Message from Our Student Leaders

We are thrilled to announce that after an extensive and thorough selection process, we have chosen our first dedicated McKinley Vice Principal and ELOP Administrator. Through comprehensive paper screening, a large interview panel consisting of teachers, support staff, parents, and community members, followed by a second round of interviews and in-depth reference checks, we are confident in our selection.

Dania Zalat will join our McKinley team as Vice Principal and ELOP Administrator, pending Board approval at our June 10, 2025, Board Meeting, with an official start date of July 1, 2025.

We are excited to share that Ms. Zalat will be available to meet our school community before her official start date! Please join us at our Farmer's Market meet and greet stand tomorrow from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM to meet Ms. Zalat in person. This will be a wonderful opportunity for students, staff, and families to welcome her to our McKinley family and get to know her in a relaxed, informal setting.

We encourage everyone to come down and say "hi" - we know you'll be as impressed with Ms. Zalat as we are!

Thank you for your continued support of McKinley School.

Warm regards,

Dr. Marla Silversmith

Superintendent

Burlingame School District

Dear McKinley Elementary Community,

I am honored to join the Burlingame School District as Assistant Principal of McKinley Elementary and ELOP Administrator. You might notice my photo is nearly a year old—taken shortly before our eldest headed off to UC San Diego, our middle son graduated from UC Davis, and our youngest prepared for his freshman year of high school. That picture was taken on a day when all our boys were still home, and those milestones remind me daily of how important new chapters are for our children—and our students as well.

For over 25 years, I have dedicated my career to early childhood and elementary education. In Beirut, Lebanon, I taught preschool through grade two at the International College of Beirut. After a decade as a PYP classroom teacher, I became an IB-PYP facilitator, coaching colleagues on inquiry-based curriculum design, differentiation, and assessment practices. I also coordinated after-school and enrichment programs that supported students’ social-emotional growth and creativity.

Since moving to California in 2018, I have taught Grade 1 at the International School of Monterey, mentored new teachers, and worked as an ELPAC K–2 assessor. Collaborating with colleagues, I refine instructional practices, implement behavioral supports, and use data to drive student learning. As a member of the Community and Culture Team and the LCAP committee, I champion equity and inclusion so that every child feels seen and supported.

Fluent in English, French, and Arabic, I love the cultural richness that comes from speaking multiple languages and celebrating diverse backgrounds. I believe strong partnerships with families and staff are the cornerstone of a thriving school community.

At McKinley Elementary, my goal is to foster an environment, both during the regular school day and in our extended learning programs, where every student feels safe, engaged, and empowered to explore who they want to become. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated teachers, staff, students, and families to make that vision a reality.

In partnership,

Dania Zalat