Parents

Parents are an integral part of the McDonell Area Catholic School (MACS) community. As the most important educators in children's lives, parents lay the Christian foundation for the educational partnership we incorporate into our curriculum. The partnership between MACS and our families is vital for student success and we are grateful for the valuable role parents play in our community. The MACS parent organizations are a wonderful avenue for parents to get involved by volunteering, serving, and getting to know other families.

Communication
If your contact information has changed, please notify the central office by contacting the Enrollment Director at m.pfeifer@macs.k12.wi.us or 715.723.0538 x3312. This would include address, phone, and email for child's records. You can also change your information in the FACTS Family Portal.

FACTS Family Portal Login

The FACTS Family Portal mobile app is available for download on the App Store & the Play Store.

FACTS Family Portal is for both parents and student. A login is handed out when a student is first enrolled. Check the portal regularly to keep students on track with assignments, announcements, lunch balances and more. Most of the parent information from the school is sent electronically. If you are not receiving the news or other MACS related emails, please send your name and email to Katie Phernetton, Communications Manager k.phernetton@macs.k12.wi.us.

Volunteers
We are delighted to have you as part of our family and community here at McDonell Area Catholic Schools (MACS). We understand that your time is precious and we are honored that you are willing to spend some of it with us. Each and every day, our school depends on volunteers like you to ensure that we operate efficiently and successfully.

MACS requires that all families give at least 30 hours of volunteer time per school year. In order for student volunteer hours to be counted, they must be enrolled in high school. Student Ambassador hours are excluded as they need to follow those program requirements. MACS encourages families to volunteer at their parish/church: up to five (5) of your MACS’ volunteer hours requirement may be fulfilled by hours served at one of our supporting Chippewa Deanery Catholic parishes. All other hours are to be school-based, as listed under Volunteer Opportunities below.

For the safety of our students and staff, and so that we are compliant with the Diocese of LaCrosse, any person who wishes to volunteer in the MACS system must first go through the following process.

Safe Environment for Volunteers

Complete Basic Background Check once every five years.
Complete Confidential Questionnaire annually.
Complete Annual Verification annually. Complete Code of Conduct annually.

Annual Training is located on the MACS website HERE

Return all safe environment paperwork to any school office Attention: Candas Konop c.konop@macs.k12.wi.us

Click Here to see current volunteer opportunities.

Social Media
If you're interested in keeping up with MACS on social media, be sure to visit and like us on Facebook, and check in with Instagram #TheMackWay.

MACS Hires New Principal for St. Charles Borromeo Preschool & Primary School

McDonell Area Catholic Schools is excited to announce the hiring of Megan Mai as the principal for St. Charles Borromeo [ ... ]

McDonell Area Catholic Schools is excited to announce the hiring of Megan Mai as the principal for St. Charles Borromeo Preschool and Primary School.
Mrs. Mai comes from St. Gregory the Great Parish School in Milwaukee where she has been the Vice Principal since 2024. Before being named Vice Principal she was the Dean of Students leading student life and faith formation activities for grades K-8.
With an extensive background in Catholic education, Mrs. Mai has worked with all grade levels in Catholic schools across the country and in Belize at the John Paul II Junior College. She holds three degrees including two Masters Degrees in Post-Secondary Biology Education and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy from Boston College.
“I am truly blessed and excited to be joining MACS and St. Charles. I am humbled by the opportunity to use the gifts God has given me to serve as a leader, and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow alongside the dedicated educators already here,” Mrs. Mai said.
Mrs. Mai will begin her role as principal of St. Charles Borromeo for the 2026-27 school year.
“I am hopeful that my experience as both a teacher and administrator, in the United States and in Belize, will bring a unique perspective to this role. Above all, my deepest desire is to help others get to heaven and to recognize their God-given purpose while living out their lives here on earth.”
MACS President Molly Bushman on the hiring of Mrs. Mai: "We are blessed to welcome Megan Mai to help lead our MACS community. Megan is an experienced, faith-filled Catholic educator and administrator. I am confident she will lead St. Charles Preschool and Primary School to continue to nurture the development of our youngest learners in faith, knowledge, and virtue."

[ show less ]
Luke Oliver Named Macks Varsity Football Head Coach

Coming off the heels of a State Championship-winning season, the McDonell Macks Football team has hired Luke Oliver to l [ ... ]

Coming off the heels of a State Championship-winning season, the McDonell Macks Football team has hired Luke Oliver to lead the Macks in the 2026 season.
Coach Luke comes from the Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau School District. Coach Luke Oliver comes from the Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau School District. He was selected this year for the 2026 Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-Star Game. While at McDonell he will be teaching English.
"I am both honored and excited for the opportunity to join McDonell Central Catholic High School,” said Coach Oliver. “I am truly grateful for this chance and look forward to getting to work with such a dedicated staff and outstanding group of students. I can’t wait to begin building relationships and contributing to the school community!" The McDonell Central Catholic HIgh School Principal Mr. Eric Wedemeyer is excited for this new chapter.
"We could not be more excited to welcome Coach Oliver to lead our football program as we transition to 11-man football in 2026,” Mr. Wedemeyer said. “His knowledge and skill of the game comes with a deep understanding of the responsibility to mentor his student-athletes with faith and purpose. We look forward to welcoming him to our McDonell family."
Head Coach Mark Maloney, who has been part of the program for more than two decades, is retiring at the end of the school year. He led the Macks to their first State Championship title since 1990.
[ show less ]
MACS Apparel Online Store!

MACS has an online store for year round purchases of apparel, through local, alum-owned, company Smiskey Designs. Contac [ ... ]

MACS has an online store for year round purchases of apparel, through local, alum-owned, company Smiskey Designs. Contact the central office with suggestions of any apparel you would like to see offered for purchase. Please know the Spirit Days and Casual Fridays Apparel is not dress code compliant and can only be worn at school during spirit days and most Fridays (except Friday Mass days). Sweatpants can only be worn on sweats days or for P.E.
https://macksapparel.itemorder.com/shop/sale/
[ show less ]
Safe Environment

MACS is committed to a safe environment within our school community.
Please Pray for:

Please pray for those who are seeking a job and who are homeless. For peace and the safety of military personnel serving [ ... ]

Please pray for those who are seeking a job and who are homeless. For peace and the safety of military personnel serving abroad. For our spiritually adopted babies and those struggling with everyday needs, all MACS students, families, staff, and alumni.
For the repose of the soul of alumni, MACS community, and all the faithful departed, may they rest in peace.

If you have request for prayers, please click here.
[ show less ]