The Panther Print - Back to School 2026

Posted Date: 07/21/26 (08:59 AM)

The Panther Print

A NEWSLETTER FOR THE PANTHER LAKE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Principal's Message

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

Dear Panther Lake Families

I hope you are enjoying a wonderful summer filled with fun, relaxation, and quality time together. As we look ahead to the start of a new school year, I want to share how excited we are to welcome our students back to school on August 11!

The beginning of a new school year is always a special time. It brings opportunities for learning, growth, new friendships, and memorable experiences. Our teachers and staff have been working hard to prepare classrooms, plan engaging lessons, and create a positive environment where every child can thrive. We cannot wait to see our students' smiling faces and hear about their summer adventures.

Over the next few weeks, there are several ways families can help students prepare for a successful start:

Begin establishing a consistent bedtime and morning routine to help students adjust to the school schedule.
Encourage daily reading and conversations about books, stories, and topics that interest your child.
Practice independence skills such as organizing belongings, following routines, and taking responsibility for simple tasks at home.
Talk positively about the upcoming school year and help your child set goals for learning and personal growth.
Ensure school supplies and backpacks are ready before the first day.

Most importantly, enjoy these final weeks of summer together. The memories you create now will help your child return to school refreshed, confident, and ready to learn.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We are honored to be part of your child's educational journey and look forward to an outstanding year filled with learning, achievement, and community.

We are excited to welcome everyone back on Monday, August 11!

Respectfully,

Dr. Christine Szymanski

Visit Our Website

Supply Lists

A school supply list for Kindergarten, divided into 'Boy' and 'Girl' sections, with itemized quantities and descriptions.

A school supply list for First Grade for the 2026-2027 school year, featuring a border of yellow pencils.

A school supply list for Second Grade for the 2026-2027 school year.

A school supply list for Third Grade for the 2026-2027 school year.

A school supply list for fourth grade for the 2026-2027 school year, featuring items like pencils, notebooks, and glue.

A school supply list for Fifth Grade for the 2026-2027 school year.

OCPS 2026 Calendar

Orange County Public Schools 2026-2027 School Calendar detailing dates and events.

Welcome to Panther Lake Teachers & Staff

A welcome poster for Panther Lake Elementary introduces Olivia Aldrich, the new art teacher.

A welcome poster for Panther Lake Elementary introduces 1st Grade Teacher Paola Davila with her photo and biography.

A welcome poster for Panther Lake Elementary featuring a photo of Cathy Dunn, a 1st-grade teacher.

Welcome to Panther Lake Elementary featuring Lindsay Horton, Front Office Clerk.

A smiling young woman, Alyssa Lazzaro, is introduced as the 4th-grade teacher at Panther Lake Elementary.

A welcome poster for Panther Lake Elementary featuring Kindergarten Teacher Elizabeth Parker.

A smiling woman with glasses and a floral dress is featured in a welcome graphic for Panther Lake Elementary.

Welcome to Panther Lake Elementary featuring 1st Grade Teacher Guillermina Walker.

Welcome to Panther Lake Elementary! Meet Kindergarten Teacher Peyton Weaver.

Welcome to Panther Lake Elementary! Meet Jessica Williams, the new Registrar.

Meet the Teacher

A School

Kindergarten Orientation

Three smiling children with backpacks walk together on a sunny day, ready for the first day of school.

A smiling young boy with a backpack stands in front of a school bus, with text "FIND MY BUS" and "FINDABUS.OCPS.NET".

A miniature shopping cart overflowing with colorful school supplies like pencils, scissors, and a calculator.

Students enjoy healthy meals in a school cafeteria, with text overlay 'ALL STUDENTS ALL MEALS NO CHARGE'.

A smiling young boy with glasses and a backpack holds books, ready for school.

A smiling family looks at a smartphone, with "ConnectOrange IS POWERED BY ParentSquare" text and school district logos.

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

The Panther Print - Back to School 2026