Dear Panther Parents,

On behalf of our entire 7–12 educational staff, I would like to welcome you to Cusick Jr./Sr. High School, home of the Panthers.  We are proud of the academic programs that are offered to our students and it is our goal to provide a positive and quality educational experience for every child.

Our mission is to ensure high levels of learning for all students.  This is accomplished by the parents, students and school working together.  We want our students to:

• Have a growing respect for themselves by doing their best, finishing what they start, being honest and asking for help when they need it.
• Show a growing respect for others by sharing and cooperating with others, considering the feelings of others and solving problems so no one gets hurt.
• Feel the security of a safe and orderly school environment by following directions, taking care of our schools, using appropriate language and respecting other people’s property.
• Display excellent work habits by being to class regularly, prepared, on time and willing to listen.

Student Hints for Success:

• Make sure you turn your work in on time.
• Spend some time each night reviewing the day’s topics.
• Keep your notebooks and work stations organized.
• If you are unsure how to do something, ask your teacher questions.

Hints for Parents:

• Have nightly discussions with your child regarding their day at school.
• Provide them a study area that is free from distractions.
• Set specific family guidelines for when homework will be done.  The time should be the same each day, so a routine is established.
• Supervise homework.  Make sure your child has enough time, understands the directions and works carefully.

With ACADEMIC education as our top priority, we also understand the importance of CHARACTER education.  With that said, we will concentrate on the“Six Pillars of Character”…Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship.  We hope that you will help us instill these traits in your student by Teaching, Enforcing, Advocating and Modeling.  This TEAM approach will help set the stage for a positive school experience for our students, staff and community members.

Additionally, we are committed to maintaining open and honest lines of communication with you, as parents.  It is our belief that in order to assure the success of our students, the school and family need to form a solid partnership.  This partnership is vital in the educational process.  You are strongly encouraged to be involved in your child’s education.  Should questions arise, please feel free to contact your child’s teacher or me for assistance.

In closing, I would like to thank you for joining our “Journey of Excellence.”  We encourage your questions, thoughts, concerns and ideas to help us improve our schools.  Together we will show our “Panther Pride!”

Don Hawpe