FISHER NAMED PRINCIPAL AT ST. VINCENT'S SCHOOL

Rita Fisher's three sons know they had better not mess up in school or they'll have to deal with their mom, the principal.

Fisher is principal at Immaculate Conception School in Jackson. But she's resigning at the end of the school year to take a position as principal of St. Vincent de Paul School in Cape Girardeau, the same school that her sons attend.

Her daughter, Emily, also attends a Catholic school. She's a senior at Notre Dame High School. Fisher's husband, Tim, is employed at Lone Star Industries.

Fisher, who has served as principal of Immaculate Conception School for four years, will begin her duties as principal of St. Vincent's July 1. She'll replace Carl Rosenquist, who has been hired as principal at Scott City Elementary School.

"I am sad to leave Jackson, but the opportunity is there and I am looking forward to it," she said Thursday.

St. Vincent's has an enrollment of about 400 students, kindergarten through eighth grade. The Jackson school, which encompasses the same grade levels, has about 215 students.

"The larger school will certainly bring different challenges, I am sure," said Fisher. "I know they have an excellent faculty there and I am looking forward to working with the parents."

Prior to becoming principal of the Jackson school, Fisher taught seventh grade there. She previously taught six years at St. Ambrose Catholic School in Chaffee.

Fisher said she's enjoyed working in the Catholic schools. "I think the fact that we are able to educate the whole child, spiritually as well as academically, is what appeals to me."

The job of a parochial principal involves more than academics. "Not only are you the academic leader of the school, you also set the example for the spiritual development at the school," said Fisher.

Such schools, she said, have "very high academic standards" and strong support from the parents, who pay tuition so their children can attend.

Fisher said that as principal of St. Vincent's she plans "to get to know every student and the parents." She said she will be supportive of the faculty.

"I really strive to build a community within the school," said Fisher.