Getting to Know CHRIS REICHERT, SCHOOL CURRICULUM COORDINATOR “EDUCATION ENRICHES CHILDREN’S LIVES”
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hris Reichert always knew she wanted to teach in a Catholic school. When she applied for jobs, she only applied to Catholic schools because she loves what the faith brings to all aspects of learning. “Today, I love to hear the students pray and give thanks,” Chris says. “They’re thankful for the sun coming up or for a bumblebee. They remind me of what the faith is all about in ways that, as an adult, I can forget. They open my eyes to God’s wonderful beauty all around us.” Chris herself has been raised and educated in Catholic schools, from St. Mary’s to Quincy Notre Dame to Quincy University. Within our Catholic schools, Chris taught for 12 years before serving as an administrator for 13 years. Then she joined St. Peter School six years ago as Curriculum Coordinator. “As Curriculum Coordinator, I work a lot with the teachers and the curriculum we currently have and look to the future,” Chris says. “I provide resources for the teachers and work closely with the principal in regard to living the mission of our school and meeting the needs of our students.” This coming year, there are a few exciting ventures underway for
Chris and Joe Reichert at Pikes Peak in Colorado
St. Peter School — including a new STEM lab that will allow students to learn outside of a textbook. ‘It’s cutting edge, and we’re leading the way here,” Chris says. “We’re looking at real-life problems and seeing how these four areas — science, technology, engineering, and math — specifically will help students solve problems and address issues. I want them to walk away and say, ‘It’s a snow day, but I’m bummed because I had lab today!’” The school also received
grant funding this summer to build the reading library and add diverse themes. “Authors now are really writing phenomenal books for young people about our different outlooks on life and our different experiences,” Chris says. “They’re helping young people build that respect for all cultures and people.” This year, St. Peter School is also implementing Virtue-Based Restorative Discipline, or VBRD, which is a discipline program based on Catholic virtues. continued on back cover
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