Parents

Parent Involvement

We believe education is a never-ending process of growth and challenge. Education enriches the whole person: soul, mind, and body. We believe that parents are the primary educators of their children and that teachers, together with them, facilitate the learning process. We believe children learn and succeed in a caring atmosphere where they are given the opportunity to see their value.

Catholic education strives to reinforce the principles and values of the Church, home, and community to mold tomorrow’s citizens. We strive to create and maintain an environment that develops virtue, promotes social interaction, and provides an academic challenge for our students.

Parent involvement in the education process is crucial for each child’s development. We encourage our parents to engage in the partnership of educating our children and to communicate regularly with our teachers, volunteer to coach, participate in faith development, and celebrate with other families at social events.

Parent Volunteer Process

The Archdiocese of Chicago requires all volunteers to complete the Protecting God’s Children Virtus requirements.  These requirements are:

  • Virtus Training & Background Check-go to virtus.orgto register as a first-time registrant, complete the background check and take the Virtus training course. 
  • Archdiocesan Standards of Behavior-this document will be part of your Virtus account.  You will need to read and electronically sign off on it. This document is to be completed annually for every school year.
  • CANTS 689 form (attached) Complete and return to Susan O’Connell for further processing. This document is to be completed annually for every school year.
  • Mandated Reporter Training-the State of Illinois and the Archdiocese of Chicago require that this online training be completed.  Here is the link:  https://mr.dcfstraining.org/UserAuth/Login!loginPage.action.  Once completed, please provide a copy of your certificate to the school.
  • CANTS 22 form (attached) This document is to be completed after you complete the Mandated Reporter Training. Complete and return to Susan O’Connell for further processing.
  • Since 2019, Virtus Background Checks, Mandated Reporter Training and Virtus Recertification Training is required every three years for all volunteers. These 3 year rechecks can happen any time during the year. Virtus should send you an email when you need to complete any of these requirements.  You will also receive an email from Susan O’Connell when you need to complete these requirements as well.

All these requirements will need to be completed prior to you volunteering.

If you want to have questions or wish to know what you need to complete to be compliant with Virtus in order to volunteer, please contact Susan O’Connell, Virtus Site Administrator for the School & Parish, soconnell@saintmike.com.