Commonwealth Academy 2012 CARE Awards

Mayor William Euille opened the 12th Annual Commonwealth Academy CARE Awards, held in May at the Hilton Alexandria Old Town, with reflections on caring about the community in which we live and how Commonwealth Academy’s history has always encapsulated this ideal. Commonwealth Academy is a grade 3–12 college preparatory day school for students with AD/HD and learning differences. Honored at the event were Alexandria City Public School Teacher Todd Koren, Commonwealth Academy’s Teacher of the Year Bill Vander Clute, the Commonwealth Academy Parents Association, and Commonwealth Academy alumni who had recently received undergraduate degrees. Ann Dolin, past president and current board member of CHADD of Northern Virginia, author, and president of Educational Connections, shared personal and professional anecdotes about how well students with learning differences can perform given the right environment, complimenting Commonwealth Academy on a job well done. The evening was a testament to the critical difference that strong partnerships between community, family, and public and private schools can make in the success of our city’s youth.

Head of School Dr. Susan Johnson presented this year’s Leadership Award to the Commonwealth Academy Parents Association (CAPA) for their important role in helping Commonwealth Academy grow from a small school with big dreams to the thriving institution it is today. Likewise, CAPA has grown, from a handful of dedicated parents pitching in with car washes, rummage sales, hospitality, and providing transportation to a professionally run organization with elected officers, specific committees with key areas of responsibility that support our students, families, and the school on numerous levels. CAPA is instrumental in welcoming new families, helping organize school dances and student activities, raising money and donating equipment to support the school’s program, and helping create a community where everyone feels welcomed and needed.

Superintendent Dr. Morton Sherman presented this year’s CARE Award for an outstanding Alexandria educator to TC Williams High School English teacher Todd Koren. During his six years at TC Williams, Koren has strived to reach all learners, regardless of their background and has developed a classroom curriculum that can be adapted to fit all student achievement levels. He creates lessons that use the latest technology available and, teaching collaboratively with a Special Education certified teacher, he exposes his students to a variety of research, learning, and communication methods. Koren serves on the school’s Literacy and Technology Council and mentors and educates the faculty at TC Williams on the newest uses of technology in the classroom with a focus on “best practices.” Parents, colleagues, and teachers all agree that he has an uncanny way of building a deep rapport with his students, and as a result, motivates them to new levels. “The one thing I try to impart to my students,” says Koren, “is that the worst thing they can be is apathetic. No matter what it is, they should find one thing in their lives they truly care about and dive into it.”

Dr. Johnson named Middle School English and Drama teacher Bill Vander Clute the Commonwealth Academy Teacher of the Year. Vander Clute is well respected by his colleagues for fostering creative thinking and infusing his classroom with uncommon energy. He is a strong voice in the Middle School and espouses Commonwealth Academy’s mission at every turn, always advocating for the students. As a role model, he demonstrates daily how interests and passions outside the classroom can be used to convey newly acquired knowledge. An active member of the Providence Players of Fairfax…actor, writer, and director, he engages and involves his students in English and Drama. Vander Clute often says that Commonwealth Academy is one school that does what they say they are going to do. The same is often said about Bill Vander Clute.

Dr. Johnson also honored two Alumni Achievers who recently graduated from college: David Mattoon ’06 (B.A. George Mason University) and Melissa Mitchell ’07 (B.A. University of Maryland, Baltimore County.) Mattoon returned to Commonwealth Academy as a teaching assistant and plans to get a master’s degree in special and elementary education. Mitchell is launching her career as a paralegal.

Over 134 parents, faculty, and friends of the school were in attendance for the dinner that was chaired by parents Sean Laane and Patricia Weggell-Laane. Former Board Chair and current Trustee Trip Howell served as emcee for the evening.