Welcome to Fifth grade! It probably seems like just yesterday you were anxiously sending your child to kindergarten and now they are in their last year of elementary school. We are committed to:
- ensuring that your child has a great year socially and academically
- fostering the love of learning in all of our students
- meeting each child where they are, to guarantee that they reach their full potential
- providing classrooms in which learning is meaningful, exciting, and thought-provoking
- knowing each student by name, their strengths, and needs
We understand our responsibility in preparing the 5th graders to spread their wings and soar when they arrive in middle school.
Grade 5 Teachers
Ms. Zipfel
Hello! I am Mrs. Zipfel and I will be teaching Math and Science this year. I started teaching at Nottingham in 2012 and I have taught 3rd, 4th and 5th grades. Prior to working at Nottingham, I taught middle school for 11 years in APS and in Maryland, and 10 years at Randolph Elementary School. I graduated from Bloomsburg University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education in 1991. I graduated from Grand Canyon University in 2006, with a Master’s Degree in the Art of Teaching. I obtained the Elementary Education endorsement on my teaching certificate in 2010. In May, 2013, I graduated from Mansfield University, with a Master’s Degree in School Media and Library Science. I am certified in Elementary Education, Special Education, and School Library and Instructional Technology. I am originally from Pennsylvania. I grew up in Sunbury, which is along the Susquehanna River. I moved to Virginia after spending 5 years in Maryland. I live in Woodbridge with my husband Ray and my dog Buster. I enjoy going to the OBX, reading Nora Roberts’ books, watching tv, and listening to music. I am looking forward to a great year in 5th grade!
Ms. Fioretto
Welcome to 5th Grade! My name is Isabella Fioretto and I am excited to be your teacher this year. This is my first year teaching at Nottingham. Prior to Nottingham, I taught fourth grade for five years in a suburban school outside of Chicago. I received my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and my master’s degree as a Reading Specialist from Chicago’s DePaul University. Outside of school, I enjoy traveling, exploring new restaurants and spending time with family and friends. My goal is to work with you and your child to ensure their success as learners. If you have any questions or concerns at any time, please feel free to contact me.
Mrs. Hasecke
I am Mrs. Hasecke and I am thrilled to be joining the Nottingham family this year! This is my 13th year of teaching. I received my BA from Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH, and my Masters in Educational Leadership from Wright State University in Dayton, OH. I most recently taught 5th grade for 8 years, and prior to having my own kids, I taught 1st grade for 4 years. I also treasured the years when I was able to stay home with our young children and enjoyed teaching private piano lessons to kids and adults alike!
My husband and I have three kids – two away at college, and one at Wakefield. We moved here this year from Ohio and we are really enjoying all that Arlington has to offer! I love to travel, play piano, sing, read, cook, and spend time with my family playing games, doing puzzles, and watching movies. Maine is our absolute favorite place to vacation (which is why we are the Hasecke Lobsters 😉🦞). I am so excited to be teaching 5th grade here – I really love this grade and age! Let’s have a wonderful year!
Ms. Schleter
Twitter: @MsSchleter5th
Hi! My name is Kara Schleter. I graduated from the University of Georgia in May 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences. Go Dawgs! I grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania but have also lived in Tennessee and Georgia. I moved to Washington, DC in August 2020. In my free time, I love to travel, hike, try new restaurants, and spend time with friends and family. I also enjoy going to sporting events. I am a huge Georgia football and Pittsburgh sports fan. I am very excited to begin my teaching career at Nottingham and look forward to meeting everyone.
Mr. Mayer (Special Education)
paul.mayer@apsva.us
Twitter: …
I have taught at Nottingham since 2016. I am originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin teaching in Milwaukee Public Schools. I spent 35 years in Milwaukee teaching special education students and reading intervention students at all grade levels. At the same time, I taught at Cardinal Stritch University in the Reading and Language Arts Center diagnosing reading difficulties and teaching reading clinic students. This September (2020) will mark the beginning of my 42nd year teaching students. I received my BSE from the University of Wisconsin in 1980 and my MA from Cardinal Stritch University in 1985. I have numerous post-graduate credits in curriculum and instruction. I am looking forward to the 2020-2021 school year(s) and seeing all of you at school.
Ms. Lewin (Special Education)
Twitter: …
I started teaching at Nottingham at the start of the 2019 school year, after a 12-year hiatus as a stay-at-home. Prior to that, I provided special education support in kindergarten at McKinley Elementary School and then taught 6th-8th graders in the Life Skills program at Swanson Middle School. I have an undergraduate degree in Family/Child Development & Psychology from Virginia Tech (Go Hokies!) and a Masters in Special Education from George Mason University. Teaching is my second career, after having worked as a social worker serving adults with intellectual disabilities in the City of Alexandria for over five years. My hobbies include cooking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. I live in Arlington with my husband, our two kids, and our adorable, fluffy mini goldendoodle. I love being part of the Nottingham team!
