Fifth grade marks a significant transition as students complete their last year of elementary school and prepare for the next phase of their education in middle school. We continue to strive to develop our students into balanced learners and to understand their roles and responsibilities as global citizens. In order to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills for their continuing education, we not only focus on teaching important content, but important habits for students to succeed.As readers, we will provide support to students to analyze, infer, predict, draw conclusions, interpret, and identify the main idea of more increasingly complex texts. Students will expand their repertoire of writing by producing new and various forms of writing.Math content will build on previously introduced concepts and expose students to new ideas, skills, and strategies. As young scientists, students will explore energy and develop an understanding of how it changes and takes on multiple forms, including light, sound, motion, and electricity. Students will revisit ancient civilizations from around the world and reflect on their contributions in social studies.Through our trans-disciplinary IB PYP units we will build connections across and between all of the content areas through our approaches to learning while also developing our learner profile attributes, including being caring, open-minded risk takers. Finally, as the culminating year of the IB PYP at Randolph, fifth graders maintain the opportunity to reflect on their learning through Exhibition. A largely student-directed process, Exhibition allows students to explore a topic of their interest and demonstrate its importance within the global community. We look forward to a wonderful year of learning!
Ms. Mary Perez, Chair
Email: [email protected]
I have been teaching in Arlington for 23 years! I have taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade as well as English to second language learners. I am returning to Randolph after 9 years at Abingdon Elementary. I have a BA in English from VA Tech (Go Hokies!) and an MEd from Marymount University. I am married to Mr Perez and I have 2 children as well. My daughter Claudia studies archaeology at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, and my son Marcus is a junior at VA Tech. We have a very full house with 2 cats and 2 VERY active border collie mixes named Findlay and Skippy. In my spare time I LOVE to travel (especially to Scotland), try new restaurants, and hike with my dogs. I am a MAJOR Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings fan and I love love love to READ!
Ms. Kathryn Frazier
Email: [email protected]
Kathryn Frazier is a teacher by day and artist by night. Her career in Arlington Public Schools began in 2000 and during these years she has taught grades 2-5. Not only is she a graduate of APS, but her children are also enrolled in APS. She attended James Madison University and earned my masters degree from Marymount University (VA). She enjoys spending time with her family and dog.

Mrs. Lauren Kaye, 5th Grade Teacher
Email: [email protected]
Hi! My name is Ms. Kaye and I am excited to join is a dedicated 5th grade teacher at Randolph with 14 years of experience fostering student growth and enthusiasm for learning. Passionate about having all students feel success and belonging when at school, she creates an engaging and inclusive classroom environment where every student can thrive.Lauren holds a Master of Arts in Education from James Madison University and is committed to ongoing professional development to bring the best practices into the classroom. Outside of teaching, she enjoys spending time with her daughter and pets, reading, and spending time with family.Lauren looks forward to a fantastic year of learning, growth, and collaboration with students, families, and colleagues.

Mrs. Kimberly Klaus, EL Teacher
Email: [email protected]
After 20 years, I’m thrilled to be returning to the Randolph community! I began my teaching career here at Randolph, taught for many years at Claremont Elementary, and just finished 5 years at Ashlawn Elementary. Before I entered the teaching world, I grew up in Richmond, Virginia and attended the University of Mary Washington. After college, I followed my love of history and became a park ranger, where I ran outdoor children’s programs at Civil War battlefields. My love of working with children led me back to school to get my teaching degree. I have a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from George Mason and a Master’s in Reading Instruction from the University of Virginia. My favorite picture book is Pink and Say, a book that makes me cry every time I read it. When not at school, I love spending time with my wonderful husband, two sweet sons, and our two dogs, Cindy Lou and Malibu.

Mr. Julian Mejia, Sped Resource Teacher
Email: [email protected]
Julian Mejia is a Special Education Teacher at Randolph. This is his 4th year at Randolph. Prior to coming to Randolph, he was a bilingual education teacher for 12 years in Houston, Tx. Mr. Mejia received his undergraduate degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University and his master’s degree in special education from the University of Texas. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, hiking, and playing tennis.

Ms. Kerry Abbott, Advanced Academics Coach
Email: [email protected]
Hi Everybody! I’m Ms. Abbott, and I’m starting my 25th year of teaching in APS. I have filled many different positions including Communications/ Videography Teacher, Tech Coach, ITC, Architecture Teacher, Musical Director, 5th Grade Homeroom Teacher, and I will now be the Advanced Academics Coach. I grew up in Buffalo, New York. Go Buffalo Bills! I completed my undergraduate degree at Niagara Falls University, and my master’s degree at George Mason. I live in Arlington with my 2 daughters Abby (9th grade) and Eloise (7th grade). I am excited to be back at Randolph this year and I look forward to being a part of this wonderful community both professionally and personally.
Ms. Margie Graham, EL Assistant
Email: [email protected]
The Randolph ESOL team provides services for all students who need language-related support. Margie Graham is an EL Assistant serving 4th and 5th Grade students and their families. This is her 27th year at Randolph. In her spare time, Margie enjoys spending time with her family including her grandchildren, gardening and watching basketball.

