NOVEMBER 17 2008

To all prospective Pin Oak Middle School parents:

I would like to thank you for considering Pin Oak as the middle school for your son or daughter. This is my fourth year here and I have consistently been impressed by our principal, Mike McDonough, and the wonderful faculty and staff at this school. There are a myriad of opportunities that are offered to the students, with an academic program that is challenging, a wide array of electives and clubs for just about every interest, and an environment that is very supportive of our children.

The PTO at Pin Oak has been in existence since the school opened seven years ago and membership has grown in numbers each year. The PTO meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6pm in the school library and all parents are welcome to attend. The primary goal of the PTO is to raise funds that are put directly back into the school for the benefit of the students. Every year the PTO gives approximately $15,000 in stipends to the faculty that is used in each of their classrooms. In addition, Mr. McDonough and the faculty give the PTO a list of items that are needed by the school but cannot be funded through the school district. Last year, the PTO purchased LCD projectors so that each classroom would have this technology available. We also purchased sound equipment for our multipurpose room to enhance the audio for presentations and fine arts performances, and microwaves for student use. These purchases totaled just over $16,000.

The primary source of our fundraising comes from the profit we make in our school store. We also have a fall and spring event fundraiser. Although many of our parents cannot attend the monthly meetings, they help us out in many other ways—working on a committee such as staff appreciation, or volunteering in the school store or at one of our many school events. We always welcome and encourage parent participation – it is a great way to be involved in your child’s school and meet fellow parents and other students.

I would be happy to answer any questions that you might have about the Pin Oak PTO so please do not hesitate to contact me if there is specific information you would like to have about our organization.

Sincerely,

Ann Nichols

POM PTO President