Third Grade

Mr. Ward Merritt

Email: ward.merritt@apsva.us

Ward Merritt is a 3rd grade classroom teacher who started working at Randolph in the 1995-’96 school year.  Randolph is his first and only school! Ward received a BA from Amherst College, and a M Ed. from Lesley College/Shady Hill School. When he’s not at school, he can be found reading, working in his vegetable garden, taking long walks, or exploring different neighborhoods in Washington, D.C.

Ms. Brizeyda Argueta

Email: brizeyda.jarquin@apsva.us

Ms. Brizeyda Argueta is a third-grade teacher at Randolph Elementary. She was born in San Miguel, El Salvador. Before Randolph, Ms. Argueta was the Assistant Supervisor in Extended Day at Glebe Elementary. She attended George Mason University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education (PK-6) and a minor degree in Childhood Studies. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Education with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction. She loves spending time with family and friends. She is looking forward to a great school year!

Ms. Carly O’Connor, Team Lead

Email: carly.oconnor@apsva.us

Ms. Carly O’Connor is a third-grade teacher at Randolph Elementary School. She was born in Sterling, Virginia and grew up in Northern Virginia. She attended Christopher Newport University where she received her BA in Psychology and her Master of Art Teaching. She taught second grade for one year in Newport News and this is her first year at Randolph. On her free time, she loves spending time outside and playing with her dogs, Louie and Lily.

Ms. Timadj Wellmaker

email: timadj.wellmaker@apsva.us

Ms. Timadj Wellmaker is a 3rd grade classroom teacher, new to Randolph Elementary this year. She was born and raised in Belleville, Illinois. Before coming to Randolph, she taught pre-k, third, and fifth grade. She attended Southern Illinois University Edwardsville where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education with an endorsement in Early Childhood Education. She then received her Master of Education in Elementary Education at National Louis University-Chicago. During her free time, Ms. Wellmaker enjoys baking sweet treats! She also enjoys traveling and spending time in the sun. She is excited about making memories with our third grade stars!

Ms. Kerri Martin, Reading Specialist

Email: kerri.martin@apsva.us

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. Christine Chapuis, Math Coach

Email: Christine.chapuis@apsva.us

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.  Both Rachel and Ben attend Wakefield and Nicholas is a Kindergartener at Campbell.  Her husband also works at an APS school (Oakridge).  She also loves spending time with her two dogs, Ginger and Rooney, and her friends and neighbors.  And of course, she is a MATH person (and so are you!).

Ms. Natani McGinnis, Math Coach

Email: natani.mcginnis@apsva.us

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.

Ms. Sherri Sewall, EL Teacher

Email: sherri.sewall@apsva.us

Sherri Sewall is an English Language Specialist who holds a master’s degree in Reading (Mercer University). Before becoming a teacher in public schools, she trained Customer Service Representatives at Blue Cross Blue Shield of the National Capital Area where she assisted in writing the training curriculum. She has taught in Washington, DC, Roanoke, Virginia, and Stone Mountain, Georgia where was voted Teacher of the Year at her school. She was born in Washington, DC. She enjoys spending time with her sons, reading, walking the Wilson Bridge, dancing and genealogical research.

Mr. Angel Lopez Soto, Sped Resource Teacher

Email: angel.lopezsoto@apsva.us

I am a special education teacher, and this is my second year teaching. I am an APS alumnus. I am working on my Master of Education with a focus on English Learners. I am originally from Mexico. I am the oldest of five siblings. I like to go fishing and hiking for fun. I love my students and feel lucky to be part of the Randolph team!

Ms. Emily Jones, Sped Resource Teacher

Email: emily.jones@apsva.us

I am beyond lucky to have the best job in the world! For the last five years, I taught in non-public schools for students with special needs. I loved teaching all the subjects (especially reading) and helping out during P.E. and art classes. I am eager to join the Randolph community and work in an IB school because the students, families, and staff are the best! When I am not at school, I love being outside, walking my two little dogs, and working on jigsaw puzzles. I can’t wait to get to know all of you!

Third grade students learn about Ecosystems and Simple Machines in science. The students will visit the outdoor lab for the first time, to enhance their learning about simple machines.  In social studies, they learn about 5 important Ancient Civilizations: Egypt, China, Rome, Greece, and Mali. It is a big year for mathematical learning! Students learn everything from place value for numbers up to 6 digits, to multiplication, to geometry. In Reading, students make a shift from learning to read, to reading to learn- with a big focus on comprehension skills in both fiction and non-fiction. Near the end of the year, students take SOL’s for the first time in reading and math. The third grade team works collaboratively with the math coach and reading team to ensure student growth and learning. Students in third grade also learn a variety of new concepts in the arts and physical education including playing the recorder and taking swimming lessons.

Through the six transdisciplinary themes Third grade students learn about the concepts of cycles and systems studying simple machines, ecosystems and water.  Students will visit the outdoor lab for the first time.  This exploration will also look at ancient world civilizations and ask students to make connections to the present day.

It is a big year for mathematical learning! Students learn everything from place value for numbers up to 6 digits, to multiplication and division, to geometry.  They create and solve practical problems using all four operations.  Students in grade 3 explore fractions concepts more deeply and begin to add and subtract fractions with like denominators.  They also explore numerical and geometric patterns and explore the concept of equality in depth.

In Reading, students make a shift from learning to read, to reading to learn- with a big focus on comprehension skills in both fiction and non-fiction. Near the end of the year, students take SOL’s for the first time in reading and math. The third grade team works collaboratively with the math coach and reading team to ensure student growth and learning. Students in third grade also learn a variety of new concepts in the arts and physical education including playing the recorder and taking swimming lessons.