1. Pin Oak Middle School 7 th Grade Parent Meeting www.pinoak.us

2. Things that will continue for your child: Smaller personalized campus Focus on the whole student Opportunity Opportunity Opportunity!

3. Things that could be new: Classes are more demanding Ramped up expectations Feels less forgiving Less use of the planner

4. Our Intent for 7th Grade: To have strong & intense experiences Have choices for courses in 8th grade & beyond Gain independence

5. Communication 7A – Somers – Email blast 7B – Allen – Website 7C – Lauger – Blog If something is missing, please let us know.

6. Opportunity, Opportunity, Opportunity! 27 Magnet Programs at the high school level Competitive, rigorous application process Begins in November of 8 th grade year with a deadline in January

7. Application Scoring Criteria 7 th grade report card 7 th grade test scores (Stanford & TAKS) 8 th grade first report card Conduct Auditions or portfolios Additional tests Vanguard Status (Vanguard HS only)

8. Encourage your child to… Continue to use the planner Attend school everyday Get to class on time Come prepared to class Turn in his/her work on time Participate in class discussions Attend tutorials Create a schedule for after school Exchange phone numbers with a friend in each class

9. Encourage your child to… Get to know his/her teachers, House Principal, and Advocacy teacher Join clubs and organizations Participate in extra-curricular activities and community service Take on leadership positions

10. Setting Up a Study Space at Home Separate from the rest of the house, but easy to monitor Somewhat quiet Large, clean workspace Materials handy Clock in clear view No cell phones!

11. Get Ready for EVEN MORE Changes! Physical Changes Grades Behavior/Attitude Friends #1! Cell Phones/Internet

12. Tips for Parents Continue to check your child’s planner Communicate with your child’s teachers Blogs/Weekly emails Parent/Teacher conferences Closely monitor cell phone and Internet use put the computer where you can see it! Tell your child not to share any personal information online Get to know your child’s friend’s parents Utilize your resources Be the parent

13. It’s never to early to plan for college… Prep HQ – www.PrepHQ.comwww.PrepHQ.com http://www.prephq.com/index.php Spring Semester College Night Start saving for college if you haven’t already Encourage students to take challenging classes Investigate which high schools or special programs will most benefit your child’s interests for the future

14. Resources National Middle School Association http://www.nmsa.org Middle Web http://www.middleweb.com College Ed http://www.collegeboard.com/collegeed/schools/middle-school- materials.html Department of Education http://www.ed.gov/pubs/CollegeMeNow/index.html Partnership for Learning http://www.partnershipforlearning.org PBS Kids – It’s My Life http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/school/middleschool/ Project 7th Grade http://www.project7thgrade.org/

15. Important Contact Info Pin Oak Middle School www.pinoak.us 713-295-6500 Principal: Michael McDonough ext 301 House A Principal: Albert Fernandez ext 312 Title 1/504 Coordinator: Deitra Kendrick ext 313 House B Principal: Amy Simson ext 316 Instructional Coordinator: Anne Powell ext 317 House C Principal: Waymon Moore ext 320 Magnet Dean: Rita Graves ext 321 Nurse: Janice Bush ext 305-306 Social Worker: Alyson Bricker ext 327