Sunday, April 24, 2016

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming Events
Teacher Appreciation Week

MONDAY, 4/25 BLUE
Intramural Basketball, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Pin Oak Idol Rehearsals

TUESDAY, 4/26  GREEN
Clubs
Pin Oak Idol Rehearsals
6th & 7th gr Athletic Reception, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, 4/27  BLUE
Pin Oak Idol Rehearsals
8th gr Athletic Banquet, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, 4/28 GREEN
Special Olympics Field Day, Butler Stadium, 8:30 a.m. 
Intramural Basketball, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
New Student Orientation, 6:00 p.m.

FRIDAY, 4/29  CHARGER
Progress Reports Go Home
Pin Oak Idol Final Show Rehearsal, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Pin Oak Idol, 6:30 p.m. (Purchase Tickets at Lunch)

SATURDAY, 4/30
Orchestra & Choir, Music Across Texas, 8:00 a.m.
Texas Art Education Association, Junior VASE, Kleb Intermediate, 8:00 a.m.
Incoming Experienced Band Auditions, 9:00 a.m.
Girls' Lacrosse @ Kingwood, KFL Fields/Insperity Sports Complex, 10:00 a.m.

SUNDAY, 5/1
POMS Family Day at Reckling Park, Rice Baseball, 12:30 p.m.


Teacher Appreciation Week
Our teachers work so hard to create a safe, engaging learning environment for our students. This week is the week we celebrate their commitment and contributions. Please consider taking a moment to send a kind word of appreciation.

Teacher of the Year "Fan Favorite"
Each year the District asks the greater community to vote on the "Fan Favorite" for Teacher of the Year.  POMS Teacher of the Year, Ms. Kerri Coffman Fujiwara (7C) is definitely our favorite!  You can help her become "Fan Favorite"  by voting every day until May 6th at  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/82596R8

8th Grade STAAR Scores
Late Friday, we received individual score reports for students who took 8th gr Reading STAAR and 8th gr Math STAAR. We expect to send those home Monday afternoon with students.  We are very pleased with the results.

STAAR Reading - Increased from 2015
98% Met Standard, with 52% scoring at Advanced

STAAR Math - Increased from 2015
94% Met Standard, with 30% scoring at Advanced

Students taking Algebra will take their EOC (End of Course Exam) on Wednesday, May 4th, thus will only have a Reading score on their score report.

Dress Code Check
We are noticing more students pushing the limits with dress code.  Please take a moment to check your Charger before leaving the house.

Some things to look for:

  • Skirts should be no more than 2 inches above the knee.  Many girls are rolling their skirts at the waist to make them shorter, and some girls are simply growing taller.  Please let out the hem if need be to make sure they are not too short.
  • Bottoms should be khaki, navy blue, blue denim or official school tartan. We are noticing gray and black, which is not acceptable.  
  • Tops should be solid white, royal blue or light gray, with no color variations, patterns, words, emblems or logos.

Save the Date!
Sunday, May 1st @ 12:30 p.m.
Pin Oak Family Day at Reckling Park
Get your tickets now, and join us for Rice Baseball vs. Charlotte!  One of our Pin Oak Chargers will throw out the first pitch, and a portion of the ticket proceeds goes back to Pin Oak!  Buy your tickets at www.riceowls.com/pinoak and use promo code: PINOAK

FINALLY... Pin Oak Idol
Pin Oak Idol will be held April 29th 6:30-9:00 in the MPR!  Tickets (wristbands) are $5 each and go on sale April 25-29 in the school store.  Come and watch the amazing talent of our Pin Oak Chargers!!!



Tuesday, April 19, 2016

REVISED SCHEDULE

Upcoming Events

MONDAY, 4/18
INCLEMENT WEATHER DAY

TUESDAY, 4/19 
INCLEMENT WEATHER DAY

WEDNESDAY, 4/20  BLUE
Advanced Theatre Auditions, 3:30-7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, 4/21 GREEN
SDMC Meeting, 3:45 p.m.
Artfest @ POMS, 5:00-7:00 p.m. **

FRIDAY, 4/22  CHARGER
POMS Spirit Night @ Reginelli's
Boys' Lacrosse @ Pershing, 7:00 p.m.

SATURDAY, 4/23
Fine Arts Fun Day (All incoming students invited)
Dance Officer Try Outs, 9:00-Noon
Girls' Lacrosse @ Friendswood, 10:00 a.m.
Boys' Lacrosse @ Revere, 11:30 a.m.

SUNDAY, 4/24
Pin Oak Stage Band, Willow Waterhole Concert
Boys' Lacrosse vs Pershing @ POMS, 4:30

TO BE RESCHEDULED:
Show Choir Auditions
Intramural Basketball



**ArtFest?
ArtFest is a huge celebration of POMS arts programs, with performances by all art areas and visual arts on display.  Missing two days this week may have slowed our progress toward a ready showcase.  We will determine tomorrow if this will take place this week.  We need to speak with each art teacher to determine if students have had enough time to rehearse or matte their work for display.  

Watch for updated information on Wednesday, and don't miss this opportunity to see the incredible arts program in action!

Monday, April 18, 2016

Weather and School Update

I hope this email finds you safe and dry!  As things are drying out, I continue to worry about our families in Meyerland, Westbury and surrounding areas.  If your home took on water, or if you know of a POMS family dealing with a flooded home, please email me with any information you can provide.  We are here to offer support.
A few things that you should know:
  • Later tonight or early in the morning, HISD will make decisions about whether or not school will happen tomorrow.
  • When we return to school, tomorrow or Wednesday, we will follow the schedule posted in my blog, but may change the schedule for the remaining days of the week (Tuesday-Green, Wednesday-Blue).
  • With 200 homes in the Meyerland area flooding, we are expecting we may have families that will be displaced, and may need clothes.  Please send any gently used school uniforms and shoes to the library when we return to school.  If you are able to have those freshly washed it will help with getting the clothing to students who need them. 
  • We may need volunteers to assist with organizing clothing donations.  If you are available, please use this link:  www.SignUpGenius.com/go/30E0D4FAAA623A6F85-pinoak2
This Weeks Events:
  • Anything on the schedule will continue as planned once we return to school.  There was nothing scheduled for after school today.
  • Intramural Basketball will kick off tomorrow!  If your student is signed up to play, please review the schedule and rules. Email Mr. Merz with questions.

4-19-16
@4:15pm
Spurs vs Hoops I Did It Again
Yvng Kings vs Nigocheators

@5pm
Penguins vs Chargers
Blue Cheetahs vs Redhawks


CO-ED INTRAMURAL RULES
First 8 teams to sign up are entered
·         4 on 4
·         Team names must be school appropriate
·         Teams of 6 (3 boys and 3 girls)
·         Teams missing the minimum number of players (2 girls and 2 boys) will forfeit that game 10 minutes after the scheduled start time
·         2 girls and 2 boys on the floor at all times for each team
·         Girls guard girls, boys guard boys
·         15 min halves
·         Every 5 mins mandatory substitutions (2 per half)
·         Running clock until 2 mins left in the half
·         1 timeout per half per team
·         Any shooting foul is 1 shot for 2 points (unless it is a basket + foul situation)
·         Any foul under 2 mins remaining in the half is a shooting foul (1 for 2)
·         Any technical foul is automatic 2 points for opposing team plus a personal foul
·         Two technical fouls will result in the ejection and suspension of that player
·         Each player gets 4 personal fouls
·         No more than two POMS basketball players on the same team
·         All other basketball rules and violations apply

Sunday, April 17, 2016

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming Events

MONDAY, 4/18 BLUE

TUESDAY, 4/19  GREEN
ADVO
Show Choir Auditions, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Intramural Basketball, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
UIL Intermediate Band Concert and Sight Reading Contest, Katy HS

WEDNESDAY, 4/20  BLUE
NJHS Meeting, Team Time
Advanced Theatre Auditions, 3:30-7:30 p.m.
UIL Intermediate Band Concert and Sight Reading Contest, Katy HS

THURSDAY, 4/21 GREEN
SDMC Meeting, 3:45 p.m.
Artfest @ POMS, 5:00-7:00 p.m.

FRIDAY, 4/22  CHARGER
POMS Spirit Night @ Reginelli's
Boys' Lacrosse @ Pershing, 7:00 p.m.

SATURDAY, 4/23
Fine Arts Fun Day (All incoming students invited)
Dance Officer Try Outs, 9:00-Noon
Girls' Lacrosse @ Friendswood, 10:00 a.m.
Boys' Lacrosse @ Revere, 11:30 a.m.

SUNDAY, 4/24
Pin Oak Stage Band, Willow Waterhole Concert
Boys' Lacrosse vs Pershing @ POMS, 4:30


How Does Attendance Impact School Funding?
This school year we have improved school attendance for almost every month of the school year, improving from 97.7% last year to currently 98.1%

You already know that regular school attendance is critical for your child's success in school.  But, did you know that strong school attendance increases school funding for our campus?

The district sets a per pupil funding amount.  School funding is determined by multiplying the number of students by the average daily attendance, and the product is multiplied by the per pupil allocation. Simply, we expect to got 97.7% of the funding we are entitled to this year, because we had only 97.7% in average daily attendance.

So how much is each percentage point of average daily attendance worth?  One percentage point of the per pupil allocation is worth about $43,000.  
Everyday counts in keeping every dollar we are due.

I ask you to partner with me in ensuring we get every dollar possible to provide your children with the educational programs they deserve.  Our attendance goal this school year is 98%. We are on track to make that goal, putting money back in the school budget where it belongs!

1% = $43,000


Intramural Co-ed Basketball League

We are so excited about this opportunity for students!  By the end of day Friday we had 8 teams and are ready to move forward.  Teams may pick up the schedule and rules from Mr. Merz on Monday.

Students are welcome to stay after school to watch the other teams play. Students must remain in the gym during the games, and may not use cell phones. Cell phones and other electronic devices must remain in their backpacks. All students must be picked up by 5:45 each game day.

Games will take place at 4:15 and 5:00 on the following days:

Regular Season Play
April 19
April 25
April 28
May 3

Tournament Play
May 5
May 12


Volunteers Needed
We are still looking for a few good men or women to help referee our co-ed intramural games.  Do you know basketball?  Email Mrs. Graves or Mr. Merz to volunteer for one or more games!  


POMS Spirit Night at Reginelli's
THIS FRIDAY NIGHT IS PIZZA NIGHT AT REGINELLI’S BELLAIRE - AND - NELLI THE MASCOT WILL BE THERE TO GREET YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY!

Mark your calendar for April 22nd Spirit Night!  Voted Best Pizza by Where Y'at Magazine, their New Orleans style pizzas, pastas, soups, salads and sandwiches are sure to please! Reginelli's will donate 15% of their proceeds to Pin Oak (all day whether dine-in, take-out or delivery). On top of that, Reginelli’s is also giving $200 in gift cards to our Pin Oak teachers! Don't forget to mention Pin Oak when ordering! Location : 5303B Bissonnet St. Tel: 713-666-7707.

Let's ALL be there to show our school SPIRIT and our support for Reginelli’s !

Note : Reginelli’s parking lot now has day and night patrol. 


Order your school supplies now!
www.1stdayschoolsupplies.com

Sunday, April 10, 2016

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming Events

MONDAY, 4/11 BLUE
Cheer Try-Out Clinic, 4:00-5:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, 4/12  GREEN
CLUBS
Softball @ Marshall MS, 4:30 p.m.
Cheer Try-Out Clinic, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Baseball Semi-Final Game (TBA)

WEDNESDAY, 4/13  BLUE
Show Choir Field Trip
NJHS Meeting, Team Time
Cheer Try-Out Clinic, 4:00-5:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, 4/14 GREEN
PTO Meeting, 8:30 a.m.
Cheer Try-Out Clinic, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Orchestra UIL Concert, Elsik HS
Boys' Lacrosse vs St. John's @ POMS, 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, 4/15  CHARGER
Cheer Try-Outs
Orchestra UIL Concert, Elsik HS

SATURDAY, 4/16
UIL Debate Contest, Westside HS, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Girls' Lacrosse @ Katy/SBM, Grob Stadium, 11:00 a.m.

SUNDAY, 4/17
Pin Oak Day at Reckling Park, 1:00 p.m.
Boys' Lacrosse vs Kingwood @POMS, 4:00 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.


2016-17 School Supply Packs
It is time to order school supplies for 2016-2017. We have worked with a new supplier to bring the cost down, and have created packs specific to what your child will need in the assigned 7th or 8th grade cluster. 

Click on the link www.1stdayschoolsupplies.com and enter our school zip code (77401) and choose Pin Oak Middle School.  Choose your grade and house, check out, and you are done!  All supplies will be delivered to school and ready for pick up at Charger Camp in August.  Some items will be delivered in bulk to the cluster.  If you have any questions please contact Amanda McGee amandatmcgee@gmail.com or Laran Harris laranharris@gmail.com.

Pin Oak Family Day at Reckling Park
Get your tickets now, and join me for Rice Baseball vs. Western Kentucky!  Scott Cricks, 6A student, will throw out the first pitch, and a portion of the ticket proceeds goes back to Pin Oak!  Buy your tickets at www.riceowls.com/pinoak and use promo code: PINOAK

Charger Co-Ed Intramural Basketball League
Introducing the first ever Pin Oak Coed Intramural 4-on-4 Basketball League. Coed means boys and girls, and intramurals means recreational for all grades. Sound fun? 
  •      Games will be twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays, after school starting April 19th. Games will start at 4:30 and 5:15.  Students will need to be picked up no later than 6:00 p.m. each day.  
  •      There are 8 spots for teams.
  •      Teams will be made up of 3 boys and 3 girls (6 total). No exceptions.
  •      Teams will create their own team names and choose their own teammates.
  •      No more than 2 POMS basketball players per team.

Teams will play 4 games each and then play in an end of season tournament for bragging rights.

Students should see Mr. Merz in C115 in order to get the permission slip and ensure their team’s spot. We will take the first 8 teams to sign up and turn in permission slips for all team members. Once we get 8 teams to sign up, we will issue the schedule of games. 




Sunday, April 3, 2016

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming Events

MONDAY, 4/4 BLUE
Baseball vs Pershing @POMS, 4:15 p.m.

TUESDAY, 4/5  GREEN
ADVO
Bellaire HS Zoned Student Course Selection, during ADVO
Softball vs Black MS @POMS, 4:30 p.m.
UIL Band Concert, Cafeteria, 6:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, 4/6  BLUE
Softball vs Lanier @ POMS, 4:30 p.m.
Pin Oak Idol Auditions (Assigned Auditions Only), Cafeteria

THURSDAY, 4/7 GREEN
Pin Oak Idol Auditions (Assigned Auditions Only), Cafeteria
Baseball vs SVDP @ POMS, 4:15 p.m.
Softball @ St. Francis Xavier, 4:30 p.m.
Soccer @ West Briar MS, 5:00 p.m.
Orchestra, Pre-UIL Concert, MPR, 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, 4/8  CHARGER
Report Cards go Home
6th gr Cyber Safety with Crimestoppers
Boys Lacrosse v Black MS @ POMS, 7:00 p.m.


Big Thanks!
We would like to thank Michelle Sacks, from Crimestoppers (and POMS parent) for meeting with our 7th and 8th graders last week to help them make safer and more responsible choices with social media.  The students were engaged throughout the presentation, and walked away more informed.  

Our 6th graders will participate in a similar presentation this week on Friday.


GIVING TREE DEADLINE - 4/7 
APRIL 7th IS THE DEADLINE TO ORDER LEAVES & BOULDERS TO BE INSTALLED BEFORE THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR!

Your child or your family can be part of Pin Oak history forever with an engraved leaf or stone on the Pin Oak Giving Tree at the front entry of the school. It is a great way for 8th graders to leave a memory marker at Pin Oak or to commemorate the end of a great 6th grade year.
Place online orders here: http://pinoakpto.org/pin-oak-tree/. If you have any questions, please email Lauren Earthman at learthman@sbcglobal.net.


Pin Oak Idol Auditions 
If your child is interested in auditioning for Pin Oak Idol, students should pick up a packet from Mr. Dabbs and receive an assigned audition time.  Audition pieces must be performance ready

Shout Out!
We are so proud of Thomas Raguso!  He represented Pin Oak this week in back-to-back academic competition, Nat Geo Bee on Friday and the Houston Public Media Spelling Bee on Saturday.  #ChargerProud


What Came First, the Chicken or the Egg?
At POMS it's the chicken!  Our Urban Agriculture class welcomes 4 new hens to the program.  The students have built the chicken coop and will be working this week to build a larger enclosed ranging area.  We look forward to providing vegetables and fresh eggs at our next Urban Farmers' Market.  

We are collecting clean egg cartons.  Please drop off your used but clean egg cartons in the main office.