Hello Rockledge family! I’m excited to be teaching 1st grade again. I got my degree from Western Governors University. I have a Bachelors in Elementary Education and Educational Studies. I’m a former student of Rockledge elementary and a PWCS graduate. I hope to have a wonderful school year with our students and families!

My name is Mary Riddle. I graduated from George Mason with my Master's in Education in 2020. I have grown-up in Prince William County Public Schools.

I have been teaching for 6 years. I taught at a previous county school for 4 years and this will be my 2nd year here at Rockledge. I have only taught 1st grade and love to see all the progress made in 1st grade.

I am so excited to be here at Rockledge!

Welcome to first grade! My name is Claudette Rodney-Cornette, and I’m so excited to be part of your child’s learning journey. I recently moved to the United States from Guyana with my family, and I bring over 20 years of teaching experience to Rockledge Elementary. I earned my Teaching Certificate from Cyril Potter College of Education, hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Guyana and completed a Postgraduate Degree in Leadership and Management from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).

I believe that learning should be fun and meaningful, and I love using creativity and hands-on activities to help students discover their unique strengths. My goal is to create a classroom where every child feels valued, supported and inspired to learn.

When I’m not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Martin, and our two daughters, Makela and Maleka. I also love reading, exploring new cultures, and cooking traditional Guyanese dishes.

Fun Fact: I often share stories about my culture with my students because it’s a great way to make learning exciting and connect with the world around us.

My name is Melissa Simpson.

I have been teaching at Rockledge for 30 years. I taught Special Education for 15 and first grade for 15. I graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a bachelor’s in English and a master’s in teaching.

I enjoy working with families and am active in the Rockledge PTO and Advisory Council.

I have two daughters. Caroline is 26 and works at George Mason University. Lily is 19 and is a student at Northern Virginia Community College. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, spending time with my family, and Aqua Zumba.