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Education for Life

Safe Environment

Student safety and security is a top priority at McDonell Area Catholic Schools. In collaboration with the Diocese of La Crosse Protect and Heal program, the MACS Safe Environment Task Force has compiled information and resources for the members of our community here:

Safe Environment Program Guidance for Staff and Volunteers

MACS Safe Environment training provides a process and resources that seek to prevent abuse from taking place in our school community and assists in protection and healing for abuse victim-survivors when necessary. All MACS community members are provided annual training, which is mandatory for employees and volunteers who work with children. Additionally, we invite you to peruse our resources for more information about how to report an incident or support a victim-survivor. Together and by God’s grace, we can protect our children and heal from past abuses.

ANNUAL TRAINING:  

  1. Complete the annual Safe Environment training.  This link will take you to the Diocese of La Crosse training site.  Select “McDonell Area Catholic Schools” as the location you will be working or volunteering. 

  2. Complete the Annual Verification of Safe Environment Training form and return to the Central Office, attn:  Candas Konop or email to c.konop@macs.k12.wi.us 

  3. Complete the Confidential Questionnaire form as part of the annual verification process.  Return form to Central Office, attn:  Candas Konop.

Background checks:

  1. A basic criminal background check is to be completed every 5 years (as of 7.1.2024).  Please complete and return this form and return to the Central Office, attn: Candas Konop.  Please contact c.konop@macs.k12.wi.us to see if you are compliant.

  2. Comprehensive Background Check requires the checking of fingerprints.  Please refer to the Safe Environment Guidelines to see if you need to have this done (i.e., school teachers/admin/staff, parish paid staff who have contact with minors).  If you need to have your fingerprints completed, contact MaryBeth Pfeifer for the appropriate fingerprint cards and instructions.  715-723-0538 x3312

    OTHER SAFETY RESOURCES/INFORMATION
    >Reporting an incident
    >Diocese of La Crosse Protect & Heal Website
    >Red Flags & Guidelines to a Safe Environment
    1. Red Flags in Adults (A)
    2. Red Flags in Children (B)
    3. Practical Guidelines for Conduct (C)
    4. 5 Steps to a Safe Environment (D)
>Social Networking
>Computer Policy
>Youth Ministry
>Child Care
>Alternative Vehicle Driver Safe Environment - Before driving a MACS vehicle, you must complete an Alternative Vehicle Driver form and watch the “Defensive Driving Curriculum” video - [Sign in or create an account, complete the video, print or forward certificate to Candas].  This must be completed even if a person is not transporting students.   Employees are also required to complete an Employee Driver form, and volunteers are required to complete a Volunteer Driver form.  These forms must be renewed every five years (as of 7.1.2024).  Submit these completed forms to Candas Konop. c.konop@macs.k12.wi.us 
>Support Resources for Victim-Survivors, Students, and Staff
>Chippewa Valley Grace Website [not currently available]
>Food Allergy Policy

A Prayer for Healing and Reconciliation

Almighty and most loving God, through your Son, your compassion brought healing to many.  We ask for your healing once more for all who have been profoundly wounded by abuse, especially those who have been hurt by your ministers.  In your goodness, we ask for the grace to be a source of healing to all who have been abused and to be ever vigilant in protecting all your people. Grant, we pray, our prayers for healing and forgiveness, for we ask them through your Son, Christ our Lord. Amen