James Elementary

08/31/2026

Picture day is THIS Wednesday, September 2nd!📷

08/12/2026

Friendly reminder: buses will run a little behind the first few days of school.

08/12/2026

08/11/2026

🎉📚 We are so excited for the 2026–2027 school year at James Elementary! 🏫💙

As we get ready to welcome students back, we will be highlighting each of our campus teams so that families can get to know the amazing educators who will be serving, supporting, and loving your students throughout the year!

✨ Next up is our incredible Intervention Team! ✨

Our Intervention Team is dedicated to helping every student grow, build confidence, and reach their full potential. Through targeted support, encouragement, and a whole lot of heart, these amazing educators work alongside students, teachers, and families to help every learner thrive! 📚✨

📖💙 Heather Swanzy – Dyslexia Therapist

Hi! My name is Heather Swanzy, and this school year will be my 27th year in education! I am a certified and licensed dyslexia therapist with a master’s degree in Teacher Leadership. This will be my 9th year serving students with dyslexia and my 1st year at James Elementary.

My husband and I have been married for 31 years. We have two boys of our own, along with several others we have adopted into our family over the years. We also have two granddaughters and two dogs that we adore!

I love spending time with my family and sharing my love of learning and reading with my students. I am so excited to join the James family and look forward to a wonderful year of learning and growth!

📚💙 Tiffany Collins – Dyslexia Therapist in Training

Hi! My name is Tiffany Collins, and I am thrilled to be your Dyslexia Therapist in Training! This year marks my 22nd year in education.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M University-Commerce. My absolute passion is helping students unlock their full potential and develop a lifelong love for reading.

I am so excited to partner with our amazing students and families this school year. I can’t wait to make it a great one at James!

➗💙 Kelli Kier – Math Intervention Teacher

Hello! I’m Kelli Kier, and I am thrilled to be serving the James family as the Math Intervention Teacher this year! As I begin my 22nd year in education, I am excited for the opportunity to support students as they build confidence, strengthen their mathematical thinking, and discover that math can be both meaningful and enjoyable.

I’m a proud mom to three amazing boys, two of whom attend PISD schools. Our family stays on the go with baseball, basketball, and wrestling, so you’ll often find me cheering from the sidelines!

I believe every child can be successful in math with the right support, encouragement, and opportunities to grow. I can’t wait to partner with our students, families, and staff to make this a fantastic school year!

📚💙 Keely Diekemper – ARI Teacher

Hi! My name is Keely Diekemper, and I am the ARI Teacher at James Elementary. I earned my bachelor’s degree from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, and have worked in education for more than 20 years.

I am passionate about helping students build confidence and become successful readers and writers. I look forward to partnering with our James Elementary students and families for another wonderful school year!

✨ We are so thankful for this incredible team and the heart they bring to supporting our students! We know this year will be filled with growth, confidence, and success. We can’t wait to see all that our students accomplish! 💙📚

08/11/2026

Our homeroom teachers had a wonderful time meeting so many of our Jaguars last night. We are looking forward to the first day of school tomorrow!🐾

08/10/2026

We are looking forward to meeting this years Jaguars tonight!

08/08/2026

🎉📚 We are so excited for the 2026–2027 school year at James Elementary! 🏫💙

As we get ready to welcome students back, we will be highlighting each of our campus teams so that families can get to know the amazing educators who will be serving, supporting, and loving your students throughout the year!

✨ Next up is our incredible Kindergarten Team! ✨

Our Kindergarten teachers are passionate about helping our youngest learners build confidence, develop foundational skills, make new friends, and discover the joy of learning. We can’t wait for a year filled with exploration, growth, and lots of fun! 🍎

📚🍎 Mrs. Fuchs – Kindergarten

Hi! My name is Mrs. Fuchs, and I am excited to begin another wonderful year teaching Kindergarten at James Elementary! This will be my 12th year in education and my 10th year with Princeton ISD. I have taught 1st grade for six years, and this will be my sixth year teaching Kindergarten.

I am so excited to start the new school year at James! When I’m not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, reading, crafting, and photography. I’m looking forward to another amazing year of learning, growing, and making memories with my students!

📚🍎 Haley Thompson – Kindergarten

Hi! My name is Haley Thompson, and I am so excited to be returning to James Elementary as a Kindergarten teacher! This school year will be my 9th year of teaching. I love working with my Kindergartners and helping them learn to love reading, explore the world around them, and make new friends at school.

I believe that a great start to your school career can make a huge impact on a student’s future, and I feel so blessed to be a part of that experience!

Outside of school, I love dogs, taco bowls, and spending time outside with my family. I can’t wait to meet you! 😊

📚🍎 Catherine Kelley – Kindergarten

Hi! I’m Catherine Kelley, and I teach Kindergarten at James Elementary! This will be my 19th year of teaching and my second year here at James Elementary.

I’m a mom of three, with my two sons mostly grown and my youngest, Alice Mae, still at home. Outside of school, I enjoy writing and performing slam poetry, reading, playing Mah Jong, hand embroidery, and spending time with my family.

My husband of 27 years and I are also the proud owners of two dachshunds, Ruby Jane and Dot! We enjoy taking them to obedience and agility classes and spending time together at patio brunches. I’m looking forward to another wonderful year at James Elementary!

📚🍎 Mrs. Lopez – Kindergarten

Hi! I’m Mrs. Lopez, and I’m excited to be starting my second year of teaching in Princeton! I began my teaching career at James Elementary, and I’m grateful to continue being part of the James family.

I’m a proud military spouse and mom of four amazing kids who keep life fun and busy! Outside of the classroom, I love baking, crafting, and spending time outdoors with family and friends. At James, I’m actively involved in several campus committees because I love serving our school community.

My personal motto is “Be the Light,” inspired by Matthew 5:16, and I strive to live that out by encouraging, supporting, and making a positive difference wherever I can. I’m looking forward to another amazing year at James! 💙🍎

08/06/2026

🎉📚 We are so excited for the 2026–2027 school year at James Elementary! 🏫💙

As we get ready to welcome students back, we will be highlighting each of our campus teams so that families can get to know the amazing educators who will be serving, supporting, and loving your students throughout the year!

✨ Next up is our incredible 1st Grade Team! ✨

Our 1st grade teachers are dedicated to helping students build strong foundational skills, grow in confidence, and develop a lifelong love of learning. We can’t wait for a year filled with growth, curiosity, and success! 🍎

📚🍎 Kim Guthrie – 1st Grade

Hi! My name is Kim Guthrie, and I am excited to begin my 23rd year in education and my 15th year in Princeton ISD. I love helping young learners grow academically, socially, and emotionally while creating a classroom where students feel supported, encouraged, and excited to learn.

Outside of school, my husband and I have been married for 25 years, and we have two children—a son and a daughter. As a family, we enjoy playing board games, watching movies, and traveling to new places. I am looking forward to a wonderful year of learning, growing, and making memories at James Elementary!

📚🍎 Patty Siegel – 1st Grade

Hi! My name is Patty Siegel, and I am thrilled to be teaching 1st grade again this year. This will be my 14th year in education and my sixth year teaching in Princeton ISD. Before moving to Texas, I taught kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade in Illinois for eight years, but 1st grade has always held a special place in my heart.

I love helping students build confidence, develop a love of learning, and celebrate their growth throughout the year. I am excited for another fantastic year at James Elementary!

📚🍎 Stephanie Meaders – 1st Grade

Hello! My name is Stephanie Meaders, and I am excited to be joining the 1st grade team at James Elementary. This will be my eighth year teaching 1st grade. I graduated from Harding University with a degree in Elementary Education and love creating a classroom where students feel challenged, supported, and excited to learn each day.

Outside of school, my husband, Sam, and I have been married for six years and have a dog named Piper. I enjoy working out, traveling, crafting, and spending time with family and friends. I am looking forward to a fantastic school year!

📚🍎 Kelsey McMillin – 1st Grade

Hello! My name is Kelsey McMillin, and I am excited to be joining James Elementary as a 1st grade teacher. This will be my second year teaching 1st grade and my fifth year in education. I graduated from Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tennessee, with a degree in Early Childhood Education.

My husband, Sam, and I moved to Texas last summer for his job, and we have been happily married for three years. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy running, traveling to new places, and spending time with family and friends. I am looking forward to an amazing year of learning, growth, and success with my students!

08/04/2026

🎉📚 We are so excited for the 2026–2027 school year at James Elementary! 🏫💙

As we get ready to welcome students back, we will be highlighting each of our campus teams so that families can get to know the amazing educators who will be serving, supporting, and loving your students throughout the year!

✨ Next up is our incredible 2nd Grade Team! ✨

Our 2nd grade teachers are dedicated to helping students build confidence, strengthen foundational skills, and develop a lifelong love of learning. We can’t wait for a year filled with growth, discovery, and success! 🍎

📖🌎 Cassie Cullum – Reading & Social Studies

Hello! My name is Cassie Cullum, and this will be my sixth year teaching, all in Princeton ISD. I am passionate about helping students discover a love of learning and creating a classroom environment where every child feels supported, encouraged, and successful.

When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, cooking, and playing games. I am excited for another wonderful year at James Elementary and look forward to helping my students learn, grow, and thrive!

🔢🔬 Emily South – Math & Science

Hi there, families! My name is Emily South, and I will be teaching 2nd Grade Math and Science. This is my third year of teaching and my second year at James Elementary. I grew up in East Texas and attended Tyler Junior College and the University of North Texas.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy working out, cuddling with my fur babies, and creating projects around my home. I am excited to be part of your child’s journey of success and look forward to an amazing year of learning, growth, and achievement. Go Jaguars!

🔢🔬 Tierra Dupree – Math & Science

Hello! My name is Tierra Dupree, and I am excited to be joining Princeton ISD as I begin my fourth year of teaching. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Student Affairs and Higher Education.

I am passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of my students and helping them grow both academically and personally. I look forward to getting to know the James Elementary community and creating meaningful learning experiences for my students this year!

📖🌎 Rachel Davis – Reading & Social Studies

Hi! My name is Rachel Davis, and I am beginning my fourth year of teaching and my second year teaching 2nd Grade Reading Language Arts and Social Studies. I love helping students foster a love for reading and writing while developing an appreciation for history and the world around them.

When I’m not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our three young children. You can usually find us at a sporting event, fishing, hunting, cooking, baking, or working out together. I can’t wait to watch my students grow, learn, and have fun throughout an exciting school year at James Elementary!

07/29/2026

‼️PTO designed shirts presale is available through this Friday! These will be available for pick up at meet the teacher.

📣Important note: These shirts will be the field trip shirts for 1st-5th grade this year📣

Show your Jaguar pride 🐾 with James Elementary gear. Every shirt you buy helps our PTO fund teacher gifts, student surprises, and fun school events.Wear your…