Principal's Message

Welcome to Donlin Drive Elementary School!

My name is Heather Silvia and I have spent the last 28 years working with children and adults in multiple capacities. My classroom teaching experience began in the Syracuse City School District, where I served students and families for nearly a decade. There were a few years I was home with my own children, now both adults with whom my husband and I are very proud! Upon returning to the classroom, I taught in Skaneateles Central School District and West Genesee Central School District. The next nine years I served West Genesee as a District-Wide Instructional Coach for teachers in grades K-5.  Additionally, I have worked as an educational consultant for other private and public schools, working with families, teachers, teacher leaders, and administrators that work with children ranging in grades K-12.

DDE, as we fondly refer to ourselves, is a place where students come to learn, grow, laugh and connect. Donlin Drive Staff Members are superior in every way. Their ability to instruct the whole child is superb.

We provide high quality, research-based instruction based on New York Next Generation Standards in every single classroom. Individual needs are taken into account and instruction is designed to ensure student learning is maximized.

Additionally, we offer a wide variety of extracurricular activities that enable any child to find his/her place. Our PTO is always welcoming new members to help grow our enrichment activities. Currently, those after-school activities include CrossFit, Yoga and Crafts, dance, basketball, karate, and Book Bingo. This support contributes to the staff members in making DDE an exciting place to learn. Our dancers demonstrate their yearly work at an end-of-year recital at Chestnut Middle School and it is a show that no parent or grandparent will ever forget.

DDE is a wonderful place for children and their families! Welcome to DDE and welcome home!

Together we are a family that makes a difference!
Heather Silvia