May 14, 2012— Integrity, amazing, dynamic, strong and fair. These are a few sentiments expressed by the staff at Nitsch Elementary to describe Principal Carol James. James was chosen as the 2012 Klein ISD Elementary Principal of the Year.

“I love working in the Klein ISD. My kids went here, and I am just truly excited to have been nominated by my peers for this honor,” expressed James. “This is not a ‘me job’, however, but rather a ‘we job.’ I have a fabulous staff that enables me to do my job and who are willing to step up and do whatever is needed of them. I assure them that it takes each and every one of us working together to take Nitsch and our students to that next level in their education.”

You may not often see James in her office as she is not afraid to roll up her sleeves and pitch in wherever necessary on campus. She is renowned for upholding high standards for herself and her campus, and according to her staff, she works tirelessly for the benefit of her students.

“It’s been phenomenal working for Mrs. James and at Nitsch,” said Ken Murry, Positive Approach to Student Success (P.A.S.S.) assistant. “She has an open door and you can talk to her about anything. Most importantly, with her it’s all about the kids, and that is what we all have in common.”

James is wrapping up her 23rd year as an educator in the district. She began her career as a kindergarten teacher when she moved from Houston ISD to Klein ISD in 1988. She received her bachelor’s degree from Texas Southern University and her master’s from University of Houston-Clearlake. After being in the classroom for more than 16 years, she sought out a new challenge and attained her principal certification from Prairie View A&M.

As principal, she has embraced several new initiatives and projects during her tenure at Nitsch. Recipes for Success is a unique program that works in conjunction with the school’s garden. This opportunity allows students to engage in an after-school program that allows them to create and taste new, different and nutritional foods they may have not tried at home. Nitsch also participates in Mighty Kids sponsored by the YMCA that teaches kids fun physical fitness activities to encourage them to live healthier, more active lifestyles.

“Mrs. James really puts her heart into her work to help the children, and she gives us teachers the freedom to be creative within the guidelines so that we can use our creativity to benefit our students,” said Dora Davis, fifth grade teacher.

James is also very proud of the Princess Knights and Knights Warrior after-school programs that teach students lessons in self-confidence, respect, honor and civility. Awards programs are also held monthly to recognize students for various achievements both academically and personally. James said that she and her staff encourage students to be good communicators, and teaches them the value of a firm handshake and looking others in the eye when speaking, all in an effort to build confidence and pride in themselves.

“Not all of our students come in prepared for school every day, but with the help of our parent center, volunteers, specialists, staff and teachers, we work together to be positive role models and help those students progress and eventually become successful,” she said. “Nitsch has a unique culture, but there is no job too big or small that we can’t do together to accomplish what we set out to do each and every day.”

One of her favorite places on campus is the Pre-K and kindergarten classrooms where she likes to visit from time-to-time and read books to the students.

“I always look forward to classroom visits, especially with the little ones because they are always filled with that sparkle in their eyes. They often brighten up my day also because they are always excited when I come to visit,” said James.

When asked about her favorite part of her job, without hesitation, she responded, “It’s the students.”

“Every day is a new day at Nitsch. I’m never sad about waking up in the morning and coming to work. I get very excited about what each new day has in store,” she expressed. “Nitsch is a special place to me because I’ve seen so many of these children grow. It’s awesome to also see former students come back and who are now raising their families here.”

James enjoys getting to see some of her former students now as adults and leaders in the community, including at Nitsch. She noted that several former students and children she had known for years have found their way back to become teachers. Kimberly O’Neal, fifth-year teacher, is one of those individuals. She has known James and her family for nearly 10 years, and looks to James as both a supervisor and a mentor.

“She is great at managing the balance between personal and work. It’s comforting that she portrays the same traits that she does as a mother figure to me, as she does as a principal and a boss,” said O’Neal. “She is also very personable with my colleagues and myself, takes an active interest in our lives, and makes sure that we feel that we are a family.”

James and her husband, Robert, have been married for 31 years and have two children. Their son, Brandon, 27, recently married his wife Alakecree, and their daugher, Drew, 22, is a recent graduate from Baylor University. One of James’ mentors was her mother, Lula Scott, who was also an educator and a principal. And although James didn’t always want to be a teacher growing up, she credits her mother for guiding and encouraging her toward something that just came natural.

“Each day offers a new opportunity in this line of work. Depending on the day, my greatest gift might be giving a hug, or just taking the time to hear and speak to a parent,” she said. “Whatever it is, I try to just reach out whenever I can and touch other lives in a positive way.”