DES Bulldog Students & Families,

I am truly humbled and blessed to have the opportunity to serve as your principal! Throughout my 25 years in education, my passion has always been in the land of little people, and it brings me great joy to see them thrive. DES has a rich history of academic success, and that is because of YOU. Every single child brings a unique gift that enriches our school community, and I can’t wait to see their big smiles fill the hallways.

Prior to becoming principal, I served as the Accountability Supervisor at the ACS District Office. I also spent 12 years as an assistant principal and taught grades 1st, 4th and 5th.

I’m most excited about serving in a community that I call home. My husband and I have two beautiful daughters that both attended Arlington Community Schools. In fact, we moved to Arlington over a decade ago because we loved the small-town feel and knew Arlington had a great school system. The success of DES and its students means success for my home-town community, and I’m looking forward to working with everyone to make DES the best it can be!

It is truly a privilege to spend each day with your child. This time passes fast, so I want to take every opportunity to see them laugh and learn together. I know this is going to be a remarkable school year!

Best,

Principal Miranda Manley

Contact Principal Miranda Manley

Welcome to Donelson Elementary, Home of the Bulldogs! I am excited about beginning my twenty-sixth year in education as one of your assistant principals at DES. I have enjoyed working in this capacity since DES opened our doors in August 2009. Prior to becoming an assistant principal, I enjoyed time as a first grade and third grade teacher. I have always had a heart for elementary children and am blessed to continue working at Donelson Elementary this year.   

My husband and I have called Arlington home since January 2003. We have three wonderful children who all attend schools in the Arlington Community Schools District. Our oldest will attend AHS this year as a tenth grader, our middle child will attend AMS, and our youngest will attend DES for one more year. 

Donelson Elementary has a rich history of success due to our connection to the Arlington community and with our school families. I am proud that we are a part of the Arlington Community Schools District. Our school and district work closely together toward the same goal – growth for all! DES will continue our night-time events this year, welcoming all families into our school as we enjoy highlighting our students at PTA Meetings and providing opportunities for families to explore learning through events like our Literacy and STEM Nights. This is going to be an awesome year. Please join us as we all 'Rock our Role' for the 2023-2024 school year.

Contact Assistant Principal Krista Heller

Greetings, Bulldogs! My name is Kelly Lofton and I am one of the two assistant principals at Donelson Elementary. I am incredibly grateful and excited to be a part of the Donelson family. Donelson has a strong reputation of academic excellence, outstanding teachers, and amazing students and families. I love working in partnership with Mrs. Manley, Dr. Heller, and the exceptional faculty and staff at DES! This year, 2023-2024, marks my 20^th year in education. Prior to becoming assistant principal at DES in 2014, I spent 10 joyous years teaching first graders, 4 years of which were at Donelson. 

I have a passion for working with young children and I love seeing them grow and learn throughout their elementary school experience.  Personally, I have been married for 14 years to my husband, Daniel, and we have 2 amazing children, Hannah and Noah. We love the beach, Disney World, eating out at new restaurants, and spending time together!

Please know that I am happy and willing to help with any concerns or questions that you may have. I know we are going to have an amazing 2023-2024 school year! Go Bulldogs!!

Contact Assistant Principal Kelly Lofton