Dear Panther Lake Families,
As we approach the end of a busy and productive quarter, I want to wish you all a wonderful, restful, and safe Spring Break!
Whether you are traveling or enjoying a "staycation" here at home, I hope this time allows our students to recharge their batteries, spend quality time with loved ones, and return with a renewed sense of curiosity and energy.
Key Dates to Remember
- Spring Break Begins: Friday, March 13
- School Resumes: Monday, March 23
Looking Ahead: The Road to Success
When we return on March 23, our classrooms will shift into a period of intense academic focus. Our teachers have been working hard to ensure every student feels confident and prepared for the annual FAST assessments, which are scheduled for the first week of May.
To help your child perform their best, we ask for your partnership in the following:
- Regular Attendance: Every instructional minute counts. Please ensure your child is at school on time, every day, so they don’t miss out on vital review and practice.
- Healthy Routines: A consistent bedtime and a nutritious breakfast make a world of difference in a child’s ability to focus and solve problems.
- Positive Encouragement: Remind your child that these assessments are simply a chance for them to "show what they know" and celebrate their growth this year.
Thank you for your continued support of our school community. We are so proud of our students' hard work, and we can't wait to see them back on the 23rd!
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Respectfully,
Dr. Christine Szymanski
Principal, Panther Lake Elementary
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- Online Show: March 4-16
- In-school Show: Wednesday, March 11 from 5:30-7:00 PM
- Support our art department with our annual art show! Every student has a piece of art in the show for parents to purchase! Parents can purchase online or come to the art show on March 11! We encourage all students and parents to come to the art show on March 11 to view our excellent student work! If you purchase your child's art online, you can pick it up on March 11 at the show!
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- The spring book fair is Friday, March 6 through Thursday, March 12!
- We will have a family night on Wednesday, March 11 from 2:30 PM-7:00 PM. If you are interested in signing up to volunteer to work the book fair please look on our Panther Lake PTO site!
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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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Congratulations to 4th grader, Ana Paula Medina Silva, for being named one of the Spirit of Excellence winners who will represent PLE in the elementary school division. The Spirit of Excellence Awards Ceremony celebrates the outstanding social and academic accomplishments of our English Language Learner (ELL) students. |
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. |
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! |
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. |
Join the PTO Board! We're now accepting nominations for the 2026-2027 school year through March 23. Nominees will be announced at the March PTO General Meeting and voting will take place at the April PTO General Meeting. If you are interested in serving in a board role next year, please email secretary@pantherlakepto.org with your position of interest, brief bio, and your student/s' grade to be considered. |
Take the night off from cooking and enjoy Huey Magoo's on Wednesday, March 11! Between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM., 15% of in store orders will go back to the Panther Lake PTO!
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Mark your calendar for our 2025-2026 PTO General Meetings. We'd love to see you there! |
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