12/7  BLUE
Toys for Tots Donation Contest Begins
School-wide History Fair this Week, POMS Library
Swim Meet vs Lanier, @Lamar High School, 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, 12/8  GREEN

Wednesday, 12/9  BLUE
Orchestra/Band/Choir Field Trip
Boy's Basketball v Dowling @POMS, 5:30 p.m.
Girls' Basketball @ Dowling, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, 12/10  GREEN
Holiday Band Concert, 6:30 p.m.


Friday, 12/11  CHARGER
Show Choir Sings at Houston Federation of Garden Clubs
Girls' Basketball Tournament

Saturday, 12/11
Girls' Basketball Tournament

Next Week

Monday, 12/14  TESTING BLUE
Period 1 & 3 Finals

Tuesday, 12/15 TESTING GREEN
Period 2 & 4 Finals
Winter Orchestra Concert, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, 12/16  TESTING BLUE
Period 5 & 7 Finals
Fall Dance Concert, 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, 12/17  TESTING GREEN
Period 6 & 8 Finals
SLL Fieldtrip
SDMC Meeting, 3:30 p.m.
Winter Choir Concert, 6:00 p.m.

Friday, 12/18  CHARGER
No after school care - Full School Dismissal, 3:30


Final Exam Schedule


Not all students will participate in Final Exams in all classes. Teacher will communicate information about end of semester tests and final exams through the cluster websites. All students will follow the above schedule so as not to disrupt classes with some children out for final exams.

AP or IB?
We recently hosted representatives from Bellaire HS, Lamar HS and Reagan HS, who shared some of the common similarities and differences between AP and IB. I will attach two enlightening articles to the SchoolMessenger Blog Post Email for those of you who are interested but couldn't make the meeting.

Toys for Tots
Starting Monday, December 7th, Pin Oak will be collecting toys for the Toys for Tots campaign. We are asking students to bring new, unwrapped gifts to donate to less fortunate children in our community. Donation boxes will be located in each House office and the House that donates the most will win a free dress day when we come back from winter break! 

POMS Stage Band
I had the pleasure of watching our Stage Band perform today at the Willow Waterhole December in the Park Festival.  Beautiful day and fantastic tunes!



Pin Oak Boys' Lacrosse
The Pin Oak Boys Lacrosse team is still accepting new players, 5th through 8th grade. No prior experience is needed!  Come watch our first practice game on Saturday, Dec. 12 at 2pm here on the Pin Oak field. 

Also, an information meeting for all interested players will be next Sunday, Dec.13 at 5pm at Fuzzy's Pizza on Bellaire. 


Check out our website to find out more. It is www.pobl.org   We look forward to having YOU join Pin Oak Boys Lacrosse!

End of First Semester
The end of the semester is very quickly approaching.  Help your child make the most of the semester by encouraging them to turn in all missing assignments as soon as possible. Take advantage of tutorials and retakes this week.  

Sunday, November 29, 2015

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming Events

Monday, 11/30  BLUE
Spring Musical Audition Call Back

Tuesday, 12/1  GREEN
Picture Retakes (forms in Main Office)

Wednesday, 12/2  BLUE
Boy's Basketball v Welch @POMS, 5:30 p.m.
Girls' Basketball @ Welch, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, 12/3  GREEN
Progress Reports Go Home
Magnet Tour, 1:00 p.m.
Swim Meet vs Westbriar, @Westside High School, 5:00 p.m.

Friday, 12/4  CHARGER
TMEA All-Region MS Band Clinic/Concert

Saturday, 12/5
Barnes & Noble Book Fair, 3003 Holcombe
Pegasus Jr. Dance Clinic
TMEA All-Region MS Band Clinic/Concert



High School Magnet Applications
That deadline for applying to HISD High School Magnet Programs is quickly approaching for our 8th graders!  Not sure which schools your child will qualify for?  We can help with that!

HISD Office of School Choice now offers the Magnet Matrix Calculator!  Use the calculator to get a list of all schools in which your child meets the matrix score to qualify for the lottery.  
Need assistance with the application process?  Contact Ms. Vasquez in our House C office for assistance. Spanish assistance available.


Requesting Records
Do you need a copy of your child's records to submit with private or charter school applications? Contact Ms. Hoyos in the school office for the form to request records.  Plan ahead, as it often takes a full week to receive copies this time of the year. The school office will supply one set of records that you can copy to include with the various applications you are submitting.


Teacher Recommendations
If you are applying to a private or charter school that requires a teacher/administrator recommendation, please submit those as soon as possible.  We may not be able to complete recommendations submitted within one week of the deadline.




POMS HOLIDAY SHOPPING DAYS - Week of 11/30-12/6
Get ready, get set and go shopping!  It's POMS Holiday Shopping Days, and local businesses are getting into the giving season, gifting POMS PTO with cash back when patrons mention our school.  

Stock up on gifts, purchase items for Student Council's Toy Drive, or grab a treat or dinner! 

Here's what's we have lined up:

CHARDE'  JEWELERS, 5600 Kirby  - 10% back to POMS all day on WEDNESDAY, 12/2

CHICK-FILA Spirit Night, Buffalo Speedway @ Holcombe - up to 20% back to POMS, WEDNESDAY 12/2, 5pm-8pm

ROCKET FIZZ SODA POP & CANDY SHOP in the Village  - 15% back to POMS all day on FRIDAY, 12/4 

NOTHING BUNDT CAKES, Buffalo Speedway @ Westpark  - 15% back to POMS, MON-SAT 11/30-12/5

BARNES & NOBLES, Buffalo Speedway @ Holcombe- up to 20% back to POMS, MON-SUN 11/30-12/6, online sales 11/30-12/11. 


For more details, check out www.pomspto.org


House Sociables
Spend a fun evening supporting our school with other POMS parents, house principals, and Ms. Graves at our annual House Sociables!  Parents from houses A, B and C are hosting themed evening events for adults in January. Spots are limited so purchase yours now and enjoy mingling and socializing with friends, old and new!

Use the link below or visit the PTO website to purchase tickets.





First Swim Meet of the Season
Thursday, December 3rd at Westside High School:  7th and 8th grade Boys and Girls Swim Meet vs. Westbriar Middle School at 5:00pm.



POMS Boys' Lacrosse
The Pin Oak Boys Lacrosse team is still accepting new players, 5th through 8th grade. No prior experience is needed! Another information meeting is coming up soon.  Check out our website to find out more at www.pobl.org.  We look forward to having YOU join Pin Oak Boys Lacrosse. 

  

Sunday, November 22, 2015

News from Mrs. Graves

Daily Schedule

Monday, 11/23  BLUE
School Musical Auditions, 3:30 p.m.
Boy's Basketball @ Johnston, 5:30 p.m.
Girls' Basketball v Johnston @POMS, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, 11/24  ASSEMBLY GREEN
Lady Chargers vs Faculty/Staff Volleyball Game
NO AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

Wednesday, 11/25 - Friday, 11/27
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAYS


Monday, 11/30  BLUE
Spring Musical Audition Call Back

Tuesday, 12/1  GREEN
Picture Retakes

Wednesday, 12/2  BLUE
Boy's Basketball v Welch @POMS, 5:30 p.m.
Girls' Basketball @ Welch, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, 12/3  GREEN
Progress Reports Go Home
Magnet Tour, 1:00 p.m.

Friday, 12/4  CHARGER
TMEA All-Region MS Band Clinic/Concert

Saturday, 12/5
Barnes & Noble Book Fair, 3003 Holcombe
Pegasus Jr. Dance Clinic
TMEA All-Region MS Band Clinic/Concert


Cell Phone Policy
Students may bring cell phones to school, but they must be stored in the backpack/locker the entire day.  Cell phones may not be used anywhere in the building, and may not be used during school hours.  A phone is available for student use in the main office.  Please do not call or text during the day.

POMS Boys Lacrosse
The Pin Oak Boys Lacrosse team is still accepting new players, 5th through 8th grade.  No prior experience is needed!  Another information meeting is coming up soon.  Check out our website to find out more at www.pobl.org.   We look forward to having YOU join Pin Oak Boys Lacrosse!

All-School Musical
James and the Giant Peach
The school musical auditions are open to all Pin Oak MS students. Students do not need to prepare anything - the music director will teach them a song and then they will sing it. If your student decides to audition, tell them to go straight to the Caja Negra after school (3:30-6PM) tomorrow. For the lead roles we will have callback acting auditions after Thanksgiving. Those selected for callbacks will be posted before the Thanksgiving break outside of the Caja Negra (room D108).  The audition sheet is attached to the SchoolMessenger email or available in the main office.  Any student interested in auditioning must have the Audition Sheet signed by a parent/guardian.

Picture Retakes
Don't like the first set of school pictures? Did your student miss picture day?  Retakes are scheduled for Tuesday, December 1st.  Order forms available in the main office.

Congrats!
... to the cast and crew of These Shining Lives, our 2015 UIL One Act Play, who advanced from Zone to District, keeping an 8-year streak alive.  A special acknowledgement goes to Francisco Zurcher, All Star Cast and Samantha Ramirez Honorable Mention All Star Cast.

... to our TMEA All-Region MS Band participants: Aarti Kalamangalam, Elliot Snell, and Dylan Rice.  

...to our TMEA All-Region MS Orchestra participants: Michelle He, Concertmaster, 1st Chair; Sam Li, 2rd Chair Violin; Luke Ludwick, 2nd Chair Bass; Alison Wang 4th Chair Viola; Mark Li, 5th Chair Cello; Sarah Molina, 16th Chair Violin.

Big Thanks!
Our PTO and parent volunteers help make Pin Oak an incredible place to learn. Thank you for the generosity of your time and talents.   





Sunday, November 15, 2015

News from Mrs. Graves

Daily Schedule
Monday, 11/16  BLUE

Tuesday, 11/17  GREEN

Wednesday, 11/18  FUNKY GREEN
Early Dismissal, 1:00 p.m.
Boys' Basketball @POMS
Girls' Basketball @Pershing

Thursday, 11/19  BLUE
8th gr Chinese Speech Competition
SDMC Meeting, DLL, 3:50 p.m.
AP/IB Information Meeting for 8th gr Parents, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, 11/20  GREEN
7th gr Chinese Speech Competition
Regional Orchestra Clinic/Concert, Tompkins HS, 5:30-8:00 p.m.

Saturday, 11/21
Regional Orchestra Clinic/Concert
UIL One Act Play District Competition
Bellaire Fun Run

Monday, 11/23  BLUE
School Musical Auditions
Boy's Basketball @ Johnston
Girls' Basketball v Johnston @POMS

Tuesday, 11/24  ASSEMBLY GREEN
Lady Chargers vs Faculty/Staff Volleyball Game
NO AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

Wednesday, 11/25 - Friday, 11/27
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAYS


Thanksgiving Canned Food Drive
As we approach Thanksgiving, many of us are planning our holiday meals.  Unfortunately, 25.5% of the children in Harris County are currently in a food insecurity situation, meaning their families are uncertain about where their next meal is coming from.  The Pin Oak National Junior Honor Society is teaming up with four former Pin Oak students attending Bellaire and Carnegie High Schools to sponsor a Canned Food Drive this week.  We are setting our goal at 2,500 cans, which is just over two cans per student.  Please look into your hearts, AND into your pantries, and help support this cause that has a direct impact on our community.



Congratulations to ChargerFest Raffle Winners!
Apple I-Pad Mini - Kate Davidson, 6B
Rockets Tickets - Robert McGee, 6B
Phillips LCD Portable DVD Player - John Scott, 6B
Fitbit Flex - Molly V., 6A
Ray Bans Classic Aviator Sunglasses - Bailey Maierson, 7C
Trader Joes Goodies, Movie Passes and Restaurant Gift Cards - Samantha Kelly, 7C
Tiffany & Co. Double Heart Tag Pendant Necklace - Victoria Flores, 7B
Mixed Bag Designs Black Quilted Weekender Duffle - Ms. Ballard, House C Principal
Michael Kors Wristlet - Nicholas Plana, 6B

Charger Fest T-shirts - Jackie Canfield, 7C, Nathan Reichert, 8A, Iris Sibrian, 7C

Thanks for a Great ChargerFest!
A big heartfelt THANK YOU to our POMS community for making ChargerFest a success! What a way to show your Charger pride!  Thank you to the ChargerFest committees, volunteers, teachers, staff, administrators, students, and families for all their hard work and dedication.  The performances were spectacular, the International Fest was magnificent, the Art Show was extraordinary, and most importantly, our kids had a blast.  Many thanks to our underwriters, sponsors, families, and friends for supporting our school!  Looking forward to seeing you all at the next ChargerFest!  


Sunday, November 8, 2015

News from Mrs. Graves

Daily Schedule
Monday, 11/9  BLUE

Tuesday, 11/10  GREEN

Wednesday, 11/11  BLUE
Book Fair @POMS 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
NJHS Meeting, TEAM Time
UIL One Act Competition

Thursday, 11/12  GREEN
Book Fair @POMS 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Boundary Option Open House for Prospective Families, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, 11/13  CHARGER
2nd Cycle Report Cars
Book Fair @POMS 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Saturday, 11/14
ChargerFest
Book Fair @POMS noon-4:00 p.m.

Soccer anyone?
1    If you missed the interest meeting for either Boys’ or Girls’ Soccer, come see Coach Franco, Caraballo, or Nigoche after school if you’d still like to try out!


   Baseball Interest Meeting
    There will be a baseball interest meeting after school on Tuesday, November 10th in Ms. 
    Saldivar’s room B126.


Book Fair This Week
Come to the Pin Oak Book Fair!

Parents and Students can come and browse the great selection and buy books before, during or after school.

The Book Fair will be open from 7:30 - 4:00pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. And on Saturday, during Charger Fest from 12:00pm - 4:00pm.

Thursday morning, Nov. 12th, the PTO will be hosting “Books and Breakfast” beginning at 7:30. This is a great opportunity to come and spend some time with your student, enjoy some free breakfast and support the library at the same time.

All proceeds benefit the Pin Oak Library.


ChargerFest
Hello Pin Oak parents.  We are so excited about ChargerFest on Saturday, November 14. It will be an exciting afternoon for the entire family with fabulous fine arts performances, festive international fest, and many, many fun activities and games. 

Ticket presale is online at pinoakpto.org.  You may also purchase tickets during lunchtime this week and on the day of the event.  We have many great raffle prizes - iPad, Houston Rockets tickets and more.  ChargerFest is one of our biggest fundraisers.  Please support our school and join the fun at ChargerFest.

Sunday, November 1, 2015

News from Mrs. Graves

Daily Schedule
Monday, 11/2  BLUE
Volleyball vs. Pershing @POMS, 5:30/6:30

Tuesday, 11/3  GREEN

Wednesday, 11/4  BLUE
Orchestra, Choir, Art & Photography Renaissance Festival Field Trip
Chipotle Spirit Night - 50% Back to POMS

Thursday, 11/5  GREEN
Magnet Open House for Prospective Families, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, 11/6  CHARGER
College Shirt Day
TMEA Region 23 Band Auditions

Saturday, 11/7
TMEA Region 23 Band Auditions
TMEA Region Choir Auditions


Golf for Girls Clinic (Make-up Date)
My name is Meagan McAuliffe. I am a junior at Bellaire High School. Currently I
am working on my Gold Award for Girl Scouts.  Partnering with First Tee of Greater
Houston, I will be hosting a FREE golf clinic for middle school girls.

www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F0A4DAFA628A7F85-makeup

If you have any questions or trouble signing up please email me at soccermeagan15@gmail.com

When: November 14
Time: 3-5 pm
Where: FM Law Park
8400 Mykawa Rd, Houston, TX 77048

Privacy and Release of Information
NOTICE OF STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES WITH RESPECT TO STUDENT RECORDS MAINTAINED BY THE HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
State law requires the Houston Independent School District (HISD) to maintain an education record for each student attending its schools. These records contain identifying data pertaining to the student, and may include information concerning demographics, grades, attendance, health, discipline, guidance, assessment, and appraisals. You may choose to protect your student's information so that it is not released as part of the District directory. Only a parent, guardian, or student over 18 who desires to not have directory information released should sign and return the form. The form is available in the Main Office, and has been sent as an attachment to the weekly blog notification email.

SchoolPay
I am thrilled to announce that we will now offer electronic payment for many school-related fees.  Parents will be able to pay for items across departments with one check-out.  You can register for a SchoolPay account. It's easy!



Find the complete instructions on the brochure attached to the weekly blog notification email.

Swim Team Try-outs
Tryouts begin Monday at 6:00 p.m. at Lamar High School. Paperwork must be turned in before end of the school day in order to tryout. No paperwork will be accepted at tryouts.

Requesting Records for High School Applications
Students applying to HISD high school programs will not need a copy of their records. If however, you are applying for a private or charter school, or a public school outside of HISD, you may need a copy of your child's records to include with the application.  You will find a copy of the records request attached to the weekly blog post notification email, or you may get a copy of the form in the main office.  Please allow five school days for processing the records request.  Records will be sent home with the student in a sealed envelope.

ChargerFest
Please join us celebrating our outstanding students and community at ChargerFest -carnival, fine arts performances, and International Fest, from 12-4 p.m. on Saturday, November 14. Enjoy an afternoon of family fun and entertainment at our carnival. Watch fine arts performances showcasing the many talents of our students. Explore our International Fest featuring our language magnet program and student diversity. For performance schedule, ticket, and volunteer information, please visit the PTO website at www.pinoakpto.org.

Cultural Dance Performances
Does your POMS student participate in cultural dance?  We are inviting students to share cultural dance on November 14th at our International Fest.  Sign up at 
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/5080A4FAEA72EA46-international.  Someone will contact you to confirm a time and arrange to get your music.

Chipotle Spirit Night
This Wednesday, November 4th, from 5 to 8 p.m., Chipotle Mexican Grill at 5600 Kirby Drive and Nottingham is supporting Pin Oak Middle School ChargerFest in a big way! 50% of your purchase will be donated to Pin Oak PTO by bringing in the Chipotle Pin Oak PTO fundraising flyer or by simply telling the cashier that you’re supporting Pin Oak Middle School.





Sunday, October 25, 2015

News from Mrs. Graves

Daily Schedule
Monday, 10/26  BLUE
8C Holocaust Fieldtrip
NJHS Meeting, 7th & 8th gr, TEAM Time
Volleyball @ Rice School, 5:30/6:30
7th gr Football vs Westbriar @POMS, 5:00 pm
Progress Reports

Tuesday, 10/27  GREEN
8A Holocaust Fieldtrip
UIL One Act Play, Caja Negra, 6:00 pm
8th gr Football vs Pershing @Delmar Stadium, 7:00 pm

Wednesday, 10/28  Funky BLUE
6th gr Outsiders Day
Early Dismissal, 1:00 p.m.
NO AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
UIL One Act Play, Caja Negra, 6:00 pm

Thursday, 10/29  GREEN
8B Holocaust Fieldtrip (CORRECTION)
School Tour, 1:00 pm
UIL One Act Play, Caja Negra, 6:00 pm

Friday, 10/30  CHARGER
8C In-House Field Trip - 1776
Theatre Fieldtrip


POMS Yearbook
The Yearbook staff wants your photos of Pin Oak students at Pin Oak events!  You can send them to us via Balfour ImageShare app. How? It's simple! Download the Balfour ImageShare app on your phone or mobile device. The project number is 615643 and the password is "charger".

Yearbooks are on sale now for $45 at www.balfour.com.  We sell out every year so buy yours today. 

POMS Book
This year we are publishing a books of student art and writing. If you have any art or writing that you want considered for the book, please bring it to Ms. Beckman in Rm A109.

Registering as a Volunteer
We have several field trips just around the corner.  We are looking for volunteers, but you must be VISITS approved.  Have you registered as a volunteer in public schools?  Register online, then stop in the office so that we can make a copy of your license.





Saturday, October 24, 2015

Blog Correction

Progress Reports for 2nd grading cycle will be distributed Monday during 7th period.  Please note, this is a shorter grading cycle.  The last day of the grading cycle is Friday, November 6th.

Sunday, October 18, 2015

News from Mrs. Graves

Daily Schedule
Monday, 10/19  BLUE
Volleyball vs Westbriar @POMS, 5:30/6:30
7th gr Homecoming Football @Lanier, 5:00 pm

Tuesday, 10/20 ASSEMBLY GREEN
Homecoming Pep Rally, 2:30 pm (no early student pick up after 2:15)
8th gr Football vs Pershing @Butler Stadium, 7:00 pm

Wednesday, 10/21  BLUE
Girls Basketball Try-Outs (check the website)
School Choice Fair, 8th grade, MPR
Swim Team Interest Meeting @A-121, 3:45 & 5:00 pm
Fall Orchestra Concert, 6:30 pm

Thursday, 10/22  GREEN
Girls Basketball Try-Outs (check the website)
School Tour, 1:00 pm
Fall Band Concert and Spaghetti Dinner, MPR, 6:00 pm

Friday, 10/23  CHARGER
Girls Basketball Try-Outs (check the website)
Progress Reports
Homecoming Dance, 7th & 8th grade, POMS, 6:00-8:00 pm

Saturday, 10/24
HISD All-City Middle School Band Auditions, Pershing

Red Ribbon Week & Homecoming Festivities
This week we will be celebrating Red Ribbon Week and school pride with Homecoming. The Red Ribbon Campaign is a way for our POMS community to take a visible stand against drugs. This year’s theme is Respect Yourself: Be Drug Free! 

To show our commitment to respecting ourselves with the healthy lifestyle choice to be drug free, we will have a daily theme of dress that will coincide with Homecoming spirit week.

Monday’s theme will be "Wear a Red Ribbon".  Teachers will distribute red ribbon pins, and we ask students and teachers to wear them every day next week.

Tuesday is "Blue Out" for Homecoming Game Day! Students should wear their Pin Oak blue uniform shirt or Charger shirt.


Wednesday is "Go Red" Day. Students are invited to wear a red shirt with their uniform bottom.

Thursday we will buddy up because friends don't let friends do drugs or bully.  Students are invited to buddy up for twin day! Come in your best twin attire. Nothing covering the head or face allowed. 


Friday is Jersey Day to represent our commitment to health lifestyle choices! Students are invited to wear athletic jerseys representing any team: college, high school, pro teams, or a Pin Oak jersey, with their uniform bottom.

2nd 6-Week Grading Cycle
This grading cycle is shorter than the others. Progress will come out on October 23rd and then the grading period will close on November 6th.  It's important that students monitor grades and work completion.

Homecoming Dance
On Friday our 7th and 8th graders are invited to attend our annual Homecoming Dance. Students may dress up, or may choose to come in a more casual attire.  Tickets will be on sale before school in the Gym and MPR, during third lunch, or at the door on Friday.


Just Around the Corner! 
Fall Book Fair
Come to the Pin Oak Book Fair Nov. 10th - Nov. 14th, located in the DLL Room in the back of the library!  Come browse before, during and after school, or during Charger Fest from 12:00-4:00 p.m.

Thursday morning, Nov. 12th, the PTO will be hosting “Books and Breakfast” beginning at 7:30. This is a great opportunity to come and spend some time with your student, enjoy some free breakfast and support the library at the same time.

All proceeds benefit the Pin Oak Library.


Information About Cherrydale
Cherrydale Order Pick-up tomorrow, Monday, October 19th from 2:00 pm - 3:20 pm in the MPR.  All orders MUST be picked up at this time. Some items are perishable. Also, if your child had high sales, they will not be able to carry all items. 

Students will be called by cluster during this period to pick up their orders. If your student is absent, please make arrangements for someone to pick up their order. Contact Jill Hord jthord7@aol.com or Brittney Selldin m3bandp@mac.com with questions.

Note that all online orders shipped directly to customers.