Princeton Independent School District

Southard Middle School resource math teacher Kristen Hoar and testing/504 coordinator Megan Gunnels were named February's Teacher and Staff Member of the Month.

Canup Early Childhood Center announced its Staff of the Month, teacher Andrea Grimes and paraprofessional Raven Contreras. “Ms. Grimes is an absolute ray of sunshine to all around her,” Principal Lauren Ledford said. “Her passion for seeing her students succeed is both admirable and inspiring to see each year. She has a natural gift to connect with students and encourage them to reach their full potential, maintaining amazing family relationships along the way.” According to Ms. Ledford, Ms. Grimes is always willing to learn and ask for feedback, showing her love of education and continuing growth mindset. “Miss Raven is our quiet but fierce force of strength in our ECSE 3 program,” Ms. Ledford said. “She continually supports her team when asked, ensuring students are safe and happy. Raven connects with her students in authentic ways, learning their unique skills and personality traits.” In addition, Ms. Ledford said Ms. Contreras takes the time to get on the students’ level, supporting their growth and development in a playful atmosphere. #PrincetonISD #PrincetonProud #EarlyChildhoodCenter

Every year, Princeton ISD awards grants to teachers who plan to implement innovative ideas into their lessons to take learning to the next level. We want to spotlight these teachers as they put the funding to work. Harper Elementary music teacher Virginia Hicks proposed the purchase of a digital piano with Bluetooth capabilities to use daily during music classes. According to Ms. Hicks, the previous traditional piano at Harper had long since lost its ability to stay tuned. "Real-world applications and best practices suggest the use of a digital piano in a classroom setting with regards to not having to keep the instrument tuned," Ms. Hicks said. "A piano is necessary in most every vocal lesson." Music students at Harper danced to the music as their teacher played the new digital classroom piano and were prompted by the techno instrument using the correct notes to begin a song. #technologytools #innovationinaction #teachergrants #princetonproud #music

Every year, PISD awards grants to teachers who plan to implement innovative ideas into their lessons to take learning to the next level. We want to spotlight these teachers as they put the funding to work. SMARTboards continue to be a popular request because of their versatility. They are easily adaptable to different subjects and activities. The teachers come up with innovative uses for these boards, which have evolved immensely since the days of chalkboards. This year, seven teachers were granted SMARTboards for their classrooms. And, some teachers are using them as a team for a grade level so the tool is utilized across the curriculum. At Godwin Elementary, Zulema Lujan Flores, Jacey Lilly, Cassady Zale and Jessica Mitchell are all using SMARTboards for lessons in bilingual kindergarten, 3rd-grade reading and 5th-grade math and science. "Adding an interactive SMART board to the classroom will increase student engagement, improve understanding, enhance collaboration and increase students ability to manipulate technology, all while providing the opportunity for immediate teacher feedback and informal assessments," Ms. Flores said in her proposal. Her kinder students got the chance to use the technology while learning new words. #technologytools #innovationinaction #teachergrants #princetonproud #SMARTboard

Every year, Princeton ISD awards grants to teachers who plan to implement innovative ideas into their lessons to take learning to the next level. We want to spotlight these teachers as they put the funding to work. One classroom at Canup Early Childhood Center received a communication kit full of different tools to help students improve these important skills. Christa Martinez requested the technology for her Pre-K students. "These devices would give my students more opportunities to communicate what they know and build their vocabulary and independence, as well as build my students abilities to interact with the social world around them," Ms. Martinez said. The communication kit came with multiple interactive devices to encourage a variety of methods to communicate, as well as signage to promote communication centers around the room. #technologytools #innovationinaction #teachergrants #princetonproud #Canup #preK #earlychildhoodeducation

Every year, PISD awards grants to teachers who plan to implement innovative ideas into their lessons to take learning to the next level. We want to spotlight these teachers as they put the funding to work. Jill Edwards, the ESL teacher for Clark Middle School, received a class set of headphones and microphones. "Language programs have listening and speaking portions to enhance language development which previously required students to leave the classroom to record in the hallway," Ms. Edwards said. "With the use of this added technology, students will gain greater language fluency." Clark students used the headphones in conjunction with a computer program to listen to words being spoken. #technologytools #innovationinaction #teachergrants #princetonproud #language #esl

Dominic Dodson has signed his letter of intent to play golf for the The University of Texas Permian Basin Basin, an NCAA Div. II college competing in the Lone Star Conference. He was joined by family and friends, including mom and dad, Morgan and Beau Dodson, who is also his golf coach. #FalconsUp

Mariah Hart has signed her letter of intent to play basketball for the University of New Orleans Athletics, an NCAA Div. I college competing in the Southland Conference. She was joined by family and friends, including mom and dad, Vanessa Sotelo and Lionell Hart, and siblings, Lewis Sotelo and Ashley Hart. #NOLAsTEAM

Paris Kelleher has signed her letter of intent to wrestle for Central Methodist University in Fayette, MO, an NAIA Div. I college competing in the Heart of America Athletic Conference. She was joined by family and friends, including mom and dad, Melissa and Kris Kelleher. #TakeFlight

Kelsey Lefever has signed her letter of intent to play soccer for East Texas A&M University in Commerce, an NCAA Div. I college competing in the Southland Conference. She was joined by family and friends, including mom and dad, Perryn and Patrick Lefever. #GoLions