Principal Dr. S. Kambar Khoshaba has been named the 2021 Outstanding Middle School Principal of Virginia by a panel of principals and superintendents representing the Principal Awards Committee of the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals (VASSP).
Dr. Khoshaba has been principal at Western Branch Middle School (WBMS) since 2014. He has a total of 19 years in school leadership – all of which have been served in Chesapeake Public Schools. Dr. Khoshaba consistently encourages out-of-the-box thinking to ensure “Students first” as teachers design their instructional programs.
“Before we can ever reach a child’s mind, we have to touch his heart…. At WBMS, we have facilitated several creative instructional activities, including a 1920’s speakeasy reenactment, a cross-curricular Apollo 13 activity with escape rooms, and 6th grade immigration simulations.” – Dr. S. Kambar Khoshaba
His awareness of current events led to the creation of social justice councils and implementation of Social Environmental Learning family branch groups to offer equity, voice, and wellness for all school community stakeholders. Dr. Khoshaba enthusiastically shares his knowledge and experiences through writings and presentations at state and national conferences. His most recent article – “S.T.E.P.S. to Success: What Schools Can Do to Rebound in a Post-COVID World” – was published March 2021 in NASSP’s Principal Leadership magazine.
“Dr. Khoshaba has been an advocate for his students and instrumental in implementing processes that support the division’s commitment to inspire, engage, and empower each student.” -Dr. Jared A. Cotton, Superintendent
Dr. Khoshaba was recognized in 2019 as the Virginia Student Councils Association Administrator of the Year and, under his leadership, WBMS was recognized as a National School to Watch.
“VASSP strives to identify and showcase the best principals across the Commonwealth so we can capture and share their effective practices. Dr. Khoshaba offers considerable experience and expertise from which practitioners can glean valuable insights.” – Randy D. Barrack, VASSP Executive Director
He will be honored for his accomplishments at the June 2021 Virginia Middle and High School Principals Conference & Exposition in Richmond, and recognized nationally at the 2021 National Principals Conference, with other state Principals of the Year.
Congratulations, Dr. Khoshaba!