Rick Schindler of St. Mary School and Scott Coulter of Regis work together not just on the golf course, but in shaping their schools.
Rick Schindler of St. Mary School and Scott Coulter of Regis work together not just on the golf course, but in shaping their schools.
Regis, St. Mary profiles
Regis High School
550 West Regis St.
Stayton, Oregon 97383
503-769-2159
rhsprincipal@regishighschool.net
regishighschool.net
Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: 140
Tuition: $6,950 for the first child, $6,750 for the second child, all other children are $6,550
Applications due: May 2, (April 15 for returning students)
Information Day: Jan. 31, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.

St. Mary Catholic School
1066 N. 6th Ave.
Stayton, Oregon 97383
503-769-2718
principal@stmarystayton.org
stmarystayton.org
Grades: PreK-8
Enrollment: 216
Tuition: With a signed pastor form, tuition is $4,450 for the first child, $4,250 for the second child, all other children are $4,050. Without a signed pastor form, tuition is $5,450 for the first child, $5,250 for the second child, all other children are $5,050.
Highlights: Full-day pre-school Monday-Thursday; before- and after-school care; weekly Mass; choir; drama; P.E.; music; library.
Applications due: May 2 (April 15 for returning students)
Open house: April 3
STAYTON — Stayton’s two Catholic schools are increasing ways to work together, academically and spiritually.

Scott Coulter, principal at Regis High School, and Rick Schindler, principal at St. Mary School, are working hard to align curriculum and grow faith formation at their schools.
“Mr. Coulter has done a tremendous job of reaching across the aisle, and I’ve enjoyed how he makes working together a priority,” Schindler said. “Our conversations always start with what we can better do as a PK-12 system.”

The two schools share resources, whether it’s simple things like tables and chairs for St. Mary’s auctions or more complex like sharing talented personnel, Schindler said. “We share a business manager, development director, math teacher, drama teacher, counselor, and technology support,” he said.

Teachers from each school meet to discuss math and science curriculum, and Regis hopes to partner with St. Mary to form a Science Olympiad Team later this winter and spring, Coulter added.

“We are both working on a Google platform for delivering technology in education to our students,” Schindler said. “Students are already familiar with the Google environment when they graduate from St. Mary, so it’s one big leg up for when they enter high school.”

Coulter added, “When teachers develop common vocabulary and share content themes, students can hit the ground running. It can reduce time spent having to reteach concepts.” Combined faith formation efforts for both students and staff are probably the most noticeable, in addition to the large crossover in staffing, he explained.

Coulter said the collaboration fosters continuity and familiarity that helps St. Mary students who transition to Regis.

“It just makes sense for us to be on the same page, working toward the same goals, working together to help these students achieve and succeed,” Schindler said.

Originally published in Our Town Monthly. Published here with permission obtained by the schools.