School & District News

For Catherine Lynch, being named principal of Moss Hill Elementary isn’t just a professional milestone, it’s the continuation of a legacy that spans generations.

A third-generation Moss Hill Tiger, Lynch has deep roots at the school she now leads. “My children came here too. My dad was actually the last graduating high school class of Moss Hill. So that’s kind of neat,” she said.

With 19 years of experience at Moss Hill, beginning as a fourth grade teacher and later moving into fifth grade, curriculum, and most recently        serving as a Digital Learning and Curriculum Specialist, Lynch brings both instructional expertise and a true sense of homegrown leadership to the principal’s office.

Lynch steps into the role following the leadership of Jeremy Barnett, who was named principal of Woodington Middle School earlier this summer. “Mr. Barnett was amazing,” she said. “I definitely want to focus on that and keep the morale going for the teachers, because that trickles down to the students and to the learning.” She credits Barnett’s strong foundation and culture of support as key elements she plans to continue and build upon.

She briefly served as an assistant principal at Rochelle Middle School, but ultimately returned to Moss Hill. That decision eventually led her back into the classroom and then into leadership roles that prepared her for this new chapter.

As Digital Learning Specialist, Lynch helped launch and lead Moss Hill’s first student tech team, a group that empowered students to take ownership of digital tools and support technology in the classroom. “I still plan to be involved in the curriculum and the digital piece,” she said. “But just focusing on our students and then what our teachers need to help our students grow.”

Lynch says what truly sets Moss Hill apart is its strong sense of community. “People see you in the grocery store, they see you wherever, and they know you’re attached to Moss Hill — either because they've been there or their kids have been there,” she said. “It’s just a family.”

As she begins her first year as principal, Lynch says she’s committed to sustaining the school’s success while nurturing teacher morale. “They are in a great place right now with staff morale. Mr. Barnett was amazing, and I definitely want to keep that going because that trickles down to the students and to the learning.”

This year’s theme, ‘Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger,’ holds special meaning for Lynch. “We always say that. But this year, it hits a little different,” she said. “I have a huge sense of pride being here and being able to continue this tradition. I feel like it's come full circle.”