 On the Prowl – The Panther Pulse
Nov 9, 2026
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A Week of Connection, Collaboration, and Celebration!
Hello, Panther Families!
As we begin another exciting week at El Portal, we are looking forward to welcoming our families for Parent-Teacher Conferences! This is such an important opportunity to celebrate our students' growth, reflect on their accomplishments, and work together to set goals for continued success.
We believe that a strong partnership between home and school is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children. Your involvement, encouragement, and support make a tremendous difference in their learning journey. Thank you for taking the time to connect with our teachers and for being such an important part of your child's education!
As we wrap up our first trimester, we are proud of the progress each and every Panther has made. On Friday, we will hold our Trimester 1 Awards Assembly, recognizing students for their achievements. While awards are one way we celebrate success, we know that every Panther has something to be proud of, and we look forward to continuing to celebrate their growth throughout the school year!
As we continue through November, our month of Gratitude, I want to share how thankful I am for our wonderful El Portal families and the partnership we share. Together, we are helping our Panthers learn, grow, and shine!
Wishing everyone a fantastic week!
Mrs. Castillo
Principal, El Portal Elementary School
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Morning Bell Reminders
On Time, In Class, Ready to Learn!
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Let's Start Our Day on Time!
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We want to remind our Panther families of our morning bell schedule to help ensure all students have a smooth start to their day!
- 8:20 a.m. – Warning Bell: Students should begin making their way to their classrooms.
- 8:30 a.m. – Start of School: All students must be in their classrooms and ready to learn when the bell rings.
Please remember that entering through the school gates before or at 8:30 a.m. does not necessarily mean a student is on time. Students who are not in their classrooms by 8:30 a.m. will be marked tardy and may be directed to the Health Room to receive a tardy slip.
You may occasionally notice students heading to their classrooms after the 8:30 bell. Please keep in mind that some of our Panthers serve as Safety Patrol members, Student Council representatives, drama participants, or other student helpers who have morning responsibilities around campus. These students may be finishing their assigned duties before heading to class.
To help keep our procedures clear and consistent, we will be closing the double gates promptly at 8:30 a.m. Students arriving after that time will need to enter through the front office.
Thank you, Panther families, for helping us start each school day on time and ready to learn! We appreciate your partnership and support!
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Early Dismissal This Week!!!!!!
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11/9 Monday
- Minimum Day Dismissal TK/K: 12:40 p.m. Grades 1–6: 1:05 p.m.
- No Homework Club
- Parent Teacher Conferences
11/10 Tuesday
- Minimum Day Dismissal TK/K: 12:40 p.m. Grades 1–6: 1:05 p.m.
- Parent Teacher Conferences
11/11 Wednesday
11/12 Thursday
- Minimum Day Dismissal TK/K: 12:40 p.m. Grades 1–6: 1:05 p.m.
- Parent Teacher Conferences
11/13 Friday
- Trimester 1 Awards Assembly
- Minimum Day Dismissal TK/K: 12:40 p.m. Grades 1–6: 1:05 p.m.
- Parent Teacher Conferences
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Hello, Panther Families!
It’s conference week at El Portal! While things are a little quieter this week, we have some exciting events coming up November 16–20!
DONUTS WITH DEAR ONES! On Monday, November 16th, our Panthers are invited to bring someone they love for donuts in the MPR from 7:50–8:20am (or until donuts run out). Let’s celebrate the special people we’re thankful for!
SLIME TIME! Our Panthers earned it! Mrs. Castillo will be getting SLIMED during Motivational Monday on November 16th as we celebrate reaching our Harvest Hustle fundraising goal!
THE BOOK FAIR IS COMING! November 16–20! Students can shop during lunch, and families will have two evening shopping opportunities. More information coming home soon!
KONA ICE DAY! Friday, November 20th, all students will enjoy a Kona Ice treat as another reward for our successful Harvest Hustle Fun Run!
Thank you, Panther families, for your continued support! Wishing everyone a wonderful conference week!
Lorie McGill
Librarian
El Portal Elementary School
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Character Education & Patriotism
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November Character Trait: Gratitude
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As we continue through November, our Panthers are learning that gratitude is more than just saying thank you, it's about showing appreciation through our actions! Small acts of kindness and appreciation can make a big difference in someone's day!
 Try It at Home & School!
This week, encourage your child to put gratitude into action:
- Notice kindness. Recognize someone who does something thoughtful or helpful.
- Give a compliment. Share kind words with a friend, teacher, or family member.
- Lend a hand. Help someone without being asked.
- Share gratitude. At dinner or bedtime, name one thing you're thankful for.
Remember, Panthers: Gratitude grows when we share it!
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11/16-11/20 Fall Book Fair
11/16 Donuts with Dear Ones
11/23-11/27 Thanksgiving Break
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