Blast! 9.14.26

Posted Date: 09/11/26 (04:31 PM)

Bobcat Blast!

Week of:

September 14, 2026

Aloha Bobcat Ohana!

We packed a lot into four days last week! First, let me say congratulations on having not only smart children, but good-looking ones as well! Picture day was a success, and our Bobcats showed up ready to impress. I want to extend a special thank you to all who were able to attend our PTA General meeting and then the Room Parent Meeting. It is always a good thing to see so many people gathered together with the express interest of helping our Bobcats be the best that they can be!

And, hot off the presses, please join me in welcoming Ms. Leanda McMurtry, who will be joining us next week as our new Assistant Principal. Ms. McMurtry will be sharing her talents between Palm Lake and Dr. Phillips E.S. for the rest of the year, and we look forward to having her join the Palm Lake Family!

Next week, we keep the fun rolling with classroom visits by the Boy Scouts on Monday and their Sign-Up night on Tuesday from 6:30 - 7:30 in the cafeteria. Thursday is Spirit Day at Burger-Fi & Jeremiah's and Friday morning is one of my favorite events: “Donuts with Dear Ones” or, if you prefer, “Carbs with Caregivers” 😊. No matter what you call it, this PTA-sponsored event is a great get-together for our Bobcat Community. Please join us and bring your child and your appetite (Donuts provided) Friday morning, 9/18/26, from 8:15 – 8:45 in the cafeteria.

Speaking of our PTA (see what I did there 😊), we have our annual Fall Fundraiser, beginning Monday and running through Oct. 23. Please consider joining us in this drive, and remember that, unlike other fundraisers, 100% of all donations stay here at Palm Lake to support our students and teachers. Every little bit helps, so please consider donating to support our PTA as they support our school.

But wait…there’s more...

Adult ESOL Classes will return to Palm Lake in October; details to come.

Our Kindergarten Teachers are hosting a Curriculum Night for our youngest Bobcats on September 23 from 5:30-6:30. Childcare will be provided for school-age children.

I wish you well,

Jim

James Weis

Principal, Palm Lake E.S.

A smiling person wearing glasses and a blue shirt stands in front of a white wall adorned with various wooden carved masks.

Welcome to Palm Lake!

I am excited to become part of the Palm Lake Elementary family! My name is Leanda McMurtry, and for more than 20 years, I have had the privilege of serving students, staff, and families with Orange County Public Schools.

My journey in education has taken me through many different roles, including special areas teacher, fifth-grade teacher, middle school language arts and social studies teacher, and Dean for alternative education schools before moving into school administration. Palm Lake will be my third elementary school as an assistant principal, and while I continue to serve at Dr. Phillips Elementary, I am thrilled to expand my school family by becoming part of the Palm Lake community as well.

Through all of those experiences, one thing has remained constant: I believe relationships are at the heart of what we do. I enjoy being out and about on campus, talking with students, supporting teachers, solving problems, and lending a hand wherever I can. I want students, staff, and families to know me—not just know who the assistant principal is.

Outside of school, family is a huge part of my life, especially my six grandchildren. I also love DIY projects and figuring out how to make an idea come to life. Sitting still has never really been my thing!

I am looking forward to learning the traditions, personalities, and little things that make Palm Lake special. Thank you for welcoming me into your school family. When you see me around campus, please come say hello!

PTA

We look forward to seeing everyone on Thursday for Spirit Day and Night from 11am - 9pm at Burger Fi & Jeremiah's and on Friday for Donuts with Dear Ones!

Thank you to all who joined us for the General Meeting on Thursday. Please see below for ways to join, participate, and donate to help make students, teachers, and school stronger!

A colorful flyer for the Palm Lake Elementary Fall Fundraiser, featuring 1980s retro designs and a bobcat mascot.

A promotional flyer for Palm Lake Spirit Night on September 17th, featuring BurgerFi and Jeremiah's Italian Ice.

A promotional flyer for the Palm Lake Elementary Fundraiser Vase Collection, featuring blue and yellow text and school mascot graphics.

Teach-In

Each November, in celebration of American Education Week, the Foundation for Orange County Public Schools brings parents, community members, business, and civic leaders into the classrooms - in a fun and engaging way - to talk with students about academics, careers, and the future.

On behalf of Palm Lake Elementary School, we invite you to present to one or more classes as part of this community-wide effort - Teach-In 2026 - on Wednesday, November 18 between the hours of 9:00am and 1:30pm. It’s simple to participate, and you can volunteer the time that your schedule permits.

You can read a book; share an educational experience; give students a window into your career; or talk about a favorite vacation, hobby, or even a special teacher who touched your life. Whatever your skills, no matter your topic, there is a classroom of students waiting to hear from you!

Simply contact your child’s teacher, or call the school office at 407-354-2610, or email Michelle Pignolet at michelle.pignolet@ocps.net.

Please note, all Teach-In participants must be an approved OCPS ADDitions volunteer to participate in Teach-In. You can find the ADDitions application at ocps.net and follow the link labeled “Volunteers,” or click here to get started.

Teach-In is truly a special experience for our volunteers and for our students.

We can't wait to hear from you!

Week-at-a-Glance

Monday

Boy Scouts Classroom Visits

Tuesday

Boy Scout Sign-Up; 6:30-7:30; Cafe

Wednesday

A Great Day of Learning

Thursday

Talk Like A Pirate Day
Spirit Day at Burger-Fi & Jeremiah's

Friday

Donuts with Dear Ones