Dear Panther Lake Elementary Parents and Families,
It is wonderful to be back and I am so grateful for the incredible support form our scholars, staff, and community. I want to thank the wonderful Panther Lake family, Assistant Principal Emily Smith, and Guest Principal Jeff Soltez for the leadership and support provided in my absence. As we close out Teacher Appreciation Week, I truly want to elevate the staff in our building! We are very fortunate to have some amazing teachers at Panther Lake.
This week was a wonderful week as we kicked off our Smarter Balance Assessment with our 5th grade students. This coming week, 4th grade will be starting their SBA testing followed by 3rd grade. The end of the year is quickly approaching and this is the time we assess scholar growth and achievement while also providing community building activities as we prepare for summer closure.
I would also love to introduce our new Panther Lake Elementary logos as we celebrate our transformation as a community. Our improvement efforts would be impossible without your partnership. I am so proud to be a Panther and part of this community.
We truly appreciate your partnership in ensuring our school is the best place to learn for every scholar.
Thank you for your continued support!
In partnership,
Tabatha Ritch
(Principal)
253-945-3634
253-391-7444 (Cell - Text okay)
and
Emily Smith
(Assistant Principal)
253-945-3608
253-391-6251 (Cell - Text okay)
Supporting Successful Transitions, May 25 from 6-7:30 p.m.
Moving up to a new grade can be both exciting and intimidating. Children and families often have questions about what is to come next, including academic expectations, how to navigate social norms, and more.
At the next Family Academy event, Supporting Successful Transitions, students and families can get empowered with resources to support various milestone transitions to look ahead to the upcoming school year with confidence. Be sure to attend on Thursday, May 25, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Star Lake Elementary or through Zoom to prepare your child for a smooth transition at every grade level.
Interpreters are available, and families who attend in person can enjoy a hot dinner and free childcare for potty-trained children 5 years and older.
Browse workshops and register at www.fwps.org/RegisterForFamilyAcademy.
OFFICIAL
President- Renee Metanoia
Vice President- Katie Finch
Secretary- Jason O'Daniel
Treasurer- Glyn Jenkins (5th grade teacher/admin intern)
PTA is still in need of members to support family event planning and building up our Panther Lake community.
If you would like to join our PTA, please reach out to Mr. Sanchez or any of our board members.
Please click the link to sign up as a member: https://mp.gg/lzvya
Feel free to share with your friends, neighbors, and community members.
If you sign up before June 1st, your name will be emblazoned on an inaugural Panther Lake PTA Plaque to celebrate our first year as a reinstated PTA.
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!
Thank you for your partnership.
To report absences:
- Call Mrs. Hagen at 253-945-3603 or office 253-945-3600, email: bhagen@fwps.org
- Report on ParentVue, preferable before school starts at 9:10am (before teacher submit absences)
*If absences are not reported before 10:15am, parents will get a district automated absence callout* to remind them to call students absence in.
TIP: If students go to a medical appointment and misses school, you can provide a doctor's note so the absence can be excused as “medical” which will not count as an absent for BECCA.
**If you have a question about BECCA, our state school attendance law, please feel free to email or call me for more information.**
Prearranged absence: Form attached needs to be completed when student is out for more than 2 days BEFORE missing school. This applies for vacations or extended absences.
*parent will complete the top portion, then teacher will complete their section, parent and student will sign and final step will be completed from our principal, Mrs. Ritch.*
Tardy hours 9:10-9:40am
Absence is after 9:40am
If students are late and check in after 9:40am and it is under an unexcused reason, parents will get the auto absence callout.
- PLEASE put a reason down when students are coming in late or leaving early, if there is no reason written down, then the attendance code will not be accurate and it will be automatically coded as unexcused.
If you have any attendance questions, please contact Data Secretary Bonnie Hagen 253-945-3603 bhagen@fwps.org