Sunday, October 30, 2016

News from Mrs. Graves

Charger Buzz exceeded 77,000 Views last week!

Upcoming This Week (REVISED)

MONDAY, 10/31  BLUE
Boys' Basketball Practice Begins, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
7th gr Football @Westbriar MS, 5:00 p.m.

TUESDAY, 11/1  GREEN
ADVO
8th gr Football vs. Westbriar MS @Butler Stadium, 7:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, 11/2  BLUE
Choir/Orchestra Renaissance Festival Field Trip
Fall Book Fair Begins

THURSDAY, 11/3  GREEN
Book Fair
District Magnet Tours, 1:00 p.m.

FRIDAY, 11/4  CHARGER
College Shirt Day
Book Fair
Adv. Theatre UIL Clinic @Westbriar

SATURDAY, 11/5
Adv. Theatre UIL, Westbriar MS
Book Fair
ChargerFest, Noon-4:00 p.m.


Proposition 1: Know Before You Vote
Still have questions about Proposition 1?  The HISD website has a great video that explains the ballot language of "attendance credits." 

As district employees we are not allowed to share our political viewpoints in an attempt to persuade you to vote one way or another.  

Swim Try-Outs
Due to a scheduling conflict with the Lamar High School pool, POMS Swim Team Tryouts have been re-scheduled for MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7th at 5:30pm.  Only students who have already submitted paperwork are eligible to tryout.  If you have any questions, please see Coach Johnson (Boys) in A-121, or Coach Coffman Fujiwara (Girls) in C-112.

Fall Book Fair
Pin Oak will be holding our Fall Book Fair benefiting the Pin Oak Library.  The book fair is location in the DLL in the back of the library.

Parents and students can come browse the great selection and buy books before, during and after school.  The book fair will be open from 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, November 2-4.  On Saturday, November 5th, during ChargerFest, it will be open from noon-4:00 p.m.

Thursday morning, November 3rd, is our "Books and Breakfast" beginning at 7:30 a.m.  This is a great opportunity to come spend time with your student, enjoy free breakfast and support the library all at the same time.  We hope to see you then!

Run (or Walk) to Support Pin Oak Middle School
Calling all Pin Oak students and their families to participate in the Bellaire Fall Fever Fun Run on November 19.  The Bellaire Fun Run features both a 5k walk/run and a Childrens' Run, and benefits Bellaire area school, including Pin Oak Middle School.  Every student and their family members who sign up at www.bellairepto.org, a donation of $5 will be made to Pin Oak Middle School to benefit the new fitness track campaign.  There's even a chance for Pin Oak to win a traveling trophy for having the most participants.  So, get fit and benefit the fitness track!

Condit Elementary challenged the other Bellaire area schools, as we can't leave a challenge unanswered!  Mr. Merz, Ms. Riegler, Ms. Hill ad Ms. Reid will be participating for POMS, competing against the other Bellaire area school teams.  Let's cheer them on!

BTW, not into the early morning fun run scene?  Want to find a way to contribute?  You can register to "sleep in" ad receive a sleep mask instead of a runner t-shirt.  Or, consider making a donation directly to our Fitness Track Campaign at http:pinoakpto.org/fitnesstrack/


Developing Good Study Habits
I recently read a blog post from Edutopia that featured some really practical ideas for parents to help you child develop strong study habits.  Check it out!


Top Ten Things I Learned From My Day as a 6th Grader
#shadowastudent
10. The library is a really nice way to start the day.
9.   Working in groups is a great way to feel connected and learn from each other.  
8.   I had plenty of time to get to class because by shadow buddy was very organized about what materials to take each time we went to the locker. Nice job, Cecilia!
7.   Bottom lockers are really hard to get to, even with my cluster mates kindly offering to let me go first.
6.   Remembering the locker combination is not an easy thing.  Is 2 out of 3 good?
5.   Long division with decimals does not come easily when your regular job allows for a calculator.
4.   Forgetting your lunch money in your locker happens to the best of us.
3.   Praise from your teacher feels really good - "You are on the right track. Keep going."
2.   Positive body image matters! Right, Coach?
1.   Pin Oak students are incredible!  They work so hard!  #totalrespect


Halloween Costume Guidelines
Students are invited to dress in costume tomorrow using the following guidelines:
  1. Students may wear a costume that adequately covers their bodies, using the same guidelines as we use with dress code, i.e. no short skirts, no short shorts, no leggings, and no spaghetti straps, strapless tops or halter tops.
  2. Nothing may obstruct the face.  There should be no face paint, no face tattoos and no masks.
  3. No props. Under no circumstances may you bring a replica of a gun, knife, sword, etc.
  4. In light of the recent "clown" drama, no clown costumes are allowed.
  5. Please refrain from anything that may be disruptive, profane or inappropriate.
  6. Students who have PE on Monday, will still be expected to dress out and participate.  Please make sure you have appropriate shoes.
We reserve the right to determine if a costume is disruptive to the school environment, or not in compliance with the dress code standards.  Students who are not appropriately dressed will be asked to change clothes.


Pin Oak Boys' Lacrosse November Clinics
Pin Oak Boys Lacrosse Fall Clinics are continuing!! It is time to sign up for the November clinics, which start this coming Tuesday, Nov. 1.  Go to our website, POBL.org , for all the information. We hope to see old as well as new lacrosse players! All boys in grades 6-8th may sign up. It is a great way to check out the game. 







ChargerFest is Saturday! 

We need your help!
Please volunteer to work at ChargerFest.
Sign up today at:




Raffle begins Monday!!! 
Students can see the exciting prizes and buy raffle tickets during lunch this week.  Raffle drawings will be held at 3:45 on November 5th.  They do not need to be present to win.

Wristbands and tickets are on sale online until November 2nd. 
Be sure to buy ahead of time at the discounted rate.
Click here to purchase tickets.

*Students can purchase wristbands and tickets this week during lunch w/ cash or check.
*Online orders will be delivered during team-time beginning Monday, October 31st .

For questions, please contact Jenny Hanks at j_hanks@att.net
or Monica Weber at m_weber_designs@yahoo.com.

Charger Fest Performing Groups Schedule

12:30 - 1:00 Stage Band
1:00 - 1:30  Choir
1:45 - 2:15  Orchestra
2:30 - 3:00  Guitar
3:15 - 4:00  Dance


Thank you ChargerFest Sponsors & Underwriters
Fine Arts Performances
Maierson Family
Jungle Climb Rockwall
Decker Family
Cakewalk
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Inflatables
Bayshore Surveying, Michael Family, New Star EMS
Game Booths
Barrow, Fisher, Gilder, Madison, McAlpin, Mills, Organ,
Wizig-Barrios, & Woodcox Families
Energy Ogre
Fuddrucker’s
Vision Source Meyer Park
International Festival
Cheng, Clark, Hampton, Harper, Hutchinson, McIntosh, Nicodemus, Neumann, Rephlo, Wexler & Woods Families
Redemption Booth
Abaza, Cheney, Clement, Davies, Escobedo-Huh, Moss, Shah,
Skow & Williams Families
Pat’s Landscaping Co.

$1000 Sponsorship Group
Brandt, Felch, Forque, Hochglaube, Kant, Krauss, Malin, Schultz, Sloan,
Torres-Coley & Watts Families
Super Star Underwriters
Basa, Courtney, Hochglaube & DeBorde PC., Madison, McAlpin, Mills,
Shultz & Traylor Families
Idol Underwriters
Carr-Griffiths, Goodman, Harper, Jeanjean, Tackett & Woods Families
Champ Underwriters
Duval, Jarosz, McPherson, Shaw-Guttman, Soeriawinata & Wallach Families

Thank you PTO Corporate Sponsors for your continued support!
Bellaire Orthodontics
Beth Wolff Realtors
Chick-Fil-A

Thank you Raffle Prize Donors!
Beth Wolff Realtors – Texans Tickets
Borsos & Shah Families - Fitbit
Courtney Family – Beats by Dr. Dre Wireless Earphones
Dynamo Charities – Autographed Jersey
Hanks & Weber Families – Itunes Giftcard
Little Matt’s & Imagination Toys - Little Matt’s Gift card & Spooner Balance Board
Magpies Gifts & Alva Allen – Swell Bottle & Burlap Tote, both w/Free Monogramming
Vera Bradley – Vera Tote w/ matching Cosmetic Bag
Vision Source Meyer Park – Rayban Sunglasses
Wake Nation Houston – 4 Day Pass

In-Kind Donations from…
Beth Wolff Realtors
KROGER

ChargerFest Bazaar Vendors
Bellaire FUN RUN
Greater Houston Orthodontics
Kona Ice
Noonday Collection
POMS Agriculture Club
POMS Fitness Track
Trader Joe’s
Wake Nation
Wants & Needs Shop



Sunday, October 23, 2016

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming This Week
HOMECOMING AND RED RIBBON WEEK 

MONDAY, 10/24  BLUE
Red Out -"Say No To Drugs"
8th gr Girls' Basketball Try-outs, 6:00 a.m. (extended)
Volleyball @ Rice MS, 5:00 p.m.
7th gr Football vs Lanier @POMS, 5:00 p.m.

TUESDAY, 10/25  ASSEMBLY GREEN
Blue Out - "School Spirit"
Homecoming Week Pep Rally
Progress Reports Go Home (short grading cycle)
8th gr Football vs. Lanier @Delmar Stadium, 7:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, 10/26  BLUE
Funny Socks - "Laugh and Live Without Drugs"
Shadow a Student Challenge
UIL Theatre One Act Play, 6:00 p.m.
Choir/Orchestra Disney Parent Meeting, 6:00 p.m.

THURSDAY, 10/27  GREEN
Weird Hat Day - "Hat's Off to a Drug Free Life"
Boys' Soccer Interest Meeting, DLL, 7:30 a.m.
District Magnet Tours, 1:00 p.m.
UIL Theatre One Act Play, 6:00 p.m.

FRIDAY, 10/28  CHARGER
Team Jersey Day - "Team Up to Say No!"
Inter. Theatre 7/8 Field Trip
Homecoming Dance, 7th & 8th grade, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

SATURDAY, 10/29
UIL Academics & Speech Tournament @ Revere MS


Red Ribbon Week
Did you know? Children of parents who talk to their teens regularly about drugs are 42% less likely to use drugs than those who don't; yet, only a quarter of teens report having these conversations.

Red Ribbon Week, the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the nation, is a great opportunity to get the ongoing conversation started. 

This year's theme is YOLO. Be Drug Free.  Visit www.redribbon.org to learn more about Red Ribbon Week and get tips for talking to you kids about drugs.  The life you save may be that of your own child or a dear friend.


Red Ribbon Dress Schedule:
Monday - Red Out: Students are invited to wear red shirts with uniform bottoms.
Tuesday - Blue Out: Students are invited to wear a royal blue shirt with uniform bottoms.
Wednesday - Funny Socks: Students are invited to wear funny, crazy, unusual, or colorful socks. And why not bring a new pair of socks for the #socktober sock drive for the homeless?
Thursday - Weird Hat Day: Students are invited to wear an unsual hat. No masks, and the face may not be covered.
Friday - Team Jersey Day: Students are invited to wear a jersey or t-shirt from their favorite team.


Homecoming Pep Rally
On Tuesday we will celebrate our Charger Community during an afternoon pep rally.  The schedule will be slightly different.  It will be very difficult to pick up students early once the pep rally begins.  If you need to pick up your child early, please do so during the scheduled 8th period.  

Several groups will be performing at the Pep Rally.  To ensure a safe school wide pep rally, we will not be able to accept guests at the pep rally.  Please join us at the Homecoming Football Game at Delmar Stadium at 7:00 p.m.


                             Assembly Day Schedule


8:00
First Bell to Enter Houses 
8:07-9:25
1st/2nd Period 
9:30-10:40
3rd/4th Period 

First Lunch
Second Lunch
Third Lunch
10:45-11:15
1st Lunch
5th/6th Period
5th/6th Period
11:30-12:00
5th/6th Period
2nd Lunch
5th/6th Period
12:25-12:55
5th/6th Period
5th/6th Period
3rd Lunch
1:00-2:10
7th/8th Period 
2:15-3:30
ASSEMBLY/TEAM Time





Shadow a Student Challenge
Follow me on twitter for a peek into the student experience at Pin Oak on Wednesday, when I participate, along with the other Bellaire Feeder Pattern Principals in the Shadow a Student Challenge! Learn more about the challenge at http://shadowastudent.org/

Follow me @pinoakms




UIL One Act Play Performances
On Wednesday and Thursday our 8th grade Advanced Theatre group will be performing BOB: A Life in Five Acts by Peter Nachtrieb.  BOB, a dark comedy adapted for middle school UIL One Act Play competition, will be performed in the POMS Caja Negra.  Tickets must be purchased in advance.




ChargerFest is just around the corner!

Wristbands and tickets are on sale online until November 2nd.  Be sure to buy ahead of time at the discounted rate.

The deadline to be recognized on the Sponsor or Underwriter banners is this Tuesday, October 25th so don’t miss your
opportunity to support ChargerFest!
Sign up today at http://pinoakpto.org/chargerfest/ to sponsor, donate or purchase tickets.

Please consider volunteering to work at ChargerFest.
To sign up for a shift, please sign up today at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e044fa8ab29a46-poms

For questions, please contact Jenny Hanks at j_hanks@att.net
or Monica Weber at m_weber_designs@yahoo.com.

ChargerFest Performing Groups Schedule

12:30-1:00   Stage Band
1:00 - 1:30  Choir
1:45-2:15  Orchestra
2:30-3:00  Guitar
3:15-4:00  Dance

Thank you ChargerFest Sponsors & Underwriters
Fine Arts Performances
Maierson Family
Jungle Climb Rockwall
Decker Family
Cakewalk
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Inflatables
Bayshore Surveying, Michael Family, New Star EMS
Game Booths
Barrow, Fisher, Fuddrucker’s, Gilder, Madison, McAlpin, Mills, Organ,
Wizig-Barrios, & Woodcox Families
Energy Ogre
International Festival
Cheng, Clark, Hampton, Harper, Hutchinson, McIntosh, Nicodemus, Neumann, Rephlo, Wexler & Woods Families
Redemption Booth
Abaza, Cheney, Clement, Davies, Escobedo-Huh, Moss, Shah,
Skow & Williams Families
Pat’s Landscaping Co.

A New
& Exciting Attraction To Be Announced
Brandt, Felch, Forque, Hochglaube, Kant, Krauss, Malin, Schultz, Sloan,
Torres-Coley, & Watts Families
Super Star Underwriters
Courtney, Hochglaube & DeBorde, PC., Madison, McAlpin, Mills,
Shultz & Traylor Families
Idol Underwriters
Carr-Griffiths, Goodman, Harper, Jeanjean, Tackett & Woods Families
Champ Underwriters
Duval, Jarosz, McPherson, Shaw-Guttman, Soeriawinata & Wallach Families

Thank you PTO Corporate Sponsors!
Bellaire Orthodontics
Beth Wolff Realtors
Chick-Fil-A

Thank you Raffle Prize Donors!
Beth Wolff Realtors – Texans Tickets
Courtney Family – Beats by Dr. Dre Wireless Earphones
Dynamo Charities – Autographed Jersey
Vision Source Meyer Park – Rayban Sunglasses
Wake Nation Houston – 4 Day Pass

Little Matt’s Giftcard & Spooner Balance Board – Little Matt’s & Imagination Toys

Sunday, October 16, 2016

News (and a lot of it) from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming This Week
corrected version

MONDAY, 10/17  BLUE
Boys' Basketball Interest Meeting, 3:45 p.m.
Volleyball vs. Westbriar MS, @POMS 5:00 p.m.
7th gr Football @Pershing, 5:00 p.m.

TUESDAY, 10/18  GREEN
HS Magnet Fair for 8th Graders, 8th Period
Athletic Physicals, $15, 3:45 p.m.
Orchestra Concert, 6:00 p.m.
8th gr Football vs. Pershing, @Butler 7:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, 10/19  BLUE
PSAT Administration, 8th grade
Girls' Basketball Try-Outs, 6:00 a.m.
Swim Team Interest Meeting, House C Computer Lab, 4:00 p.m.
Choir Concert, 6:00 p.m.

THURSDAY, 10/20  GREEN
District Magnet Tours, 1:00 p.m.
SDMC Meeting, 3:45 p.m.
Band Spaghetti Dinner and Concert, 6:00 p.m.

FRIDAY, 10/21  CHARGER
1776 Day, In-House Fieldtrip, 8C and 8A
UIL One Act Play Performance, 6:00 p.m.

SATURDAY, 10/22
Advanced Theatre UIL Clinic, Westbriar MS



PSAT 8/9 Administration
HISD provides for administration of the PSAT 8/9 for all 8th graders. Families and schools can learn more about how to ensure students are ready for college by using the information from the PSAT 8/9.  Administration in 8th grade allows students to become accustomed to the layout and content of the assessment.  Our 8th graders will take the PSAT 8/9 on Wednesday morning.  You can learn more about the PSAT 8/9 at https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-8-9/inside-the-test


Bellaire High School Feeder Pattern Principals to
Take the Shadow a Student Challenge
Principals in our area work closely together to ensure our schools work best for students as they transition through school levels.  In our recent feeder pattern meeting, we decided to take the Shadow a Student Challenge!

Shadow a Student Challenge is designed to help educators learn first hand what it is like to be a student in our school?  Juggle the workload? Fit into the culture? Next week I will randomly choose a student to shadow, and I will follow that students day from sun up to homework completion.  

On Wednesday, October 26th we will all be undergoing this challenge at the same time in our own schools. We look forward to sharing our stories with our communities! 


Purchase Your Yearbook Now!

Yearbooks are only available online at www.balfour.com.  Search for Pin Oak Middle School.

If you have completed the process you will receive an email confirmation from Balfour. Save this as your receipt. If you do not receive the emailed confirmation from Balfour then you did not complete the process of purchasing a yearbook.  


High School Magnet Coordinators Visit POMS
On Tuesday the High School Magnet Coordinators will be at Pin Oak to showcase their programs for our 8th grade students.  Your 8th grader will be able to browse tables, ask questions and gather information about programs available in HISD.  

Because of the number of students and the limited amount of time, this event is designed for students only. 


Bellaire Fall Fever Fun Run
Join our greater community for the Bellaire Fall Fever Fun Run!  This is a great community event and a fun way to raise money for our fitness track!  A portion of the registration fees for all participants registering to run on the Pin Oak team will go back to POMS for the fitness track. 

And if that weren't reason enough...we've been challenged! All participating Bellaire schools are competing with a 5-teacher team for the best combined time.  Come on out and cheer on our teacher running team!

Register online for the Bellaire Fall Fever Fun Run 5K (3.1 miles) at https://thedriven.net/Bellaire-Fun-Run.race_reg/eid/6443135689  


GT Testing Application Window
GT testing for students who are not currently identified as GT will take place in December and/or January.  If you would like your child tested to see if he/she qualifies for GT services, please complete the application available on the Pin Oak website or pick up a paper copy in the main office beginning this week.

Applications, along with a copy of last year's final report card, should be submitted to Ms. Ballard no later than Friday, November 4, 2016.




Homecoming Dance
7th & 8th Grade
Friday, October 28th
6:00 -8:00 p.m.

6th gr Winter Glow Dance
Friday, November 11th
6:00-8:00 p.m.





Sunday, October 9, 2016

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming This Week

MONDAY, 10/10  BLUE
8A Field Trip, 8:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Volleyball @ Lanier MS, 5:00 p.m.

TUESDAY, 10/11  
Students Report to 1st Period for Attendance
Girls' Basketball Interest Meeting, 7:30 a.m.
POMS Color Fun Run
EARLY DISMISSAL, 1:00 p.m.
Parent Conferences (Must be scheduled in advance with cluster leader)

WEDNESDAY, 10/12 
Fall Holiday

THURSDAY, 10/13  GREEN
General PTO Meeting, 8:30 a.m.
8B Field Trip, 8:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
District Magnet Tours, 1:00 p.m.
Girls' Basketball Interest Meeting, Gym, 3:45 p.m.

FRIDAY, 10/14  CHARGER
Go Pink! Wear Pink Shirt for Breast Cancer Awareness
8C Field Trip, 8:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (MUST BE IN UNIFORM)
Lamar High School Band Night, Delmar, 3:40 p.m.

SATURDAY, 10/15
Regional Orchestra Auditions, Seven Lakes JH, 8:30 a.m.
Band All-City All-Regional Master Class, POMS, 9:00 a.m.


Tuesday's (Extra Funky) Schedule 

On Tuesday, students will report to their 1st period class for morning attendance and then will report to ADVO for distribution of Color Run items.  

Clusters have organized activities for before and after the Color Run for students.  All students will have the opportunity to qualify for the School Spelling Bee with a qualifying pre-bee test.  Our 7th and 8th graders will be completing modules on Naviance related to college and career-readiness, as well as completing assignments designed by the cluster teachers for that day.

Please be advised, if you are planning on picking up your child before dismissal at 1:00 p.m. it may take longer than usual.  Please plan accordingly.

Color Run Details:

  • All students participating in the color run (as a runner/walker, color thrower, or spectator) will change into their gym uniform before going outside.  Runners and Color Throwers will receive a special Color Run T-shirt.
  • 6th graders will race at approximately 8:45 a.m., 7th graders will race at approximately 9:40 a.m., and 8th graders will race at approximately 10:35 a.m.
  • All participants will be able to purchase additional color packets for color fun during the DJ party after the race for just $3.00.  Kona Ice will be on-site selling snowcones for an additional fee.
  • Spectator participation is still available.  Students may purchase spectator bands for $5.00 at lunch on Monday, or before school on the day of the race.
  • Students will change back into uniforms after the DJ party and will return to their assigned TEAM Time locations.  Dirty uniforms will be bagged and placed in the student's locker to come home on Tuesday.  Color will not stain the gym uniform and should wash out without a problem.  
  • Participation in the color run qualifies as 1 hour of service for students in NJHS.
  • Proceeds benefit the multi-purpose fitness track.  We are about half way there, but need 100% participation to get us a little closer.

Report Cards
Report cards were distributed on Friday during 8th period.  If you have not yet seen your child's report card, please ask for it this evening.  

NEW:  If your child's report card indicates an INCOMPLETE (INC) in one or more classes, that is the result of missing assignments.  The INC allows you to receive notification of the missing assignments, and allows the student to complete the work assigned in the class.  Most teachers allow for assignments to be turned in within one week, but please refer to the course syllabus or grading policy for each class.  At the end of the period of time identified by the teacher, any assignments still missing will be awarded a zero and the final grade for the reporting cycle will be calculated.  It is very important that your child complete the work and submit it to the teacher within the allotted time.

Athletes are not eligible for play if the report card indicates a failing grade or an incomplete (INC).  Students with failing grades are ineligible until after the grade check period.  Students with passing grades at grade check will be eligible again for play on October 28, 2016. Students with an incomplete (INC) may regain ineligibility sooner.  Students must complete the missing assignment(s), after which the teacher will determine a final average and will complete a grade change.  After the grade change is processed, the student may regain eligibility.  If the missing assignments are not completed and the final average is failing when the grade is calculated, the student will remain ineligible until after the grade check period.

Please also remember, late and missing work may result in adjustments to the conduct grade. The teacher's syllabus or grading policy should explain how late work impacts the conduct grade.

If you have questions about your child's report card, please reach out to the cluster leader to schedule a conference.  Teachers may still have conference times available for Tuesday afternoon.


What is Naviance?
Houston ISD has purchased Naviance access for all middle and high school students.  Your child will establish an account at school, but will be able to access the information at school and at home.  

Naviance is a college and career readiness platform that allows students to explore careers and helps with academic planning.  You can learn more about Naviance at https://www.naviance.com/solutions/parents-students


Box Tops Contest!!!!
Our school is participating in the Box Tops for Education™ program. Clipping Box Tops is an easy way for you to help our school buy what it needs. Box Tops are each worth 10¢ and they quickly add up to real cash for our school.

The grade/house that collects the most Box Tops between October 10, 2016 and March 31, 2017 will win a special party in April.  Place your Box Tops in a zip lock bag with grade and house clearly marked and drop in the collection box in the front office. 
Please check your Box Tops for the expiration date.  Only unexpired Box Tops can be submitted and will count toward the contest.