Kindergarten

In Kindergarten, students focus on oral language development through interactive read aloud, content knowledge building, morning meeting and play. Phonological awareness skills and phonics are taught daily to help students acquire foundational literacy skills necessary for beginning reading. General content knowledge and vocabulary are developed through thematic units using the Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts resource. Beginning writing skills are included as part of phonics and Amplify CKLA. Letter formation is also emphasized in Kindergarten. Small groups both extend and reinforce necessary skills for all students.

In mathematics, Kindergarten students begin to develop important foundational numeracy skills. They build these skills through repeated practice with counting objects and by learning how to represent, read, and write numbers through 30. Students develop a sense of 5 and 10 and build fluency of relationships within 10. Students at this age model and solve story problems through 10 using both addition and subtraction. Children also explore concepts such as geometry as they learn attributes of shapes and patterns using their bodies and objects in the classroom. We want students to see the beauty and wonder of numbers and recognize that math is all around us!

The PYP trans-disciplinary framework offers kindergartners authentic opportunities to focus on key developmental abilities. Teachers create learning experiences and environments that meet the needs of our youngest learners. Play is a central focus of this approach that allows children to develop language, knowledge and the approaches to learning.

Ms. Renée Haire, Kindergarten Teacher

Email: [email protected]

Instructional Assistant: Michael Hope

Renée Haire teaches kindergarten and has been at Randolph Elementary since the fall of 2020. She has taught kindergarten and preschool students in North Carolina and Virginia for several years. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Her four children attended Randolph. Renée enjoys reading, cooking, gardening, traveling, and spending time with her friends, family, grandson and new granddaughter.

Dr. David Siu, Kindergarten Teacher

Email: [email protected]

Instructional Assistant: Maria Perez

David Siu teaches kindergarten and serves as Randolph’s instructional lead teacher. He started working at Randolph in 2009. Prior to coming to Randolph, David taught in District of Columbia Public Schools as well as Harvard University. He did his undergraduate work at Oberlin College and graduate work at Harvard and American University. David enjoys exercising, reading and spending time with his family.

Ms. Lydia Helgesen, Chair

Email: [email protected]

|Instructional Assistant: Bethany Solano

Lydia Helgesen teaches kindergarten and has been at Randolph Elementary since the fall of 2022. She began teaching in 2007 and has taught kindergarten and first grade in public, charter, and private schools in DC and Maryland. Lydia did her undergraduate work at The American University and graduate work at George Mason University and the University of Virginia. In her spare time, Lydia enjoys reading, swimming, traveling, and visiting the many parks of northern Virginia with her husband and two children.

Aroosa Noreen, SpEd Teacher

Email: [email protected]

Aroosa Noreen is a dedicated kindergarten Special Education Teacher in Randolph, currently in her second year in this role, with over eight years of experience supporting students with diverse learning needs. She has extensive experience working with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, Down syndrome, intellectual disabilities, and other related developmental disorders. Passionate about inclusive and individualized instruction, Ms. Noreen is committed to fostering academic growth, social development, and independence in every student she serves. Ms. Noreen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is a Certified Autism Specialist. Additionally, she has completed coursework toward the International Behavior Analyst (IBA) credential through the International Behavior Analyst Organization (IBAO). Her strong foundation in evidence-based practices allows her to implement effective behavioral and instructional strategies tailored to each learner’s unique needs.Ms. Noreen looks forward to a successful year of collaboration with students, families, and colleagues as she continues to support meaningful learning, growth, and positive outcomes for all learners

Ellen Killalea

Ellen Killalea, Reading Specialist

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Ellen Killalea is a Reading Specialist at Randolph Elementary. She previously taught kindergarten, first grade and second grade. Ellen attended Virginia Tech and George Mason University. She enjoys spending time with her family and likes to hike, read, cook and walk her dog.

Lupita Rodriguez, EL Teacher

Email: [email protected]

Greetings! This is my fourth school year at Randolph Elementary! I have served as a third grade classroom teacher, a Kindergarten special education teacher, and a Kindergarten English language learner teacher. It is my second year as an English language learner teacher. I enjoy spending my free time with my family and my dog Coco. A fun fact about me is that when I was 9 years old I was stranded in a tropical rainforest with my family!

varela

Elizabeth Varela, EL Teacher

Email: [email protected]

Elizabeth Varela is a dedicated English Learner teacher at Randolph Elementary School with 34 years of experience fostering student growth and enthusiasm for learning. Passionate about hands-on active learning and motivating students to think outside the box, she creates an engaging and inclusive classroom environment where every student can thrive.Elizabeth holds a BA in Spanish and an MA in Linguistics from George Mason University. Additionally, she holds a Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics from Georgetown University. Elizabeth was a student in the Arlington Public Schools and attended Ashlawn, Swanson, and HB Woodlawn. She has taught students in kindergarten through the eighth grade in several APS schools, trained teachers in techniques for teaching language learners, and was an English Learner specialist and professional development coordinator. Elizabeth is committed to ongoing professional development to bring best practices into the classroom. Outside of teaching, she enjoys cycling, hiking, and traveling to visit family and friends.Elizabeth looks forward to a fantastic year of learning, growth, and collaboration with students, families, and colleagues.