 On the Prowl – The Panther Pulse
Sep 14, 2026
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Dear El Portal Families,
This week, our El Portal Panthers came together for a meaningful Patriot Day Assembly, commemorating the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. We talked about Patriot Day in an age-appropriate way, focusing on the courage and selflessness of our first responders, the resilience our nation showed following September 11, and the incredible way Americans came together to help and care for one another.
Most importantly, we reminded our students that you don't have to be a grown-up to be a helper. Every Panther can make a difference through kindness, courage, inclusion, and helping others when they need it.
Following our assembly, our sixth graders created a special tunnel while holding small American flags. Before walking through, each class was invited to quietly reflect on one simple but powerful question:
“How can I be a helper?”
Our students then walked silently through the tunnel, taking a moment to reflect on what it means to help and care for others.
At the conclusion of the assembly, our sixth graders placed the American flags throughout the planters in our quad. As students and staff walked through the quad during the day, the flags served as a beautiful reminder of those we remember, those who serve, and the importance of coming together as a community.
It was a simple but powerful way for our Panthers, from our youngest students to our sixth graders, to honor Patriot Day while also connecting to our September character trait of Resilience.
  
Together, we remember.
Together, we help.
Together, we are resilient.
 Panther Pride!
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9/14 Monday
- Monday Motivation Assembly
- Wear El Portal Spirit Gear
- Early Dismissal
9/15 Tuesday
- Young Engineers Club- 3:00
9/16 Wednesday
- Recorders and Band Grades 3-6
9/17 Thursday
- Music and Movement Grades TK - 3rd
- Ditch the Kitchen 4pm-8pm - Mc Donald's off Beach Blvd.
9/18 Friday:
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Ditch the Kitchen on Thursday, September 17, from 4–8 PM at McDonald’s in Westridge Plaza near Sam’s Club! Enjoy your favorites while 20% comes back to El Portal. Valid in-store, drive-thru and through mobile ordering—no code needed!
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HARVEST HUSTLE UPDATE! We’ve raised $19,496 toward our $30K goal with 276 Panthers registered! We’ve officially unlocked PJ Day AND Pie in the Face, and we’re SO close to earning Flex Friday! Several classes have also already earned their Silly String, Water Balloon & Ice Cream Parties! Keep those registrations, donations & shares coming, Panthers — Fun Run Day is October 9!
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Character Education and Patriotism
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Character Education at Home: Resilience
Our September character trait is Resilience, learning to keep going when something is difficult, bouncing back after disappointment, and having the courage to try again.
Try It at Home!
This week, encourage your Panther to think of something that feels challenging, schoolwork, learning a new skill, solving a problem, or even getting along with others. Ask:
“What can you do when something feels hard instead of giving up?”
Remind them that being resilient doesn’t mean things are always easy, it means we keep trying, learn from our mistakes, and ask for help when we need it.
Panthers keep going, even when things get tough!
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SUDENT T-SHIRT SALE — THIS WEEK! 
Great shirts. Great prices. Limited sizes!
We’re clearing out our student T-shirt inventory, and ALL shirts are on sale!  Stop by and grab some El Portal spirit wear at a great price! Mrs. Ramirez will be in front of the office selling t-shirts.
 PICKUP & PARKING REMINDER
For everyone’s safety and to keep our dismissal traffic moving smoothly, please park your vehicle in a designated parking spot and walk to the T-shirt sale table in front of the office.
Please do not leave your vehicle unattended in the traffic/pickup line while shopping.
Thank you for helping us keep our dismissal area safe and moving!
 LOCATION: In Front of the Office
 SALE DAYS & TIMES
September 14, 15, 16, & 17
Monday: Starting at 1:45 p.m.
Tuesday–Thursday: Starting at 3:00 p.m.
 $1 T-SHIRT BIN
We will have a special bin of T-shirts for just $1 each!
$5 T-SHIRTS
We’ll also have a selection of T-shirts available for $5 each, while supplies last.
Youth Sizes Available:
• XS – Limited
• Small – Limited
• Medium – SOLD OUT
• Large – LOTS available!
• XL – Limited
Adult Sizes Available:
• Small – Limited
• Medium – Limited
 CASH ONLY — EXACT AMOUNT PLEASE
Please bring the exact amount, as we will not be able to make change.
Shirts and sizes are available while supplies last, so shop early for the best selection!
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Panther Traffic Talk
Keeping Our Panthers Safe & Traffic Moving
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This week, let’s talk morning drop-off!
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To help keep our Panthers safe and morning traffic moving smoothly, we need everyone’s help. All vehicles must make a RIGHT-HAND TURN when entering the school traffic circle. Following the same traffic pattern helps reduce congestion and keeps cars moving safely and efficiently.
 Our busiest drop-off time is between 8:10–8:25 a.m. Please drive slowly and watch for our Student Safety Patrol and teachers on duty. For your child’s safety, please wait until they signal that it is safe for your child to exit the vehicle.
Thank you for helping us get our Panthers onto campus safely and on time!
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Looking Ahead
Coming Soon
9/21 Progress Reports go home this week
9/22 UCI Vision Screening
10/7 LifeTouch Fall Make Up Pictures
10/9 Fun Run- TK/K Early Birds
10/16 Trunk or Treat
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