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The Panther Print - Week of October 20, 2025

Posted Date: 10/19/25 (6:00 PM)

The Panther Lake Elementary School logo features a cougar cub and school name.

The Panther Print

A NEWSLETTER FOR THE PANTHER LAKE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Principal's Message

I want to express my sincere gratitude in advance for your wonderful support of our upcoming Boosterthon Panther Fun Run on Thursday, October 23rd. We are so appreciative of your efforts in helping your children get pledges and for your general enthusiasm for this event.
 
This year's Panther Fun Run funds will be used for outdoor enhancements and learning spaces within our PE and recess areas. Possible enhancements may include additional picnic tables and benches, gaga ball pits, additional shade structures for the PE pad, and a potential track or walking path! These items, as well as their timing, will depend on the amount of money raised and are contingent on OCPS school board approval.
 
Your support directly impacts our school community and helps us create a better learning environment for every child. We look forward to seeing our outdoor spaces transform into vibrant hubs of activity, thanks to your generosity.
 
Thank you again for making this a successful fundraiser for our students.

Respectfully,

Dr. Christine Szymanski
Principal, Panther Lake Elementary
The Panther Lake Principal - A woman with brown hair smiles at the camera against a blue background.
 
A red background with a white ribbon symbol and text promoting National Red Ribbon Week.
Visit Our Website
 

Red Ribbon Week

A flyer for Panther Lake Elementary School's Red Ribbon Spirit Week, October 27-31.
A flyer promoting Red Ribbon Week with daily family challenges for healthy habits.
 

School of Excellence

An announcement declares a school as a 'School of Excellence' by the Florida Department of Education.
We're so excited to announce that Panther Lake has been named one of the 2024-2025 Schools of Excellence by the Florida Department of Education! Congratulations to our incredible teachers, staff, students, parents and everyone who contributed to earn this well-deserved recognition!
 

Westley's Mile

A group of children stand in line near a fence on a grassy area.
A young girl smiles, holding an orange pennant that reads 'Westly's Mile'.
A young girl smiles, holding flags for a running event.
A group of children smile and pose for a photo outdoors.
A young girl smiles while holding a sign with orange lettering.
A group of children and adults gather outdoors near a building.
A young boy smiles, holding a 'Westly's Mile' flag during an outdoor event.
Children run across a grassy field during an outdoor event.
A group of children smile at the camera, some wearing colorful shirts.
Last week, we kicked off our Westley's Mile club! Healthy West Orange is proud to work alongside the American Heart Association to help students build a foundation of healthy habits through Westley's Mile.

We are in our second year in the program, where Westly’s Mile has 1,432 participants across 29 schools to help increase their physical activity by participating routinely in the program, who have collectively run over 35,000 miles.
 

Fall Picture Makeup Day

Announcement for Panther Lake Fall Picture Make-Up Day, November 4.
Instructions on how to access an online ordering gallery, with five numbered steps.
 

Hispanic Heritage Month

People gather at a food table in a brightly lit room at an event.
People gather at a table laden with food for a Hispanic Heritage event.
A group of children and adults pose in a classroom decorated for Hispanic Heritage Month.
A school event with people gathered around tables for the event.
A display about Colombia features a tri-fold board with information, maps, and the flag.
A special thank you to all of our faculty, staff and parents who provided food for our teachers and staff to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! We also appreciate Mrs. Musselman and her team for coordinating this event! 
 

National Walk to School Day

Four students stand outside, wearing safety vests and holding small objects.
Students gather around a table displaying colorful trinkets outdoors.
A group of smiling students pose with small toys near a table.
Students stand outside a building with a teacher, possibly before or after school.
Students gather around a table with a variety of colorful items, possibly for a school event.
A special thank you to all of our students and families who participated in National Walk to School Day! We also want to thank Mrs. Jewell and her PE team for planning this event!
 

E-Scooter & E-Bike Safety Awareness

E-Scooters and E-Bikes have become a common mode of transportation for many students across Orange County. Here are a few safety reminders for families:

  • Helmets are strongly encouraged (and required by law for riders under 16).
  • Riders should obey all traffic signals and posted signs.
  • Riders should dismount their E-Scooter or E-Bike before crossing a crosswalk.
  • E-Scooters and E-Bikes must follow the same rules as bicycles on the road.
  • Devices should not be operated on school campuses unless specifically permitted.
  • Students should never ride with multiple passengers unless the device is designed for it.
  • Night riding requires lights and reflective gear for visibility.
 
Image promoting Cybersecurity Awareness Month with a digital lock graphic.
A student sits with their head in their hands near a brick wall, with a backpack beside them.

Breast Cancer Awareness Day

A group of diverse students pose for a photo in their classroom, smiling.
A group of students and a teacher pose in a classroom for Breast Cancer Awareness Day.
A group of young girls pose together in a classroom, wearing pink clothing.
A group of students and teachers pose together outdoors, all wearing pink.
Last week, we honored Breast Cancer Awareness Day by wearing pink! 
 

FAST Testing

Panther Lake Elementary Winter FAST Testing Schedule displayed on a blue background.
 

Storybook Character Day

An orange poster announces 'Storybook Character Day' on October 31, 2025, with illustrations of book characters.
 

Yearbook

An advertisement for the 2025-2026 Panther Lake Elementary School yearbook, with online ordering instructions.
The 2025-2026 yearbook is now on sale! Use the link below to order!
Order Here
 

PTO

The Panther Lake Elementary PTO logo features a cougar cub inside a blue circle.
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

Promotional graphic for Panther Lake Elementary PTO, encouraging family sponsorships.
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

An advertisement for corporate sponsorships with the Panther Lake Elementary PTO.
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
 

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

A thank you graphic from Panther Lake Elementary PTO to its Diamond and Platinum sponsors.
 

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! 
 

Trunk or Treat

A flyer announces a Trunk or Treat event, October 24, at Panther Lake Elementary, with candy and a cauldron graphic.
Our annual Trunk or Treat will take place on Friday, Oct. 24, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM! Help make the event a success by volunteering to decorate your trunk and/or donating candy!
A flyer promotes a Trunk or Treat decorate your trunk event with photos of decorated car trunks.
A Halloween-themed flyer with candy and a monster asking for treats.
Bring donations of individually wrapped, store-bought candy to the front office any time before Oct. 20. All candy is appreciated -- here's a link to our Amazon wishlist: 
Go to Wishlist
We're also looking for volunteers to decorate their trunks and pass out candy at the event.  
Sign Up Here
 

Coming Soon: Panther Fun Run!

Poster for Panther Fun Run fundraiser, with important dates and website.
The Panther Fun Run Is Here! We're partnering with Booster to raise $25,000 for outdoor enhancements and learning spaces within our PE and recess areas. How can you help? Sign your student up at MyBooster.com; share their link; and donate if you're able! Our main event, the Panther Fun Run, will take place on Thursday, Oct. 23.We’re also looking for event day volunteers to help mark laps, assist with the run, and ensure our students have a fun and memorable time! Sign up here to volunteer (must be ADDitions approved).
Sign Up Here
 

Save the Date: Movie Night

Movie Night announcement with a vintage movie theater sign and popcorn.
We'll be hosting an outdoor movie night on Nov. 7! Save the date and be on the lookout for more details.
 

SAC Schedule

An informational graphic for the Panther Lake Elementary School Advisory Council.
The Panther Lake Elementary school logo features a cartoon cougar cub.

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

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

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