Fourth Grade

In fourth grade, we will all be risk takers as we learn new ways to better our understanding for reading, math, science, and everything in between! This is the year where we learn to problem solve, and work as a team while learning and studying. This is also the year that children tend to take more ownership of their academic growth.

Through our transdisciplinary approach, students take their learning about Virginia from the year 1607 to the present and make global connections. They become oceanographers and astronomers considering how we best take care of the planet. Utilizing the Amplify Core Knowledge resource, students will read fiction and non-fiction, work on personal narratives and poetry. Fourth grade students will continue to be risk takers with their learning, as they master important academic and life skills this year.

Ms. Renee Ott, 4th Grade Teacher

Email: [email protected]

Renee Ott was a military child, so home was many places. She owns two Great Danes and her favorite childhood book is Winnie the Pooh. Her favorite place to visit is Newport, RI. She enjoys teaching students how to be risk takers and to build confidence in their abilities. She hopes as your child’s teacher that they feel safe, and cared for in her class.

Ms. Julia Schmidt, 4th Grade Teacher

Email: [email protected]

Julia Schmidt is a 4th grade classroom teacher and is thrilled to be joining the Randolph staff in the fall of 2024! Ms. Schmidt grew up in northern Virginia and attended Colgate University for her bachelor’s in creative writing, and Teachers College, Columbia University for her master’s in elementary education. Prior to being at Randolph, she taught at Abingdon Elementary for 11 years. When she’s not at school, she enjoys reading (of course), traveling, and relaxing with her husband and dog.

Katharine Kurdziel, 4th Grade Teacher

Email: [email protected]

Hi my name is Katharine Kurdziel! I am so excited to be teaching 4th grade ELA this year at Randolph Elementary! I grew up in Massachusetts but now I live here in Arlington! I am so honored to have the opportunity to work amongst such talented, hardworking and kind staff! Outside of work I love reading, crafting and spending time with friends and family! I look forward to meeting and working with all of your lovely learners!

Ms. Kerri Martin, Reading Coach

Email: [email protected]

Kerri Martin is a Reading Specialist at Randolph Elementary. Prior to working at Randolph, she ran Book Buddies for multiple APS elementary schools. Kerri has a Masters of Education from UVA and completed her undergraduate work at the University of Dayton. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her family, get outside, and of course, READ!

Ms. Natani McGinnis, Math Coach

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Tani McGinnis has been a math coach for seven years and is in her second year as a math coach at Randolph Elementary. Before that, she taught fourth grade for seven years in both Arlington and St. Louis. Tani has a Masters of Teaching and a Masters of Education Leadership from George Mason University. She loves teaching and coaching and feels lucky to be part of the Randolph Stars! In her free time, she enjoys cooking, hiking, being outside, and spending time with her kids and husband.

Christine Chapuis, Math Coach

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Christine Chapuis has been the Mathematics Coach at Randolph since the fall of 2021. Prior to working at Randolph, Christine worked in the Mathematics Office at Syphax and also served as the math coach at Drew. She also taught fifth grade in Boston at the start of her career. She attended Boston College for undergrad (go Eagles!) and Simmons University for her Masters degree. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her three children, Rachel, Ben, and Nicholas. Rachel attends UVA, Ben attends Wakefield and Nicholas is a third grader at Campbell. Her husband also works as a Math Coach at another APS school (Oakridge). She also loves spending time with her dog, Ginger, and her friends and neighbors. And of course, she is a MATH person (and so are you!)

picture of Monisha Slater

Ms. Monisha Slater, EL Teacher

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Hello! I’m Miss Slater. This is my 6th year teaching! I taught 6th grade for four years and 2nd grade for one year. I went to KU—Rock-Chalk-Jayhawk! I love anything to do with DIY and thrifting. I come from a huge, blended family. I’m excited to move into an EL specialist role with the hope to serve the Randolph learning community even better.

Ms. Andrea Joe, Sped Resource Teacher

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Andrea Joe is a Sped Resource Teacher at Randolph. She obtained her Master’s degree in Education from the University of Virginia. She has been teaching for 14 years. In her spare time, she enjoys baking and traveling.

kerry abbott

Ms. Kerry Abbott, Advanced Academic Coach

Email: [email protected]

Ms. Abbott is starting her 26th year of teaching in APS. She has filled many different positions including Communications/ Videography Teacher, Tech Coach, ITC, Architecture Teacher, Musical Director, 5th Grade Homeroom Teacher, and now the Advanced Academics Coach. Ms. Abbott grew up in Buffalo, New York. Go Buffalo Bills! She completed her undergraduate degree at Niagara University, and her master’s degree at George Mason. She lives in Arlington with her 2 daughters Abby (10th grade) and Eloise (8th grade). Ms. Abbott loves being a Randolph Star and looks forward to a fantastic year!. community both professionally and personally.