Weekly Update

Parents,

What a strange week this was. With a holiday, a late start day and an AMI day, our students and staff have not been able to get into a rhythm. Hopefully the next couple weeks provide us some predictable weather and daily in person school until spring break.

We look forward to seeing our 3rd grade students' performance on Wednesday, February 26th. Their musical, "It's a Hit," has inspired a school-wide spirit day. Students and staff may dress in their favorite team wear. If they don't have a favorite team, students may wear their Oak Brook shirts.

Kindergarten registration for the 2025-26 school year has begun. If your family, or another Parkway family you know of, has a child who is kindergarten aged, please register or encourage them to register as soon as possible. The earlier our families register, the more certain we are able to be about staffing. Thank you for your help.

During February, our PE department sponsors Kids Heart Challenge. Please see below for more information. Mrs. Cooley and Mr. McGuire can answer any questions you have.

Attendance

If your child is going to be out of school for any reason, we ask that you call our attendance line to let us know. The phone number is 314-415-6576.

We hope you have a great weekend!

Katie & Chris

Wear your favorite team gear or an Oak Brook shirt on Wednesday, February 26th. Let's rally around our 3rd grade team as they put on their performance of "It's a Hit"!

Texas Roadhouse will be hosting a fundraiser for Oak Brook families on Sunday, February 23rd.

• More information may be found on the flyer below.
• They host our fundraiser all day, so it will be from 11 am - 10 pm.
• Please bring a copy of the flyer (we will send it home next week or show it on your phone)
• Andy, the Armadillo, will be present from 12 pm - 3 pm
• Teacher/Educator Nomination Box - a way for students to give a shout out to someone at OB who has made a difference in their life

You may now order Oak Brook Yearbooks. Please see the form below. Regular sales will be until March 13, 2025.

Science night is Tuesday, March 25 from 6-8pm. Students will rotate through several stations on a set schedule. Sign up each student based on their current grade level. There will be High School helpers and a parent volunteer at each station. We encourage parents of younger students to stay with their child if possible. Older students may be dropped off. We can't wait to see you at Science Night! Thank you!

This week we will focus on being open-minded. We define this as someone who is willing to consider new ideas. We want our students to be open-minded as they seek to understand the views, values and cultures of others. Being open-minded means that you are accepting of others' points of view, even if you don't agree with them. It is important for kids to be open-minded because when they are, they are more likely to try something new.

When a child can try something before they decide they like or dislike it, they become more adaptable in society. Open-mindedness is also closely linked to critical thinking, as children learn to analyze information to make informed decisions.

Another benefit of open-mindedness in children is the ability to communicate effectively. Because open-minded children are more likely to embrace new ideas, they may be more innovative. Having an open mind is also beneficial for a child’s emotional intelligence and resilience, as they can manage their emotions and navigate situations confidently. Here are a few ways you can help your child develop and/or stay open minded:

• Cook foods from different cultures (or foods you may not normally cook because your child prefers the same thing each day)
• Learn a new language - there are numerous ways to learn a new language through either a local provider or technology
• Encourage your child to ask a question a day and then work with him/her to find answer(s) to the question
• Try out an escape room
• Solve puzzles together

You may be able to think of numerous other ways to work with your child to develop his/her curiosity and ability to be open-minded. Whatever avenue you choose, it is important to work with your child and model that open-minded approach to life. We can talk with our kids about being open-minded, but they truly learn the most when the see us demonstrating it on a daily basis.

Saturday, February 22 - STEM Fest - see flyer below for information

Monday, February 24 - Garden Club & Singing Eagles

Tuesday, February 25 - Papa John's Pizza Night & Sprit of Excellence

Wednesday, February 26 - 3rd Grade Musical @ 6:30

Thursday, February 27 - Read, Right & Run & South Area Regional Art Show

Monday, March 3 - Singing Eagles

Thursday, March 6 - Read, Right & Run

Do you or someone you know have a student starting kindergarten next year?

Kindergarten registration is available online for the 2025-26 school year. If you do not have internet access or need assistance completing the online application, please call the Parkway Enrollment Hotline at (314) 415-9900.

More information about kindergarten registration can be found here.

Please feel free to contact us via email. We will get back to you as quickly as possible.

Mrs. Terbrock - kterbrock@parkwayschools.net

Dr. Shirley - cshirley@parkwayschools.net

Email: cshirley@parkwayschools.net
Website: https://www.parkwayschools.net/Domain/19
Location: 510 Big Bend Road, Ballwin, MO, USA
Phone: 314.415.6551
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OakBrookElementary/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/C-slEriJLBp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link