5th Grade

Mr. Copperwheat, Ms. Mastrocola, Mrs. Lawrence, Mrs. Heideman, Ms. Combs, Mr. Lynch

Meet the Team!

David Copperwheat —dcopperwheat@wcpss.net — Website — Twitter

Mr. Copperwheat: I am originally from Rochester, New York and moved to North Carolina for the sunshine and warm weather.  I began my teaching career in Nashville North Carolina, where I taught 2nd and 3rd grade. I moved to Wake County in 2000 and taught 3rd grade at Dillard Elementary followed by nine years at Salem Elementary. My wife and I are the proud parents of twin girls.

Degrees/Certifications: B.A. Elementary Education

Jaclyn Combs — jcombs2@wcpss.net — Website — Twitter

Ms. Combs:  I was raised in Roslyn, NY with my 3 brothers and 2 sisters. I attended West Virginia University (Go Mountaineers!) and received my Masters in Elementary Education. I moved to Raleigh in 2012 and love everything NC has to offer. Some of my favorite things are spending time with my friends and family, ice cream, pizza and snuggling with my four nieces and nephew! I love to travel - I've visited over 15 countries outside of the US and can't wait to add more to my list! 

Degrees/Certifications:  Masters, National Board Certified  

Heidi Lawrence — helawrence@wcpss.net — Website — Twitter

Ms. Lawrence: Hello! I am excited to be your child's fifth grade teacher. I grew up in the Washington, D. C. area and have lived throughout the United States. I have taught several grades throughout my career. Prior to WOE, I served as the Director of Curriculum at a PreK-Grade 8 private school. It is going to be a wonderful year together! I can't wait to meet your child!

Degrees/Certifications: Ed. S., Higher Education, Appalachian State University, Graduate Certificate- School Leadership, Appalachian State University, Master of Science, Elementary Education, Syracuse University, Bachelor of Science, Landscape Architecture, The Ohio State University, North Carolina Standard II Professional License: Birth to Kindergarten, Elementary Education (K – 6), Language Arts (6 – 9), Exceptional Children: Generalist, Reading (K – 12), Principal License

Lindsay Heideman — lheideman@wcpss.net — Website — Twitter

Mrs. Heideman: I was born and raised in Austin, TX and my family and I recently moved to Holly Springs, NC! We love it here and are so excited to continue to explore our new home! My husband and I have 2 children that are White Oak Explorers! My sweet and shy daughter, Camilla will be in 5th and my wild silly son, Finn will be in 1st Grade.

I graduated from Texas State University in 2012 with a Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies EC-6th. This is my 11th year teaching and my fourth in 5th grade. I have taught all elementary grade levels except 2nd & 3rd.

I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, listening to music, traveling, exploring our new town, Target runs, and reading!

Degrees/Certifications: Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies EC-6th, ESL, SPED Certification

Marcella Mastrocola —mmastrocola@wcpss.net — Website — Twitter

Ms. Mastrocola:  Hi! I am excited to be your child's teacher! This is my fourth-year teaching fifth grade! I am originally from Massachusetts and graduated from Elon University with a BA in Elementary Education and have a Master's Degree from UNC Charlotte in Elementary Education with a concentration in K-6 Mathematics. When I am not teaching, I enjoy traveling, reading, baking and exercising! Looking forward to a great year!

Degrees/Certifications: Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Elon University, Master's Degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in K-6 math from UNC Charlotte, NC K-6 math specialist

Terry Lynch — @wcpss.net — Website — Twitter

Mr. Lynch: I am extremely excited to join the White Oak family after returning to NC from the West Coast. This is my 10th year teaching, 8th in 5th grade and two years of Special Education in Resource Room. I am originally from Syosset, NY and currently reside in Apex with my wife and son who is a Sophomore at Apex Friendship High School.

Degrees/Certifications: Masters degree in Elementary and Special Education