Skip to main content

The Panther Print - Welcome Back to School 2026

Posted Date: 08/02/26 (06:00 PM)
View Original Post


The Panther Lake Elementary School logo features a cougar cub and school name.

The Panther Print

A NEWSLETTER FOR THE PANTHER LAKE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Principal's Message

Dear Panther Lake Families, 

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! I hope you and your family have enjoyed a wonderful summer filled with rest, fun, and special memories. We are excited to welcome both our returning students and those who are joining our school community for the first time. 

A new school year brings fresh opportunities to learn, grow, and build lasting friendships. Our dedicated teachers and staff have been working hard to prepare engaging classrooms, meaningful learning experiences, and a safe, welcoming environment where every child can thrive. We cannot wait to see our hallways filled with smiling faces and the excitement that comes with the first day of school.  Our “Meet the Teacher” event will be held on August 6th where you will meet your child’s assigned teacher and will visit their classroom. It is important to attend this event as only parents of Kindergarten students will be allowed to walk their child to class on the first day.  This is due to district and school safety protocols. 

At our school, we believe that a strong partnership between home and school is essential to student success. We encourage you to stay connected throughout the year by reading school communications, attending family events, and reaching out whenever you have questions or need support. Together, we can ensure that every student feels valued, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential. 

As we begin this new school year, I encourage our students to be kind, be curious, work hard, and always do their best. Every day is an opportunity to learn something new, make a positive difference, and grow as learners and leaders.  Daily attendance will be crucial. 

Thank you for entrusting us with your children. It is truly a privilege to be part of their educational journey. We look forward to partnering with you for a successful, rewarding, and memorable 2026–2027 school year. 

Welcome back! We are excited for an amazing year ahead. 

Warm regards, 
Dr. Christine Szymanski 
Visit Our Website
 

School Cash Online

  • Our district uses SchoolCash Online to complete transactions at all Orange County Public Schools. 
  • SchoolCash Online is an easy to use and safe way to pay for your children’s school fees. Now, with a few clicks, you can pay for your child’s yearbook, class trips and so much more from your own home. All you have to do is register an account, attach your children and in no time you will be able to make payments online. SchoolCash Online accepts many different payment forms for the convenience of our families. 
  • If you are new to OCPS or PLE, please set up our account!  
Set Up Account Here
 

Birthday Bites

A cheerful child wearing a party hat gives a double thumbs-up next to a flyer for 'Birthday Bites'.
Get Your Birthday Bites
 

Food & Nutrition Services

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

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.
 

Meet the Teacher

Poster for Panther Lake Elementary's "Meet the Teacher" event on Thursday, August 6.
 

A School

Panther Lake Elementary is an A SCHOOL for the 2025-2026 school year, featuring a mascot and celebratory text.
 
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

The Panther Lake Elementary PTO logo features a cougar cub inside a blue circle.
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

Chalk the Walk

Invitation to 'Chalk the Walk' event to decorate the sidewalk for the first day of school.
Join us to Chalk the Walk on August 10! We'll meet at the school's front entrance at 5:00 PM to decorate the sidewalk for the first day of school. 

Cheers & Tears Breakfast

Invitation for Kindergarten Parents to a 'Cheers & Tears Breakfast' on August 11, 2026, from 8:30-9:15 AM at Panther Lake Elementary.
Attention kindergarten parents! Join us in the cafeteria for a Cheers & Tears Breakfast after you drop your kindergartener off on their first day! We'll provide a light breakfast and the opportunity to meet other kindergarten parents.

Spirit-wear Store

The Spirit-wear Store is officially open for the 2026-2027 school year! New this year: Dri-Fit class shirts and cute new designs! Pre-sale has ended, but you can still order... all purchases will be delivered to your child's classroom within approximately two weeks of placing your order. 
Get Your Spirit-wear

Corporate Sponsorship

Panther Lake Elementary PTO Corporate Sponsorship Levels for 2026-2027, featuring Diamond Alpha, Platinum Panther, Gold Prowler, and Silver Cub tiers.
Looking for a way to connect your business with local families while giving back to our school community? Become a Panther Lake PTO sponsor! We offer a range of sponsorship levels and marketing benefits to fit your business's goals and budget. As a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, your sponsorship is also tax-deductible.

Become a Panther Pack Family

Please consider donating to the Panther Lake PTO! Your generous support helps fund teacher grants, classroom materials, student clubs, school beautification, staff appreciation, and fun events throughout the year. Every contribution makes a difference for our students, staff, and community! 
Donate Here
The Panther Lake Elementary school logo features a cartoon cougar cub.

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

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

QR_Signup

Community Member?

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

© 2026 Panther Lake Elementary

© 2026 LightbulbPR