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.

https://cwsclients.wufoo.com/forms/20152016-house-sociable/

First Swim Meet of the Season
Thursday, December 3^rd at Westside High School:  7^th and 8^th 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. 

  

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.   

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!  

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 10^th 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.

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 4^th, 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.