- Van Zandt-Guinn Elementary School
- Administration
Administrative Team
Principal

Phone: 817-815-2000
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Mrs. Débora Fuentes
Hello parents, students & community! My name is Débora Fuentes and I am excited to start my 5th year as a principal at Van Zandt-Guinn Elementary. FWISD has been my home for 17 years, where I have served in different capacities. I began my career as an educator, as teacher assistant and then became a dual language teacher. I taught for six years in PK, 1st, 3rd & 4th grades. I served as assistant principal for five years at Sam Rosen Elementary and E.M. Daggett Elementary.
We are excited to announce that our school earned a “B” rating in the state of Texas school accountability system last year and are eagerly anticipating our rating for this year! This year we want to continue with a school-wide growth-mindset challenge and we invite our families to join us to increase every child’s reading and academic levels. Our theme is: “WILD About Learning!” We believe every individual we work with (teachers, staff & students) is on an exciting learning journey, and though we might face challenges, we never give up and we make the most of the process. We have high expectations of our students and believe in the power of collaborative relationships amongst school, families & the community. We require a daily reading log to ensure students spend at least 20 minutes reading at home every day. Our staff also closely monitors attendance and dress code compliance to ensure students have equitable opportunities to learn in a safe and productive environment, free of distractions.
As a first-generation college graduate, I proudly share I attended the University of Texas at Arlington for both my bachelor's and master's degrees. My favorite children’s book is The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. My husband, our two sons and I love to travel and spend time with our dog, Bunny and our bird, Coco.
Please reach out to me for ideas on how to help your child be successful and feel safe and welcomed at Van Zandt-Guinn Elementary every day.
House: Rêveur
Assistant Principal

Phone: 817-815-2012
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Mrs. Joyce Bowens Thomas
Mrs. Bowens Thomas has served as a dedicated educator and instructional leader in FWISD for 24 years. Mrs. Bowens Thomas earned her Bachelor's in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from Texas Woman’s University, teaching certification from Tarleton State University and a Masters in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Arlington.
Mrs. Bowens Thomas taught for eleven years at Como Elementary School as a literacy teacher, also serving as grade level chair, literacy coach, and gifted and talented coordinator. During this time, she was honored as Campus Teacher of the Year and FWISD Reading Chair of Excellence. She transitioned into administration at A.M. Pate Elementary School, serving as Assistant Principal Intern and Dean of Instruction for eight years.
This is the sixth year at Van Zandt-Guinn for Mrs. Bowens Thomas. She enjoys reading all types of books and has a passion for sharing excellent children's authors with children.
Mrs. Bowens Thomas feels privileged to serve as Assistant Principal at Van Zandt- Guinn and to be a VZG Resilient Tiger. She believes in educational equity for all students and works diligently to build relationships with faculty and staff, students, parents, and community leaders to create a successful learning environment.
House: Isibindi
