The Panther Post
PAWS for the Panther Lake Family news!
Save the date!
Sep 29th- Early Dismissal 2:10
Sep 29th- PTA Info Meeting 6pm (open to any family interested in participating in our Parent/Teacher Partnership Association)
Oct 6th - Picture Day (Flyers were sent home this week)
Don't forget our Panther Spirit days throughout the week!
Mondays- Motivation: Motivate yourself and your fellow Panthers by representing our Panther Lake community. Wear your favorite Panther Lake t-shirt or hoodie or wear our school colors loud and proud (royal blue, black, grey, and white).
Wednesdays- Where are we going? Celebrate your dreams and future with a shirt that represents your college of choice or what you would like to do after high school (join the military, become a chef, cosmetologist, or even a gamer!). We want to see your dreams for the future!
Fridays- Fanfare Friday: Celebrate that teamwork! Represent your favorite sports team (Are you a Seahawks fan? Sounders? Kraken? Who is your team?). We celebrate teamwork at Panther Lake!
Principal's Message
Hello wonderful Panther Lake families and community,
Thank you so much for joining us for our Open House event last night. It was wonderful to see all our families and our teachers had so much fun getting to know you through their classroom Zoom events! If you were unable to make it to Open House, we will be posting our video to social media on Friday!
Next week, our Parent Teacher Organization will be hosting their info meeting for anyone interested in joining. This parent teacher partnership is a vital piece of our community and, while it may look differently this year, it is truly how we ensure our scholars have the resources and tools they need to be successful at Panther Lake! Please consider attending the information meeting if you can.
Picture day is coming! If you have any questions about preparing for picture day, please reach out to your scholar's teacher or our front office for more support.
Our first Parent Advisory meeting will take place the first full week of October. This will be a virtual event and we are hoping our families can attend so we can begin engaging in those conversations for school improvement efforts. We want to hear your voice and appreciate the feedback you have provided that has truly transformed our systems at Panther Lake.
Scholar Advisory selection letters will be sent home and we will be convening our 2021-2022 Scholar Advisory Panel for the first time this year next week! We are extremely excited to get started with our scholars. We believe in elevating the voice of our scholars to ensure they see themselves in their learning environment and everyday at school.
Please remember to check ParentVUE for updated information on your scholar's progress throughout the year. Teachers update your scholar's gradebook weekly in the weeks to come. Checking ParentVUE weekly affords families the opportunity to strengthen the partnership between home and school. Thank you so much for your support!
We hope you have a wonderful and relaxing weekend before the rain returns next week.
In partnership,
Tabatha Ritch
(Principal)
253-945-3634
253-391-7444 (Cell - Text okay)
and
Dianne Harlow
(Assistant Principal)
253-945-3608
253-391-9748 (Cell - Text okay)
Community Eligibility Program (CEP)
Several Federal Way schools are designated to participate in CEP this year. Parents and guardians of students in CEP schools do not have to fill out the usual free and reduced lunch application, but are asked to complete an income survey in order to ensure their child's school qualifies for federal and state funding that is determined by parent income levels. Meals will be served to all students in CEP schools for free regardless of free and reduced status. Click here to complete an online income survey.
Panther Lake is among several schools in FWPS who participate in CEP. Please support our school. Your participation supports our scholars by ensuring our school qualifies for imperative federal and state funding- Resources for our scholars.
For the 2021-22 school year, breakfast and lunch will be provided to FWPS scholars at no cost regardless of free and reduced eligibility status.
Free and reduced meal applications ensure your child's school qualifies for federal and state funding as determined by parent income levels and will continue to be collected.
Please visit our district website for more information: Click here
Rainy Day Recess
During rainy day recess, some scholars will be outside under the covered play area for recess and our remaining recess zones have activities in the gym, music room, and even have the opportunity to visit the library for open check-out.
Please ensure your scholar is dressed for the weather. If you or your family is in need of coats or warm weather clothing, please let us know. We are here to support our families!
Recess Zones
This week, we would like to introduce the game: Switch!
How can you help your scholar from home?
- Watch the video with your scholar
- Discuss the rules of the game with your scholar (Hint- We say ROCK IT OUT instead of Ro-Sham-Bo)
- Have your scholar teach it to you or another family member
- Play, play, play!
We are continuing to work with our scholars on safe play at school as we adjust to full time in-person learning again!
At Panther Lake, our conflict resolution mantra is "When in doubt, rock it out!" A simple game of rock, paper, scissors can cut down on many disagreements and frustrations at recess.
Our School Needs YOU!
Avoid Unreturned Device Fines
Non-Discrimination Statement
Federal Way Public Schools does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin or ethnicity, religion, creed, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, age, marital or family status, veteran or military status, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal. The district provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups.
If you have questions or complaints regarding alleged discrimination please email one of the coordinators listed below, or call the district office at 253-945-2000 and ask for one of the coordinators listed below.
Civil Rights Compliance Officer, Dan Dizon, compliance@fwps.org
Title IX Compliance Coordinator, Dan Dizon, titleix@fwps.org
504 Compliance Coordinator, Dr. Jennifer Westover, 504@fwps.org
ADA Compliance Coordinator, Janet Hodson, ADA@fwps.org
Panther Lake Elementary
Email: tritch@fwps.org
Website: https://www.fwps.org/PantherLake
Location: 34424 1st Ave S, Federal Way, WA 98003
Phone: 253-945-3600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PantherLakeFWPS/
Twitter: @PantherLakeFWPS