ParentSquare

  • Express News 10-12-26

    Express News Weekly newsletter for the Princeton ISD community October 12, 2026 Express News is a communications tool utilized by Princeton Independent School District. It is distributed weekly through ParentSquare to keep PISD stakeholders informed, offer reminders and share helpful routine tidbits. Bilingual program meeting Bilingual program models will be the topic of an upcoming meeting, and district officials will seek parent feedback. Anyone interested is welcome to attend, including parents and guardians of bilingual and ESL students. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn more and share their feedback. Date and time: Oct. 14 at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will be offered at two locations: Harper Elementary School 8080 County Road 398, Princeton, TX 75407 Lacy Elementary School 224 E. College St., Princeton, TX 75407 Qustodio app Princeton ISD partners with Qustodio to provide parents with a free app as part of our commitment to online safety. We understand the importance of ensuring your child’s safety and well-being in today’s digital age, and with the Qustodio Parent App, you will have greater visibility into your child’s online activities, helping you keep their screen time safe and balanced. To get started, just follow these two simple steps: 1. Create your free account by visiting qustodio.com/my-school. To begin, enter the email address provided as the primary contact for your child's household through the district's online registration. 2. Connect with your child’s school account. For parents who used Qustodio on a previous device, use the app's Help Center and find instructions on "How to remove an old or duplicate device," then "How do I add another device." The PDF instruction sheet has been posted in ParentSquare. Over 4 million parents trust Qustodio’s parental control tools to provide peace of mind by allowing parents to easily monitor and manage their children's online activity. If you have questions, visit the Online Safety Hub or email myschool@qustodio.com. Candy donations for Pumpkin Boolooza The City of Princeton hosts the annual Pumpkin Boolooza for the children in the community. PISD is joining the effort by collecting candy for the event. Drop off donations at any PISD campus this week. Turkey Trot Registration is underway for the first-ever “Turkey Trot,” which will be open for the entire community. This will be more than just a run, it's a Panther family moment, with a chance to come together, move a little, laugh a lot and support the incredible Princeton cross country team before enjoying your own family feast. Sign up now. School board election PISD voters will choose two trustees for the two at-large places on the ballot in the Nov. 3 school board election. The general election will fill two expiring terms, which are 3-year terms. The two incumbents, Cyndi Darland and Starla Sharpe, have filed for re-election. In addition, former trustee Ricky Gillespie and Charlotte Wilson have filed. The top two vote-getters will be elected as trustees. Early voting runs Oct. 19-30. School closed All Princeton ISD schools and offices will be closed Monday-Friday, Nov. 23-27, for Thanksgiving. Normal office hours resume Monday, Nov. 30. Early release Princeton schools will release early on Friday, Dec. 18, for Christmas break and will follow this schedule: Banschbach, Clark, Mattei and Southard release at 12:30 p.m. PHS and Lovelady release at noon, but lunch is served from 12:05-12:30 p.m. with buses running at 12:30. Carrell, Godwin, Harper, Green, James, Lacy, Lowe, Mayfield and Smith release at 1:30 p.m. Canup and Perkins release at 1:40 p.m. We are hiring Princeton ISD is hiring and offers a competitive compensation package. We have openings now for teachers, bus drivers, administrators, paraprofessionals, custodians and more. Apply online at www.princetonisd.net/hr/join-our-team Stadium reminders We want to remind our students about expectations for all athletic events, and we want our fans to be aware that outside food and drinks are prohibited. In addition, PISD follows a clear bag policy. Click here to see clear bag policy. Moving forward, changes will be made concerning concession stand use. The student section is designated in the stands on the far west end of the stadium. The concession stand located directly below the student section will be designated for student use. The concession stand on the far east side of the stadium will be designated for non-student spectators. However, during the third quarter, this east-end concession stand will continue to be available to student organizations participating in game night festivities, including band, color guard, Claw Crew, cheer and patrol. Office hours Normal office hours for Princeton ISD are Monday through Friday following these times: PISD administration building: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Elementary campuses: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Secondary campuses: 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. School board meetings Board meetings are held monthly, typically on the third Monday of the month, except on months when the meeting would conflict with a school holiday. Board meetings, which are held in the board room at the administration building, 804 Mabel Avenue, begin at 6:30 p.m. and are open to the public. Meetings are now live-streamed and archived. Find the link on the Board of Trustees page of the website at https://www.princetonisd.net/our-district/board. The remaining regular board meetings for 2026-2027 will be: Oct. 19 Nov. 16 Dec. 16 Jan. 25 Feb. 22 March TBD April 19 May 17 June 21 July 19 District calendars The Princeton ISD school board approved calendars for the next two years. Click here for a copy of the 2026-2027 or 2027-2028 school calendar. Social media notifications Make sure you're in the know by following Princeton ISD on the official platforms and never miss a notification. Get updates on important dates Hear about campus events and student celebrations Receive reminders and helpful information Online spirit store An online spirit store offers spirit wear for every Princeton ISD campus. Every school has its own personalized campus style. Use the link below to order and show your school pride. Order spirit wear Law bans personal devices House Bill 1481 impacts all Texas public schools, and the law prohibits the use of cellphones and other personal communication devices during the school day. This is not a Princeton ISD policy, but a legal requirement that all districts must follow. Under HB 1481, students may not use personal devices at any time during the instructional day, from the first bell to the last. This includes classrooms, hallways, passing periods and lunch. Devices must remain off, out of sight and securely stored for the duration of the school day. Free eye care and glasses The Princeton chapter of Lions Club has partnered with PISD to offer free eye exams and glasses for students in need. Students must qualify for the free service. For more information on free vision screening and glasses, see the campus nurse. In addition, Princeton Lions Club will take all those old glasses taking up space in your drawers. Drop off at PISD admin, 804 Mabel Avenue adjacent to Clark and the stadium, or the nurse’s office on any campus. Inclusion in Action Event information for families with children with special needs Upcoming accessible, sensory-friendly events Sensory Friendly State Fair of Texas Date/time: every Wednesday until 1 p.m. Venue: State Fairgrounds Description: Adjustments made across the fairgrounds to better accommodate those with sensory-related concerns. In addition, fairgoers will be able to enjoy all the fun of the Midway without the usual lights and sounds from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m Cost: Normal ticket price OR $7 when you bring 5 canned goods Envision Dallas White Cane Day Walk Date/time: Saturday, Oct.17, at 5 p.m. Venue: Dallas Zoo (650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas, TX 75203) Description: A walk celebrating White Cane Awareness Day and independence for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Cost: Registration required (fundraising event) 2026 Dallas Buddy Walk® Date/time: Sunday, Oct. 18, at 11 a.m. Venue: Frisco RoughRiders (7300 RoughRiders Trail, Frisco, TX 75034) Description: An annual awareness and fundraising event benefiting the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas, featuring music, inflatables, games and face painting. Cost: Fundraising/registration event AMC Sensory Friendly Films Date/time: Every second and fourth Saturday for family and Wednesday evenings for matinee audiences of every month Venue: AMC theaters Description: AMC partners with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where lights are up and sound is down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing. Cost: Ticket price for movie Chuck E Cheese Sensory Sensitive Date/time: first Sunday of every month Venue: Participating locations vary Description: Open two hours early on the first Sunday of the month to offer a quieter environment, dimmed lighting and a trained and caring staff to ensure each guest has a safe, fun-filled visit. Cost: Standard admission price We Rock the Spectrum Locations: North Dallas, Lakewood, DeSoto and Plano locations Description: Sensory-safe indoor play gyms equipped with suspended swings, zip lines, trampolines and calm arts-and-crafts zones. Cost: Ticket price Abilities Expo Date/time: Dec. 4–6 (Sunday includes a special early-access hour with dimmed lighting and reduced noise) Venue: Dallas Market Hall (2200 North Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX 75207) Description: A major event featuring cutting-edge adaptive technology, inclusive sports, an accessible climbing wall and information workshops on self-advocacy and home accessibility. Cost: Free admission (registration recommended via the Abilities Expo). Pumpkins After Hours Date/time: Oct. 20, 5:30-8 p.m. Venue: Dallas Arboretum Description: Low-stimulation evening event designed for visitors with sensory sensitivities. Cost/Tickets: $15 admission using code DALLASSENSORY Around the district Here's a glimpse at what's happening at schools across Princeton ISD Elementary schools Canup students learn about community helpers Students have been learning about school and community helpers. Local police and fire personnel visited the campus and students got an up-close look at the equipment and inside the police and fire trucks. Perkins hosts career day Career day was an adventure for the Jaguar Cubs. There was a firetruck, a police SWAT truck and the DPS helicopter on site. In addition, students also got to learn through play as they became doctors, veterinarians, shoppers, construction workers, nail techs and astronauts. They also met real-life professionals, including a former NFL New York Giants football player, engineers, a librarian, a soldier, a veterinarian, an artist and more. Carrell hosts first-ever 'Travel the World' Carrell Elementary had its first-ever “Travel the World” night. Families enjoyed learning about other cultures and building school community, as well as a 5th-grade performance. Godwin 'Popcorn with the Principal' Godwin Elementary will have "Popcorn with the Principal" from 5:30-6:15 p.m. Oct. 19. Green namesake celebrates 50 years How do you celebrate 50 years as a teacher with Princeton ISD? Marcella Green did it recently as the honored Grand Marshal of the homecoming parade. Harper staff gets a Dutch Bros treat Dutch Bros in Princeton recently treated the Harper staff to speciality drinks as a way to show appreciation for the work they do. James Elementary to host bingo night James Elementary family bingo night will be Thursday, Oct. 22. Lacy enjoys pancakes with parents Pancakes With Parents was a huge success at Lacy. The building was filled with parents and students enjoying a morning of good food, laughter and time together. Lowe PTO has full slate of activities Lowe Elementary School PTO has a busy month planned to benefit the students and families of the school. Check out upcoming events and ways to get involved. Mayfield PTO treats teachers to coffee Mayfield PTO wanted to add a little extra perk during the first staff workday and treated teachers and staff to coffee from Rise & Brew. Between preparing for conferences, meeting with families and getting everything ready for students, staff deserved a little extra caffeine and a whole LOT of appreciation. Smith Star Polishers for September Emmanuel Daniels, Christiana Higgs, Kendra Gillespie and Carolyn Miller are the recipients of Smith Elementary’s September Star Polisher Award. The Star Polisher Award is voted on anonymously by staff. During the voting process, staff members share heartfelt words about how each nominee is positively impacting students and/or fellow staff members at Smith. Each recipient receives a gift bag that includes the Star Polisher Poem, lanyard flair, the meaningful words written about them and a star to hang outside their classroom door. Middle schools Clark to host school dance Clark to host first school dance, Oct. 30. To purchase tickets, click the link. https://www.vancoevents.com/us/events/landing/69243 Banschbach recognized coaches day Banschbach celebrated its athletic coaches for National Coaches Day, including coordinators Coach Kelly Brown and Coach Trai Mosley. Banschbach Dyslexia Awareness Week To recognize Dyslexia Awareness Week, Banschbach showed appreciation to dyslexia specialist, Amy Garcia. Mattei Student Council offers Boo Bags Mattei Middle School STUCO is selling Boo Bags. Students can purchase Halloween treats for their friends and spread a little spooky fun around the school. When: Before school & during lunch Price: 1 for $3 or 2 for $5 Sales end: Oct. 28 Delivery: Friday, Oct. 30 during Pride Time - as a surprise Southard soda bar Southard RLA teacher Torie Robinson hosted a soda bar for her class to celebrate their success during 9-weeks testing. High schools Lovelady art on display at state exhibit PISD trustee Cyndi Darland and fellow board members visited the art exhibition featuring the work of Princeton students. Their pieces were part of the Texas Association of School Administrators and the Texas Association of School Boards txEDCON Exhibition, presented by Texas Art Education Association’s Youth Art Month Program. The TASA/TASB exhibit was on display at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston this weekend. Students include: Alice Franca De Andrade and Kadence Mosely, Lovelady High School Keidy Chavez, Clark Middle School PSHS HOSA hosts a schoolwide peanut butter drive The PSHS HOSA chapter is hosting a peanut butter drive to help the North Texas Food Bank further its mission of eradicating food insecurity. The drive is open to all Princeton residents. For PSHS students who donate, they earn one volunteer hour for every three jars of peanut butter. To receive volunteer credit, donations must be placed in a bag, as well as a piece of paper with their name, ID number and number of items donated for it to count. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions about the district's communications, reach out to Jean Ann Collins at jcollins@princetonisd.net or by calling 469.952.5400, ext. 3504.

    Monday, Oct 12 2026

  • Express News 10-06-26

    Express News Weekly newsletter for the Princeton ISD community October 13, 2026 Express News is a communications tool utilized by Princeton Independent School District. It is distributed weekly through ParentSquare to keep PISD stakeholders informed, offer reminders and share helpful routine tidbits. Bilingual program meeting Bilingual program models will be the topic of an upcoming meeting, and district officials will seek parent feedback. Anyone interested is welcome to attend, including parents and guardians of bilingual and ESL students. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn more and share their feedback. Date and time: Oct. 14 at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will be offered at two locations: Harper Elementary School 8080 County Road 398, Princeton, TX 75407 Lacy Elementary School 224 E. College St., Princeton, TX 75407 Turkey Trot Registration is underway for the first-ever “Turkey Trot,” which will be open for the entire community. This will be more than just a run, it's a Panther family moment, with a chance to come together, move a little, laugh a lot and support the incredible Princeton cross country team before enjoying your own family feast. Sign up now. School board election PISD voters will choose two trustees for the two at-large places on the ballot in the Nov. 3 school board election. The general election will fill two expiring terms, which are 3-year terms. The two incumbents, Cyndi Darland and Starla Sharpe, have filed for re-election. In addition, former trustee Ricky Gillespie and Charlotte Wilson have filed. The top two vote-getters will be elected as trustees. Early voting runs Oct. 19-30. School closed All Princeton ISD schools and offices will be closed Monday-Friday, Nov. 23-27, for Thanksgiving. Normal office hours resume Monday, Nov. 30. Early release Princeton schools will release early on Friday, Dec. 18, for Christmas break and will follow this schedule: Banschbach, Clark, Mattei and Southard release at 12:30 p.m. PHS and Lovelady release at noon, but lunch is served from 12:05-12:30 p.m. with buses running at 12:30. Carrell, Godwin, Harper, Green, James, Lacy, Lowe, Mayfield and Smith release at 1:30 p.m. Canup and Perkins release at 1:40 p.m. We are hiring Princeton ISD is hiring and offers a competitive compensation package. We have openings now for teachers, bus drivers, administrators, paraprofessionals, custodians and more. Apply online at www.princetonisd.net/hr/join-our-team Stadium reminders We want to remind our students about expectations for all athletic events, and we want our fans to be aware that outside food and drinks are prohibited. In addition, PISD follows a clear bag policy. Click here to see clear bag policy. Moving forward, changes will be made concerning concession stand use. The student section is designated in the stands on the far west end of the stadium. The concession stand located directly below the student section will be designated for student use. The concession stand on the far east side of the stadium will be designated for non-student spectators. However, during the third quarter, this east-end concession stand will continue to be available to student organizations participating in game night festivities, including band, color guard, Claw Crew, cheer and patrol. Office hours Normal office hours for Princeton ISD are Monday through Friday following these times: PISD administration building: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Elementary campuses: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Secondary campuses: 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. School board meetings Board meetings are held monthly, typically on the third Monday of the month, except on months when the meeting would conflict with a school holiday. Board meetings, which are held in the board room at the administration building, 804 Mabel Avenue, begin at 6:30 p.m. and are open to the public. Meetings are now live-streamed and archived. Find the link on the Board of Trustees page of the website at https://www.princetonisd.net/our-district/board. The remaining regular board meetings for 2026-2027 will be: Oct. 19 Nov. 16 Dec. 16 Jan. 25 Feb. 22 March TBD April 19 May 17 June 21 July 19 District calendars The Princeton ISD school board approved calendars for the next two years. Click here for a copy of the 2026-2027 or 2027-2028 school calendar. Social media notifications Make sure you're in the know by following Princeton ISD on the official platforms and never miss a notification. Get updates on important dates Hear about campus events and student celebrations Receive reminders and helpful information Online spirit store An online spirit store offers spirit wear for every Princeton ISD campus. Every school has its own personalized campus style. Use the link below to order and show your school pride. Order spirit wear Law bans personal devices House Bill 1481 impacts all Texas public schools, and the law prohibits the use of cellphones and other personal communication devices during the school day. This is not a Princeton ISD policy, but a legal requirement that all districts must follow. Under HB 1481, students may not use personal devices at any time during the instructional day, from the first bell to the last. This includes classrooms, hallways, passing periods and lunch. Devices must remain off, out of sight and securely stored for the duration of the school day. Free eye care and glasses The Princeton chapter of Lions Club has partnered with PISD to offer free eye exams and glasses for students in need. Students must qualify for the free service. For more information on free vision screening and glasses, see the campus nurse. In addition, Princeton Lions Club will take all those old glasses taking up space in your drawers. Drop off at PISD admin, 804 Mabel Avenue adjacent to Clark and the stadium, or the nurse’s office on any campus. Inclusion in Action Event information for families with children with special needs Upcoming accessible, sensory-friendly events Sensory Friendly State Fair of Texas Date/time: every Wednesday until 1 p.m. Venue: State Fairgrounds Description: Adjustments made across the fairgrounds to better accommodate those with sensory-related concerns. In addition, fairgoers will be able to enjoy all the fun of the Midway without the usual lights and sounds from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m Cost: Normal ticket price OR $7 when you bring 5 canned goods Envision Dallas White Cane Day Walk Date/time: Saturday, Oct.17, at 5 p.m. Venue: Dallas Zoo (650 South R.L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas, TX 75203) Description: A walk celebrating White Cane Awareness Day and independence for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Cost: Registration required (fundraising event) 2026 Dallas Buddy Walk® Date/time: Sunday, Oct. 18, at 11 a.m. Venue: Frisco RoughRiders (7300 RoughRiders Trail, Frisco, TX 75034) Description: An annual awareness and fundraising event benefiting the Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas, featuring music, inflatables, games and face painting. Cost: Fundraising/registration event AMC Sensory Friendly Films Date/time: Every second and fourth Saturday for family and Wednesday evenings for matinee audiences of every month Venue: AMC theaters Description: AMC partners with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where lights are up and sound is down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing. Cost: Ticket price for movie Chuck E Cheese Sensory Sensitive Date/time: first Sunday of every month Venue: Participating locations vary Description: Open two hours early on the first Sunday of the month to offer a quieter environment, dimmed lighting and a trained and caring staff to ensure each guest has a safe, fun-filled visit. Cost: Standard admission price We Rock the Spectrum Locations: North Dallas, Lakewood, DeSoto and Plano locations Description: Sensory-safe indoor play gyms equipped with suspended swings, zip lines, trampolines and calm arts-and-crafts zones. Cost: Ticket price Abilities Expo Date/time: Dec. 4–6 (Sunday includes a special early-access hour with dimmed lighting and reduced noise) Venue: Dallas Market Hall (2200 North Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX 75207) Description: A major event featuring cutting-edge adaptive technology, inclusive sports, an accessible climbing wall and information workshops on self-advocacy and home accessibility. Cost: Free admission (registration recommended via the Abilities Expo). Pumpkins After Hours Date/time: Oct. 20, 5:30-8 p.m. Venue: Dallas Arboretum Description: Low-stimulation evening event designed for visitors with sensory sensitivities. Cost/Tickets: $15 admission using code DALLASSENSORY Around the district Here's a glimpse at what's happening at schools across Princeton ISD Elementary schools Canup This is an example of a sentence to begin a paragraph. Perkins appreciates its custodial crew Perkins Early Childhood Center celebrated its campus custodial crew, Evangelina Cedillo, Lorenza Cruz and Raiza Morffi, for Custodian Appreciation Day. Carrell student commemorates school A Carrell 2nd-grade student created a drawing of the new campus, which was presented as a gift to the Carrell family to commemorate the dedication of the new elementary school. Godwin This is an example of a sentence to begin a paragraph. Green PTO made teachers smile for WTD Green Elementary PTO offered teachers a "berry" special treat for World Teachers Day, and the school admin provided a lunch for staff to enjoy. Harper names Teacher of the Month Harper Elementary School recognized its Teacher and Staff Member of the Month. They are teacher Andres Aguilar and paraprofessional Jayashree Ganesan. Nominations said this about Mr. Aguilar, the teacher of the Month: “No matter the day or the time, or the struggle, Mr. Aguilar always has a positive attitude and a smile on his face. He truly loves teaching and is a teacher every teacher should aspire to be like.” Harper names Staff Member of the Month For Staff Member of the Month, Ms. G: “When one of our teachers had to be out for an extended time, Ms. G took on the role of long-term substitute. It is not an easy class, and it includes a couple of students who need a great deal of support. Instead of just holding things together until the teacher returns, Ms. G has taken full ownership of the classroom and works every day to give those students the best learning experience she can.” James Elementary to host bingo night James Elementary family bingo night will be Thursday, Oct. 22. Lacy celebrates World Teacher Day Lacy celebrated teachers for World Teacher Day. Lacy PTO helped start the day with donuts because our teachers truly make the world go round. The admin team also delivered a little room service to classrooms, bringing each teacher some of their favorites - something sweet, something salty and something to quench their thirst. “We are so grateful for the dedication, heart and hard work our teachers pour into our students every single day,” principal Kathryn Moore said. “Thank you for inspiring, encouraging and making a difference in the lives of children at Lacy.” Lowe hosts successful Rock Your School Day Lowe Elementary School annual Rock Your School Day gave teachers a chance to get creative while students participated in hands-on learning activities. Classes across all grade levels took part. Mayfield to host pizza spirit night Mayfield PTO will host spirit night with Brick & Stone pizza. Smith students run for fun(ds) Despite being moved indoor for rain, Smith Elementary students brought the energy to the Boosterthon Fun Run. From start to finish, the Smith Stars ran, cheered and had a great fundraiser. High schools Lovelady students submit artwork to TAEA Two additional Lovelady students, Hailey Addis and Lidsie Cotes, were under consideration for the Texas Association of School Administrators and the Texas Association of School Boards txEDCON Exhibition, presented by Texas Art Education Association’s Youth Art Month Program. Lidsie submitted her self portrait and Hailey submitted “Late Night Party.” PSHS medical terminology students label skeleton in 5 languages Medical terminology students in Dr. Ashley Leverette’s class at Princeton Senior High School were able to label a skeleton in five different languages, including English, Spanish, French, Chinese and Swahili. Medical students in HOSA also sponsored a week-long initiative "Hope With HOSA," where students had the opportunity to write notes of encouragement for their fellow Panthers in light of Suicide Prevention Month and to shine a light on mental health awareness. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions about the district's communications, reach out to Jean Ann Collins at jcollins@princetonisd.net or by calling 469.952.5400, ext. 3504.

    Tuesday, Oct 06 2026

  • Express News 09-28-26

    Express News Weekly newsletter for the Princeton ISD community September 28, 2026 Express News is a communications tool utilized by Princeton Independent School District. It is distributed weekly through ParentSquare to keep PISD stakeholders informed, offer reminders and share helpful routine tidbits. Bilingual program meeting Bilingual program models will be the topic of an upcoming meeting, and district officials will seek parent feedback. Anyone interested is welcome to attend, including parents and guardians of bilingual and ESL students. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn more and share their feedback. Date and time: Oct. 14 at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will be offered at two locations: Harper Elementary School 8080 County Road 398, Princeton, TX 75407 Lacy Elementary School 224 E. College St., Princeton, TX 75407 Carrell dedication The dedication ceremony for Joyce Carrell Elementary School will be 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at the school located at 1015 Brookside Blvd. This marks the 9th elementary campus in Princeton ISD. Turkey Trot Registration is underway for the first-ever “Turkey Trot,” which will be open for the entire community. This will be more than just a run, it's a Panther family moment, with a chance to come together, move a little, laugh a lot and support the incredible Princeton cross country team before enjoying your own family feast. Sign up now. School board election PISD voters will choose two trustees for the two at-large places on the ballot in the Nov. 3 school board election. The general election will fill two expiring terms, which are 3-year terms. The two incumbents, Cyndi Darland and Starla Sharpe, have filed for re-election. In addition, former trustee Ricky Gillespie and Charlotte Wilson have filed. The top two vote-getters will be elected as trustees. The last day to register to vote is Oct. 5. Early voting runs Oct. 19-30. The PSHS Student Council is conducting a voter registration drive. School closed The upcoming October schedule features a 5-day weekend (Fall Break) for students, Oct. 9-13. Teachers will have a work day, conduct parent conferences and train during an academy. Students return for normal classes and the second 9-weeks grading period on Wednesday, Oct. 14. In addition, all Princeton ISD schools and offices will be closed Monday-Friday, Nov. 23-27, for Thanksgiving. Normal office hours resume Monday, Nov. 30. Early release Princeton schools will release early on Friday, Dec. 18, for Christmas break and will follow this schedule: Banschbach, Clark, Mattei and Southard release at 12:30 p.m. PHS and Lovelady release at noon, but lunch is served from 12:05-12:30 p.m. with buses running at 12:30. Carrell, Godwin, Harper, Green, James, Lacy, Lowe, Mayfield and Smith release at 1:30 p.m. Canup and Perkins release at 1:40 p.m. We are hiring Princeton ISD is hiring and offers a competitive compensation package. We have openings now for teachers, bus drivers, administrators, paraprofessionals, custodians and more. Apply online at www.princetonisd.net/hr/join-our-team Stadium reminders We want to remind our students about expectations for all athletic events, and we want our fans to be aware that outside food and drinks are prohibited. In addition, PISD follows a clear bag policy. Moving forward, changes will be made concerning concession stand use. The student section is designated in the stands on the far west end of the stadium. The concession stand located directly below the student section will be designated for student use. The concession stand on the far east side of the stadium will be designated for non-student spectators. However, during the third quarter, this east-end concession stand will continue to be available to student organizations participating in game night festivities, including band, color guard, Claw Crew, cheer and patrol. Office hours Normal office hours for Princeton ISD are Monday through Friday following these times: PISD administration building: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Elementary campuses: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Secondary campuses: 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. School board meetings Board meetings are held monthly, typically on the third Monday of the month, except on months when the meeting would conflict with a school holiday. Board meetings, which are held in the board room at the administration building, 804 Mabel Avenue, begin at 6:30 p.m. and are open to the public. Meetings are now live-streamed and archived. Find the link on the Board of Trustees page of the website at https://www.princetonisd.net/our-district/board. The remaining regular board meetings for 2026-2027 will be: Oct. 19 Nov. 16 Dec. 16 Jan. 25 Feb. 22 March TBD April 19 May 17 June 21 July 19 District calendars The Princeton ISD school board approved calendars for the next two years. See all approved calendars below. Click here for a copy of the 2026-2027 school calendar. Click here for a copy of the 2027-2028 school calendar. Social media notifications Make sure you're in the know by following Princeton ISD on the official platforms and never miss a notification. Get updates on important dates Hear about campus events and student celebrations Receive reminders and helpful information Online spirit store An online spirit store offers spirit wear for every Princeton ISD campus. Every school has its own personalized campus style. Use the link below to order and show your school pride. Order spirit wear Law bans personal devices House Bill 1481 impacts all Texas public schools, and the law prohibits the use of cellphones and other personal communication devices during the school day. This is not a Princeton ISD policy, but a legal requirement that all districts must follow. Under HB 1481, students may not use personal devices at any time during the instructional day, from the first bell to the last. This includes classrooms, hallways, passing periods and lunch. Devices must remain off, out of sight and securely stored for the duration of the school day. Free eye care and glasses The Princeton chapter of Lions Club has partnered with PISD to offer free eye exams and glasses for students in need. Students must qualify for the free service. For more information on free vision screening and glasses, see the campus nurse. In addition, Princeton Lions Club will take all those old glasses taking up space in your drawers. Drop off at PISD admin, 804 Mabel Avenue adjacent to Clark and the stadium, or the nurse’s office on any campus. Around the district Here's a glimpse at what's happening at schools across Princeton ISD Elementary schools Carrell class focuses on arrays using Skittles With the help of colorful Skittles, the 3rd graders in Jodie Walker's classroom were busy learning about arrays in math class. Godwin fundraiser rewards students with limo Students participated in the campus fundraiser at Godwin, and several earned a spot on the Monster Limo party bus as a reward for their hard work. Green hosts special day with grandparents Green Elementary hosted a special day for grandparents as the special guests and donuts as the sweet treat. Harper hosts lunch for Hispanic Heritage Month Hispanic teachers and staff at Harper Elementary hosted a lunch to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Bilingual students brought desserts from their native countries/regions for the staff, as well. 2nd-grade teachers Bart Thomas and Andres Aguilar show off their festive sombreros. James Student Council leads fundraiser The 5th-grade Student Council at James kicked off its first fundraiser. The campus student leaders are working hard to have a successful drive. Lacy to host Camp Read Along Lacy will host a Camp Read Along from 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, with games and creative activities. Bring a flashlight to read under the stars. Lowe to host Rock Your School Day Lowe Elementary will flip learning on its head this week with Rock Your School Day on Thursday, Oct. 1. Students will learn content through games, crafts and music. Students are invited to dress in anything that makes them feel like a rock star (as long as it's school appropriate). Mayfield 3rd graders celebrate cultures Kimberly Thornton's 3rd-grade class is working on researching and completing a project about cultural celebrations. Smith students bring history to life Students bring history to life. Maegan Long’s 4th graders at Smith are hard at work recreating scenes from the past as they learn about the Native American tribes of Texas. Students are using their creativity and knowledge to build dioramas that depict what life was like for different Native American tribes, including their shelters, regional environments, animals, artifacts, government systems and belief systems. Through this hands-on project, students are discovering how Native American tribes lived, adapted to their surroundings, and contributed to the rich history of Texas. Middle schools Banschbach to host tailgate party Banschbach Middle School will host a tailgate party from 4:45-5:45 p.m. before its game vs. Mattei Tuesday, Sept. 29. 7th grade plays at 6 p.m. followed by 8th grade at 7 p.m. Clark volleyball wins big at tourney Clark Middle School's 8th-grade B team got 1st place in its tournament bracket over the weekend. Mattei volleyball takes championship Mattei's 7th-grade B Team earned the Bronze Bracket championship at the North Forney Middle School “B” Team tournament. Offensive MVP: Londyn Kempy Defensive MVP: Nathalia Arteaga Southard students use apples for lesson Science in action. The Functional Academics students explored the scientific process with a fun apple taste test for red vs. green. They finished by practicing the steps with matching flashcards. High schools Lovelady students learn welding techniques Lovelady welding teacher Bryan Potter teaches his students basic welding techniques during his beginning CTE class. PSHS choir to host spirit night at Stix The Princeton Sr. High School choir program will host a spirit night fundraiser at The Stix from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 30. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions about the district's communications, reach out to Jean Ann Collins at jcollins@princetonisd.net or by calling 469.952.5400, ext. 3504.

    Tuesday, Sep 29 2026

  • Princeton ISD Board Notes 09-21-26

    Board Notes Monthly board meeting recap for the Princeton ISD community September 25, 2026 The Princeton ISD Board of Trustees meets monthly. Board meetings are typically held on the third Monday of each month and open to the public. With school holidays, meeting dates are adjusted for November, December, January and February. Here are highlights from the Sept. 21 meeting. The board will meet again in regular session Monday, Oct. 19. Two school construction projects under budget Princeton ISD trustees heard a construction update from Claycomb Associates, Architects, who reported that both schools opened to students this school year were completed $5.9 million under budget. Carrell Elementary finished at a cost $2.1 million less than budgeted, while Banschbach Middle School was $3.8 million under budget. In addition, Kolton Barnes with Claycomb updated the school board on the two elementary campuses currently under construction. He said they were both roughly 60% complete. These two campuses will be ready for the 2027-2028 school year. Abbott Elementary will be located in the northern area of the school district at 7950 County Road 831, while Talley Elementary will be at 607 Sandhill Crane Lane in the south. Update on enrollment shows continued growth Superintendent Donald McIntyre presented his monthly report on district enrollment during Monday night's board meeting. "We're still growing," he said. There were 11,958 students who reported on the first day of school. Just two days later, the district celebrated the arrival of the 12,000th student with the help of the Princeton Sr. High School drumline and school mascots, who rolled out the red carpet for the Smith Elementary 2nd grader. As of Monday's board meeting, Princeton ISD's enrollment was sitting at 12,659, which is an increase of 701 students in a little more than a month. "To put that in perspective, Princeton's growth alone represents the equivalent of the total student population of some of the nearby 2A school districts," Mr. McIntyre said. To help accommodate the addition of these students, six teaching positions have been added, including one at Perkins Early Childhood Center, one at Lacy Elementary, two at Lowe Elementary and two at Carrell Elementary. District approves increase to substitute pay scale To address the need for more substitute teachers and nurses, the board approved increases to the sub pay scale. Pay for non-degreed substitutes increased from a daily rate of $90 to $100, while the rate for degreed substitutes went from $100 to $115 per day and pay for certified substitute teachers increased from $110 to $130 per day. There is still an additional $15/day for substitutes who accept long-term assignments. For substitute nurses, the PISD scale is $200/day for RNs, $175 for LVNs and $150 for EMTs. In circumstances where a short-term administrator might be needed, Princeton can contract with a certified administrator for $250/day. Two school trustee positions on Nov. 3 ballot PISD voters will choose two trustees for the two at-large places on the ballot in the Nov. 3 school board election. The general election will fill two expiring terms, which are 3-year terms. The two incumbents, Cyndi Darland and Starla Sharpe, have filed for re-election. In addition, former trustee Ricky Gillespie and Charlotte Wilson have filed. The top two vote-getters will be elected as trustees. The last day to register to vote is Oct. 5. Early voting runs Oct. 19-30. Princeton ISD Board of Trustees meets monthly Board meetings are held monthly, typically on the third Monday of the month, except on months when the meeting would conflict with a school holiday. Board meetings, which are held in the board room at the administration building, 804 Mabel Avenue, begin at 6:30 p.m. and are open to the public. Meetings are now live-streamed and archived. Find the link on the Board of Trustees page of the website at https://www.princetonisd.net/our-district/board. The remaining board meetings for 2026-2027 will be: Oct. 19 Nov. 16 Dec. 16 Jan. 25 Feb. 22 March TBD April 19 May 17 June 21 July 19 If you have any questions, comments or suggestions about the district's communications, reach out to Jean Ann Collins at jcollins@princetonisd.net or by calling 469.952.5400, ext. 3504.

    Friday, Sep 25 2026

  • PISD dedicates 4th middle school to longtime teacher...

    Princeton ISD dedicates 4th middle school Tom Banschbach, longtime math teacher, honored during naming ceremony Princeton ISD dedicated the first of two schools that opened to students this fall during a special ceremony honoring its namesake, Tom Banschbach. This marks the fourth middle school campus for the district, which now has a total of 17 schools. The founding principal of Banschbach Middle School, Erica Haggard, greeted the dedication's guests, including the longtime math teacher's co-workers, as well as generations of former students. According to Mrs. Haggard, the middle school building honors Mr. Banschbach, whose life and 40-year teaching career closely mirrors the values adopted by the Banschbach Jaguars - Honor, Unity, Nobility and Tenacity, and his passion for people has built confidence in the thousands of students who entered his classroom. “When I asked what made him most proud, he talked about his students - not just those who went on to accomplish great things, but those who struggled and learned they could persevere through something difficult,” she said. "In his words, 'You don't have to have the answer right away, you just have to be willing to keep working toward it,' and for 40 years, Mr. Banschbach taught mathematics, but it is clear that his legacy is about much more than math.” No one understands that more than Harper counselor Amanda McIntire, who spoke at the dedication ceremony, not only as his daughter, but as a former student. "Dad was the only advanced math teacher, which meant Dad and Mr. B eventually became the same person," she said. "There was no hiding in the back of the room or pretending you forgot your homework, because he saw it on the kitchen table, and then he would call me out in class all in the name of teaching responsibility." She emphasized there was definitely no special treatment for being Mr. B's kid, which Mrs. McIntire said she can now fully appreciate. "In 1978, nearly 50 years ago, my Dad chose Princeton ISD," said Mrs. McIntire, who has a child attending Southard, another at Lovelady, as well as a recent PHS grad. "It's incredible to think that one decision Dad made helped shape the lives of three generations of our family. So when I see the name Tom Banschbach Middle School, I don't just see my dad's name on a building. I see his lifetime of dedication, service and care for others." The lineup of speakers also included two gentlemen, a lifelong friend, Robert Burgess, and 21-year co-worker, Jimmy Smith, who both lightened Sunday's festivities with a little roasting of their longtime friend. "Recalling a pivotal moment in Tom's life in the summer of 1978, I got word that the Princeton High School gym was open, and we went to play a little pick-up ball," Mr. Burgess said. "Coach Jackie Hendricks was there and mentioned he was looking for a math teacher. So Tom had his interview in the coach's office dressed in shorts and sweating from basketball. Coach Hendricks was desperate and hired him right there. So Tom's job and his 39-year career at Princeton was because of me, and I take some joy in the fact his students have me to thank for having to write the name, Banschbach, at the top of their papers all those years." Mr. Banschbach taught all levels of secondary math during his 40-year career until his retirement in 2018. One former co-worker, Bob Lovelady, said he and Mr. Banschbach arrived at Princeton High School the same year when he became the assistant principal and Mr. B moved up from the middle school to teach high school. "I had attended an intense week-long training at Region 10 learning how to evaluate teachers, but I quickly learned more watching Mr. B. in his classroom because he was a teacher who cared about people and knew they mattered more than anything else." As a new administrator, Mr. Lovelady said he needed a mentor, and Mr. B quickly became that for him. "One thing was certain, I knew we needed to fill the school with teachers like Mr. B," he said. Following Mr. Banschbach's advice, there was a shift in the PHS curriculum, which was previously filled with lower-level math courses. "Tom told me we needed to quit acting like kids can't learn math," Mr. Lovelady said. "He believed in them, and he was an incredible teacher. His legacy reflects his character of showing up and not just believing students could succeed, but rolling up his sleeves and doing whatever it took to help them succeed. He knew his students, he loved his students, and he served his students."

    Tuesday, Sep 15 2026

  • Homecoming 2026

    Homecoming 2026 Everything you need to know for this year's festivities September 11, 2026 Homecoming King and Queen nominees The PSHS Homecoming Court for 2026 includes King and Queen nominees: From left, back row, Hayden Brister, Naeto Echebiri, Keddy Nworka and Kealin Wren (not pictured); front row, Audrey Gonzalez, Vaishnavi Avadoota, Taylor Tank and Andrea Cruz. Homecoming court The Homecoming Court Prince and Princesses from PSHS and Lovelady include: From left, Khloe Barker, freshman; Mason Williams, junior; Daisy Barrett King, junior; Faith Even, sophomore; Tyler Harris, sophomore; and Antonio Diaz, freshman.xample of a sentence to begin a paragraph. Spirit days The PSHS Student Council announced districtwide spirit days to celebrate Homecoming. Remaining days are listed above. For middle and elementary schools, confirm the campus' specific spirit days as some may have been altered to adapt to the individual school, including the color wars on Friday. Breakfast of Champions "Hoco" edition The Homecoming edition of "Breakfast of Champions" will be hosted by Cowboy Church of Collin County, 2800 FM 3364, at 6:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11. All PHS athletes are invited to attend for a morning of fellowship and food. Joint school pep rally The Homecoming pep rally for PSHS and Lovelady students will be 11:25 a.m.- noon Friday, Sept. 11. This joint pep rally for both high schools will be held at Jackie Hendricks Stadium. Students will be escorted to the stadium and dismissal will be from the stadium beginning at noon. (For students who want a school lunch, a sack lunch will be provided before they leave their campus.) Bus students will be picked up on the visitor side of the stadium. Car riders will be picked up on the home side of the stadium. All students who drive themselves, will be escorted back to their vehicles at their campus. Early release Princeton schools will release early on Friday, Sept. 11, for Homecoming and will follow this schedule: Banschbach, Clark, Mattei and Southard release at 12:30 p.m. PHS and Lovelady release at noon, but lunch is served from 12:05-12:30 p.m. with buses running at 12:30. Carrell, Godwin, Harper, Green, James, Lacy, Lowe, Mayfield and Smith release at 1:30 p.m. Canup and Perkins release at 1:40 p.m. Hoco student takeover Students, we need you to show your Homecoming spirit and creativity. Follow the instructions to submit your video for the chance to be featured as our social media content on Homecoming. Homecoming parade The Homecoming parade is 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11. Check-in for floats and parade entries begins at 1:30 p.m. in the home side parking lot of Jackie Hendricks Stadium. The Homecoming court and marching units will gather in the home side parking lot in the area closest to stadium entrance. Prizes sponsored by the PHS Athletic Booster Club are $300 for first place, $200 for second place and $100 for third place. Winners will be announced during third quarter of the football game. The parade grand marshal will be Marcella Green, who celebrates her 50th year in education and Princeton ISD. Parade route: Staging area begins in the home side stadium parking lot... Heads west on Mabel North on 4th Street West on College South on 2nd Street East on Mabel Ending at Mabel and 4th Street For more information, email PrincetonAthleticBooster@gmail.com. Class of 2001 reception Pre-game coronation The pre-game court introductions and coronation ceremony will begin at 6:15 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11. Homecoming game tickets Purchase tickets before they sell out or presales close at noon on game day: https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/princetonisd The Panthers will take the field against Carrollton Newman Smith at 7 p.m. Sept. 11 at Jackie Hendricks Stadium. Things to know before Homecoming game time: Clear bag policy. No outside food or drinks permitted. Homecoming dance If you have any questions, comments or suggestions about the district's communications, reach out to Jean Ann Collins at jcollins@princetonisd.net or by calling 469.952.5400, ext. 3504.

    Tuesday, Sep 08 2026

  • Express News 09-02-26

    Express News Weekly newsletter for the Princeton ISD community September 2, 2026 Express News is a communications tool utilized by Princeton Independent School District. It is distributed weekly through ParentSquare to keep PISD stakeholders informed, offer reminders and share helpful routine tidbits. School closed All Princeton ISD schools and offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 7, for Labor Day. Normal office hours resume Tuesday, Sept. 8. Early release Princeton schools will release early on Friday, Sept. 11, for Homecoming and will follow this schedule: Banschbach, Clark, Mattei and Southard release at 12:30 p.m. PHS and Lovelady release at noon, but lunch is served from 12:05-12:30 p.m. with buses running at 12:30. Carrell, Godwin, Harper, Green, James, Lacy, Lowe, Mayfield and Smith release at 1:30 p.m. Canup and Perkins release at 1:40 p.m. Free and reduced-price meals Free and reduced-price meal applications reminder: Free and reduced-price meal applications must be submitted every school year. The grace period for last year’s applications ends Sept. 22. Any household that does not submit a new application for the 2026–27 school year will lose meal benefits beginning Sept. 23. Apply online: https://www.schoolcafe.com/PRINCETONISD Paper applications are also available at all school campuses. Please submit the application to avoid an interruption in meal benefits. Homecoming dance Tickets for the 2026 Homecoming dance are on sale now at https://www.vancoevents.com/us/DWPN. We are hiring Princeton ISD is hiring and offers a competitive compensation package. We have openings now for teachers, bus drivers, school marshals, administrators, paraprofessionals, custodians and more. Apply online at www.princetonisd.net/hr/join-our-team Stadium reminders We want to remind our students about expectations for all athletic events, and we want our fans to be aware that outside food and drinks are prohibited. In addition, PISD follows a clear bag policy. Moving forward, changes will be made concerning concession stand use. The student section is designated in the stands on the far west end of the stadium. The concession stand located directly below the student section will be designated for student use. The concession stand on the far east side of the stadium will be designated for non-student spectators. However, during the third quarter, this east-end concession stand will continue to be available to student organizations participating in game night festivities, including band, color guard, Claw Crew, cheer and patrol. Office hours Normal office hours for Princeton ISD are Monday through Friday following these times: PISD administration building: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Elementary campuses: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Secondary campuses: 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. School board meetings Board meetings are held monthly, typically on the third Monday of the month, except on months when the meeting would conflict with a school holiday. Board meetings, which are held in the board room at the administration building, 804 Mabel Avenue, begin at 6:30 p.m. and are open to the public. Meetings are now live-streamed and archived. Find the link on the Board of Trustees page of the website at https://www.princetonisd.net/our-district/board. The remaining regular board meetings for 2026-2027 will be: Sept. 21 Oct. 19 Nov. 16 Dec. 16 Jan. 25 Feb. 22 March TBD April 19 May 17 June 21 July 19 District calendars The Princeton ISD school board approved calendars for the next two years. See all approved calendars below. Click here for a copy of the 2026-2027 school calendar. Click here for a copy of the 2027-2028 school calendar. Social media notifications Make sure you're in the know by following Princeton ISD on the official platforms and never miss a notification. Get updates on important dates Hear about campus events and student celebrations Receive reminders and helpful information Online spirit store An online spirit store offers spirit wear for every Princeton ISD campus. Every school has its own personalized campus style. Use the link below to order and show your school pride. Order spirit wear Turkey Trot SAVE the DATE now for Thanksgiving. Princeton ISD will host its first-ever “Turkey Trot,” which will be open for the entire community. This will be more than just a run, it's a Panther family moment, with a chance to come together, move a little, laugh a lot and support the incredible Princeton cross country team before enjoying your own family feast. Law bans personal devices House Bill 1481 impacts all Texas public schools, and the law prohibits the use of cellphones and other personal communication devices during the school day. This is not a Princeton ISD policy, but a legal requirement that all districts must follow. Under HB 1481, students may not use personal devices at any time during the instructional day, from the first bell to the last. This includes classrooms, hallways, passing periods and lunch. Devices must remain off, out of sight and securely stored for the duration of the school day. Free eye care and glasses The Princeton chapter of Lions Club has partnered with PISD to offer free eye exams and glasses for students in need. Students must qualify for the free service. For more information on free vision screening and glasses, see the campus nurse. In addition, Princeton Lions Club will take all those old glasses taking up space in your drawers. Drop off at PISD admin, 804 Mabel Avenue adjacent to Clark and the stadium, or the nurse’s office on any campus. Fall testing For more info or to register for tests, go to https://aptsusa.com/princeton/. For more information about testing, visit https://www.princetonisd.net/departments/testing. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions about the district's communications, reach out to Jean Ann Collins at jcollins@princetonisd.net or by calling 469.952.5400, ext. 3504.

    Wednesday, Sep 02 2026