Welcome to Fifth Grade
The Ashlawn Fifth Grade team would like to welcome you to Ashlawn Elementary School.
Mrs. Kelly Adams
kelly.adams@apsva.us
My name is Kelly Adams. I grew up in Rhode Island. I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a major in Diplomatic History and a minor in Spanish. I moved to Boston after graduation and worked in Corporate America for 5 years. Then, I went back to school and received my Masters in Education from Tufts University. My first teaching job was in 2nd grade in Massachusetts. I moved to Arlington in 2005 and started teaching 5th grade at Jamestown Elementary School. In 2012, I switched to Ashlawn and love being an Ashlawn Eagle. I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, running and of course teaching!
Mrs. Margaret Bleicher
margaret.bleicher@apsva.us
Welcome to 5th grade! I grew up in South Florida, and graduated from Vanderbilt University studying both elementary and special education. Since then I have taught in grades K-4 both general and special education. This is my 7th year as an Ashlawn Eagle and 5th year working with Mrs.Riley! I live in Arlington with my husband Dan and our 3 kids who are 11, 15, and 17. Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, reading, travel, and doing DIY projects around the house. My all-time favorite book to share with students is The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo.
Amy Fong
amy.fong@apsva.us
I grew up across the continents of Africa, Asia, and North America which developed in me a love for cultures and learning from others. I love working with students from other cultures and places. I have been an EL teacher at Ashlawn for seven years and I have been teaching for a total of 15 years. Prior to working at Ashlawn, I worked as a classroom teacher (various grade levels between 1st-3rd grade) at a private school. I have an MSE degree in early childhood education with an ESOL endorsement from John Brown University and an Med in reading education from the University of Virginia. I love spending time with my husband, 5 year old daughter and 3 year old son, reading, exercising, eating tasty food from all over the world, and exploring new places. My favorite children’s book is “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein. I love working at Ashlawn because of the people. It’s such a supportive and inclusive community which I’m so thankful to be a part of.
Ms. Hannah Magnolia
hannah.magnolia@apsva.us
Hi! I’m Hannah Magnolia, and I’m so happy to be a part of the Ashlawn community and the fifth grade team. I grew up in a small town outside of Buffalo, NY and earned my bachelor’s at The George Washington University. After working in a variety of office environments, I decided to explore the career I’d always wanted – teaching! I went to Marymount University for my Masters of Education, and I’ve been teaching 4th & 5th grades in Arlington since 2008. When I’m not at school, you can find me hanging out with my family, especially baking or at the playground with my daughter, or just reading a book. Go Ashlawn Eagles!
Miss Sobel
andrea.sobel@apsva.us
Hello Ashlawn Eagles! I am super pumped to be joining the Ashlawn family this school year. I grew up right outside of Philly and I am a Philly sports fan at heart! I received my Bachelors degree in Elementary Education from Penn State – We Are! I also studied abroad in Ecuador during my time there where I taught English to University students. Through this experience I received my certification to teach English as a Second Language. This will be my 6th year teaching and my 4th year teaching 5th grade. I previously taught for 5 years with Fairfax County Public Schools both 4th and 5th grade. A few of my favorites include Starbucks coffee, being outside, butterflies, sunsets, and traveling to new places. I can’t wait for this school year!
Mr. Sean Kennedy
sean.kennedy@apsva.us
I grew up in a very small town in western Massachusetts. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in psychology from UMass Amherst, I taught in the Boston area for several years while earning a Masters in Education and a certification in Special Education K-12. In 2006, I moved to Arlington and spent 13 years teaching Special Education students in the middle school world. In my free time, you can find me traveling, swimming, biking, gardening, and going on epic walks with my wife and two young boys. My favorite book from early childhood is Harold and the Purple Crayon. I’m thrilled to be a part of the Ashlawn family this year!
