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.

10 days ago, Gretna Public School District
Gretna Public Schools logo with a "G" and text reading "Important Message"
Join us as we celebrate Read Across America Week at TES!
11 days ago, Thomas PTO
Read Across America Week at Thomas Elementary from March 2nd - March 6th.  March 2nd - Wear wacky or mismatched socks, March 3rd - Wear your favorite team  jersey  or shirt, March 4th - Wear the rainbow, March 5th - Pajama  Day, March 6th - Dress like a rock star.

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.

11 days ago, Gretna Public School District
Gretna Public Schools logo with a "G" and text reading Important Message
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
about 1 month ago, Gretna Public School District
a framed watercolor of a rabbit with ears upright wearing a black jacket, white shirt with black dots and a big blue bow tie
a chalk drawing of a bear with the title Grin and Bear It in a frame
a framed watercolor of a frog in a oversized green sweater wearing orange socks and brown converse shoes
A framed watercolor painting of half a lions face  in light browns, blues and pinks with dark brown eye
framed artwork of a colorful dragon eye in red, oranges and blues
a framed watercolor of a blue turtle with splotches of colors in browns and tans making it look like wet sand
A framed artwork of an eye with red streaks
a framed chalk artwork of cowgirl brown boots with flowers design and fresh flowers in the boots standing upright on a dirt ground
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
about 1 month ago, Gretna Public School District
Gretna Public Schools logo with a "G" and text reading School Board Approved 27-28 calendar with an image of a calendar

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.

about 1 month ago, Gretna Public School District
Gretna Public Schools logo with a "G" and text reading Important Message

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

about 1 month ago, Gretna Public School District
Superintendent Travis Lightle and Former Board Member David Gulizia speaking to GPS staff about negotiations
Four GPS Administration staff sitting in classroom waiting for teachers to attend their breakout session during GPS PD Day
teachers in front of classroom acting out different words and phrases
GPS staff on PD day spinning clay
GPS staff sitting in classroom learning for PD day
GPS staff on PD day learning coaching techniques
Speaker Stephen Mackey talking to GPS staff about what makes you different?
GPS staff sitting in a classroom learning on PD day
Mike Sortino speaking to GPS staff at PD day

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

3 months ago, Gretna Public School District
Gretna Public Schools logo with photo of school bus "We Are Hiring - Drivers Part-Time  20+ Hrs per week  CDL & Non CDL 19.60-29.40 Per Hour High Quality Vehicles Vehicle Technology Paid Training PTO & Sick Leave Apply at 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.
3 months ago, Gretna Public School District
photo of Kendra Schneider and text reading New Director of Special Education
Thomas Dine Out Night at Runza this Tuesday, December 9th! Hope to see you there!
3 months ago, Thomas Elementary
Runza Thomas Dine Out Night Tuesday, December 9th, 2025
Thomas Elementary Countdown to the Holidays!
3 months ago, Thomas PTO
Thomas Elementary Countdown to the Holidays.  12/15/25 wear your favorite holiday shirt or sweater, 12/16/25 Dress in your Grinchy Green, 12/17/25 wear your best holiday or crazy socks, 12/18/25 Show us your Cindy Lou hair or your craziest hairstyle and  12/19/25 cozy up in your pjs and bring a blanket and small pillow  for a movie day in the gym.
First grade students enjoyed making Thanksgiving parade balloons and eating lunch in their classrooms!
3 months ago, AMANDA FORAL
First grade students eating lunch in their classroom
First grade students smiling with parade balloons
First grade students eating lunch in their classroom
First grade students eating lunch in their classroom
First grade students smiling with turkey hats on
First grade students showing off their Thanksgiving parade balloons in the office
First grade students eating lunch in their classroom
First grade students eating lunch in their classroom
First grade students parading through the halls with their balloons

Gretna Public Schools Board of Education Attends 2025 NASB State Education Conference

The Gretna Public Schools Board of Education spent two days at the 2025 NASB State Education Conference—Nebraska’s largest annual gathering for school board leaders. The event provides valuable training and collaboration on key topics such as legislative updates, emerging educational trends, student well-being, school safety, school finance, and effective district governance.

By participating, board members bring back insights that support informed decision-making and strengthen the long-term success of Gretna Public Schools. We appreciate their dedication to professional growth and continued service to our students, staff, and community.

3 months ago, Gretna Public School District
The Gretna Board of Education and Superintendent posing for a picture at the NASB State Conference
a selfie of the Gretna Board of Education at the NASB 2025 State Education Conference
The Annual Community Report is Here!

Our school district’s Annual Community Report is now available on our website! It showcases our achievements, financial stewardship, and goals for the year ahead. We encourage all staff to take a few moments to review this important update and stay informed about our district’s progress.

View full report on our website https://tinyurl.com/5n8u3jk5
4 months ago, Gretna Public School District
Image of a bell and text reading Community Report - Available online visit our website under About or use the link below to view the full report.

What Students Wish Adults Knew — Tonight at Gretna High!
Join Gretna Public Schools for an evening with Stephen Mackey, co-author of The Locker Room.
Exhibits begin at 6:00 PM and the presentation starts at 7:00 PM.

Come listen, learn, and connect with your community.
Tonight’s the conversation you don’t want to miss.

4 months ago, Gretna Public School District
Stephen mackey speaks photo standing with arms crossed and city behind him
Kindergarten & 1st Grade Watercolor/Oil Pastel Art Projects
4 months ago, MATTHEW NAYLOR
Picture of 24 Fall Gnome 1st grade art projects
Picture of 24 Watercolor Hippos from Kindergarten
Last week we met with our Family Circles for the second time this year. Each year we put up our Family Circle Tree which displays all our families. If you're in the building come take a look at your child's "family."
4 months ago, SHELLI WOLVERTON
Thomas Family Circle Tree
Family Circle Tree

It's time again for our READ AND FEED! Come join us on November 11th for a fun, free, family night. We'll be having pizza, reading a hilarious story and spending some time together to work on the social skill of using our brain filter. Click here to register or use the QR code on the flyer. We are looking forward to seeing everyone on this fun night with your family!

4 months ago, SHELLI WOLVERTON
Read and Feed - November 11th at 6:00
Community Opportunity Tailgate & Food Drive
Date: October 24 | Time: 6 PM
Hy-Vee tailgate available for purchase!
Come hang out, enjoy some food, and support the Gretna Backpack Program. Make an impact in our community!
#GretnaBackpack #CommunityUnity #BeGretnaGreat
5 months ago, Gretna Public School District
Community Food Drive October 24 at 6pm Requested Donation items: 16oz box spaghetti noodles, 24oz jar pasta sauce, 16 oz creamy peanut butter (plastic jar), 30oz jelly, 14oz box instant rice, canned chicken canned chicken noodle soup, bbq sauce, 14.5 canned vegetables, 14.5oz canned fruit 12 oz. boxed cereal, 8ct fruit and grain cereal bars(e.g. Nutri Grain) 6.6 oz bags of Goldfish crackers

Today Superintendent Lightle stepped into a new role as school bus driver. From elementary to high school, students were surprised to see him behind the wheel. Our elementary students showed their approval with big smiles and a thumbs up. It was a wonderful reminder that leadership means being ready to help wherever needed. Thank you to Superintendent Lightle and all of our dedicated staff who make sure students arrive safely every day. #BeGretnaGreat

5 months ago, Gretna Public School District
Superintendent Lightle sitting at the driver seat on the bus all smiles waiting for the students to drive them home for the day
Superintendent Lightle and elementary student smiling on the bus as he gets ready to drive them home
Middle School student waving as he gets on the bus Superintendent Lightle is driving
Students boarding the school bus on their way home with Superintendnet Lightle driving
Bus full of elementary students giving a thumbs up as Superintendent Lightle speaks to them from the driver seat
Students boarding the school bus on their way home with Superintendnet Lightle driving