Volunteer
Volunteering at Northside Catholic Academy
At Northside Catholic Academy, we strive to create a community that is welcoming, respectful, nurturing, and compassionate. At the heart of this is our focus on the important role service plays at NCA. The spirit of volunteerism is an essential part of our success and what makes NCA such a wonderful place. Our parents and volunteers generously give their time and talent for the benefit of our students and school community. Volunteers help enhance the school experience for our students during library time, field trips, extra-curricular activities, sporting events, as well as a variety of parish events and activities.
All registered NCA families are required to complete 20 service hours each year. There are several volunteer opportunities for our NCA parents and families to participate in throughout the school year. Parents should check our parent portal SchoolSpeak regularly to sign up. All service hours should also be recorded on SchoolSpeak.
Thanks for your interest and willingness to serve the children of NCA! We look forward to working with you.
Volunteer Requirements
The Archdiocese of Chicago requires all volunteers who are in contact with children to complete the following steps.
All volunteers MUST have a VIRTUS account and many of these steps will be completed within that account.
1. Create a VIRTUS account. If you think you may have one, please check with the school site administrator before creating a new account. Otherwise, start the process HERE and click on first-time registrant.
2. Complete a background check. Please note that this is done within the VIRTUS account. Once you submit the background check, you will receive another email to verify. Please do not skip this step.
3. Complete and submit a hard copy of the CANTS 689 form to the office.
4. Sign up for VIRTUS training session. Once complete please submit a hard copy of your certificate to the office and keep a copy for yourself.
5. Complete Mandated Reporter Training. You do not need an employer number. Once complete please submit a hard copy of your certificate to the office.
6. Complete the CANTS 22 and submit a hard copy to the office.
7. Sign off on the standards of behavior. This is completed within your VIRTUS account.
Please note:
– there is a VIRTUS refresher course for those who completed VIRTUS over three years ago that must be completed to bring your account to compliance
– the CANTS 689 form is due yearly
– Mandated Reporter training is completed every three years
– once you have an initial background check, they are completed automatically
Once all forms have been submitted to your campus secretary and all items have been completed, you can begin volunteering with children.