Wolves Newsletter
Welcome to Park Brook Elementary
Dear Park Brook Families,
I find it peculiar that I sought information from AI while addressing technology, however, this is what AI stated: "Cell phones in elementary school generally disrupt learning and development, causing decreased focus, increased anxiety, and reduced social interaction. They foster habits of distraction, risk of cyberbullying, and academic dishonesty. Constant, premature access to smartphones can lead to sleep loss, poor posture and addictive behaviors."
Cell phones and smart watches are not allowed during the school day. Both of these must be kept at home, or in their backpack during the school day. The above quote appears to address cell phones in school, but it also shares some of the consequences of frequent use of cell phones; I chose to keep the whole quote rather than selecting what I thought fit best.
The temptation to be on the phone after going to bed is great. I have heard from parents that their child does not turn on the phone after going to bed, however, we have had group chats amongst students and I know we have students who are up watching videos late at night. I urge you to take the temptation out of the room where kids sleep.
I fully understand the need for kids to have phones as homes do not have landlines and there are uses for the phones when not at home, however, it is in the kids' best interest if as adults we monitor and limit when these tools are used. I do not want to overlook positive reasons for cell phones and how the internet serves us today.
Social media has a place in our world, and will be with us. As a school, it is a great way to share pictures and reminders of what is coming at Park Brook. There are great ways to show life events with others and to keep in touch. However, what is shared needs to be done with awareness (maturity) that pictures are there forever.
I want the best for your kids. I see what is happening. I respond to what is taking place on social media. I hear from parents about comments and what is taking place on devices. I see kids who are tired as they did not get the sleep that they need.
Limiting screen time, monitoring cell phones, and keeping cell phones out of rooms where kids sleep is in their best interest, and will help them do better in school.
My sole purpose in discussing cell phones is my unwavering desire to serve each and every one of my students, and create an atmosphere for them to achieve their dreams.
It is a pleasure to welcome Mr. Vang to Park Brook.
Mr. Vang brings with him experience working in the front office of a school outside of Osseo Area Schools, experience working in a hospital setting supporting patients and their families in the finance department, and interactions with children through soccer camps he has lead. He holds a degree in Sports Management.
Mr. Vang accepted the position that was open after Mrs. Amy Titus moved to the Enrollment Center.
Kids Heart Challenge is underway, and we invite you to join us in shaping the next generation of lifesavers while continuing the fight against heart disease and stroke.
Here is how you can participate and make a difference.
Join the FUN! By participating in the Kids Heart Challenge, you can help our school earn gift certificates for physical activity and recess equipment to support the health & wellness of our school community.
Sign Up for Kids Heart Challenge by downloading the free “AHA Schools” app for Apple or Android or by clicking HERE.
Be a hero: Send 10 texts TODAY to help save lives.
Complete Finn’s Mission: Complete all 7 steps, learn Hands-Only CPR, and be entered to win two Super Bowl tickets!
Complete Finn’s Mission! Everyone who completes Finn’s Mission will be entered into a drawing to win two tickets to the 2027 Super Bowl! For every 18 people that complete Finn’s Mission, the school will be entered into a drawing to win a $10,000 Gym or playground makeover!
If at least 50% of students in a classroom sign up and five students complete the mission, the classrooms will earn two Gift Cards for classroom needs! We are anxious to see which class has the most students registered and completing Finn’s Mission.
Thank you for helping us achieve our goals and being a part of this life-changing effort. Together, we can make a real impact!
Double Dutch Team at Zachary Lane Elementary with Mr. Taylor's Mom.
Students in grades 3, 4 and 5 will take these assessments after Spring Break. Students need to come to school prepared to do their best. However, what they do to do their best on the tests, is what they should be doing every day to do their best in school.
Get 9 - 11 hours of sleep
Get at least 60 minutes of exercise
Monitor and LIMIT Technology
There is not a way to study quick to do better on these assessments. For 3rd grade students, they have been preparing since they started school in Pre-K or Kindergarten, and for 4th and 5th graders, they began preparing last year, the minute they finished assessments last year. However, there are a few things that will increase academic growth throughout year.
Students should read or be read to at home
Practice Math Facts
Eat together as a family without the television, cell phones or devices
One will notice that homework is not listed. Homework, from research, produces little academic growth at the elementary level. All of the above, except practice math facts, is research-proven to be significantly more important than homework at the elementary level.
Mr. Taylor's advice to families: enjoy playing outside or taking a walk together as a family, enjoy precious time with your kids while sharing meals together, cuddle up and read a book to your children, and make sure they get 9 - 11 hours of sleep. Enjoy your kids, they are learning at home, and then at school they will focus on academics. Enjoy your children!
The evening began with a few minutes of open gym time, then small-groups to gather input into what they would like to see at Park Brook, then roasting hot dogs in the courtyard, and finally off to Minneapolis Bouldering Project.
Tuesdays & Thursdays
3:20 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Girls enrolled must attend both Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Girls on the Run is a running/exercise program, however, it is also a program specifically designed to empower girls with leadership skills.
Girls on the Run culminates with a 5K.
Parents/guardians interested in coaching (YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A RUNNER), please contact Scott Taylor at taylors@district279.org .
- W - We will respect ourselves and others.
- O - Own our actions.
- L - Listen and Learn.
- F - Follow Directions.