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Campus Information

Year Open:

School Mascot: Eagles

School colors: Blue and Gold

Mission Statement:
"Learning and Leading to Achieve Our Dreams"

picture of principal
Thomas Buente - Principal
Welcome to Howsman Elementary’s principal’s page. My name is Tom Buente and I have been the principal at Howsman since the 2006-2007 school year. Before coming to Howsman I held the following positions in education: Principal at Comfort Elementary, Comfort ISD; Vice Principal at Thornton Elementary, NISD; 5th Grade Teacher at Colby Glass Elementary, NISD; and 5th Grade Teacher at Brewer Elementary, SAISD.

I earned my bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University, and I received my master’s degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

I hope you find your experience with Howsman to be as rich and rewarding as I have. The faculty and staff at Howsman are truly some of the best educators I have ever worked with, and I consider myself fortunate to have the opportunity to work with them. Our students, parents, and community are wonderful and provide a great deal of support to our school. Howsman Elementary is a great place for students, parents, faculty, and staff to prepare for tomorrow.
picture of associate principal
Shannon De La Cruz - Associate Principal

The Associate Principal also serves as the Campus Behavior Coordinator. They can be reached by email at shannon.delacruz@nisd.net or by phone at 210-397-2350.

My name is Shannon De La Cruz and I have been in education since 2005. Prior to becoming the Associate Principal of Howsman, I started my teaching career at Southwest ISD as a kindergarten teacher. Then I transitioned to Northside ISD where I taught at Mary Michael Elementary and Ed Cody Elementary in grades 3rd and 4th. I eventually became a Special Education Coordinator and teacher, where I supported students and their families at every grade level.

I earned my bachelor’s and Master's degrees at the University of Texas at San Antonio. I grew up in San Antonio and am also a product of Northside ISD in which I attend Westwood Terrace Elementary, Anson Jones Middle School, and John Jay High School. I am also the proud parent of three sons who are Northside students and a husband who is a Northside teacher.

It is an honor to give back to Northside and be a part of the Howsman family. I look forward to watching our students grow and supporting our parents and community as we build a foundation of learning.