By Sara Michaelson, Superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of St. Cloud
On June 9, the Diocesan Office of Catholic Schools hosted a day of learning, collaboration and preparedness at Cathedral High School in St. Cloud. Nearly 250 participants, including teachers, principals, school staff, parish staff, clergy, law enforcement partners and even Laker, a beloved therapy dog, gathered for training on the Standard Response Protocol and Standard Reunification Method developed by the “I Love U Guys” Foundation.
As Catholic educators and ministry leaders, we are entrusted with many responsibilities, but perhaps none is more important than protecting the children and families in our care. Our schools and parishes should be places filled with joy, laughter, faith, learning and friendship. In today’s world, part of preserving that joy is ensuring we are prepared to respond effectively should a crisis ever occur. Preparation is not about fear; it is about stewardship. It is about creating environments where students can thrive because the adults around them are ready, trained and united in their commitment to safety.
The “I Love U Guys” Foundation was established following a tragic school shooting in 2006. In the midst of profound loss, the foundation’s founders created practical, easy-to-implement safety protocols that are now used by schools, districts, faith communities and first responders across the country. Their mission is simple: provide a common language and framework so that everyone knows what to do when every moment matters.
During the training, participants learned about the Standard Response Protocol, which utilizes five clear actions: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter, to guide responses during emergencies. The strength of the protocol lies in its simplicity and consistency. When schools, parishes and emergency responders share the same terminology and expectations, communication becomes clearer, and response efforts become more effective.
Participants also explored the Standard Reunification Method, a carefully designed process for safely reuniting children with their families following an emergency or evacuation. While reunification may sound straightforward, it requires significant planning, coordination and communication. One of the highlights of the day was a hands-on reunification exercise in which participants walked through the entire process themselves. Attendees assumed various roles and experienced firsthand the many moving pieces required to reunite students with their families in an organized, accountable and compassionate manner. The exercise provided valuable insight into the planning, staffing, and teamwork necessary to ensure that families are cared for during stressful circumstances.
What made the day especially impactful was the broad range of participants. Catholic school educators sat alongside parish leaders. Clergy engaged in conversations with law enforcement professionals. School office staff, maintenance personnel, administrative assistants and principals all brought unique perspectives to the discussion. The reunification exercise further reinforced an important truth: safety is not the responsibility of a single person or department. It is a community effort that depends on everyone understanding their role and working together.
And, of course, Laker provided a welcome reminder that support and care can come in many forms. Throughout the day, Laker offered comfort, smiles and a calming presence as participants engaged in conversations about serious but necessary topics.
One of the foundation’s guiding messages is, “With You, We Got This.” That spirit was evident throughout the day. Every participant demonstrated a willingness to learn, ask questions, practice procedures and strengthen partnerships. These efforts help ensure that our schools and parishes remain places where children can focus on learning, grow in faith, build friendships and discover their God-given gifts.
I am deeply grateful to everyone who dedicated their time to this training. By investing in preparedness today, we are better equipped to care for those entrusted to us tomorrow. Together, we continue to build communities that are not only faith-filled and welcoming but also prepared, resilient, and committed to protecting the joy and safety of every child. The best response to a crisis is preparation, and together, we are preparing well.