February 5, 2008

Dear Parents/ Guardians and Caregivers:

The Protection of Children and Youth Initiative (PCYI) of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis has one goal: shielding our children from abuse. The initiative has two components: one is training for clergy, teachers, volunteers and others who work with children (VIRTUS training). The other is age-appropriate, church-approved safe environment lessons for children in our Catholic schools and religious education programs. It is our goal here at St. Joseph Church and School to partner with parents and families in creating safe and sacred places for children and young people.

It is now the time of the school year where we begin to teach our children about personal safety. We have three different programs that we will begin to utilize in the coming months of the school year. Attached is a schedule of their implementation. Each of these programs is age-appropriate and respects parents’ role as their children’s primary educators. You will have the opportunity to review all materials at the upcoming parent meeting.

Pre-school – 4th Grade: KidWISE Institutes Inc.’s “Family Safety Fair” is an interactive fair that allows parents to teach their children personal safety through games.

5th - 8th Grade: KidWISE Institute Inc.’s “Out of Harm’s Way: Personal Safety Curriculum” focuses on personal empowerment, Internet safety, bullying prevention and appropriate touch.

9th - 10th Grade: St. Mary’s Press’ “Creating Safe and Sacred Spaces” teaches young people to recognize the warning signs of abuse, how to respond to potentially abusive relationships, and how to build skills for healthy relationships.

Our parent meeting is for all St. Joseph School and Faith Formation parents/guardians and caregivers. It will be on Sunday February 10, 2008 at 6:45pm in the Parish Center located in the basement of the church. The meeting will last about an hour. This is our opportunity to come together as community to talk about protecting our children. Please join us!

Because this material is mandated not only by the Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis, but by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, all children must attend their age appropriate events. Simply put, this is not optional. However, if you do not want your child to participate in this curriculum, you are able to fill out the “opt-out” form available at the parent meeting, the parish office, and online to excuse your child from the “safe environment” program. We look forward to seeing you on Feb. 10 at 6:45pm in the Parish Center. If you have any questions, please bring them Sunday night.

Sincerely,

Father Larry Blake                             Maggie Smith                                 Erin Campbell
Pastor                                              Principal of St. Joseph’s School        Director of Faith Formation