New principals for Hot Springs, Pine Bluff and Pocahontas
Three schools get new principals; Morrison serves Rogers in interim
Published: August 18, 2012
Hot Springs
St. John School Angela Isaacs
Hometown: south Louisiana
Education: bachelor's degree in general studies, Louisiana State University; bachelor's degree in theology, St. Gregory University, Shawnee, Okla.; currently enrolled at University of Dallas in the administration and leadership program and the masters in theology program.
Experience: Teacher, St. John School, eight years; director of religious education, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Hot Springs Village, eight years; permanent substitute, St. Mary School, Annapolis, Md.
Educational philosophy: To help students build a strong foundation in faith, service and academics, and to inspire a love of learning.
Benefits of Catholic education: Children are in school eight hours a day. We cannot possibly give them the interaction with Christ that they receive by being in St. John Catholic School. There is no substitute for daily interaction with our Sisters of Mercy and our priests.
Favorite saint: St. Ignatius
Pine Bluff
St. Joseph School Alexandra Pritchett
Hometown: Sherwood
Education: bachelor's degree in music education, University of Central Arkansas, Conway; master's degree in educational leadership and administration, University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Experience: 11 years total: music teacher, Killeen Independent School District, Texas; homebound instructor and high school math teacher, North Little Rock School District; dean of student life, Mount St. Mary Academy, Little Rock
Educational_philosophy: Students are the first priority when it comes to education.
Benefits of Catholic education: The ability to weave academics with Christian beliefs of the Catholic church, strong sense of values and family, long history of solid quality education.
Favorite Scripture: Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God."
Pocahontas
St. Paul School Maria Ann Dickson
Hometown: Pocahontas
Education: bachelor's degree in elementary education; master's degree in education
Experience: adjunct instructor, Black River Technical College, Pocahontas; art and sixth-eighth grade teacher for five years, St. Paul School, Pocahontas
Educational philosophy: We as educators should teach as Jesus did. I feel it's important for our students to be taught holistically and molded spiritually, academically, emotionally and physically in a caring and respectful environment. We are each a piece of the puzzle that creates a great school.
Benefits of Catholic education: The ability to nurture spiritual and moral values in our students, providing academic excellence, community service projects, high graduation rates, great parental involvement, committed faculty and staff
Favorite Scripture: Proverbs 16:3: "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established."
Rogers
St. Vincent de Paul School Ann Morrison (interim)
Hometown: Rogers
Education: bachelor's degree in elementary education; master's degree in education administration
Experience: 25 years total: St. Mark Day School, music, kindergarten, and pre-K teacher; Our Lady of the Holy Souls School, Little Rock, first and third grade teacher; St. Vincent de Paul School, library aide one year and principal nine years
Educational philosophy: I believe that teaching in a Catholic school is more than a job -- it is a ministry.
Benefits of Catholic education: Catholic schools enable students to grow in their faith as they grow in knowledge. Children learn lifelong values and how to be of service to others.
Favorite saints: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and St. Mary
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