Guardian Run Volunteer Opportunity
The Guardian Run will be held Saturday, April 25th at 8:35 AM at GHS. This event brings together elementary running clubs for a shared experience.
Volunteers are needed to help the event run smoothly. Please use the link below to sign up.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4FACA82BA4FA7-54829464-2025
Thank you for your support.
We’re excited to share that the Nebraska State Patrol and the Nebraska Department of Transportation have created a School Bus Stop Arm Awareness video to help raise public awareness. Please help us spread the word by sharing this video. https://tinyurl.com/yp6a685z
This morning we celebrated our Champions of Cooperation. These students have really done a great job cooperating with their friends and classmates here at school. Way to go!
The Read and Feed at Thomas Elementary was a huge success. We had almost 100 in attendance and enjoyed a delicious supper, a great book, and fun family time.
Students in Mrs. Foral's class celebrated World Down Syndrome Day by rocking their colorful socks and embracing what makes each of us unique! 💛 💙🧦
The Thomas Read and Feed is coming up on March 26th. This is a fun night where your family can come enjoy pizza, a great book, and some fun activities. Bonus, it's all FREE. Read more about it and sign up using the QR code.
TES students pictured as we celebrate Read Across America Week. Each grade level wore a different color to create a fun picture as one school in the gym!
A special thanks to Omaha Lancers hockey team for spending time reading to and answering questions with students at Thomas during Read Across America Week. Thanks to Mrs. Hoelting for setting this up for all students!
A special thanks to Julia Hansen from the LOVB Nebraska Volleyball team. She spent time reading to and answering questions with all students at Thomas during Read Across America Week. Thanks to Mrs. Hoelting for setting this up for all students!
No School Tomorrow: Due to unsafe road conditions across the district, Gretna Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, February 20, 2026. Any activities and events will be communicated directly by buildings, coaches and sponsors. Please stay warm and safe. For additional information, visit our website or follow us on social media.
Join us as we celebrate Read Across America Week at TES!
NO SCHOOL ALERT - Due to the Winter Storm Warning and hazardous conditions predicted at dismissal, Gretna Public Schools will be CLOSED February 19, 2026. Any activities and events will be communicated directly by buildings, coaches and sponsors. Please stay warm and safe. For additional information, visit our website or follow us on social media.
We are proud to showcase artwork created by talented students from across Gretna Public School District. These pieces are now on display at the District Office for our community to enjoy. We rotate artwork often, so stop by and see the creativity of our students in person. Amazing work!
#BeGretnaGreat
#BeGretnaGreat
The School Board approved the 2027-2028 school year calendar at last night’s meeting. To help families plan ahead, we are sharing the 2025-2026, 2026-2027, and 2027-2028 calendars early so vacations and appointments can be scheduled with minimal impact on learning.
As we plan for future school years, we also want to remind families why attendance matters. Missing 10 percent of the school year, about 18 days, can significantly affect student success at all grade levels. In the early grades, strong attendance supports reading development. In middle and high school, regular attendance is closely connected to academic progress and graduation.
Improving attendance is a shared responsibility, and small habits make a big difference. Planning vacations and appointments outside of school days, maintaining consistent routines, and staying connected with your child’s school all help students succeed.
Every day in class builds learning, confidence, and connection.
Every Day Counts. Attendance Matters.
2025-2026 Calendar - https://tinyurl.com/mrmc9d6n
2026-2027 Calendar - https://tinyurl.com/ck3td335
2027-2028 Calendar - https://tinyurl.com/3s8y3s24
As we plan for future school years, we also want to remind families why attendance matters. Missing 10 percent of the school year, about 18 days, can significantly affect student success at all grade levels. In the early grades, strong attendance supports reading development. In middle and high school, regular attendance is closely connected to academic progress and graduation.
Improving attendance is a shared responsibility, and small habits make a big difference. Planning vacations and appointments outside of school days, maintaining consistent routines, and staying connected with your child’s school all help students succeed.
Every day in class builds learning, confidence, and connection.
Every Day Counts. Attendance Matters.
2025-2026 Calendar - https://tinyurl.com/mrmc9d6n
2026-2027 Calendar - https://tinyurl.com/ck3td335
2027-2028 Calendar - https://tinyurl.com/3s8y3s24
NO SCHOOL TOMORROW
Due to forecasted cold temperatures and safety concerns during morning arrival time, Gretna Public Schools will be CLOSED tomorrow, January 23, 2026. Any activities and events will be communicated directly by buildings, coaches and sponsors.
Please stay warm and safe.
Gretna Public Schools educators participated in a districtwide Professional Development Day featuring breakout sessions on instruction, technology, wellness, and leadership, concluding with a keynote by Stephen Mackey on school culture and educator impact. Read more at https://www.gpsne.org/article/2642761 #BeGretnaGreat
Attention: We Are Hiring School Bus Drivers!
Our school district is looking for caring, dependable individuals to help transport our students safely to and from school each day.
If you enjoy working with children and want a meaningful role in your community, we’d love to have you on our team! Apply at www.gpsne.org
Dr. Kendra Schneider Named New Director of Special Education
Gretna, NE – December 9, 2025
Gretna Public Schools is thrilled to announce Dr. Kendra Schneider as the new Director of Special Education, effective July 1, 2026, following Paul Duin’s retirement. Dr. Schneider has served as Assistant Director since 2021, leading program supervision, compliance, and professional learning initiatives.
“I’m extremely excited to serve as the Director of Special Education for Gretna Public Schools,” Dr. Schneider said. “Paul Duin has been an incredible mentor, and I’m honored to build upon the strong foundation and high-quality programs established by him and Deb Siemers, the previous Director of Special Education. I look forward to working alongside our talented special education team, collaborating with families, and ensuring every student receives the support they need. Gretna Public Schools’ commitment to excellence in special education is evident, and I’m eager to contribute to our continued growth and success.”
Superintendent Travis Lightle added, “We are excited to announce Dr. Schneider as our new Director of Special Education. Her leadership over the last five years has led to positive changes in our district, and our department’s retention rate remains the envy of the state because of it. Dr. Schneider’s experience and genuine dedication to Gretna Public Schools make her the ideal person to continue advancing our programs.”
Dr. Schneider brings more than 20 years of experience in special education and also serves as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. She holds a Doctorate and two Master’s degrees from the University of Nebraska and is actively involved in statewide initiatives advancing special education.
Gretna, NE – December 9, 2025
Gretna Public Schools is thrilled to announce Dr. Kendra Schneider as the new Director of Special Education, effective July 1, 2026, following Paul Duin’s retirement. Dr. Schneider has served as Assistant Director since 2021, leading program supervision, compliance, and professional learning initiatives.
“I’m extremely excited to serve as the Director of Special Education for Gretna Public Schools,” Dr. Schneider said. “Paul Duin has been an incredible mentor, and I’m honored to build upon the strong foundation and high-quality programs established by him and Deb Siemers, the previous Director of Special Education. I look forward to working alongside our talented special education team, collaborating with families, and ensuring every student receives the support they need. Gretna Public Schools’ commitment to excellence in special education is evident, and I’m eager to contribute to our continued growth and success.”
Superintendent Travis Lightle added, “We are excited to announce Dr. Schneider as our new Director of Special Education. Her leadership over the last five years has led to positive changes in our district, and our department’s retention rate remains the envy of the state because of it. Dr. Schneider’s experience and genuine dedication to Gretna Public Schools make her the ideal person to continue advancing our programs.”
Dr. Schneider brings more than 20 years of experience in special education and also serves as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. She holds a Doctorate and two Master’s degrees from the University of Nebraska and is actively involved in statewide initiatives advancing special education.
Thomas Dine Out Night at Runza this Tuesday, December 9th! Hope to see you there!
Thomas Elementary Countdown to the Holidays!
