Fifth Grade


Fifth Grade Team Paul Lopez, Debbie Martin & Dana Sedersten

We are so excited to be teaming together to help your 5th grader learn and grow this year! Collectively, we have been teaching for 84 years! In fifth grade, we learn about exploration, the American colonies, and the American Revolution. We also will visit Ameritowne while learning financial literacy. In science, we focus our time on all types of matter and space.

Paul Lopez Lopez

Whether reading a novel on past American Presidents or fishing and hiking in the majestic Rocky Mountains, I enjoy spending time with family and friends.  

As far as my kids, Scott and his wife Kieran are in the military. Their MOS is Mortuary Affairs. My daughter Noelle is a senior at UCCS. She plans on becoming a clinical or school counselor. Regarding teaching, I'm entering my 26th year at Douglas County School District. I look forward to serving our children at Soaring Hawk Elementary.


Debbie Martin Martin Family

I received my B.A. at Azusa Pacific University and my M.A. at Grand Canyon University.  I have been teaching for 29 years. 11of those years were overseas in Doha, Qatar where I was fortunate to work with others from all over the world. I was a teacher, assistant principal and educational consultant. 

I have a wonderful husband, Eric, and three children and 4 step children. We are a modern day Brady Bunch.  We have two dogs and a cat (all rescues) Molly, Chloe and Booma (Molly and Booma came back with me from Qatar). My favorite person of all… my 3 year old granddaughter!I love to travel! Living overseas allowed for a lot of that!  There are so many favorites, but the region of Abruzzo, Italy ranks highest (I love my people there!). When time allows, I love to craft and quilt.  I was born and raised in Alaska, I married a Colorado native, and I have lived in CA, NV, ID and Qatar. I love sports!  My favorite teams are all that my kiddos play on and my women’s softball team that I played on for 11 years in Qatar.


Dana Sedersten Sedersten

I grew up in Colorado, but have lived as an adult in 8 cities in 4 states.My BA is from University of Northern Colorado and my Master’s is in Mathematics and Gifted and Talented from the University of PA. My husband and I love traveling, particularly to the mountains. We love camping, kayaking, and eating ice cream cones! Lake Tahoe, CA is our special spot.We have an adult son who is a very talented esthetician and makeup artist for Chanel in a brand new boutique in Cherry Creek Mall.I love doing crafts like making jewelry, sewing for my home, needlepointing, and card making. I have to read before bed. For an hour or so…This will be my 17th year in Douglas County but my 36th year overall. I love teaching all grades, but especially 5th grade!