News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming This Week

MONDAY, 10/3  BLUE
Volleyball vs Lawson MS @POMS, 5:00 p.m.
7th gr Football vs Lawson @POMS, 5:00 p.m.

TUESDAY, 10/4  GREEN
ADVO
Family Night @ Skeeters, 4:00-10:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, 10/5  BLUE
8th gr Football vs Lawson MS @Butler Stadium, 5:00 p.m.

THURSDAY, 10/6  GREEN
District Magnet Tours, 1:00 p.m.
Cheer/Dance/Football Photos, 3:45 p.m.
Club Tennis Parent Info Meeting, 5:00 p.m.
Girls' Lacrosse Parent Info Meeting, 5:45 p.m.
NJHS Induction Ceremony, 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, 10/7  CHARGER
College Shirt Day
Visual Arts Lunch & Learn with GONZO247
Report Cards

SATURDAY, 10/8
HISD District Cross Country Meet, Herman Brown Park

Gr8 Election

On Friday, the 8^th grade US History teachers introduced their students to an interactive simulation unit referred to as the Gr8 Election. All of our 8^th grade students will be actively participating in a mock-election on campus, which will begin with party identification (Mustangs, Broncos or Palominos) and accelerate through a short primary season toward its conclusion, the general election. Students will self-identify with one of three political parties based on their responses to inventory questions about their Pin Oak experience. Simply, the context here is to treat school issues as if they were the most important issues that a country (The Independent Nation of Pin Oak) would face.  

After party identification we will run a short primary season, to a general election with a simulated electoral college.  Strict guidelines for campaigning, including campaign finance rules, will be in place.  

There has been buzz about this project among our 8^th graders, and they’ve been chomping at the bit since the beginning of September to get going – I am immensely proud of the hard work and innovation of our 8^th grade history teachers to get this unit off the ground and can't wait to see our 8th graders tackle this opportunity.  It will be nice to see a model of democracy in action.  

Club Tennis Comes to POMS
Much like our club lacrosse program, a small group of parents and students have expressed an interest in offering a club tennis team at POMS. There will be a parent and student informational meeting on our new tennis club sport on Thursday, October 6th at 5pm in the DLL.  Tennis club will be starting on Tuesday, October 18th and will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:45-4:45.  If you are unable to make the meeting, but are interested in joining, please email Marcela Davis at marceladavis@gmail.com.  

High School Tours Start This Week and Run Through November

If your student will be attending High School Tours please follow these simple steps to assure your student will be in the front office ready to be picked up by you or the person who you have allowed to sign your student out.  

1. Email Ms. Marquez by 8:00 am the day of the tour with your student NAME and TIME you need them to be picked up. FMONTANO@houstonisd.org 
2. Specify who will be picking up your child and assure they have proper identification with them. 
3. Please remind your student to be aware of the time you need them in the front for pick up. 
4. Please make sure to sign your child out. 

There will be a list with all of the students whose names I received that morning, find your child and sign them out. If you forget to email Ms. Marquez that morning his or her name will not be on the list. You may still pick up your child but keep in mind you will have to wait a little while longer.  

Please keep in mind that we cannot excuse absences related to tours.  If your child takes a morning tour and is not on campus at 9:20 a.m. your child will be considered absent for the day.  Afternoon tours will only result in an absence for the specific period(s) missed while off campus.  Please consider spreading out tours so that your child does not miss class several weeks in a row.  

Our goal is to make this as smooth as possible and we need everyone’s cooperation to ensure this is a quick in and out process. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask I will be happy to answer any concerns you might have.  

Advanced Art Lunch and Learn

Our first Lunch and Learn will be held in the DLL on Friday Oct. 7 for advanced 7th and 8th grade art students featuring local Hispanic celebrity street artist GONZO247. He will be sharing his journey in the art world here in Houston and discussing the transition from graffiti to mainstream public art. #houstonstreetart #aerosolwarfare #gonzo247 

Finally...Jacket Weather!
Jackets seem to be one of the tricky points in the dress code policy, so I wanted to offer these reminders since jacket weather is just around the corner. The following is taken from the Student Planner:

• Jackets, sweaters or sweatshirts may be white, royal blue or light gray. Navy blue and dark gray will not be permitted.
• Fabric: Cotton or cotton blend
• No logos or designs permitted
• Turtlenecks and long-sleeved shirts may be worn under the regular uniform shirt as long as the turtleneck or long-sleeved shirt is tucked in and white, royal blue or light gray.
• Any item purchased in the school store or any official team or club sweatshirt or jacket is allowable.

Dropping Off Items for Students
Just as a reminder, we implemented a new message board system to eliminate the need to interrupt instruction during the school day for items left in the main office for students.  The system is working very well, and teachers have noticed a significant difference with fewer disruptions.  Please make sure your child develops the responsibility of organizing themselves so that all materials get to school, but in the event something is forgotten, make sure your child knows to look at the message monitors, located throughout the school, if you plan to deliver something for your child.

Big Thanks!
As we await the final numbers, I want to thank Janet Nuemann, Michelle Leppard and Jenny Leishman for the hard work organizing our Mixed Bags Fundraiser!   

ChargerFest
Sponsorships are still available and we need your help! Don't miss your opportunity to support ChargerFest!

Sign up today at http://pinoakpto/chargerfest/ to sponsor, donate or purchase tickets. Questions? Contact Jenny Hanks at j_hanks@att.net

Thank you ChargerFest Sponsors and Underwriters!

Maierson Family
Madison Family
Organ Family
Weber Family - New Star EMS
McAplin Family
Tackett Famiily
Wallach Family

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

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming This Week

MONDAY, 9/26  BLUE
Volleyball vs Welch @POMS, 5:00 p.m.
7th gr Football @ Welch, 5:00 p.m.

TUESDAY, 9/27  GREEN
CLUBS
8th gr Football vs Welch MS @ Butler Stadium, 7:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, 9/28  BLUE
Mix It Up at Lunch
Listen & Learn Tour with Superintendent Carranza, Bellaire HS 6:00 p.m.

THURSDAY, 9/29  GREEN

FRIDAY, 9/30  CHARGER

SATURDAY, 10/1
HISD Invitational Cross Country Meet, Herman Brown Park


Charge Into The Color - POMS Color Run
Tuesday, October 11th is an early dismissal day.  During the morning hours, students will have the opportunity to participate in a one-mile color run to raise awareness for a healthy lifestyle and raise money to install a half-mile multi-use track in the POMS greenspace. 

FIT BIT?! WIRELESS HEADPHONES?! FREE DRESS PASS?! Say what? These are some of the cool items you can win when you enter to be a runner.walker or color thrower at Pin Oak's first ever COLOR RUN!! You will automatically be entered into the raffle to take home one of these great prizes!

Our PE classes have launched a competition to see which coach can get the highest level of participation.  So how can your child participate?

• Color Runner/Walker $25 Donation
• Color Thrower $50 Donation (spaces limited)
• Spectator and Cheering Squad $5 Donation

Students also have the opportunity to purchase additional packets of color for the post-run dance celebration with a DJ. Students may want to bring money for Kona Ice, who will also be on hand with something cool.   

Register online at the POMS PTO website or return the pink flyer given out during PE.


Fall Clubs
Two weeks ago your child had the opportunity to shop two clubs.  Students will receive their Club assignments on Monday, with the first day of Fall Clubs on Tuesday.  All students were assigned to one of their club choices.


Pin Oak Press

On September 16, 2016, our journalism team published the first issue of the Pin Oak Press.  If you missed the print version, you can catch up on the news at https://pinoakpress.org/.  You may submit a story idea, or learn more about the team.

Staffers are selling shout-outs for $3.00 at lunch, or if you are interested in purchasing ad space, contact stomlin1@houstonisd.org. 

The next issue of Pin Oak Press will be available Friday, October 14, 2016.


Listen and Learn Tour with Superintendent Carranza
Board Trustee, Mike Lunceford, will be hosting a town hall meeting in our area on Wednesday, September 28th at 6:00 p.m. at Bellaire High School.  You will have the opportunity to learn more about Mr. Carranza, our new superintendent, and give your feedback about the educational opportunities in Houston ISD.  I look forward to seeing you there!


Top Tier College Night

On Thursday, October 6th, HISD will host a Top Tier College Expo at Kingdom Builders Center at 6011 W. Orem Drive.  Admissions representatives from top tier colleges across the country will be available from 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.  The event is designed primarily for high school seniors and juniors, but middle school students and their parents are invited. It's never too soon to start looking. For more information visit www.HoustonISD.org/Emerge.

Two New Ways to Support Pin Oak!

Family Night at Skeeter's Mesquite Grill

Skeeter's will give 20% of food purchases (dine in or to go orders) on Tuesday, October 4th. Bring the flyer attached to the weekly email or display this image on your phone.

Spark Energy Donates to POMS for Every New Customer Using Our Promo Code

News From Mrs. Graves

Upcoming This Week

MONDAY, 9/19  BLUE
Volleyball @ Meyerland MS, 5:00 p.m.
7th gr Football vs Meyerland MS @ POMS, 5:00

TUESDAY, 9/20  GREEN
ADVO
8th gr Football vs Meyerland MS @ Butler Stadium, 7:00 p.m.
Mixed Bags Paper Orders Due - Online Orders Continue Until Friday

WEDNESDAY, 9/21  FUNKY BLUE
Volleyball & Cross Country Pictures, 7:00 a.m.
Early Dismissal, 1:00 p.m. -- NO AFTER SCHOOL CARE

THURSDAY, 9/22  GREEN
Boys' Lacrosse Parent Information Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, 9/23  BLUE
Mixed Bags Online Sales Deadline

SATURDAY, 9/17
Westbury Classic Cross Country Meet, Willow Waterhole, 8:00 a.m.
Choir and Orchestra Trip to San Antonio


Recapture of Local Property Tax Revenue
Were you unable to join us at the PTO meeting last Thursday?  Houston ISD is considered a property-wealthy district.  As property value has increased, Houston ISD has received less funding for public education from the state.  Now, HISD is expected to send $162M to the state to fund public education in 2017, and is estimated to pay more than $1B over the next four years.  You can learn more about the school finance system and Recapture by watching the video on the HISD website at http://www.houstonisd.org/recapture.

In November, you will find an item on your ballot regarding the recapture of $162M in local tax revenue by the state.  Learn more and make your wish known.  Share the link on social media with friends and family.

Charge Into the Color
Our first ever color run will be held during school the morning of Oct 11 to support our Fitness Track fundraising efforts. We hope you join the fun and CHARGE INTO THE COLOR!

Students can GET OUT OF CLASS for one hour (pre-determined time) if they participate in one of the following ways:

1) Run/Walk one mile
2) Cheer on classmates (Spectator)
3) Douse friends with color (Color Thrower)

Enjoy music, color fun and Kona Ice (additional cost) during the post-run party! 

Sign up before Sept 26 at the Pin Oak PTO website: http://pinoakpto.org/http://pinoakpto.org/

Brighten your day while supporting this fun FITNESS TRACK fundraiser!

What Is Mix It Up at Lunch Day?

From the teaching tolerance website:

A national campaign launched by Teaching Tolerance in 2002, Mix It Up at Lunch Day encourages students to identify, question and cross social boundaries.  

In our POMS surveys, students have identified the cafeteria as the place where divisions are most clearly drawn.  So for just a day, we ask students to move out of their comfort zones and connect with someone new over lunch.  It’s a simple act with profound implications. Studies have shown that interactions across group lines can help reduce prejudice. When students interact with those who are different from them, biases and misperceptions can fall away.  We will participate in Mix It Up at Lunch Day on Wednesday, September 28th. (With space limited in the cafeteria we may not be able to have guests at lunch.) You can learn more at http://www.tolerance.org/mix-it-up/what-is-mix.

PTO Membership

I hope you will consider partnering with parents and staff through membership in the PTO. Membership starts at $5. 

Those participating at $750 and up will be invited to join me at a special event “Breakfast with the Principal”.  These funds go great lengths to enhance curriculum and extracurricular opportunities for our students.

Be sure to join by September 23 to be recognized within the print version of the Directory.

https://cwsclients.wufoo.com/forms/20162017-pin-oak-pto-membership/

Lost Ring

A family heirloom ladies ring was lost about two weeks ago at PO, in the girls bathroom, closest to the cafeteria.  This is a traditional, vintage, sterling silver ring with a wide band and has a bright white background face with a flower design. This ring has a huge amount of sentimental value and recently was just past down to a POMS student. The owners are offering a reward for the return of the ring.

Pin Oak Boys' Lacrosse
Another great season of Pin Oak Boys' Lacrosse is gearing up! We will hold a general interest meeting on Thursday, September 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the Pin Oak Cafeteria.  Please join us to find out everything you ever wanted to know about Pin Oak Boys Lacrosse!  All parents, former and new players, as well as siblings are welcomed to attend the meeting. 

No prior experience is necessary to join the team.  We look forward to seeing you on September 22nd at 6:30 p.m.

**Lacrosse is considered a Club sport (not adopted as a UIL sport) and is open to 6th graders, 7th and 8th graders

Mixed Bags
Support POMS with our Mixed Bag fall fundraiser starting on Tuesday, September 6th. Mixed Bag Designs offers two catalogs filled with high quality, colorful and stylish products including reusable bags, totes, accessories, home storage products, kitchenware, gift-wrap and more. There is something for everyone on your list in these catalogs!  Turn in money and completed orders by Tuesday, September 20th.  POMS earns up to 45% profit for each order!  Awesome prizes awarded!  For questions please contact Janet Neumann (janet@snfriends.com).  
www.mixedbagdesigns.com/Retail-Home?fundraiserid=552243

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming This Week

MONDAY, 9/12  BLUE
Volleyball v Pershing @ Pin Oak, 5:00 p.m.

TUESDAY, 9/13  GREEN
Club Shopping

WEDNESDAY, 9/14  BLUE
Odyssey of the Mind Parent Information Meeting, Library, 4:00 p.m.

THURSDAY, 9/15  GREEN
PTO General Meeting, 8:30 a.m.
SDMC Meeting, 3:45 p.m.

FRIDAY, 9/16  CHARGER
Fall Picture Day
NJHS Applications Due

SATURDAY, 9/17
School Choice Fair, Westbury High School, 9-12


What is Club Shopping?  
At Pin Oak we believe it is important for our students to get involved and make connections through common interests.  We think it is so important that it is part of the school day, and available to all students, not just those who can come early or stay late.  Every teacher in the school sponsors a club and we change clubs each semester.

Choosing the right club is important.  We want students to have enough information to make an informed choice about the type of club in which they wish to participate.  Club shopping was born out of that idea.  On Tuesday during TEAM time, students will get to shop two clubs, and will then turn in their top choices for a club.  Our club organizers will match students to the club of their choice and club assignments will be announced next week. Clubs will meet every other week on Tuesdays, instead of the traditional Advocacy period.

How should parents support this process?  Parents should encourage children to explore topics of interest without making judgments about the quality of the topic, and without making the choice for them. They may initially choose a club because a friend has chosen it, but the hope is that our students will gain the confidence to try things of interest, with or without the security of a good friend.  Every opportunity for students to meet others with common interests expands their friend circle and builds connections that make a large school feel smaller.

School Choice Fair

The Office of School Choice will be hosting a School Choice Fair at Westbury High School on September 17 from 9AM-12PM for all families who are interested in learning more about magnet programs and the magnet application process for the upcoming school year.

This year, online applications and paper applications will be available starting on September 30 and the deadline to apply to be considered for magnet lottery is December 9^th.

Pin Oaks Boys Lacrosse

Another great season of Pin Oaks Boys Lacrosse is gearing up! We will hold a general interest meeting on Thursday, September 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the Pin Oak Cafeteria.  Please join us to find our everything you wanted to know about Pin Oak Boys Lacrosse!  All parents, former and new parents, as well as siblings are welcomed to attend the meeting.  No prior experience is necessary to join the team.  We look forward to seeing you on September 22nd at 6:30 p.m.

**Lacrosse is considered a Club sport (not adopted as a UIL sport) and is open to 6th graders.

Final Days of our Fundraiser

Support POMS through our Mixed Bags Fundraiser!  Tuesday, 9/20 is the final day to make purchases that benefit POMS with 45% of all purchases.  www.mixedbagdesigns.com/Retail-Home?fundraiserid=552243

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming This Week

MONDAY, 9/5  HOLIDAY

TUESDAY, 9/6  GREEN
Mixed Bag Fundraiser Begins
Advanced Theatre Parent Meeting, 5:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, 9/7  BLUE

THURSDAY, 9/8  GREEN
Yellowstone Parent Meeting, 6:00 p.m. 
Middle School Transition with Ms. Clower, 6th gr parents, 6:30 p.m. **REVISED DATE**

FRIDAY, 9/9  BLUE
Go Houston Texans' Day - Wear your Houston Texans' T-shirt

SATURDAY, 9/10
Lobo Invitational Cross Country Meet

Great Turn-Out!
Thanks to all who joined us for Open House last week!  We sincerely hope you were able to learn about the curriculum and expectations for this school year.  Remember to follow the cluster blog/website for up-to-date information about your child's classes.  Please feel free to reach out to your child's teacher with any follow-up questions.  

Planner
Tonight would be a great time to take a look at your child's planner from the last two weeks to see if they are starting the year on the right note!  The planner includes the monthly calendar of events, and has weekly pages for assignments and due dates.  This is a great way for you to encourage independence, while still having a way to monitor their progress in developing strong systems of organization. The Planner also serves as one communication tool between home and school.  

School Communication Policy
As students move into middle school you may feel more disconnected from what is going on at school.  We have several systems that are in place to help you feel more connected. Encouraging independence while still feeling connected in a balancing act!

When parents have questions or concerns, the best source of information is your child's teacher.  The relationship you build with your child's teacher is the most important relationship you will have each year.  Your child's teacher will have the information you need, or can easily get an answer for you. 

Most teachers prefer email as the best method of communication.  District policy sets the expectation for a response within 48 school day hours.  For instance, if you email on Tuesday afternoon, you should expect a response no later than the same time on Thursday. If you email on Friday afternoon, you should expect a response no later than Tuesday afternoon.  Most teachers are able to respond much sooner than 48 hours, but remember, I expect their time during the day to be focused on instruction, rather than answering email.

There may be times when you have a concern, maybe about something your child tells you, or you may have questions about grading.  Whatever the issue, the very first place you should start is with your child's teacher.  Always assume good intentions and know that our teachers really want the best for their students.  If you do not hear from your child's teacher within 48 school day hours, please send a second email and include the House Principal.

If the question or concern needs more than an email, please contact the cluster leader to schedule a conference.  All initial conferences will include all cluster teachers to ensure we are able to answer your questions.  

Staying connected through the cluster blog/website, this blog and Parent Student Connect (online grade book) is a great way to know what is going on at school.  

Mixed Bag Fundraiser

Support POMS with our Mixed Bag fall fundraiser starting on Tuesday, September 6th. Mixed Bag Designs offers two catalogs filled with high quality, colorful and stylish products including reusable bags, totes, accessories, home storage products, kitchenware, gift-wrap and more. There is something for everyone on your list in these catalogs!  Turn in money and completed orders by Tuesday, September 20th.  POMS earns up to 45% profit for each order!  Awesome prizes awarded!  For questions please contact Janet Neumann (janet@snfriends.com).    
www.mixedbagdesigns.com/Retail-Home?fundraiserid=552243

PTO Membership
I hope you will consider partnering with parents and staff through membership in the PTO.  Membership starts at $5.  Those participating at $750 and up will be invited to join me at a special event “Breakfast with the Principal”.  These funds go great lengths to enhance curriculum and extracurricular opportunities for our students.
Be sure to join by September 23 to be recognized within the print version of the Directory.

https://cwsclients.wufoo.com/forms/20162017-pin-oak-pto-membership/  

Great Team Work!

Our sewing class is learning to cut patterns as they help out POMS!  Thanks to the PTO, we are able to update our Social Studies resources with new 8th grade History books.  They will last longer now!  Our sewing students have used a pattern to cut clear plastic to serve as book covers.  NJHS steps in next to actually cover the books.  Great team work!

NJHS Applications Available

Current 7th and 8th graders may pick up an NJHS Application from Ms. Coffman Fujiwara or Mr. Johnson.  Students must have a 93% average from last year in core content classes (Math, Science, ELA/Reading and Social Studies) and conduct will be considered. Applications are due Friday, September 16th.  

Students who have been previously inducted do not need to reapply.  Service hours are due at the first meeting.

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming This Week

MONDAY, 8/29  BLUE
Volleyball Parent Meeting, 5:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, 8/30  GREEN

WEDNESDAY, 8/31  BLUE

THURSDAY, 9/1  GREEN
PTO Meeting, MPR, 5:30 p.m
Open House, 6:00 p.m.

FRIDAY, 9/2  CHARGER
1st Day Paperwork Free Dress

MONDAY, 9/5
Labor Day Holiday - No School



**REVISED DATE**
THURSDAY, 9/8 
Middle School Transition with Ms. Clower, 6th gr Parents, 6:30 p.m.


Open House, Thursday, September 1st
Thursday Night teachers will be ready to greet our parents to give an overview of their class and the curriculum for this school year.  Students will bring home a copy of their schedule for parents on Wednesday afternoon for parents to use on Thursday, September 1st. Parents will follow the Charger Day schedule and visit all eight classes.

5:30 p.m. PTO Meeting w/Mrs. Graves, MPR
6:00 - 6:15  1st Period
6:19 - 6:29  2nd Period
6:33 - 6:43  3rd Period
6:47 - 6:57  4th Period
7:01 - 7:11  5th Period
7:15 - 7:25  6th Period
7:29 - 7:39  7th Period
7:43 - 7:53  8th Period

Meet the PTO

Grab an early parking spot before OPEN HOUSE and head into the MPR. Meet some of our PTO Board members and event chairs. Find out more about all our efforts and get involved at POMS.  We need you!

Changes to Grading Policy

On Thursday night you will learn more about our grading policies, but I would like to feature some of the primary tenets here and tell you more about how we got to this point.

Last year our SDMC began a study of grading practices, researching for best practices, studying HISD Board policy on grades and evaluating current policies used at Pin Oak.  We based our discussion around four primary ideas related to grading - timeliness, fairness, accuracy and specificity.  In other words, grades should reflect how well a child has mastered a particular concept, should not be influenced by behaviors rather than mastery of the subject, and students should know relatively quickly how they did.   

As we evaluated our practices, we have made a few changes that you should be aware of as we move into this school year.  The biggest change to our grading policy is an emphasis on grades demonstrating how well a child knows the material.  We are limiting penalties to the grade for behaviors such as turning in work late, using pencil instead of pen, forgetting to write their name, etc.  Behaviors will now be reflected in the conduct grade and work habits, instead of in the numerical grade, thereby making it a truer reflection of mastery. These policies have been agreed upon within each of our departments and will be discussed at Open House. 

The other major change is the expectation that work will be graded within one week of the due date.  Some teachers will return work in class for students to review and turn back in, while others will distribute the work to go home. Teachers who do not send graded work home will have the work available for parents to review at school, and grades will be posted in Gradespeed.  Your child's teacher will discuss the policy during Open House. 

1st Day Paperwork Free Dress

Beginning Tuesday, students will be able to pick up their wristband for Free Dress on Friday in their House Office.  The House Clerk will have a list of all students qualifying for the Free Dress.  Students who turned in their first day paperwork last Tuesday are eligible for the Free Dress.  Free dress guidelines are in the planner.  Please review those with your child before Friday.  Students must have the wristband or they will be required to be in uniform.

News from Mrs Graves

Welcome to the 2016-17 school year!  

MONDAY, 8/22  CHARGER
NEW**  First bell rings at 8:00 a.m. and tardy bell at 8:07 a.m.
First Day Parent Coffee, Library, 8:15 a.m.
Football Begins, Daily 3:30-5:45 p.m. (7th and 8th grade only)

TUESDAY, 8/23  GREEN
Volleyball Interest Meeting, DLL, 7:30 a.m.
Volleyball Interest Meeting, Gym, 3:45 p.m.
Athletic Physicals $15 (cash only), Dance Room, 3:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, 8/24  BLUE
Volleyball Try-outs, Gym, 6:00-7:30 a.m.

THURSDAY, 8/25  GREEN
Volleyball Try-outs, Gym, 6:00-7:30 a.m.

FRIDAY, 8/26  BLUE
Volleyball Try-outs, Gym, 6:00-7:30 a.m.
6th Grade Mixer, Cafeteria, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

First Day Information
Students are supervised for early drop off as early as 7:15 a.m.  Students arriving early will be sent to the Gym or MPR to wait until the first bell rings.  

Students will find their assigned first day homeroom using the alpha lists posted throughout the school.  Your child will receive a new copy of their schedule at that time, as well as their ID badge if they attended Charger Camp.  

At approximately 8:15, we will begin a Charger day schedule and students will attend all 8 periods on their schedule.  Students will eat lunch according to their grade level unless they are assigned a mixed grade class during 5th or 6th period.  This is very unlikely since there are very few classes during these periods that are mixed grade level classes.

During 8th period, students will receive the "First Day Packet" that includes important paperwork that should be completed by parents and returned on Tuesday.  Please set aside some time Monday evening to complete the paperwork.  Due to a delay in printing, the lunch application is not included in the packet.  We will send that form separately.  

Morning Drop-off Procedures
Parents have two options for dropping off in the morning.  For families coming eastbound on Glenmont from 610, please use drop-off location one, in green below.  For those families coming westbound on Glenmont from Newcastle should use drop-off location two in the HCC parking lot, in yellow below.  Please do not drop off your child on Avenue B or along the curb on Glenmont.  

HISD Transportation Information from Mr. Berry

If you did not receive a post card or a phone call from HISD Transportation telling you which route and stop your child is assigned to, that means your child will need a pink bus pass from Pin Oak in order to ride the bus this year.  Bus routes and stops are updated every year, so passes from previous years are not valid.  If your child had a pass last year it will need to be replaced.

HISD Transportation has a list of stops and routes that serve Pin Oak.  Here is a link: http://www.houstonisd.org/Page/69921 (select “Pin Oak” as your campus and click “submit”)

After reviewing the stops, please email Mr. Berry at jberry4@houstonisd.org: in the email tell him your child’s name and the bus stop they’d like.  Their pink bus pass will be delivered to them in class.

PTO School Store 

The school store will be open for business at 11:45AM - 1:45PM on Monday, August 22nd. We will not be open in the morning for the first day of school.  The School Store operates at 100% by parent volunteers.  These parents will be bringing their own children to school on the first day.  Starting Tuesday, August 23rd the store will be open daily during the following time periods:

7:45AM - 8:15AM

11:45AM - 1:45PM

(closed during school wide testing and early dismissal days)

First Day of School Parent Coffee

Please join us for coffee and breakfast bites at 8:15 a.m. in the Library.  Hosted but the PTO Hospitality committee.

Save the Date
6^th grade parent talk on Middle School Transition

Thursday, September 8^th at 6: 00 p.m.

POMS MPR