News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming This Week

MONDAY, 11/21  BLUE
"No Missing, No Late" Signatures Due
PTO Sponsored Staff Appreciation Dessert Buffet
Girls' Basketball @Pershing, 5:30 p.m.
Boys' Basketball vs. Pershing @POMS, 5:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, 11/22  ASSEMBLY GREEN
Choir & Theatre Fieldtrip
2nd grading Cycle "No Missing, No Late" Free Dress
No Afterschool Activities

WEDNESDAY, 11/23  
Thanksgiving Holiday

THURSDAY, 11/24  
Thanksgiving Holiday

FRIDAY, 11/25  
Thanksgiving Holiday


Great Turn Out at Bellaire Fun Run
Saturday's community event was a huge success!  Pin Oak was well represented with runners, artists, and NJHS volunteers.  In fact, Pin Oak is bringing home the hardware for "School with the Most Participation" and we are celebrating.  Every one who participated in the event on Saturday is invited to wear their red 2016 fun run shirt to school on Monday. We will invite all in their shirts to come to the cafeteria during TEAM Time for a photo to go into the local newspapers.

New Instagram Account
On Saturday at the Boy's Basketball Tournament I was encouraged by some 7th graders to start a school Instagram Account.  Gotta give the public what they want!

This account will exclusively post pictures and messages from and for school related events.  The school account will not "follow" any other accounts.  I will monitor the comments and block any users who make inappropriate comments.  I am hopeful this will be a good way to communicate directly with our digital natives through social media.

I want to invite POMS students to follow on Instagram at pinoakmshoustonisd.  And mom and dad, you are welcome too!

Reminder About Avenue B
It is very important to me that we are good neighbors.  I am starting to receive complaints again from our neighbors on Sunburst and Avenue B.  They are frustrated with the traffic during morning drop off and are concerned about the safety issues that arise when our parents are making uturns in the street and blocking the path for emergency vehicles.

Please use the designated drop off areas in the main circle driveway or in the south HCC parking lot.  These are supervised areas for drop off every day.


Giving Thanks and Finding Ways to Give Back
This week I will find time to slow down and reflect on the many blessings in my life.  I sincerely hope that you and your family have the same opportunity.  I will probably get started on my holiday shopping this weekend and pick up a few toys for the Toys for Tots Drive, but after the hustle and bustle of Black Friday shopping, I will also look for other opportunities to make a difference for others.

#GivingTuesday was born out of that same idea.

This year, on Tuesday, November 29, 2016, Pin Oak Middle School is participating in #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving.

Last year, more than 45,000 organizations in 71 countries came together to celebrate #GivingTuesday. Since its founding in 2012, #GivingTuesday has inspired giving around the world, resulting in greater donations, volunteer hours, and activities that bring about real change in communities. We invite you to join the movement and to help get out and give this November 29.

POMS will be participating in #GivingTuesday in two ways:

One, we will be raising donations of all sizes for our fitness track campaign.  POMS is halfway toward a goal of raising $80,000 for the construction of a new half-mile fitness track that will encircle the playing fields.  The track will be used by all POMS students and the community.  We invite you to help us build the track by donating at http://pinoakpto.org/fitnesstrack/.

Two, POMS will be giving back on @GivingTuesday by asking students to bring in a pair of new or gently used tennis shoes.  The tennis shoes will be collected and given to the Emergency Aid Coalition, an interfaith organization that collaborates to provide temporary assistance in the form of food, clothing and other basic needs, with an emphasis on serving the working poor.

Get Ready! Make a gift to the fitness track campaign at http://pinoakpto.org/fitnesstrack/. Donate a pair of shoes.  Spread the word about #GivingTuesday by sending this email to friends, neighbors, and colleagues.

Holiday Shopping Days are just around the corner!  November 28-December 3
Check the PTO website for the local businesses that are giving back to POMS.