Compliance with the Safe Environment protocol involves completion of awareness training, completion of policy form, document acknowledgements, and completion of a background check (background check every 3 years). All employees and volunteers are required to complete monthly Safe Environment continuing education in the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, as directed by Bishop Brennan. The following has been used to describe employees or volunteers to whom the Safe Environment process applies: with or around children; directly or indirectly with children; directly or where minors are present while performing one’s duties; or access to children. All versions expressed herein, and any iterations with similar verbiage, retain the integrity of the Diocese’s policy for protecting children, and compliance is required. All three components (Background Checks, Policy Relating to Sexual Abuse of Children, and Awareness Training for Adults – VIRTUS) are mandated by the Diocese for persons seeking employment or seeking to volunteer, directly or indirectly with children, within the Diocese of Wheeling–Charleston and any entity that falls under the Diocese.

Safe Environment Applies to and includes those age 18 and older:

• All priests, deacons, and seminarians – All employees at Catholic schools
• All volunteers at Catholic schools
• All volunteers/chaperones attending a school field trip
• All volunteers/chaperones attending a school party
• Anyone volunteering to serve hot lunch
• All volunteers affiliated with sports, including coaches, concessions, score keepers, referees, and any other roles
• All employees and volunteers of daycare centers
• Professionals or special guests whose roles require regular or recurring presence in the Catholic school or at Catholic school activities or the parish (recurring may include: daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly)
• All parish employees
• All employees of any other diocesan-related entity

At Corpus Christi School, we follow all federal, state, and local school safety guidelines.  We conduct regular drills and training sessions to ensure that everyone is prepared for any situation. Our commitment to safety extends beyond physical measures; we also prioritize mental and emotional well-being, fostering an environment where students feel secure and supported. By working collaboratively with parents, staff, and local authorities, we aim to create a nurturing educational space where learning can thrive without worry.  Our security infrastructure includes the following:

• The school is equipped with security cameras inside and outside the building
• There is controlled access to the school building during school hours
• Guests are viewed through the video security system before entering the school
• The main doors are equipped with an electronic/magnetic security locking system
• The school grounds are monitored by security cameras 24 hrs.
• The Parish Center is equipped with security cameras inside and outside the building
• Every classroom door is equipped with TeacherLocks on the inside of the door
• Every classroom is equipped with emergency kits
• Students practice regular safety drills and monthly fire drills to exit the building safely

Staff & faculty have been trained in ALICE – Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate The ALICE research-based active shooter response program empowers students and staff to respond and survive in the face of violence.