- Playa del Rey Elementary
- Our School
Playa del Rey Mission Statement
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At Playa del Rey Elementary School, we believe that the development of a responsible citizen involves family, school, and community support. We will model authentic relationships and instill the importance of being both respectful and responsible. We will give every child opportunities to develop a positive self-worth, the motivation to reach their full academic potential, and the social skills necessary to become a contributing member of society.

Phone: 480-892-7810
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Darrin Praska, Principal
Darrin J. Praska joined Playa del Rey Elementary in 2015 after moving to Arizona from Omaha, Nebraska. His career began as a 5th grade teacher in Mason City and Ames, IA for nine years. Mr. Praska then took a position as a school administrator in Clear Lake, IA. After leaving Clear Lake, Darrin served as an elementary principal for the Council Bluffs Community School District for seven years. Mr. Praska oversaw the renovation and redesign of his PK-5 building in Council Bluffs. This building was then highlighted in a national facilities design magazine.
Mr. Praska received his undergraduate degree from Buena Vista University in Elementary Education with a specialization in reading. Darrin then earned a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Morningside College before pursuing an additional Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Drake University in Des Moines, IA.
Mr. Praska views a collaborative school environment as the key to creating successful teachers and students. He believes partnerships with parents and establishing community partners are essential to enriching the experience at Playa del Rey Elementary. During his time at Playa del Rey, his campus has received an A letter grade from the Arizona Department of Education for academics and in 2019, Playa was designated as an Arizona A+ School of Excellence.
During his free time, Darrin enjoys reading, spending time with his dog Cooper, home renovation, and traveling with friends and family.
School Motto
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“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” ~ Thomas A. Edison
Contact Playa del Rey Elementary
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Phone: 480-892-7810
Fax: 480-892-8842
playadelreyinfo@gilbertschools.net
School Location & Directions
Our School Colors
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Purple & Yellow
Playa del Rey Lunch Schedule
2:55 PM Regular Release | 1:55 (1) Hour Early Release | 11:55 AM Half Day Release |
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Kindergarten 10:40 - 11:20 (Eat First) | Kindergarten 10:25-11:00 (Eat first) | Kindergarten 10:20-10:50 (Eat First) |
1st Grade 10:30-11:10 (Eat first) | 1st Grade 10:20-10:55 (Eat first) | 1st Grade 10:30-11:00 (Eat First) |
2nd Grade 10:35-11:15 (Eat first) | 2nd Grade 10:30-11:05 (Eat first) | 2nd Grade 10:35-11:05 (Eat First) |
3rd Grade 10:45-11:25 (Play first) | 3rd Grade 10:35-11:10 (Play first) | 3rd Grade 10:45-11:15 (Eat First) |
4th Grade 10:55-11:35 (Eat first) | 4th Grade 10:40-11:15 (Eat first) | 4th Grade 10:50-11:20 (Eat First) |
5th Grade 11:20-12:00 (Eat First) | 5th Grade 11:00-11:35 (Eat first) | 5th Grade 10:55-11:25 (Eat First) |
6th Grade 11:25-12:05 (Eat First) | 6th Grade 11:10-11:45 (Eat first) | 6th Grade 11:00-11:30 (Eat First) |
Playa del Rey Announcements
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Enrolling Now for the 2021-22 School Year - Schedule a Tour | Enroll Now
Playa del Rey Hours
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Office Hours: 7:00am–4:00pm
Breakfast: 7:40am–8:05am
Playground Opens: 7:45am
Elementary School Day Start & End Times
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Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:10am–2:55pm
Wednesday Early Release: 8:10am–1:55pm
Half Days: 8:10am–11:55am
Upcoming Playa del Rey Events
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Today
7:15 AM - 8:00 AM Yearbook Club
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Tomorrow
7:15 AM - 8:00 AM Yearbook Club
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Wednesday
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Thursday
2:00 PM - 8:00 PM PTSO Restaurant Night @ Rubios
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February 1, 2021
7:15 AM - 8:00 AM Yearbook Club
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February 3, 2021
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February 4, 2021
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM 6th Grade Band Festival at MJHS
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February 8, 2021
7:15 AM - 8:00 AM Yearbook Club
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February 11, 2021
7:30 AM - 8:00 AM Student Council Meeting -room 121
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February 15, 2021
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February 17, 2021
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February 22, 2021
7:15 AM - 8:00 AM Yearbook Club
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February 24, 2021
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February 25, 2021
7:30 AM - 8:00 AM Student Council Meeting
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March 1, 2021
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7:15 AM - 8:00 AM Yearbook Club
GPS Parent & Family Resources
- Board & District Leadership
- Bus & Transportation Information
- Digital Citizenship
- Chromebook Technical Support
- District Policies, Handbooks & Videos
- Emergency Information for Families
- Enrollment & Registration
- Gifted Screening & Information
- Health Services & Information
- Parent Portal Login – Infinite Campus
- Parent Technical Support
- Parent University – Events, Classes & Resources
- Schedule a School Tour
- School Day Start & End Times
- Remote Enrichment Resources for Students & Families
- School Nutrition – Menus & Payments
- Student Support & Prevention Programs
- Summer School & Summer Programs
- Tax Credit Donations & Contribution Information
- Thrive – College & Career Success Guide
- Tip Line
- Transcript Requests
- Wellness Resources