News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming This Week

MONDAY, 2/13  BLUE

TUESDAY, 2/14  GREEN
ADVO
Teacher Appreciation Valentine's Dessert Buffet
Tennis Practice 
Softball vs Marshal, @POMS, 4:30 p.m.
Choir Ensemble Concert, 6:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, 2/15 BLUE
Baseball vs St. John's, @POMS, 4:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, 2/16  GREEN
PTO General Meeting, 8:30 a.m.
Tennis Practice
UIL Band Rehearsal, 3:30 p.m.
SDMC Meeting, 3:45 p.m.
Baseball vs Lanier, Linkwood Park, 4:30 p.m.
Girls' & Boys' Soccer @Lanier, 4:30 p.m.
Softball @Meyerland, 4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, 2/17  CHARGER
Report Cards

SATURDAY, 2/18
Westbury Track Meet, Butler
Houston Hispanic Forum
Champions NW Houston Classic Dance Contest

SUNDAY, 2/19
Boy's Lacrosse @POMS, 1:00 & 2:30 p.m.

National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP)

Pin Oak students have been chosen to represent Houston ISD, Texas and our nation in the 2017 NAEP administration. NAEP is the largest nationally representative assessment of educational progress since 1969.  Results from NAEP are used to create the Nation's Report Card.  As a nationally representative sample, approximately 140 of our students were randomly selected and will have the opportunity to represent us on March 1st.  If your child was selected to participate, you will receive a letter on Monday.

Since 2014, I have had the opportunity to serve the U.S. Department of Education as a member of the NAEP Principals' Panel and have learned more about the important role NAEP plays in informing education policy across our country.  I travel to Washington, D.C. three times each year to serve on the panel, and among other things, have had the opportunity to provide feedback on the transition from a paper based assessment to the digital assessment being administered this year. I am thrilled to know our Pin Oak Chargers will have the opportunity to represent our nation.

You can learn more about NAEP at https://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/.

Update on the Fitness Track

Last March we launched an $80,000 fundraising campaign to install a 1/2 mile concrete fitness track around our athletic facility.  We are closing in on funding the project, and are moving forward with planning.  We are expecting to receive information from the City of Bellaire next week with information on requirements for permitting, and will be able to get a final bid and move forward with construction.  We are planning construction for this summer. You will have another opportunity this spring at our Flip Flop Fiesta to purchase a fitness track paver with a personalized inscription. 

Cell Phones and Slime

I've always wanted to write something with this title!  Let me start with cell phones.  Please remind your student that cell phones should be stored in their lockers during the school day. Students are not allowed to have cell phones on their person, and should not be checking them during the day.  Cell phones may be used after school and only outside of the school building. If you need to reach your child during the school day, please feel free to call the school office.  A message can be taken for your child, and his/her name can be displayed on the monitor for a message in the office.  If your child needs to reach you, a phone is available in the main office for use during lunch.

And then the more exciting of the two...slime.  Evidently we have a slime explosion, and some of our children are stretching their entrepreneurial wings to launch slime sales. Teachers have asked that I reach out to you and ask for your help.  We have had slime stuck in computer keyboards, books, and even hair in the last week.  We love that they are practicing their chemistry at home, but please keep the slime at home.

POMS Yearbook

We are quickly approaching our final order deadline.  If you have not already ordered your child's yearbook, now is the time!  You may order today at www.balfour.com.   

Flip Flop Fiesta Just Around the Corner

Have you purchased your tickets for Flip Flop Fiesta?  This is our largest fundraiser each year, and is a really great time to get to know other parents and work toward the goal of funding improvements for Pin Oak. Sponsorships are still available if you are interested in underwriting this event.