(L to R: A. Jones, L. Kessler, C. Gilbert, S. Martinez, N. Gray)

Ms. Avalyn Jones

Hello Baucom Families, I'm Mrs. Jones and I am excited to be teaching 5th grade here at Baucom! I hold a BSc. in Middle Grades Education from Western Carolina University and a M.Ed. in Learning Design and Technology from North Carolina State University. My teaching journey spans from 2nd to 6th grade. I have enjoyed teaching upper grades and have 9 years of experience in 5th grade.  Beyond the classroom, I enjoy cooking, traveling and reading. I have one child who is in 1st grade at Baucom this year. I look forward to a great year of learning!

Email: ajones18@wcpss.net

Ms. Lauren Kessler

This will be my 3rd year at Baucom Elementary! I grew up in New York and moved to North Carolina in 2015. Since then, I have taught 5th grade in WCPSS. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Childhood and Special Education from SUNY Geneseo and a Master’s degree in Math, Science, and Technology Education from St. John Fisher College. Additionally, I am certified in Academically or Intellectually Gifted Education and am a National Board Certified Teacher. In my free time, I enjoy reading, hiking, playing board games, and traveling. 

Email: lkessler@wcpss.net

Mr. Chris Gilbert

This is my 16th year teaching 5th grade at Baucom. I was born in Apex, North Carolina and attended Elementary school at Baucom! I also went to both Apex Middle and Apex High School. I graduated from UNC-Wilmington in 2008 with a degree in Elementary Education. I am a huge Duke, Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Braves fan!

Mr. Gilbert's Website

Email: cgilbert@wcpss.net

Ms. Sarah Martinez

My name is Sarah Martinez and I am so excited to join Baucom this year. I have taught second grade at Dillard Drive ES for the past several years and I am excited for the new challenge in teaching 5th grade math. I have a beautiful baby girl who is the light in my life and I enjoy spending every moment I can with her. 

Email: smills@wcpss.net

Ms. Nicole Gray

Baucom Families, I am the astonishing Ms. Gray! And, I am super excited to be your student's fifth grade ELA teacher (as I was probably their third grade teacher). I have been at Baucom for close to 27 years now, and I have loved every minute of it. If you see someone casting spells to help your progeny learn, that person is me!

Never be afraid to reach out as I am always willing to challenge my students to grow as learners and humans. Please know that my heart is in helping every person that walks through my door, no matter the cost. 

Email: ndinardo-gray@wcpss.net