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The Panther Print - Week of February 2, 2026

Posted Date: 02/01/26 (06:00 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

Dear Panther Lake families,

As we continue to work together to ensure a safe and smooth arrival and dismissal each day, I want to take a moment to remind everyone of our car loop procedures.

Recently, we have noticed a few concerns during drop-off and pick-up, including:

  • Vehicles skipping ahead of other cars in the car line
  • Parents parking in visitor parking spaces to drop off students (these spaces are not designated drop-off areas)
  • Vehicles exiting through the entrance lane, which creates safety risks.

These procedures are in place first and foremost to keep our students safe and to ensure fairness and efficiency for all families.

When everyone follows the same expectations, the car loop moves more quickly and safely for everyone.

We kindly ask that all families:

  • Enter the car loop in the correct location and remain in line
  • Use the designated car loop only for drop-off and pick-up
  • Follow all posted signs and staff directions, entering and exiting through the proper lanes
  • We truly appreciate your cooperation and partnership in helping us maintain a safe school environment. Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we work together to keep our students safe.
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.
 
Graphic announcing National School Counseling Week, Feb. 2-6, with a gradient background.
Text reads 'SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD APPRECIATION DAY FEB 6' on a gradient background.
Text reads 'CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH' in bold white letters on a black background.
Graphic promoting the 'Let's Read OCPS' initiative, encouraging reading 50,000,000 minutes by April 30, 2026.
Visit Our Website
 

Kindergarten Registration

Advertisement for Kindergarten registration for the 2026-2027 school year by Orange County Public Schools.
Kindergarten Registration for the upcoming 2026/2027 school year starts next Tuesday, 1/20/26! Click below for the OCPS registration packet to register now.
OCPS Registration Packet Link
Panther Lake Elementary School announces Kindergarten registration with information about yard signs and contact details.
 

Spring Photos

Announcement for Panther Lake Elementary Spring Photo Day on February 26, 2026.
All students will have their spring pictures taken on 2/26/26! Once the packages come in, parents will have the option to purchase by sheet and pay online or send in cash or checks. However, parents will not have the option to pay beforehand. Please review the background example this year! 
A young girl with a flower crown smiles, sitting on a red cooler in front of a beach pier backdrop.
 

Class Pictures

Four framed classroom group pictures from Strawbridge Elementary are displayed, with 'Picture Day: 2/26/2026' and a price of $13.00 below.
All students will have their class photo taken on 2/26/26 as well! Please reference the information below to pay for a class photo. 
A flyer for Strawbridge Studios' classroom group photos, detailing ordering instructions, payment information, and a picture day date of 2/26/2026.
Instructions to order class group pictures for Panther Lake Elementary School, featuring a QR code and order code FM475257.
 

Fifth Graders - Water Spring Middle School

Water Spring Middle School announces 6th Grade Course Registration for 2026-2027 with a QR code.
This past week we welcomed staff from Water Spring Middle School, who visited our students to share what middle school is like and help them learn more about choosing electives. It was a great opportunity for students to ask questions and start thinking about the exciting options ahead!

You’re invited to join us for the Wildcat Wander! This fun event is a great opportunity for our incoming 6th graders to explore the campus, meet staff, and get comfortable before the school year begins.

○     February 19, 2026
○     5:30 PM-7:00 PM
 

Kids Heart Challenge

The American Heart Association's Kids Heart Challenge features a cartoon dog mascot holding a flower, promoting the Lifesavers League.
Panther Lake Kids Heart Challenge UPDATE! 203 students have already joined our school’s team. Way to go! Visit our school page at http://www2.heart.org/goto/pantherlake or download the AHA Schools app to join today. It is FREE to register and join our team. You DO NOT have to donate to get a wristband for your child. CHALLENGE ALERT: If we have 300 students registered by February 13, the American Heart Association will donate $500 to the PE Department for new equipment! Thank you for being a Heart Hero
Visit Our Page
 

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 graphic displays "Thank You to Our Sponsors!" with logos from Diamond, Platinum, and Gold sponsors.
 

Upcoming PTO Meetings

Save the Date for Panther Lake Elementary PTO Meetings in 2025-2026.
Mark your calendar for our 2025-2026 PTO General Meetings. We'd love to see you there! 
 

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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