Ninety-six of our special education paraprofessionals gathered at Gretna East High School for a day of professional development as they prepare to support students throughout the 2026-27 school year.

This is an incredibly committed group of staff members who bring compassion, patience, and dedication to their work every day. They are constantly learning, growing, and looking for ways to better support the students they serve.

Most importantly, they live out Gretna Public Schools' mission to unconditionally accept all students and maximize their potential.

We are incredibly grateful for the important role these staff members play in the lives of our students. Their work, their commitment, and the care they bring each day are a powerful example of The Gretna Way.

about 2 months ago, Gretna Public School District
a large group of staff members sitting in chairs engaged in listening and watching presentation.
a large group of staff members sitting in the black box theater room listening to a presenter at the front of the room
🏫 Open House & New Family Orientation:
The doors are open and the excitement is building for the 2026-2027 school year! 🗺️✨ From finding new classrooms to meeting our amazing Special Area teachers in the library, tonight was all about welcoming our families back to school. To our newest Guardians—we saw those first-day jitters, but we promise you're going to love it here! Welcome to the family and we can't wait to see everyone on Wednesday for the first day of school! 👋❤️
about 2 months ago, THOMAS ELEMENTARY
Thomas families walking through the halls at open house.
5th grade parents welcomed by Mrs. Beckler in her classroom.
A student poses at the picture booth at open house on Monday, Aug. 10th.
Our amazing PTO answers questions for parents at open house.
Our FANS department answering questions and welcoming new families!
We can't wait to see all of our Thomas friends on Monday, Aug. 10th for 'Open House'!
about 2 months ago, THOMAS ELEMENTARY
Image with information about the 2026-2027 Thomas Elementary Open House on Monday, Aug. 10th, 2026
5th grade teachers from across the GPS district are working hard with back to school staff development. We are so lucky to have such an amazing team preparing for our kids!
about 2 months ago, THOMAS ELEMENTARY
5th grade teachers from across the GPS district are seated in the library and learning about a new assessment.
Behind the scenes and hard at work! ☕️✨ Our incredible staff is back in action for the 2026-2027 school year. With 'open house' just a couple days away (Monday, Aug. 10th) our staff is diving into prep work, collaboration, and getting everything perfect for our students. Year 2026–2027, we are ready for you! ⚡️🏫
about 2 months ago, THOMAS ELEMENTARY
GPS staff meet at Gretna East High School for the open workshop.

Need Help Getting Ready for the 2026–27 School Year?

Gretna Public Schools is here to support families with:

• Free and Reduced-Price Meals
• Return-to-school registration and school forms
• School supplies
• Technology and school apps
• Transportation and bus questions

If your family could benefit from any of these resources, please complete the Family Support Form by July 29. We'll connect you with the programs and support that best meet your family's needs.

Questions? Contact Anne Doerr at adoerr@gpsne.org or 402-332-3265.

2 months ago, Gretna Public School District

Attention All Gretna Residents!

Thank you to everyone who has already completed the annual Census. If you have not yet completed it, please take a moment to do so by June 18th. Your participation is vital and helps shape the future of Gretna and supports the continued growth of our school district.

You may complete the census in several convenient ways:

  • Go directly to the online form

  • Scan the QR code provided

  • Complete and return the postcard sent in the mail

  • Visit www.gpsne.org and select “GPS Census”

  • NEW: Drop off your completed postcard at the district office or any Gretna Public Schools building

We appreciate your time and support of this important community effort.

Census Form:https://tinyurl.com/mprxjsxs

4 months ago, Gretna Public School District
Gretna public schools logo with a G and text reading 2026 Census Please Respond ASAP
We are excited to see the playground project underway at TES. The 'pebble pit' area will be repurposed into an interactive play space & a new swing set will also be installed, with more to come.
4 months ago, THOMAS ELEMENTARY
Picture of the TES interactive play space on the playground.

The Gretna Public Schools Transportation Department wrapped up the school year with a special last day breakfast celebration. Along with enjoying time together and reflecting on another successful year, the department also recognized three outstanding drivers on their retirement: Ardell Savage, Denny Savage, and Tracie Hurtz.

Ardell, Denny, and Tracie have each dedicated years of service to safely transporting students and supporting Gretna Public Schools every day. Their commitment, reliability, and care for students and families have made a lasting impact on our district and community.

We are incredibly grateful for everything they have done throughout their careers and wish them happiness and relaxation in retirement. Congratulations and thank you for your service.

4 months ago, Gretna Public School District
a large group of school bus drivers standing in front of the Gretna Public Schools bus
two Gretna Public Schools bus drivers retiring from the transportation department posing in front of the GPS school bus

Thomas students have continued to earn Thomas Tickets and have been using them to 'vote' for differentTES staff members that they wanted to pie in the face. Today, Mrs. Reelfs, Mrs. Gostanzik, Mr. Kohout, Mr. Harriger, and Mr. Basye were the 5 lucky 'winners' of the vote and got a pie to the face in front of the school. The real winners were the 5 students who were chosen to do the 'pie'ing'! Great work Guardians and keep earning those Thomas Tickets!

4 months ago, THOMAS ELEMENTARY
Mr. Kohout getting pied in the face
Mr. Harriger getting pied in the face
Mrs. Gostanzik getting pied in the face
Mrs. Reelfs getting pied in the face
Mr. Basye getting pied in the face
5 teachers sitting after being pied in the face
The Thomas Elementary Unified Guardians held their historical first game on Friday, May 15th in front of a packed house. The Guardian athletes practiced for 6 weeks leading up to the game and didn't disappoint in front of some amazing fans. These athletes showed off their hitting, fielding, and base stealing abilities in front of their friends and families. We are so proud of the athletes and our coaching staff for all of your hard work, the unbelievable smiles, and our sense of TEAM pride! Great work Guardians!
4 months ago, THOMAS ELEMENTARY
Thomas elementary students and fans watched the baseball game.
A Guardian athlete hitting the baseball
A Guardian athlete hitting the baseball
A Guardian athlete hitting the baseball and running
A Guardian athlete hitting the baseball and running
A Guardian athlete hitting the baseball
A Guardian athlete hitting the baseball
A Guardian athlete hitting the baseball
A Guardian athlete hitting the baseball
The Guardians celebrating their baseball game as a team.
Gretna Public Schools Summer Libraries will be open at several school locations throughout June and July to help students stay engaged in reading during the summer months. Families are encouraged to visit their neighborhood school library to check out books and enjoy continued access to learning resources.

Summer Library Schedule

Whitetail Creek Elementary
Wednesdays | 9:00-11:00 a.m.
June 3-July 29

Falling Waters Elementary
Tuesdays | 9:00-11:00 a.m.
June 2-July 28

Harvest Hills Elementary
Wednesdays | 9:00-11:00 a.m.
June 3 -24 and July 15-29

Palisades Elementary
Every other Wednesday | 9:00-11:00 a.m.
June 10 & 24 and July 8 & 22

Aspen Creek Middle School
1st and 3rd Wednesdays | 12:00-2:00 p.m.
June 3 & 17 and July 1 & 15

Gretna High School
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on June 10, July 1, and July 15

We encourage all students and families to take advantage of these summer reading opportunities.
5 months ago, Gretna Public School District
Graphic listing Gretna Public Schools Summer Library locations and schedules. Whitetail Creek Elementary: Wednesdays from 9:00-11:00 a.m., June 3 through July 29. Falling Waters Elementary: Tuesdays from 9:00-11:00 a.m., June 2 through July 28. Harvest Hills Elementary: Wednesdays from 9:00-11:00 a.m., June 3-24 and July 15-29. Palisades Elementary: Every other Wednesday from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on June 10 and 24 and July 8 and 22. Aspen Creek Middle School: First and third Wednesdays from 12:00-2:00 p.m. on June 3 and 17 and July 1 and 15. Gretna High School: Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on June 10, July 1, and July 15.
We very proud to announce that Mr. Cole Kohout (2nd Grade Teacher at Thomas) was named the 'Elementary Educator of the Year' for the Gretna Public Schools. Mr. K was presented this award by the GPS Foundation and MCL Construction after being nominated by classroom parents and staff members. He will formally be awarded this honor at the Education Excellence Awards on Tuesday, May 19th at Gretna East High School. Congrats Mr. K!!!!
5 months ago, THOMAS ELEMENTARY
Holly Radke awarding Cole Kohout the Educator of the Year Award in the classroom.
Mr. Kohout's 2nd grade class, Mr. Basye, Holly Radke, and MCL construction pictured in the classroom.
Last week, our first and second graders at TES had a wonderful opportunity to share their writing with one another! It was so special to see students proudly read their work, listen to their peers, and celebrate each other’s ideas. We are so proud of all of our young authors! ✏️📚
5 months ago, AMANDA FORAL
Students sitting down and reading their writing to each other.
Students sitting down and reading their writing to each other.
A group of students sitting down and reading their writing to each other.
Students sitting down at a table and reading their writing to each other.
Students sitting down and reading their writing to each other.
Students sitting down and reading their writing to each other.
Students sitting down and reading their writing to each other.
Students sitting down and reading their writing to each other.
Students sitting down and reading their writing to each other.
Kindergarten students rotated through classrooms to learn about different habitats before their trip to the zoo later this month!
5 months ago, MAGGIE MEIER
Students are sitting on a rug acting like they are swimming during the ocean habitat rotation.
Students are sitting on a rug during the polar habitat rotation.
Students and a teacher are sitting on the floor during the rainforest habitat rotation.
Students are sitting on a rug in front of a desert themed habitat rotation.

The TES kindergarten students are working hard to prepare for their music program tonight (Thursday, April 9th) at 6:30 PM. The doors open at 6:10 PM. We can't wait to see them perform!

6 months ago, THOMAS ELEMENTARY
Kindergarteners practice for their music program standing on the bleachers

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.

6 months ago, Gretna Public School District

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

6 months ago, Gretna Public School District
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!
6 months ago, SHELLI WOLVERTON
The Champions of Cooperation and Mr. Basye pose for a picture.
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.
6 months ago, SHELLI WOLVERTON
A few of our 5th grade HAL students read the book, "The Most Magnificent Thing."
Families had fun learning about and practicing growth mindset.
There was a great photo opportunity to remember this fun night.
Miss Haley, our preschool teacher, brought some fun activities for the little ones.
The 5th graders did a great job acting out our story for the audience to enjoy.
Each family got a book to read together and take home.