The Panther Print - Week of October 6, 2025

Posted Date: 10/05/25 (6:00 PM)

The Panther Print

A NEWSLETTER FOR THE PANTHER LAKE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Principal's Message

Dear Panther Lake Families,

I want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of daily school attendance. Every school day matters, and being present from the first bell to dismissal gives students the full benefit of instruction, practice, and support from their teachers. When students are absent or leave early, they miss critical learning opportunities that can add up over time.

For example, if a child is picked up just one hour early twice per week, that equals 2 hours of lost instruction each week. Over the course of our 36-week school year, this adds up to 72 hours — more than 11 full school days of missed learning (since each school day is 6.25 hours). Small amounts of time missed consistently can have a big impact on your child’s progress.

We are getting close to the end of the first quarter and we have many students that have already missed between 5 and 10 days of school. Some families believe it is okay if the absences are excused. This is a common misconception. Regardless of whether or not the absence is excused, your child is missing instruction. Additionally, school attendance is compulsory under Florida state law.

We know that emergencies and appointments come up, but we ask that you help us maximize your child’s learning by making every effort to schedule appointments outside of school hours and by ensuring your child is in school for the full day whenever possible. Furthermore, we ask that you plan family vacations during our school breaks. Together, we can make sure every student has the best chance to succeed.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your child’s education.

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.

Image celebrating National Custodian Day, October 2, with a blue mop graphic.

A basketball sits on a court, with blurred figures in the background, celebrating National Coaches Appreciation Day, October 6.

Announcement: No school on Monday, October 13, for a teacher workday and student holiday.

Visit Our Website

Panther Lake ES Fundraisers

A Papa John's fundraiser for Panther Lake Elementary offers 50% off online orders.

A promotional poster for Urban Air's Spirit Night, with details on pricing and date.

A yellow school bus is featured in an advertisement for National School Bus Safety Week, October 20-24.

Image promoting Cybersecurity Awareness Month with a digital lock graphic.

Image promoting Disability History and Awareness Weeks, Oct. 1-15, with related icons.

National Walk to School Day

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.

A graphic for National First Responders Day, October 28, with various service emblems.

Rock Your School

A teacher and students pose in a classroom, all wearing safari hats.

A group of children and an adult pose in a school hallway, dressed in safari attire.

Three children wearing hats write on clipboards in a classroom setting.

Students in a classroom write on clipboards, engaged in an activity.

A group of children and an adult pose for a photo in a school hallway.

A group of people pose with safari-themed decorations, including inflatable animals.

A group of people dressed in safari-themed attire pose for a photo.

A group of children pose for a photo in front of a jungle-themed backdrop.

A group of children pose in a decorated hallway, some kneeling and some standing.

Children in safari hats sit at desks decorated as a jeep in a classroom.

Children in safari hats work on papers at a classroom table.

Students in safari hats work together at a classroom table.

A group of children and a teacher pose in a jungle-themed classroom setting.

Our students had an amazing day as they “Roared into Learning!”

Promotional graphic for National School Lunch Week, October 13-17, featuring a carrot airplane and diverse food illustrations.

A red background with a white ribbon symbol and text for National Red Ribbon Week, October 23-31.

Fall Pictures

Instructions on how to access an online ordering gallery, with five numbered steps.

Parents still need to order pictures? Our NEW Code Lookup Tool is now available. They can simply scan the QR code and follow the directions to access their child's picture ordering gallery. No need to contact Customer Service for an access code! *Student last name and Student ID number will be required for data security. Any questions, contact Customer Service team via the Live Chat on our website.

Live Chat Here

Image promoting Breast Cancer Awareness Day, October 9, with a pink ribbon and text.

An orange poster for Unity Day, October 15, featuring a cartoon cougar and text.

A graphic promoting National Hispanic Heritage Month, with colorful floral designs.

A child sits with their head in their hands against a brick wall, with a backpack nearby with text for National Bullying Prevention Month.

A teacher assists a student with painting in an art class, promoting National Lights On After School Day, October 23.

A young girl with pigtails smiles, promoting America's Safe School Week, October 19-25.

Yearbook

The 2025-2026 yearbook is now on sale! Use the link below to order!

Order Here

Storybook Character Day

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

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

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!

Island H2O Water Park Tickets

People ride a water slide in a large inflatable raft at Island H2O Water Park with a QR code for $25 tickets.

Island H2O is offering PLE families discounted water park tickets, with a portion of all sales going back to the PTO! Purchase your tickets here:

Get Your Tickets

Trunk or Treat

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.

Coming Soon: Panther Fun Run!

Poster for the Panther Fun Run, scheduled for October 23.

Registration for our school-wide Panther Fun Run is now open! Our goal is to raise $25,000 for outdoor learning space enhancements and beautification. Signing up is easy, and the first 200 students to register will earn a Panther Lake keychain. The fundraiser will kick off in school on Oct. 14 and the Panther Fun Run event will be held on Oct. 23 during school hours. Sign up on MyBooster.com. ️We are grateful for your support!

SAC Schedule

An informational graphic for the Panther Lake Elementary School Advisory Council.

Illustration for Dyslexia Awareness Day, October 8, featuring a child reading with floating letters.

National Fire Prevention Week, October 5-11, graphic with fire extinguisher, flame, and smoke detector icons.

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

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