The Panther Print - Week of January 19, 2026

Posted Date: 01/18/26 (06:00 PM)

The Panther Print

A NEWSLETTER FOR THE PANTHER LAKE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Principal's Message

Dear Panther Lake Families,

As we welcome a new year, it’s a wonderful time to reflect, reset, and set positive intentions for the months ahead. The start of the year offers a great opportunity to build strong habits that support our students’ success both in and out of the classroom.

We encourage families to consider incorporating school-related habits into your New Year’s resolutions. Simple routines can make a powerful difference for children. Setting consistent bedtimes, establishing a regular homework or reading time, and ensuring students arrive at school on time each day help create a sense of stability and readiness to learn. Encouraging daily reading, practicing math facts, and having conversations about what your child is learning at school also strengthen academic growth and confidence.

Just as important are habits that support social and emotional well-being. Talking with your child about kindness, responsibility, perseverance, and respect helps reinforce the values we emphasize at school. Celebrating effort, not just outcomes, teaches children that learning is a journey and that mistakes are part of growing.

When families and schools work together to promote positive habits, students thrive. Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to your child’s education. We look forward to a year filled with growth, learning, and success for every student.

Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy, and hopeful New Year.

Warmly,

Dr. Christine Szymanski

Principal, Panther Lake Elementary

The Panther Lake Principal - A woman with brown hair smiles at the camera against a blue background.

January is National Mentoring Month, celebrated with a fist bump between a mentor and student.

A graphic illustration of Martin Luther King Jr. with text announcing Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 19, with school and district offices closed.

A young girl with glasses reads a book in a library, with text overlaying the image: 'CELEBRATE LITERACY WEEK JAN 26-30'.

Graphic promoting the 'Let's Read OCPS' initiative, encouraging reading 50,000,000 minutes by April 30, 2026.

Visit Our Website

Kindergarten Registration

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.

Second and Third Grade Concert

Poster announcing the 2nd and 3rd Grade Concert titled 'IT'S SHOWTIME!' at Horizon High School Auditorium.

Rising 5th Grade Hamlin Middle School Parent Night

Hamlin Middle School Parent Night flyer for the Class of 2033.

Literacy Week

Block Kids

School Spelling Bee

A group of students sit in chairs, each holding a certificate in a library setting.

Congratulations to all of our students who participated in our annual spelling bee! Congratulations to 3rd grader, Mariam Henok, who won the spelling bee!

3rd Place- Alexander Binzari
2nd Place- Stavya Galdhar
1st Place- Mariam Henok

A young girl wearing a white jacket and a medal stands with an adult in front of a Panther Lake Elementary mural.

A teacher and three students stand in front of a mural that reads 'Panther Lake Elementary'.

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

A woman and a sheriff stand in front of a mural of a panther and the text 'Panther Lake Elementary'.

Last week was National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day! Thank you to Deputy Singletary for all that he does to keep our school, students and teachers safe!

2026 School Spirit Run

Promotional poster for the 5th Annual School Spirit Run at SeaWorld Orlando on February 7, 2026.

Parents- Panther Lake has a team where you can sign up your family to run with our school on February 7, 2026 at SeaWorld Orlando!

Promotional poster for the 5th Annual School Spirit Run at SeaWorld Orlando.

Yearbook

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

Order Here

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

Family Bingo Night

Poster announcing Panther Lake Elementary PTO Bingo Night on Friday, January 23.

Join us on Friday, Jan. 23, for our Family Bingo Night! Doors open at 5:45 PM and Bingo will begin at 6:15 PM. Pre-order your bingo cards ($8 pre-purchase/$10 at the door) and picnic dinners ($8) by Tuesday, Jan. 20. Limited quantities will be available for purchase at the door. This is a fun evening for the whole family - we hope to see you there!

Pre-order Bingo Cards Here

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.

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