The Panther Print - Week of September 8, 2025

Posted Date: 9/07/25 (6:00 PM)

The Panther Print

A NEWSLETTER FOR THE PANTHER LAKE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Principal's Message

Dear Panther Lake Families,

I hope this message finds you well. I want to take a moment to remind everyone of our morning drop-off procedures to ensure that all students arrive safely each day.

Arrival Time: Students should not arrive on campus before 8:15 AM, as there is no adult supervision prior to that time. Recently, we have noticed some students being dropped off earlier and waiting outside unsupervised, which is a safety concern.
Car Loop Use: If your child is a car rider, please use the designated car loop for drop-off. Cutting in front of other parents who are waiting in line not only causes frustration but also creates unsafe conditions.
Parking and Bus Loop: The visitor parking spots and the bus loop are not appropriate drop-off areas. Please reserve these spaces for their intended use.
Phones in the Car Loop: For the safety of all, please refrain from using your phone to film or take pictures while driving through the car loop. We understand these moments are special, but safety must come first.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and orderly drop-off each morning. Your cooperation ensures that our students start the day in the best way possible.

Warm Regards,

Dr. Christine Szymanski

Principal, Panther Lake Elementary

The principal, a woman with brown hair, smiles at the camera against a blue background.

Image commemorating September 11th with candles, the American flag, and text.

A student raises their hand in a classroom, promoting National Attendance Awareness Month.

Image promoting Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with silhouettes of children and a yellow ribbon.

A graphic promoting National Hispanic Heritage Month with colorful designs.

A graphic for Constitution and Citizenship Day features an American flag and text.

Image promoting Freedom Week, featuring patriotic colors and text.

Patriot Day graphic with the American flag, Twin Towers silhouette, and text.

Visit Our Website

Teacher of the Year & Support Person of the Year

A group of students and two teachers pose for a photo in a colorful classroom.

A teacher and the principal smile, posing in front of a classroom bulletin board.

Congratulations to our 2025 Teacher of the Year and Support Person of the Year! We are so fortunate to have both work at Panther Lake ES!

Teacher of the Year- Mrs. Penate- Kindergarten Teacher

Support Person of the Year- Mrs. Afonso

College Colors Day

A teacher and students pose together in a colorful classroom setting.

A teacher and a student smile for a photo in a classroom setting.

Two teachers stand in a school hallway, smiling at the camera.

Three smiling students pose for a photo in a classroom setting.

A group of elementary school children pose for a photo in their classroom.

A teacher and a student smile for the camera outdoors under a covered area.

A teacher and a student smile for the camera in a school cafeteria.

Three teachers stand together, posing for a photo outdoors.

A teacher and two students pose in a classroom for College Colors Day.

A special thank you to all of our teachers, staff and students who participated in College Colors Day!

Fall Picture Day

Fall Picture Day is Monday, September 15, 2025. Flyers will be coming home soon with your child but please see the information below. We HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you pay online in advance for your child's pictures! Online payments only require receipt on picture day sent in with your student!

A photo package price list with various options and add-ons.

A white box with instructions for online payment and a code: FM475254.

Testing Schedule

Wesley's Mile

Poster for Westly's Mile run club at Panther Lake Elementary, sponsored by the American Heart Association.

Rock Your School

Panther Lake will be PARTICIPATING in Rock Your School on October 1. Rock Your School is an initiative where school and classroom transformations occur to excite students about learning! The theme for this year is “ Roar into learning”. To support us, please consider purchasing an item from one of our grade level wish lists!

ADDitions

ADDitions is now available for the 2025-2026 school year. Even if you were an ADDitions-approved volunteer last year, you will need to resubmit for this school year. Please make sure to take some time to sign up and/or renew your approval. This is the first step for being ready to take on volunteer at Panther Lake!

After School Clubs

Birthday Bites

Panther Lake ES recognizes that birthdays are a special day for our students. We must also ensure that party celebrations do not disrupt the learning process and adhere to food and nutrition guidelines. Birthday parties are not permitted at school. However, you may celebrate your child’s special day in one of two ways:

■ Our school cafeteria offers a birthday bites program, where you can purchase a special treat to be delivered to your child’s class during their lunch period. To participate in the birthday bites program, please click below to download the order form!

■ If you choose not to participate in the birthday bites program, you may send small treat bags for each of your child’s classmates that will be distributed at the end of the day to enjoy at home.

Website - Birthday Bites

PTO

Mission-The PTO at Panther Lake Elementary is the connecting point between parents, school, staff, students and the surrounding communities. Our goal is to provide opportunities for students, families, and school staff to build long-lasting relationships and shared experiences outside the classroom, while supporting work inside the classroom through volunteer opportunities and fundraising activities!

PTO Website

Family Sponsorships

An advertisement for Panther Lake Elementary PTO family sponsorship, featuring lion cubs.

Support the PTO as a Family Sponsor for the 2025-2026 school year! Family Sponsors receive a free Panther Lake t-shirt (multiple options to choose from) and many additional benefits. Visit our sponsorship page for more details. We appreciate your support!

Become a Sponsor

Corporate Sponsorships

Want to get your business out in front of local families, while also supporting our school community? Consider sponsoring the Panther Lake PTO! We have a variety of benefits and marketing opportunities designed to fit your unique needs and budget. Plus, we're a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so your sponsorship donation is tax-deductible! Visit the link below to learn more.

Become a Sponsor

Stock the Teachers' Cart/Lounge

An illustration encourages restocking a teacher snack cart with various treats.

This year, our Teachers' Lounge restocks will include a snack cart! Order off the Amazon Wishlist to have items arrive at school by Sept. 11. On Sept. 12, our Teacher Appreciation Team will treat staff to goodies from the snack cart. All additional snacks will go into the Teachers' Lounge.

Visit the Wish List Here

Thank You to Our Diamond & Platinum Sponsors - We appreciate your support!

A graphic thanks Diamond and Platinum sponsors, featuring logos of businesses.

Upcoming PTO Meetings

A 'Save the Date' flyer for Panther Lake Elementary PTO meetings, with dates and times listed.

Mark your calendar for our 2025-2026 PTO General Meetings. We'd love to see you there!

SAC Schedule

Announcement for Panther Lake Elementary School Advisory Council meetings.

Champions

Parents, if you are in need of before or after school care, we partner with Champions! Please use the link below for more information.

See Champions Locations

10151 Summerlake Groves St | Winter Garden, FL 34787-4169

Phone +1 407-554-1940 I pantherlake_es@ocps.net