Lowes Island Elementary School

Rachel Briggs & Lily Gardner

Hello Kindergarten Families!

My name is Rachel Briggs, and I am thrilled to begin my third year teaching Kindergarten here at Lowes Island. I hold a B.A. in Fine Arts from James Madison University and completed the Career Switcher Program at Old Dominion University, earning an endorsement in PreK-6th grade. Before joining LCPS, I spent 7 years teaching Preschool and Kindergarten at a private school in Ashburn.

I am a Northern Virginia native, having lived in the area for over 40 years. I grew up in Herndon and currently reside in Ashburn with my husband of 19 years, our son who is in 12th grade, and our daughter who is in 10th grade. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy reading, exercising, going on motorcycle rides with my husband, and skiing with my family.

I’m looking forward to getting to know all of my new students and families, and I’m excited to work together to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment. We are going to have an AMAZING year full of fun activities and learning!

You can follow our class on twitter @owlesometeacher

 Please feel free to contact me at rachel.briggs@lcps.org

Hi! I am Mrs. Gardner, and I am the Kindergarten Assistant in Mrs. Briggs’ class. This is my 11th year teaching full-time for Loudoun County. I am a graduate of St. Bonaventure University, with a degree in English. Originally from the Buffalo area, I am an avid fan of Buffalo sports teams (GO Bills! GO Sabres!). When I am not at school, I love to read, watch hockey and football, and spend time with my family. As always, I am looking forward to another great year here at Lowers Island! 

Rouba El-Kari & Rana El-Kari

Welcome to Kindergarten!  My name is Rouba El-Kari and I am so excited to start my seventh year here at Lowes Island Elementary and to be part of your child’s life and educational experience.

 I have been living in Sterling for over 20 years. I am married and have a wonderful daughter named Mia who will be going to 8th grade in the Fall! I have a B.A. in Early Childhood Education with an endorsement in Pre K-3rd grade.  I have been teaching for over 17 years. Prior to coming here, I taught Kindergarten in a private school for almost 9 years.

In my free time, I like to walk, read a good book, travel, and spend quality time with my family as my family is my number one priority. I am sure this year is going to be filled with a lot of learning and fun activities and I can't wait to get to know my students and families! Kindergarten is such a magical time and I look forward to watch your child grow and blossom.

 Follow our class Twitter@MrsElkari

Hi, my name is Rana El- Kari and this will be my sixth year as a TA at Lowes Island Elementary.

Prior to that, I was subbing for about six years in Loudoun county public schools. I am married to my wonderful husband, and I have two daughters. Tatiana is a rising sophomore at Virginia Tech and Christina is a rising senior at Dominion High School. I am originally from Lebanon, and I have a B.A in business administration. In my free time I love to spend time with my family, walk and travel. I can’t wait for another exciting and fun year in kindergarten.

Selina Abbott & Caroline Fritz