Principal's Message

It is with great emotion that I reach out to you today. After nearly six years as the Principal of Pin Oak Middle School, I will be moving on to a new campus. The Houston ISD has asked me to serve as the new Principal of Westside High School. This new challenge will allow me to continue serving the district on a secondary campus, while furthering the work with kids that I hold so dear.

I am extremely proud of the great work that we have accomplished during my tenure, and I am fully confident that Pin Oak students will continue to shine in so many different ways. Everything that makes this school work for kids was created by those that will remain. Blessed with wonderfully supportive parents, the teachers, along with our support staff, will ensure that the “beat goes on” for every child here.

To that end, the district has asked that Mrs. Amy Simson serve as acting principal during this time of transition. If you have not already met her through her work as House B principal, I encourage you to introduce yourself. She, along with all the members of my administrative team, have always demonstrated the type of leadership needed to guarantee that all of our students have as many opportunities and support during their three years on campus.

Finally, on a more personal note, I wish to thank you for the confidence you have always had in myself, and the trust you have placed in all of us when you made the choice to join the Pin Oak family. I am hopeful (fingers crossed), that my son will be part of the new 6th grade class, and that my involvement with Pin Oak will continue. Since my arrival in June 2004, this experience has so powerful for me and my family in so many different ways.

In an effort to not ramble on, which I am prone to do, I will bring this to a close. I sincerely thank you for all your support, and wish you only to “enjoy the day.”

michael mcdonough