Alexandria City Public Schools

Home » News Releases » 2005-2006 » April 21, 2006

Eight ACPS Teachers Receive Excellence in Education Awards

Eight Alexandria City Public School (ACPS) teachers will be honored on Tuesday, June 6, at the Excellence in Education Awards dinner sponsored by the Alexandria Education Partnership (AEP), a nonprofit organization that supports ACPS with community resources and career preparation.

Principals, colleagues, parents and students from six elementary schools, George Washington Middle School and T.C. Williams High School nominated the following award recipients for their abilities to inspire students to appreciate learning and attain maximum potential; create classrooms that promote diversity, individual talents and self esteem; and serve as positive role models.

Wanda Bridget Allen, a kindergarten teacher at Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy since 1993, educates her students through a variety of fun activities, from using teddy bears in lessons to performing in costume to encourage students to read. A participant on numerous leadership and planning teams, Allen recently served as the ACPS kindergarten preparatory coordinator. Allen was a finalist for The Washington Post's 2006 Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award.

Terrell LeVaughn Ambrose, an ACPS instrumental music teacher since 1999, serves as the T.C. Williams High School music department chair and director of Symphonic Bands I and II, Concert Band, Marching Band, Jazz Combo and Jazz Ensemble. Under Ambrose's leadership, the band program has grown and students have performed at a variety of local venues, including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Ambrose is known for making sure that all his students receive equal opportunities and individual attention.

Anika Buster-Singleton, a sixth-grade language arts teacher at George Washington Middle School since 1999, promotes a family-type classroom atmosphere where students practice the slogan Each One Teach One. Buster-Singleton, who leads the 6-3 Trailblazers team, incorporates activities that address her students' varied learning styles. She places a strong emphasis on developing reading abilities, honing writing skills and promoting strong work ethics.

Maria Fletcher, a teacher at Mount Vernon Community School since 1985, is known for setting high standards in her second-grade classroom. A mentor for new teachers, she is quick to offer her time and ideas to colleagues. Fletcher specializes in nurturing students who are low achievers or have behavioral problems, and makes a practice of highlighting students' achievements. Fletcher has served as grade-level chairperson and as a member of many school committees.

Arthur Harris, physical education teacher at Douglas MacArthur Elementary School from 1983 to 1985 and from 1992 to the present, serves as the department's lead teacher. "Coach Harris" stresses self-improvement over competition in his classes and challenges his students with skill-building activities — such as learning to walk and eventually run the mile — that carry over from year to year. Harris coordinates the school's annual field day and Hoop it Up event for Character Counts.

Mara Mellody, fourth-grade teacher at Matthew Maury Elementary School since 2003, boosted the school's Virginia Studies Standards of Learning (SOL) test scores from 34 percent in 2002-2003 to 86 percent in 2003-2004 and 81 percent in 2004-2005. Mellody co-authored a Teaching Historical Places lesson plan on segregation in Alexandria, participated in the ACPS Teaching American History grant program and directs the school's 21st Century tutoring program. She was a finalist for the 2006 Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award.

Noemi Rivera, third-grade teacher at Jefferson-Houston School for Arts and Academics since 2003, is known as the school's "Science Lady." Her accomplishments include raising Jefferson-Houston third-grade science SOL scores 38 percent and managing a Science Resource Room stocked with materials teachers can borrow. Nominated for a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, Rivera encourages independent learning by providing free-choice as well as mandatory assignments.

Donna Schmidt, an ACPS teacher since 1990, has taught first grade at Samuel Tucker Elementary School since 2000. Schmidt serves as Primary Team Leader, has conducted district-wide math workshops for kindergarten teachers and is a candidate for National Board Certification. She is known for helping students learn by offering special attention, from helping a youngster practice self control through use of an hourly behavior chart to visiting a bedridden parent to discuss home learning ideas for a troubled child.

Two Alexandria private-school teachers also will be honored at the event. Robert Davis teaches the eighth-grade Principles of Science class at St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School, and Kenneth A. Risley teaches Advanced Placement and Regular U.S. History at Episcopal High School.

The recognition event on June 6 at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria, features a mixer at 5 p.m. followed by dinner at 6 p.m. For more information about the event or sponsorship opportunities, contact AEP Executive Director Kerri Rogers at krogers@alexchamber.com or 703-549-1000, extension 208.

[back to top]

DID YOU KNOW?

Early childhood education students intern with the Alexandria Head Start program and provide assistance at the Tiny Titan Daycare Center housed in T.C. Williams High School.