Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Cushler

*Attendance Secretary*

By: BHS Staff Profiles 

October 21, 2022

Chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight is Mrs. Cushler. In her 30 years of working in the Brooklyn City School District, she has had many different jobs including student monitor, working in the library, cleaning, and (her current position) attendance and records secretary. In her free time, she loves to read books, go swimming, and spend time with her two grandkids. She is also really good at trivia! Overall, Mrs. Cushler is a well-respected staff member here at Brooklyn High School and continues to make a positive impact on staff and students, each and every day. 

Q: What comes to mind when you think of our school?

A: “The people here are amazing; the teachers are amazing. Everybody is just so helpful and kind.”

Q: What are your main motivations to succeed at work?

A: “I’ve always tried to be a good example and be a good person. I just want to be the best person I can possibly be, and by setting that good example, I feel like I can make a difference.” 

Q: Share an experience you had in dealing with a difficult person and how you handled the situation.

A: “I did work in an emotionally-disturbed unit where the kids were very difficult. I tried my best to be kind, but it got very difficult at times. I think I handled things in the best possible way by just showing them my example of being kind and my patience with them.”

Q: What qualities/skills does an attendance secretary need to have? 

A: “I have to have a good attitude and good organizational skills. I don’t want people to be scared of coming to talk to me about their specific circumstances for their absences or tardiness. I’m very understanding and easy to work with.”

Q: How do you prioritize all of your duties in your position? 

A: “I have to do attendance first thing in the morning, then take calls. I then start right away with the tardies and then more calls. At 10:00, the robo call goes out informing anyone who is marked out of their first block. Sometimes, simple mistakes are made with not signing in, so I also have to go and find those students and verify that they are present. The first part of the day is complete attendance. Then, the second part of the day is more secretarial.”

Q: Any surprises lately?

A: “My kids surprised my husband and me with tickets to see Billy Joel in concert at Madison Square Garden in New York during this Thanksgiving.”

Q: When you are having a bad day, what do you do to make yourself feel better?

A: “I very rarely have bad days, but when I do, I just have to tell myself to breathe and do meditations.”

Q: How would you describe yourself using three words?

A: “Kind, Loyal, Funny.”

Q: What is your strongest ability? 

A: “Being a good listener and having empathy.”

Q: What is your favorite quote? 

A: “Just for today, smile.”

Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to interview you, Mrs. Cushler. You are so sweet and kind, and we loved getting to know you more. Enjoy that upcoming concert in New York!