Hoffman-Boston Elementary School Principal Kimberley Graves has been named the Arlington Public Schools 2018 Principal of the Year.

“Kim is a passionate, thoughtful, and collaborative leader,” said Superintendent Dr. Pat Murphy, adding, “She truly demonstrates the belief and leadership practices that all children can learn, and she strongly believes in community and family partnerships that lead to increasing student engagement and meeting the needs of the whole child.”

Graves holds a Bachelor of Arts in government from the College of William and Mary and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from George Mason University. She also holds certification in K-12 supervision and administration and in social studies.

Graves has 20 years of experience as an educator and instructional leader. She has served as a high school social studies teacher, middle school assistant principal, high school executive associate principal, and for the last 10 years an elementary school principal. Since 2012, she has served as principal of Hoffman-Boston. Under her leadership, she has brought high-quality instructional programs and practices to Hoffman-Boston, which have led to the school receiving the Virginia Distinguished Award of Excellence for the first time in the school’s history.

Graves has led the charge to transform the school culture and climate to be one of excellence and high expectations combined with love and compassion. “Kim worked assiduously to transform Hoffman-Boston from more than a decade of being listed as a school “in improvement” by the state to today’s high achieving school status. This achievement came with great dedication, passion and, at times personal sacrifices,” said Assistant Principal Carmen De La Cruz Scales.

During her stay at the school, Graves has worked with the staff to survey their needs and provide them with tools to refine their skills and knowledge so that they are best prepared to serve students. As part of this work, she developed a comprehensive strategic plan to specifically address academic areas of deficiencies, revamped programs, identified added ways to support staff, and the focused on increasing the morale of the school.

In addition to leading a swift turnaround in student reading and math proficiency, Graves is the personification of a caring and professional educator. She learns every student’s name and greets children warmly. She develops positive relationships with families and advocates for a high-quality education for each child.

“Kim does not hesitate to talk to a student, meet with a concerned parent, or even drive a student home if they have missed the bus. Her demeanor with all students and families is consistently respectful, warm, and positive, which greatly impacts the culture and climate of the entire school,” said reading teacher Mary Ruth Findlay.

In March, Graves was appointed by the School Board to be the new principal of Drew Model as it transitions to a new neighborhood school in 2019.

Graves is one of 16 Principals recognized by The Washington Post and will be recognized by the Arlington School Board along with the 2018 Teacher of the Year and Support Employees of the Year on Tue, May 8 at Washington-Lee High School.