News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming This Week

MONDAY, 3/26  BLUE

     POMS Spirit Night at Skeeters      

TUESDAY, 3/27  GREEN

ADVO
Girls' & Boys' Soccer @Westbriar, 4:30 p.m.
Softball Vs. Westbriar @POMS, 4:30 p.m.
Dance Team (Company & Crew) Tryouts, 6:00 p.m.
Girls' Lacrosse @St. John's, 6:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, 3/28  BLUE

     Baseball vs. Lanier @POMS, 4:30 p.m.
p   Pin Oak Idol Auditions

THURSDAY, 3/29  GREEN

NO AFTER SCHOOL CARE
Pin Oak Idol Auditions
Baseball vs SVDP @South Campus, 4:15 p.m.
Softball @Kinkaid, 4:30 p.m.
Intermediate Theatre Showcase, MPR, 6:00 p.m.     RESCHEDULED 4/2/18

FRIDAY, 3/30  

HOLIDAY

Save the Date

Spring Dance Show, April 4 & 5

FRIDAY NIGHT FEVER 2018 at SOUTHSIDE CLUBHOUSE - DON'T DELAY!

Purchase your tickets Now! Time is running out, and space is limited! Dinner, Dancing and Socializing with fellow POMS parents, Wine Pull, and Final Bidding on Big Board Items!

Friday, April 13th; 7-11 PM

Southside Clubhouse 

Disco/Casual Attire

FRIDAY NIGHT FEVER 2018 ONLINE AUCTION - GET READY TO BID

The first ever online POMS Auction will open on April 4. We have some amazing items to bid on. All POMS friends and family can bid on items! Any family that registers to bid will be automatically entered to win a prize. More details coming soon.

This is the biggest fundraiser of the year for POMS PTO. Funds raised support instructional materials, fine arts, classroom technology, library, UIL athletics and child advocacy. There is still time to donate items to the online auction. 

Company and Crew Dance Tryouts

Applications for Company and Crew tryouts are available in the dance room, D118.  There is a mandatory parent meeting Tuesday, March 27 at 6:30 p.m. for all who are interested in trying out.  Company meeting will be held in the MPR.  Crew meeting will be held in the dance room, D118.

Incoming Lamar 9th Grade Parent Meetings

Monday, May 7:  6:00 PM, Cafeteria

Wednesday, May 9:  6:00 PM, Cafeteria

Project Prom Donation Site

Pin Oak is serving as a donation site for Houston ISD's Project Prom. Help our Teen Leadership class by donating gently used dresses, tuxedos, shoes, handbags, and other accessories.

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming This Week

MONDAY, 3/19  BLUE

      UIL Band Clinic - Intermediate & Advanced, 3:40-5:30 p.m.
      Softball vs. Hamilton @POMS, 4:30 p.m.
      Baseball vs. Tanglewood @POMS, 4:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, 3/20  GREEN

CLUBS
8th gr District Track Meet, Barnett Stadium, 4:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, 3/21  BLUE
8th gr District Track Meet, Barnett Stadium, 4:30 p.m.
UIL Rehearsal, Intermediate & Advanced Band, 3:40 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Softball vs. Pershing @POMS, 4:30 p.m.
Choir/Orchestra/Theatre New York Trip Parent Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, 3/22  GREEN

General PTO Meeting, 8:30 a.m.
SDMC, 3:50 p.m.
Baseball @Pershing, 4:00 p.m.
Boys' & Girls' Soccer @Meyerland, 4:30 p.m.
Softball vs. Hogg @POMS, 4:30 p.m.
Orchestra Pre-UIL Concert, POMS, 6:30 p.m.
Band Pre-UIL Contest & Site Reading, Waltrip HS

FRIDAY, 3/23  CHARGER

SATURDAY, 3/24

Girls' Lacrosse vs Klein/Sienna @Klein, 9:00 a.m.

Message from Mrs. Graves

I hope that you and your family were able to rest and recharge over Spring Break.  We have had a challenging year as a community, and every day I am thrilled to hear from families who are finally returning home or are finally seeing progress toward rebuilding.  Our community has shown incredible grit and persistence, and has pulled together to help each other. I am grateful and proud of how we supported one another.

These final weeks of school must be focused, and must serve the individual needs of children as they prepare to move to the next level. Our benchmark scores were strong, and helped us identify what each child needs academically to move forward.  Please encourage your child to ask for assistance if they need it.  If your child's teacher reaches out to recommend tutoring, please let us know if we can help you make that possible. We are here to work alongside you to support your child.  Please do not hesitate to reach out if I can assist in any way.

Interested in Learning More About Proposed Changes to Magnet Programs?

This week the District will be presenting the proposed changes to Magnet Programs and is interested in hearing your feedback.  

Please consider attending one of the meetings listed to hear more and share your feedback.  

Complete the Magnet Survey Online

Use the link http://www.houstonisd.org/magnet to let the District know how you feel about Magnet Programs.  Click on the red bar at the top of the web page to start the survey.

Budget Update

This week I expect to receive a revised FTE Model that accounts for the anticipated reduction in the budget deficit.  As always, I will share that information with the SDMC, the faculty and the parents once I receive it.  The revision should also include money allocated for our Magnet Program, information which has not previously been released, however I do not anticipate it changing in our favor.


Welcome Officer Hernandez!
I am happy to introduce our new Campus Police Officer, Mark Hernandez.  Officer Hernandez is a native Houstonian, growing up in the East End. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School and graduated from the University of Houston Downtown, where he also attended the Police Academy.  Officer Cuevas volunteers at the Texans YMCA for youth basketball, and enjoys sports, adventures and spending time with loved ones.

Officer Hernandez worked alongside Officer Cuevas last week and made his campus debut during the Faculty vs Student Basketball game.  Please join me in welcoming Officer Hernandez, and feel free to stop and introduce yourself.  We wish Officer Cuevas well as he joins a school district police department closer to home.  

Interested in Being a Charger Cheerleader Next Year?

Applications for cheerleader and mascot tryouts will be available starting Tuesday, March 20 in the Main Office, House A Office and Girls Locker Room.  Completed applications are due Friday, April 6.  Mandatory parent meeting is Monday, April 9 at 6pm in the cafeteria.


Join the POMS Triathlon Team - No tryouts necessary

Houston Texans Kids Triathlon April 21 & 22, 2018 at NRG

Find all the information you need at: www.houstontexans.com/kidstriathlon 

The Junior Division (ages 6-10) will swim 100M, bike 3 miles and run 1/2 mile on Saturday the 21st and the Senior Division ages (11-15) will double those distances at their race on Sunday the 22^nd.

Click this link to register for the race: 

 http://www.houstontexans.com/kids/triathlon/about.html

Don’t forget to list POMS as your team! Younger siblings and friends can sign up for our team as well. POMS will receive $5/participant (as long as we have a minimum of 10) in an educational grant back to our school.

YMCA Tri Training Available - Cost is $25 if you are not a Y member and it is Free if you are a Y member.  You can do either a 5-week training program or a 1 day 3 hour clinic 

https://www.ymcahouston.org/2018/kids-triathlon-training

Once you sign your student up for the race, please email Coach Lagenia at lageniac@comcast.net since she will be emailing out information about team practices and tailgating at the event. Last year we had 27 students on our team and this year Pershing has a team, so we definitely want to have a bigger team than them! 

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming This Week

MONDAY, 3/5  BLUE

      8th gr Panoramic Picture on Sale at Lunch, $25 or $35

      Girls' Softball @Pershing, 4:30 p.m.

Boys' Lacrosse vs. Memorial @POMS, 5:00 p.m.
Spring Musical Performance, Footloose, 6:00 p.m.

TUESDAY, 3/6  GREEN

ADVO
8th gr Panoramic Picture on Sale at Lunch, $25 or $35

     Softball vs. Burbank @POMS, 4:30 p.m.

     Baseball @Pershing, 6:00 p.m.

7th gr District Track Meet, Barnett Stadium, 4:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, 3/7  BLUE
Track pictures, 7:00 a.m.
7th gr District Track Meet, Barnett Stadium, 4:30 p.m.
Tennis and Baseball Pictures, 3:45 p.m.
Softball @ Marshall MS, 4:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, 3/8  GREEN

Baseball vs. Tanglewood @POMS, 4:00 p.m.

FRIDAY, 3/9  CHARGER
Faculty vs Student Basketball Game, 2:45 p.m. $2 Wristbands
NO AFTER SCHOOL CARE

SPRING BREAK, MARCH 10-18

And the Tickets Go To...

Congratulations to the Schipper Family for winning the Keith Urban tickets! And thank you to the Taylor family for donating the tickets to this fabulous concert.  Tickets to Friday Night Fever are still available.  Buy your tickets now and support Pin Oak Middle School.  

Friday Night Fever 2018

Friday Schedule

We will run a regular Charger Day schedule on Friday.  Students who wish to see the students vs faculty basketball game may buy a wristband during lunches this week for $2.  Students will a wristband will be released during 8th period for the game.

HCC Campus

We are finding that more students are asking their parents to pick them up from the HCC campus after school where they are hanging out.  We strongly discourage this practice.  HCC is a college campus and we worry about our students hanging out with high school students and adults on that campus.  There is no supervision and HCC no longer has officers permanently assigned to that campus. 

If you are not able to pick up your child, we can offer supervision through our after school care program, or can discuss the possibility of getting your child on an existing bus route.  Please reach out to the school office if we can assist with supervision after school.

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming This Week

MONDAY, 2/26  BLUE

TUESDAY, 2/27  GREEN

CLUBS

Girls’ Lacrosse Team Pictures, 3:30 p.m.

POMS Softball vs Marshall @ POMS, 4:30 p.m.

2019 Washington DC/New York trip interest meeting for current 7^th graders (Cafeteria), 6:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, 2/28  BLUE

UIL Inter/Advance Full Band Preparation Rehearsal (D105), 3:40 p.m.

POMS Baseball @ Meyerland, 4:15 p.m.

Girls’/Boys’ Soccer Games @ Tanglewood, 4:30 p.m.

POMS Softball vs Kinkaid  (POMS), 4:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, 3/1  GREEN

8^th Gr Panoramic Picture in front of school, 8:30 a.m.

UIL Rehearsal Inter/Advanced Band (D105), 3:40 p.m.

Charger Softball @ AOS, 4:30 p.m.

POMS Baseball vs Briarmeadow (POMS), 4:30 p.m.

Spring Musical Performance, Footloose, 6:00 p.m.

FRIDAY, 3/2  CHARGER
Spring Musical Performance, Footloose, 6:00 p.m.

SATURDAY, 3/3

Dance Crew (Hip Hop) Dance Competition at North Shore HS

Girls Lacrosse Swizzle sticks @ St. Johns, 2:30 p.m.

Yearbooks for Sale

Have you purchased your yearbook yet? We sell out every year so remember to get yours soon. Yearbooks are available for $50 at www.balfour.com If you are not sure, check your email for a receipt from Balfour (if you didn’t get one then you didn’t complete the ordering process) or contact our Yearbook adviser Autumn Beckman at abeckman@houstonisd.org to see if your student’s name is on the list.

FINAL CALL for Yearbook Photos

Do you have photos of Pin Oak students experiencing the eclipse, Hurricane Harvey, crazy weather days, or Astros events? How about photos of them involved in school events like Charger Fest, sports, field trips, or fine arts? Please submit your photos before Friday, March 2 to yearbook advisor Autumn Beckman at abeckman@houstonisd.org for consideration in our book and include the students’ names and grade level. This is the final call before yearbook layouts are sent to our publisher.

Dance Spring Show Dates Have Changed

April 4th at 6 PM: Blue classes

April 5th at 6 PM: Green classes

Company and Crew perform both days

POMS Spirit Night

Tuesday, February 27th, 5pm to Close

Candelari's

2717 W. Holcombe Blvd.

15% donated back to POMS PTO

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming This Week

MONDAY, 2/19  BLUE

Urban Harvest Garden Workday, POMS Gardens, 9:00 a.m.
UIL Rehearsal, Intermediate and Advanced Bands, 3:40-5:30 p.m.
Softball vs Lanier @POMS, 4:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, 2/20  GREEN

ADVO - Color Run Participation Competition Begins!
Softball vs Pilgrim MS @POMS, 4:30 p.m.
Baseball vs Meyerland @POMS, 4:15 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, 2/21  BLUE MODIFIED

Benchmark Testing, Math, 6th, 7th & 8th - Modified Schedule Below
Girls' and Boys' Soccer @TH Rogers, 4:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, 2/22  GREEN MODIFIED

Benchmark Testing, Reading, 6th, 7th & 8th - Modified Schedule Below
UIL Rehearsal, Intermediate and Advanced Bands, 3:40-5:30 p.m.
Beginning Orchestra Festival, TH Rogers
Baseball vs St. Vincent @POMS, 4:15 p.m.
Softball @Meyerland, 4:30 p.m.
Distrivt V Trustee, Sue Deigaard, Townhall Meeting, Bellaire HS, 7:00 p.m.

FRIDAY, 2/23  CHARGER
8th Grade Camping Trip Leaves, 8:00 a.m.

SATURDAY, 2/24
Westside Track and Field Invitational
Girls' Lacrosse vs Woodlands, Aiden Bridge Sports Park, 9:00 a.m.
Dance Company and Crew/Hip Hop - Clear Springs HS Dance Competition


Nicotine Delivery Devices (Vaping)

Within the last couple of weeks we have had several students caught with vaping devices in their possession.  Possession of these devices is illegal for those under the age of 18, and is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. This is an increase in what we have seen in the past, and they seem to be growing in popularity.  We have reached out to the individual families that this has impacted, and will continue to be vigilant in ensuring our children are making safe choices.  What we have learned from students is that use of these vaping devices is more prevalent when children are outside of school, but they are often bringing them to school to avoid discovery by their parents. Additionally, some students report classmates are finding times to use them on campus.  

I would like to arm you with information that can help you keep your children safe:

1.       Know what these devices look like.  You can learn more at https://www.centeronaddiction.org/e-cigarettes/about-e-cigarettes

2.       Most of these devices charge with a lightning cord or through the USB drive on a laptop.  Some even look like thumb drives.
3.       Encourage your child to speak up when friends are making an unsafe choice.
4.       Provide adequate supervision when your child has friends over, and make sure you are talking with parents before your child visits a friend’s home.
5.       Some children are recording themselves using the device and posting it on Instagram and sending images through SnapChat.  Following your child on their social media account, and occasionally checking their phone may be a good way to encourage your child to make safe choices online.
6.       Arm your child with information about the incredible health effects on the adolescent brain, and arm them with strategies for saying no.  A recent NY Times article gives great advice for how to talk with your child.  nyti.ms/2o6IUDw

7.       Ensure they understand the Student Code of Conduct and know that possession of these devices on campus will result in suspension. Distribution of these devices on campus may result in referral to an alternative educational setting.

I also want you to know what steps we are taking:

1.       When students are discovered in possession of the device we are tracking back to where they got the device to ensure the supply line is cut off.
2.       We have learned of a retail store that may be selling to children without checking their ID.  We have filed a complaint with law enforcement.  
3.       Students who are found in possession of a vaping device or those who may be distributing vaping devices are in violation of the Code of Conduct and are violating the law.  Students will be suspended or may be referred to an alternative educational setting, and may be subject to investigation by law enforcement.
4.       We will be reviewing the health risks and the Code of Conduct in Advocacy on Tuesday.

5.       Teachers are remaining vigilant to ensure these devices are not being used on campus.

District V, Trustee Sue Deigaard Hosts Townhall

Are you interested in learning more about the 2018-19 Budget Process and want to share your ideas?  Join us Thursday, February 22nd at Bellaire High School, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium.

Modified Benchmark Schedule

February 21 and 22, 2018

8:00	First Bell
8:07	Tardy Bell
8:15 – 11:15	STAAR testing
11:20 - 12:50	5th/6th Period and Lunch
	1st Lunch 11:20 – 11:50	5th/6th Period 11:20 – 11:50	5th/6th Period 11:20 – 12:20 (60  min)
	5th/6th Period 11:50 – 12:50 (60 min)	2nd Lunch 11:50 – 12:20
		5th/6th Period 12:20 – 12:50	3rd Lunch 12:20 – 12:50
12:55 - 1:45	1st/2nd Period	(50 min)
1:50 – 2:40	3rd/4th Period	(50 min)
2:45 - 3:30	7th/8th Period	(45 min)

Pin Oak Color Run!
This week during Advocacy students will receive registration information for the Pin Oak Color Run!  Advocacy groups with 85% participation or more are eligible for prizes!







8th Grade TShirts On Sale
8th grade class t-shirts will be on sale on Wednesday, February 21st during all 3 lunch periods. The cost of the t-shirt is $20.  


The Rice University School Mathematics Project
RUSMP 2018 Summer Camps and Programs for Students
Register at https://rusmp.rice.edu/register/students

Episcopal High School; 4650 Bissonnet Street; Bellaire, Texas 77401
Through the lens of computational thinking, students in these 10-day programs will explore mathematics using technology to develop inductive and visual reasoning. Hands-on activities integrating mathematics and computer science will provide an innovative approach to learning mathematics. Upon completion, students will be well equipped for success in their next mathematics course and beyond.
• June 18 – 29 (9 am – 11:30 am) for students entering 7th- or 8th- grade math in 2018-2019 ($550/student)
• June 18 – 29 (9 am – 11:30 am) for students entering Algebra I or Geometry in 2018-2019 ($550/student)
At the end of this 12-day program, students will be better equipped for the rigor of college-level mathematics and for success on A.P. Calculus and I.B. Mathematics exams. Proof, justification, and authentic problems will be explored using a variety of methods including graphing technology and other computing tools.


HISD Parent College Tour
Thursday, February 22, 2018
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming This Week

MONDAY, 2/12  BLUE

Softball vs Hamilton @ Oaks Dads Club Fields, 4:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, 2/13  GREEN

CLUBS
Softball @Black MS, 4:30 p.m.
Band Pancake Supper & Concert, 5:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, 2/14  BLUE

Valentine's Dessert Buffet Hosted by PTO, Teachers' Lounge
Baseball vs. Lanier @Linkwood, 4:15 p.m.

THURSDAY, 2/15  GREEN

PTO General Meeting, 8:30 a.m.
SDMC Meeting, 3:50 p.m.

FRIDAY, 2/16  CHARGER

SATURDAY, 2/17
Westbury Track and Field Invitational, Butler Stadium
Girls' Lacrosse vs CyFair, Spillane MS, 11:00 a.m.
Dance Competition, Company & Crew, Waltrip HS


The Incredible Pull to Technology
There is still so much for us to understand about tech addictions, but according to an article from Common Sense Media, tech companies are developing apps and video games to keep your kids hooked!  Take a minute to learn more about why these features make it so hard for teens and tweens to put down their tech devices.

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/the-sneaky-science-behind-your-kids-tech-obsessions

What is 3-2-1?

Each year we work with our 8th grade Activities committee to plan really fun activities for our 8th graders to take part in as we wrap up their middle school years.  3-2-1 is the contract we have devised to help our 8th graders manage their behavior, and help them know exactly where they stand for participation in the year-end events.  We know middle school students are not perfect, and 3-2-1 gives them a room for mistakes.  Students become ineligible for participation if their receive:

• 3 School-wide Detentions; or
• 2 In-School Suspensions; or
• 1 Out-of-School Suspension

We met with House B last week and will meet with House A and House C this week.  Students will receive permission slips and information about Year-End events.  3-2-1 begins on February 15.  

Get your Auction ticket early and you could win tickets to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to see Keith Urban! www.pinoakpto.org

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming This Week
NEW SCHOOL HOURS: 8:00 a.m. - 3:40 p.m.

MONDAY, 2/5  BLUE

TUESDAY, 2/6  GREEN

CLUBS
District 2 Swim Meet, 7th grade, Lamar HS, 4:30 p.m.
Girls' & Boys' Soccer vs Lanier @POMS, 4:30 p.m.
Baseball Parent Meeting, Gym, 6:00 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, 2/7  BLUE

THURSDAY, 2/8  GREEN

District 2 Swim Meet, 8th Grade, Lamar HS, 4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, 2/9  CHARGER
Swimming and Basketball Team Pictures, 7:00 a.m.
Softball and Boys' & Girls' Soccer, 3:40 p.m.
Valentine's Dance, 7th & 8th grade, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
POMS Band Dinner Concert with Bellaire HS

SATURDAY, 2/10
HISD Dance Competition
UIL Band Solo & Ensemble Competition

Yearbooks for Sale

Have you purchased your yearbook yet? We sell out every year so remember to get yours soon. Yearbooks are available for $50 at www.balfour.com

Yearbook Call for Photos

Do you have photos of Pin Oak students involved in school sports, competitions, Astros events, weather days, or other activities that you’d love to see in the yearbook? Please submit your photos this week to yearbook advisor Autumn Beckman at abeckman@houstonisd.org for consideration in our book and include the students’ names and grade level.

Pin Oak PTO Auction!

"Somebody Like You" might win Keith Urban - Houston Rodeo 2018 tickets!

Purchase your POMS Auction tickets by Friday, March 2nd, and you will automatically be entered for a chance to win four (4) Houston Rodeo tickets, starring Keith Urban. 

Friday Night Fever 2018 - POMS Auction

April 13th, 2018

7pm -11pm

Southside Place Clubhouse

Tickets on sale now $50 per person

Purchase Tickets Here

The auction is a major PTO fundraiser benefiting our students as well as a fun night out for POMS parents and teachers. We hope to see you there. You can find more information at www.pinoakpto.org. 

Valentine's Dance, 7th & 8th Grade

Tickets are on sale this week during lunches for $5 or at the door for $10.  All Pin Oak 7th and 8th graders are invited to attend on Friday evening, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.  Pizza, drinks and snacks will be on sale that night.  Only Pin Oak students will be allowed to attend the event.