Michael Hinrichs has been named the new assistant principal at Washington Middle School, effective July 1. He replaces Stacey Secor, who recently was named principal at South Point Elementary.
Hinrichs currently teaches social studies and coaches eighth-grade boys basketball at Washington Middle School. He’s held both positions for the two years he’s been at WMS.
During his two years with the School District of Washington, Hinrichs has participated in Leadership SDOW, the Character Education Committee, and attended the Aspiring Principals Conference.
“It’s very exciting to get my opportunity to help our school and our school community even more than I already have been,” Hinrichs said. “From the two years I’ve been at the middle school, our school culture is awesome. Everyone seems to buy in to what we’re doing, whether its administration, or my team, or our entire staff, we all get along and we all have our place at the middle school.”
Prior to arriving in Washington, Hinrichs was with the St. Clair the R-XIII School District, where he was a junior high social studies teacher for four years. He also coached seventh- and eighth-grade girls basketball and was a varsity boys basketball assistant coach while at St. Clair.
In addition to his six years in education, Hinrichs worked at a logistics company for nine years.
“I am really excited to work with Michael as our new assistant principal at Washington Middle School. He works hard to build solid, trusting relationships with his students, which is vital as he begins his work as an administrator,” said Washington Middle School Principal Laura Bruckerhoff. “I'm looking forward to seeing him grow as a leader and to continue our efforts in maintaining a culture of belonging and independence at WMS."
A 2003 graduate of Hermann High School, Hinrichs has a Bachelor of Arts degree in social studies and a Master’s degree in education administration, both from Missouri Baptist University.
“I’ve always thought about getting into administration, but never really found the right time or had a real opportunity until Mrs. Secor got her new position at South Point Elementary and figured this was the time for me to do it. If I didn’t get it, at least I got the interview experience. Everything fell into place. It was the right time for me to pursue this,” Hinrichs said.
“I’m excited that I’ll be able to work more closely with Laura. With the knowledge and the experience she has as a long-time administrator, I have a lot to learn from her. I’m just going to be a sponge and soak everything in from the get-go. She has a calmness about her. She’s seen it all. Nothing is ever too high or too low with her.”
Working with the middle school staff and students in his new role is something Hinrichs is looking forward to doing.
“The middle school just won the statewide school of character award. That speaks to the culture we have. We truly have a great staff, and our students are great, too. Our staff takes pride in teaching our kids how to be good people,” Hinrichs said. “I like to recognize the celebrations we have going on in our school, and we’ll certainly continue to do those things in the future. I want to make sure we continue to build upon focusing on our students and on our celebrations. I want to celebrate the students we have at the middle school.”
Hinrichs lives in Washington with his wife Julie and their four children, Liam (13 years old), Maggie (8 years old), Brody (7 years old) and Tate (2 years old). He enjoys spending time with his family, attending sporting events, and listening to music.
Michael Hinrichs