Campus Information
Year Open:
Bond Year:
School Mascot: Raptors
School colors: Green, White
Mission Statement:
Mission: Provide a supportive environment where every Raptor cares, perseveres, and engages
Vision: All Raptors will grow and reach their maximum potential
She was born and raised in San Antonio and is a proud product of Northside. She attended Passmore Elementary, Anson Jones Middle school and graduated John Jay High School. Go Mustangs!
She has been in the education field for over 20 years. She has taught in grades 3rd-5th at Oak Hills Terrace, Rhodes, and Murnin Elementary. Before becoming the Principal at Rhodes, she was the Associate Principal at Raba and Krueger Elementary.
When Rhodes opened up in 2002, she had the privilege to be one of the original faculty members that opened up the school. For her, it is an honor and a privilege to come back, what she believes is home, as the school’s principal.
She obtained her BS in Interdisciplinary Studies for University of Houston-Clear Lake, a Master of Education Certification in Instructional Technology from Houston Baptist University and a Master of Education Certification in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from University of Texas San Antonio.
In 2005 she received the teacher HEB Excellence in Education Rising Star Award for San Antonio. She was also a State Finalist for the HEB Excellence in Education Rising Star Award for the State of Texas.
Her happy place watching the sunrise at the beach and spending time with her family.
Her vision is to create an environment where the expectation is that “every child, every day, in every classroom receives high quality, engaging instruction that increases their achievement and efficacy.”
The Associate Principal also serves as the Campus Behavior Coordinator. They can be reached by email at Elena.Zavala@nisd.net or by phone at 210-397-4000.
I am proud to serve the Frances M. Rhodes Elementary community as Associate Principal.
Originally from San Marcos, Texas, I’m entering my ninth year in education and my first in school administration. My teaching experience spans 1st grade in Cotulla ISD, 2nd grade in North East ISD, 6th grade science in Laredo, and most recently, 6th–8th grade Newcomer ELA at Jones Middle School in Northside ISD.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Elementary Education from Texas State University — Go Bobcats! I later completed my master’s degree in Educational Administration at Texas A&M International University in Laredo.
Outside of school, I enjoy being outdoors, relaxing in the backyard with my two French bulldogs and fiancé, and exploring the great city of San Antonio.
My goal is to foster a supportive, collaborative culture for our students, staff, and families. I’m committed to ensuring every Rhodes Raptor grows academically and personally. I look forward to an amazing school year ahead!