Wolves Newsletter
Welcome to Park Brook Elementary
Twin Cities 5K - Saturday, October 4, 2025 - 7:15 a.m.
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED.
- To receive your commitment fee back: participate or let the office know by noon on Friday that your child will not be participating.
- The temperature on the reminder that will be sent home is not correct as I, Mr. Taylor, printed those last week. The temperature will be in the 70's to low 80's. Sweatshirts, jackets, and long-sleeved shirts are not needed.
Dear Park Brook Families,
My dad was a race car driver for a number of years, and held a land speed record for a number of years in his e-modified roadster. Then, after he stopped racing, he was the starter at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah until the early 2000's, where many land speed records have been set.
In September, I traveled to Lincoln, Nebraska to the Museum of American Speed with my mom and sister where we donated my dad's car as they were having the grand opening of the new wing of the museum with Craig Breedlove's Spirit of America. Breedlove was the first to set a record over 600 mph. My dad's record was just over 200 mph.
At the luncheon, we sat with a couple, and he remembered my dad, and began with:
"I remember Bill. It didn't matter how tight you had the [seat] belt, he always cinched it tighter."
Growing up, we were required as a family to wear seat belts back in the 1970's as my dad knew the importance before seat belts were required by law.
I, as well as other staff outside, are shocked by the number of kids at Park Brook who ride in cars without seatbelts. This year, a staff member and I observed a person in a front seat holding a baby in their lap. I don't think families understand how dangerous it is if an accident should happen, even an accident on a short trip.
Although I am discussing seatbelts, the airbags are designed to keep adults safe in the front seat, but can be deadly for a child in the front seat.
I have been driving for over forty (40) years, and only twice have I been in an accident, and both times I was fully stopped when someone bumped into me. The last time, I was at an intersection on my way home from Park Brook, and I live less than 10 minutes away in New Hope when someone decided to back up to change lanes and reversed right into me.
However, I am fully aware that any day I could be the one to cause an accident, or it could be the day that I am in a much more serious car accident. I wear my seatbelt every time I get into the car, and I want the same for each and every one of my students.
I encourage you to have your children in seat belts and car seats no matter how short the trip may be.
Sincerely,
Mr. Scott W. Taylor
Principal
Mission Bay High School - San Diego, CA
Northern Arizona University, B.S. - Flagstaff, AZ
St. Cloud State University, M.S. - St. Cloud, MN
St. Mary's University, Administration Program - Minneapolis, MN
(Pictured above: Mr. Taylor and his mom)
At conferences we will have new coats, hats, gloves and possibly snow pants available for Park Brook Students.
Items from Park Brook will be labeled with your child's name or initials so that we can return it if it is misplaced. We have a good supply, but not an endless supply so kids do need to keep track of their belongings.
A message was sent to all 3rd, 4th and 5th grade parents regarding technology at home. I am fully aware that students have groups texts taking place outside of school, which they have the full right to do.
It is in your child's best interest if cell phones, iPads, and devices are kept out of the room where your children sleep. It is not about trust, it is about removing the temptation and stopping others from contacting your child when you assume they are sleeping.
I am only aware of the group chat (with some taking place on Snap Chat) because of the argument between students that carried over into the school. Unfortunately, this is not the first time this has occurred, and it can be safely assumed that it will occur again, however, as parents/guardians you can assist in keeping your child out of the drama.
For your child's sake, I encourage you to keep devices out of rooms where they sleep, have device-free meals, and occasionally take a look at group chats.
What is taking place on cell phones and other devices, not about Park Brook Students but rather society as a whole, has a negative effect on mental health of our youth.
Parents/guardians are encouraged to monitor the safety features on devices. Unfortunately, children can be exposed to items they should not see. It is not about trust, it is not about what your child may be looking for, but rather what can easily pop-up when searching for videos and the intentions of others.
When parents park on the street across from the school, I am rather quickly alerted as others start to call in because of the backup and chaos the parent is causing.
When parents park in handicap spots, other parents call into the office as they are so bothered by this behavior.
I realize that I am blunt, but I do believe that parents should be aware of the laws if they are driving a car. I am also left dumbfounded when a driver states that they didn't know they couldn't park in a handicap parking spot when they don't have the placard.
Please do not stop your car in a manner when entering the school parking lot that prevents cars from entering the school parking lot. I realize that parents do not want to circle when they come, but we have a small parking lot.
Your child should enter and exit your vehicle when you are fully next to the curb, and not in the crosswalk. You may be in a hurry and prefer to not wait, but an accident with your child is not worth the risk.
Come Between 3:25 pm and 3:30 pm and it will be much easier to navigate the parking lot.
At recess, students are welcome to wear hats and hoodies.
School Spirit Day
Wednesday, October 22 - Hoodie Day
Friday, October 31 - Pajama Day
Pajama Day is Friday, October 31 at Park Brook Elementary. Students are welcome to wear school appropriate pajamas to school.
Many students will participate in Halloween Activities outside of school, but during the school day it is Pajama Day.
Face paint, hair coloring, Halloween Face masks, and so on are not permitted during the school day.
Please do not send candy with your child to school. Families who want to participate in trick-or-treating that evening are welcome to do so after school.
Just as many students and staff participate in Halloween, Mr. Taylor will welcome trick-or-treaters to his house as well.
Kinesthetic Seating
Kinesthetic seating, such as stability balls and Hokki Stools that require core muscle use during instruction, are standard seating at Park Brook. According to Dr. John Ratey of Harvard University, there is a 10% increase in focus when using kinesthetic seating.
- W - We will respect ourselves and others.
- O - Own our actions.
- L - Listen and Learn.
- F - Follow Directions.