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Playa Press 23/24
August
Principal's Message
Thank you for helping us get this school year started so successfully. It has been exciting watching students build relationships with their teachers and classmates and get settled in the routines of school. It is a focus for all Sun Kings to feel a sense of belonging to the school community. As a staff we realize the importance of building student success and that truly starts with a strong school and class community.
This year we will continue using Pride tickets to promote positive behavior at school. Several students have already earned tickets and we will begin having weekly Pride experiences. Additionally, we will have Pride assemblies every six weeks to discuss each of the Pride traits (perseverance, respect, integrity, dependability & empathy), recognize students for each of the traits and celebrate school spirit.
I highly encourage all parents to take an active role in their student's education by assisting with homework, volunteering at school and attending our PTSO meetings & events. Students love seeing their parents and family members actively engaged in their educational experience. Furthermore, this helps our school community build relationships and establish positive school pride.
As always, thank you for your continued support and please reach out to us if you have any questions.
My Sincerest Gratitude,
Mrs. Amber Bickes
Principal
Upcoming Holidays and Events
Aug 3 - Peter Piper Pizza with the Principal @ 4pm-8pm
Aug 4 - PRIDE Assembly
Aug 15 - PTSO Meeting @ 4:30pm
Aug 25 - Title 1 Dunk Tank Event
Aug 30 - 1/2 Day Release @ 11:55am
Sep 4 - Labor Day No School
Sep 15 - PRIDE Assembly
Annual Update
It is extremely important that all GPS families complete the online 'Annual Update' in Infinite Campus every year. Even if your information has not changed you must still complete the Annual Update so we can ensure we have the most accurate information for your student in case of an emergency. The information you provide is used by the district and your school to directly communicate with you regarding your student, or in the event of an emergency on campus. Please log into your Infinite Campus Parent Portal and complete the 'Annual Update' today! https://www.gilbertschools.net/ic
Attendance Matters
Please be sure to start your students day off on the right path by ensuring that they arrive on time each day. Any student that arrives after 8:10am will be tardy and must get a tardy pass from the front office.
We are excited to announce the addition of a new and improved way for our parents and guardians to report student absences. This new feature is quick and easy to use and can be accessed through your Infinite Campus Parent Portal or through your Infinite Campus app. Please view the IC Parent Portal Absence for Parents document for more information, or simply log in to Infinite Campus and click on the ‘Report an Absence’ graphic. Click here to learn more. Please note you will still be able to call in and leave a message on the school attendance line.
Due to the traffic in the front parking lot, we are needing to restrict students being picked up in the last 15 minutes of the school day, 2:40-2:55pm (1:40-1:55pm on Wednesdays). If you need to pick your student up before dismissal, please be sure to sign them out prior to 2:40pm. Thanks!
Parking Lot Safety
If you would like to stay in your car to drop off or pick up, you must use the north parking lot. All students MUST exit and enter the car from the passenger side of the car (on the sidewalk). We can not have students getting out on the driver side and risk getting hit by a car.
Students may not arrive at school prior to 7:45am. There is no supervision for students prior to the doors opening when the first bell rings. Please register for VIK if you need to drop off prior to 7:45am. Thank you for helping us keep your kids safe by following the rules of the parking lot!
Student Council Events
First semester classroom rep elections for grades 3-6 will take place in the next couple of weeks if your student is interested in getting involved in Student Council. We will be having our first official meeting the last week in August.
Dunk the principal
Back to School Festivities
Thank you PTSO for our special treat
Welcome Back
Number Talks with 1st Grade
PTSO News
23/24 Playa Shirt Today
$20 for student shirts
$30 for adult shirts
Welcome new Playa Staff Members
Hi there! I am Ms. Hebert (pronounced A-Bear). This is my second year in education and I am teaching 4th grade this year. Last year I taught 3rd grade in Texas and recently moved to Arizona this past summer! I was born in Louisiana but grew up in Houston, Texas. I went to Louisiana State University to get my elementary education degree. In my spare time you can find me doing just about anything outdoors, such as, playing pickleball, hiking, swimming, watching football games, traveling, finding new coffee shops, and spending time with friends and family! I am beyond excited to join the Playa Del Rey team and look forward to getting to know many of you in the community.
Chelsea Sainz ~ 5th Grade ELA
Hello! My name is Chelsea Sainz and I am a fifth-grade ELA (English Language Arts) teacher at Playa del Rey Elementary School. This will be my fifth-year teaching fifth-grade. I was born and raised in Tucson, AZ and graduated from the University of Arizona, go Wildcats! I am currently in a master's program at Northern Arizona University. I love spending time with family and friends and my amazing dog, Coco. I am very passionate about education and am so excited to be teaching at Playa this school year! :)
Tracey Leonard ~ Instructional Coach
My name is Tracey Leonard. I am an instructional coach at Playa Del Rey. I have been teaching since MC Hammer’s song, You Can’t Touch This became famous! I am originally from Pittsburgh, PA (Go Steelers!) I have lived in Georgia for 7 years and moved to Arizona 3 years ago. I have an identical twin sister and two younger identical twin sisters. I have 2 boys ages 27 and 24. I have been married to my wonderful husband, Dave, for 29 years and it’s still going strong! I have the biggest baby poodle in the world, named Kepler. He is 80 pounds! I am so thrilled to be part of the Sun Kings family.
2023 - 2024 Gifted Testing
Parents may request that their child be tested for gifted services once each calendar year, and GPS offers two opportunities - in August and May. Gifted Testing Request Forms will be posted on each school’s website.
August 2023 Testing: August 14 - August 31 (Request Forms due July 17-August 11)
May 2024 Testing: May 6 - May 17 (Request Forms due April 11-May 3)
What is giftedness?
According to Jim Delisle, a leader in gifted education, in his book Understanding Your Gifted Child from the Inside Out (2018), “Giftedness is an innate ability to both detect and comprehend the world in complex ways that differ significantly from age-expected norms.”
What are common characteristics of a gifted child?
According to the Davidson Institute, these are some typical characteristics of gifted children.
Ability to comprehend material several grade levels above their same age peers
Surprising emotional depth and sensitivity at a young age
Strong sense of curiosity
Enthusiastic about unique interests and topics
Quirky or mature sense of humor
Creative problem solving and imaginative expression
Absorbs information quickly with few repetitions
Self-aware, socially aware, and aware of global issues