Panther Pals is a program that was established more than 20 years ago by Mr. Tuck Gionet. The purpose is to bring Snohomish elementary students together with Snohomish High School students and provide the elementary students with positive role models. High school Panther Pals come from all areas of the educational and co-curricular program. Every effort is made to match up students of similar interests. It is important that the interests portion of the application form be filled out. If you had a Panther Pal previously, you may request to have the same pal. In the event that one or the other is not applying to be a Panther Pal you will be matched with a new pal.

There will be a scheduled event every few months that will be sponsored by the Snohomish High School Associated Student Body (ASB). It is the sole discretion of the parent/guardian of the elementary Panther Pal as to the activities in which the child participates. Transportation is also left up to the parent/guardian of the elementary Panther Pal. Any arrangements made concerning non-sponsored activities and transportation arrangements for any Panther Pal event will be left up to the discretion of the parents/guardians. No transportation is arranged through Panther Pals with the exception of the high school lunch visit. It is suggested that all Panther Pals make every effort to attend all scheduled events.

Communication is the most important factor in the success of the Panther Pals program. It is vital that the high school Panther Pal and the elementary Panther Pal communicate with one another as to their respective intentions concerning the Panther Pal/ASB sponsored activities. Communication is a two-way medium and the responsibility of keeping in contact falls on both Panther Pals. The phone numbers of each Panther Pal will be provided so that any conflicts that do arise can be handled between the Panther Pals. Parents/guardians of elementary Panther Pals must also communicate with the high school Panther Pal as to when and where their students may be picked up and dropped off.

It should also be understood that each Panther Pal relationship will vary in the amount of time that the two pals spend together. Some Panther Pals will see or talk to each other weekly while other Panther Pals may only see their Pal at the scheduled activities. Be aware that not all Panther Pals can make all the activities. Elementary Panther Pals may attend any of the activities even if their high school Panther Pal is not available. Parents, it is vital that you become involved in the Panther Pals relationship so that communication channels and expectations are understood by all. Most issues arise because of lack of communication. If you change your phone number, please remember to advise your Panther Pal or pal's parents/guardians.

Living in the Snohomish School District affords your child numerous opportunities to grow and mature in a great community. Panther Pals is just one of those opportunities. In the past, Panther Pals has proven to be a very valuable program. When all the participants adhere to the suggestions above, Panther Pals becomes a very memorable part of the school year.