New Aitken Principal Sets His Sights High

Graf started at Aitken in July 2018 as the assistant principal and later served as the interim principal following former principal John Haidemenos’ retirement last January.

“It’s really interesting to carve it out and make it my own,” Graf explained. “It’s been great. There’s definitely a lot to the job. There’s more responsibility. You’re in charge of a lot more things. The Aitken staff, the parents, the students, it’s a wonderful school.”

Graf was previously an assistant principal at schools in New Bedford and Bellingham. In addition, he spent approximately seven years working as a guidance counselor in Fall River at the Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School and Edmond Talbot Middle School.

Outside of education, Graf has also worked for the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families as a social worker.

“I found that I really liked working (with children),” Graf said. “One of my first jobs was as a substitute teacher at Bristol Aggie and that point I decided I liked working with students.”

Graf attended Rhode Island College for his undergraduate degree and did his graduate work at Boston University and Northeastern University.

“Right now I’m taking a lot of professional development workshops to strengthen my knowledge a little bit,” Graf noted.

Aitken is featuring two new programs this year. One is ST Math, which has received positive feedback from students. A new literacy program, “My View,” has also begun.

“I try to come from the approach of being as supportive as I can,” Graf added. “I want to make sure everyone gets what they need. For me, it’s all about trying to be the best possible support to everyone.”