Dear Panther Lake Families,
As we move further into the school year, our students are working hard to master new concepts and sharpen their skills. To support this growth, we use digital programs like Reading Plus, Amira, and Study Island. These aren’t just "screen time"—they are powerful, adaptive tools designed to meet your child exactly where they are.
To see real progress, consistency is the "secret sauce." We’ve noticed a direct connection between students who meet their weekly minute goals and those who show significant gains in their classroom performance.
Why Those Minutes Matter
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Personalized Pace: These programs adjust in real-time. If a student struggles, the program provides extra support; if they excel, it challenges them further.
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Building Stamina: Regular practice helps students build the "mental muscles" needed for complex reading and problem-solving.
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Data-Driven Support: When students complete their assigned minutes, it provides our teachers with a clear picture of how to better support them during small-group instruction.
We allow time for students to complete these minutes during the school day. However, many students are not finishing lessons. We ask that you assist us in providing time for students to work on these programs at home on a personal computer. We truly appreciate your partnership in making sure our students have the best foundation for success. If you have any trouble logging in or need technical support, please don't hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher.
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Respectfully,
Dr. Christine Szymanski
Principal, Panther Lake Elementary
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Save the date for our annual framed art show! Every student will have a piece of art displayed for purchase as this is our annual fundraiser for our art department!
Panther Lake Framed Art Show
PLE Cafe
Wednesday March 11, 2026
5:30 PM-7:00 PM
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Attention 5th Grade Parents!
Congratulations on this educational milestone for your student, transitioning to a new school is exciting! In an effort to ensure all student’s records are accurate and up to date, we are requiring parents to provide updated current proof of residence to your child’s current school. This documentation should be provided to the school by close of business April 18, 2026. Failure to provide updated verification of residence will result in your child’s withdrawal from OCPS and you risk your student not having a schedule for the start of the 2026 school year.
To verify your address, you must provide the following to your child’s school:
- If you own a house take to your child’s school: warranty deed, property taxes, closing contract, or homestead exemption card along with current utility bill, your ID with current address, and current mail.
- If you rent, house or apartment take to your child’s school: the signed lease, your ID with your current address, recent utility bill, rent receipts, current mail, and renters’ insurance.
- If you are residing with someone who owns or rents the house you must obtain a verification of residence from the office of Student Enrollment by following the steps below and once you obtain the Verification of residence from Student Enrollment take to your child’s school the verification of residence document:
- Your ID with current address, at least three items with your name and address dated within the last month, such as car registration, paystub, bank statement, insurance, phone bill, or current mail.
- In addition, you must provide the ID of the lessee or homeowner and a Copy of the lease or proof of homeownership.
- More documentation may be required depending on circumstances in a case-by-case situation.
- Per OCPS policy: (1) The principal of an OCPS school shall be responsible for the verification and accurate recording of the places of residence of the students assigned to such school;
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Panther Lake ES held our annual 4-H Public Speaking Contest this week. We are proud of all of our 4th and 5th grade class representatives that participated.
- 1st Place- Haven Owens
- 2nd Place- Maria Luiza Rodrigues Sobreira
- 3rd Place- Clara Apolinario.
A special thank you to Mr. Bawden, Water Spring Middle Principal, Mrs. Bresk, Hamlin Middle School Principal and Emily Ross from the American Red Cross as our judges.
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Last week we celebrated our Teacher of the Year, Ivy Penate (Right) and Support Person of the Year, Gabi Afonso (Left) at the Stellar Awards! Pictured with Ms. Shaw, Assistant Principal |
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. |
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! |
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. |
The 2025-2026 yearbook is now on sale! Use the link below to order! |
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! |
Join us on March 6 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM for our Mardi Gras-themed Family Dance! Tickets are now on sale until March 4! *All students must be accompanied by an adult. Buy your tickets here: |
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! |
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. |
Mark your calendar for our 2025-2026 PTO General Meetings. We'd love to see you there! |
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