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Getting to Know Chris Reichert, School Curriculum Coordinator: “Education Enriches Children’s Lives”
Chris 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.”
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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 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.
Chris and Joe Reichert at Pikes Peak in Colorado
“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.
“We’re having the co-founder, Lynne Lang, come in for three days to train our teachers,” Chris says. “We really feel that this program is proactive. We’re trying to give students and adults more tools to look at a situation and react to a situation.”
These days Chris loves being a grandmother, taking trips with her husband, and quite frankly, her job.
“When the kids say ‘hello’ and know your name, their excitement makes my day, and I know I’m in the right field,” Chris says. “Education enriches children’s lives in a way that allows them to use their learning to be productive in high school, college, careers, and life.”
Chris would like to thank Fr. Leo, the school’s staff, and, particularly, the parents for all the support given to St. Peter School during both traditional times and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I want to thank our parents for believing in us,” Chris says. “I truly believe that when parents choose Catholic schools, especially St. Peter’s, they are trusting us with their gift of a child. I am honored they have done this, and I am humbled.”
