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:  

All staff and volunteers are required to complete the annual Safe Environment training each school year [July 1-June 30]. This link will take you to the Diocese of La Crosse training video.  Select “Chippewa Falls McDonell Area Catholic Schools” in the dropdown menu as the location you will be working or volunteering.  Upon completion, you will be prompted to enter your email address and will be sent the verification of completion documents.  Please forward your email with the documents attached to Candas Konop c.konop@macs.k12.wi.us 

Background checks:

1. A basic criminal background check is to be renewed every 5 years (as of 7.1.2024).   Please download to complete and return this form and return to the Central Office, attn: Candas Konop, or send in an email.  Please contact me at 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, all coaches, parish paid staff who have contact with minors).  If you need to have your fingerprints completed, contact Candas Konop for the appropriate fingerprint cards and instructions.  715-723-0538 x3301

3. MACS Driver - to become an approved driver of McDonell vehicles, you must complete a MVR Check form and complete the “Defensive Driving” course through CMG Connect. Submit a copy of the training certificate and the completed MVR Check form to Candas Konop c.konop@macs.k12.wi.us or send them to the Central Office.  The MVR Check is renewed every 5 years.  [CMG Connect Instructions]

   OTHER SAFETY RESOURCES/INFORMATION

   >Reporting an incident (forms portal)

   >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

>Support Resources for Victim-Survivors, Students, and Staff

>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