A Warm Welcome to Our New Staff

We’re excited to welcome our newest members of the Gretna Public Schools family!

Journey Church recently hosted a breakfast for our new staff members, giving them a chance to connect, enjoy a meal, and begin getting to know one another as they start their journey with Gretna Public Schools.

Starting a new job comes with plenty of excitement and a few nerves, so having our community come alongside our new staff to make them feel welcome means a lot.

We are grateful to Journey Church for their generosity, support, and hospitality. Thank you for helping us welcome our newest Gretna Greats and for spreading the joy!

This is The Gretna Way in action.

about 19 hours ago, Gretna Public School District
Gretna Public Schools smiling new teacher at breakfast celebrating their first year
Gretna Public Schools 3 new teachers at breakfast tables eating and talking
Gretna Public Schools new teacher smiling at another teacher at breakfast
Gretna Public Schools new teacher at breakfast celebrating their upcoming new year
room of new staff members for Gretna Public Schools smiling and talking to each other
a group of new staff members gathered together eating breakfast and talking at tables
Principal Jake Runyon sitting with new staff members at Journey church breakfast for Gretna Public Schools
a group of new staff members talking together at breakfast gathering
a large room filled with round tables and new staff sitting and enjoying breakfast for Gretna Public Schools
Gretna Public schools Superintendent Travis Lightle speaking to the new teachers at Journey Church breakfast

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.

2 days 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

The Gretna Elementary PTO has done it again!! Check out the AMAZING outdoor classroom that came to life at GES over the past year! We are incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful PTO that supports our school community and are thankful to everyone who helped make this possible. We look forward to seeing this space in action starting this school year! Check out their post below:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DJRJpwREh/

5 days ago, Gretna Elementary
Outdoor classroom featuring a large G on the ground along with rocks and green tables.
Let's try this again.... We are excited to kick off the 2026-2027 school year next Wednesday, August 12th! We look forward to seeing you at Meet the Teacher night on Monday the 10th from 5:00-7:00 PM!

Please see the link below to meet our teachers! We can't wait to see you all soon!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jJRTy4lzcWtQ7HJwhkVXNZSs9OIg85lF/view?usp=sharing
8 days ago, Gretna Elementary
Photo of a school with green trees and grass showing
Join our team! Contact Mrs. Dickes at cdickes@gpsne.org if interested!
16 days ago, Gretna Elementary
Post with a graphic showing help wanted for Paraprofessionals for GES Special Education for the 2026-2027 school year!

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.

29 days ago, Gretna Public School District
Representing GES at the Gretna Staff Olympics and taking first place in the obstacle course and kerplunk!
about 1 month ago, Gretna Elementary
A group of nine smiling adults in casual athletic wear posing together on a green turf field in front of a colorful, wet inflatable water slide.
A group of nine adults posing cheerfully on a sports turf field in front of an inflatable water slide, with several individuals holding up their index fingers to signal "number one."
A group of nine people posing playfully on a turf field around a bright green Menards bucket, holding white PVC pipes and plastic cups during an outdoor game at dusk.

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

2 months ago, Gretna Public School District
Gretna public schools logo with a G and text reading 2026 Census Please Respond ASAP

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.

3 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
We wrapped up the 2025-2026 school year by celebrating our 5th graders one final time with our clap out at the end of the day! We will miss them greatly next year but know they are ready for middle school. We thank all of our students and families for a wonderful school year and hope you all have a great summer! ☀️ 😎 🌞
3 months ago, Gretna Elementary
A school hallway filled with people celebrating the last day of school. A young girl in the foreground holds a large white sign that reads "5th Grade 2025-2026, Class of 2033" decorated with drawings of a watermelon slice and a popsicle.
Students walking down a school hallway during a last-day-of-school celebration. Two boys in matching bright red t-shirts and baseball caps walk in the center, while parents and staff line the sides to watch and applaud.
Three young girls walking down a school hallway holding up a large white banner covered in signatures and hand-drawn doodles. The banner reads "5th Grade on 6th, We will miss you, SOON BYE!, Thank You Teachers!"
A group of students walking down a school hallway lined with maroon lockers. A boy in the foreground wears a red Nebraska hoodie, while another boy close behind wears a blue Kansas hoodie.
Students walking in a line down a school hallway past onlookers and maroon lockers. A girl with long, wavy blonde hair in a pink dress and white cardigan stands in the foreground looking down at a flyer.
A smiling girl in a red Nebraska t-shirt and backpack walks toward the camera in a crowded school hallway. Behind her, younger students line up against the lockers to high-five the passing older students.
Students walking down a school hallway with their arms outstretched to high-five onlookers. A boy in the foreground wears a black hoodie and bright yellow-tinted sunglasses.
A group of girls smiling and walking down a school hallway past a line of maroon lockers. One girl wears a light blue dress with a matching crossbody bag and holds a small trophy.
Even though it was cloudy yesterday, Ms. Boeselager's Kindergarteners had a great time making bubbles!
3 months ago, Gretna Elementary
Four young children standing together on a concrete playground holding colorful plastic bubble wands, with playground swings and trees in the background.
A young boy in a grey shirt and black sweatpants smiles as he waves a blue wand to create a large bubble on an outdoor concrete surface.
A young girl in a green Nike hoodie creates a long, cylindrical bubble with a yellow wand while other children stand nearby on a concrete playground.
Four smiling children stand in a row on a concrete playground, each holding up a differently shaped colorful bubble wand.
Candid back view of a young girl in a pink jacket and black leggings running with a pink wand, trailing a large bubble behind her on a concrete surface.
Three children pose for a photo on a spacious concrete playground while holding colorful plastic bubble wands.
A young girl with her hair in buns, wearing a pink GAP hoodie and a patterned skirt, waves a yellow wand to create a stream of bubbles.
A boy in a black hooded jacket blows a massive, wavy bubble through a red wand while another boy leans over bubble solution nearby.
A young girl with pink glasses waves a blue wand to make bubbles on an open concrete playground as other children play around her.
Four children smile and pose on a concrete playground with painted white lines, each holding up a colorful bubble wand.
Classroom buddies from Mrs. Allgood's and Mrs. Kudlacek's classes enjoyed a carnival to end the year!
3 months ago, Gretna Elementary
A teacher and four young students smile together inside a classroom on a red runway carpet surrounded by colorful balloons and streamer decorations.
A young girl in a black sweatshirt holds a golf putter while another child on hands and knees helps line up a golf ball on a blue tape line in a busy classroom.
Several elementary students gather around an inflatable, mermaid-patterned pool in a classroom using small nets and plastic fishing poles to catch toy ducks.
Two children play a homemade "Ring Toss" game constructed out of a large cardboard box topped with colorful lollipops in a classroom setting.
Four students, some with painted faces, smile together in a classroom while holding plastic bags filled with candy prizes.
Three smiling boys stand behind a long classroom table featuring a homemade cardboard skee-ball game and holding a hand-drawn instruction sign.
Three students interact next to a colorful, homemade cardboard Plinko game set up on a classroom floor.
A student in a red long-sleeve shirt aims a blue toy dart blaster at a homemade target game made of paper plates and a cardboard box in a classroom.
An excited boy in a green shirt demonstrates a large, homemade red cardboard "claw machine" game to two other students standing by a classroom desk.
A close-up portrait of a smiling older girl standing next to a younger boy with a puppy dog face paint design in a classroom.
Please see image for more info for info from the Gretna Public Library about their summer reading program!
3 months ago, Gretna Elementary
Flyer for Gretna Summer Learning Program
Another year of Taste in Nebraska for fourth graders in the books at GES! Thanks to all of the volunteers and people who donated food for us! It was a great Friday!!!
3 months ago, Gretna Elementary
A large group of elementary students wearing red, black, and blue clothing pose together for a group photo on a grassy lawn in front of Gretna Elementary School under a cloudy sky.
A group of elementary school students dressed in red clothes and face paint pose outside in front of Gretna Elementary School, holding up signs that read "GO BIG RED !!!" and "SUPER RED."
Students with red shirts and red face paint sit along a cafeteria table eating lunch under an indoor bulletin board that reads "Creativity takes courage dare to use your imagination."
Four girls wearing red shirts, face paint, and spirit hats smile at the camera while sitting at a school cafeteria table during lunch.
A smiling boy wearing a red sweatshirt and baseball cap proudly holds up a small gold trophy labeled "Color War Winner" next to a girl giving a thumbs-up.
A long table of elementary school students dressed in red and wearing festive holiday accessories smile and make faces while eating lunch in a cafeteria.
A group of girls wearing matching black tank tops and black face paint sit on one side of a cafeteria table, smiling and eating lunch across from students dressed in red.
Two young girls, one sitting on a cafeteria bench and one leaning over, look toward the camera with playful, dramatic expressions.
A long cafeteria table filled with boys dressed in black shirts smiling, laughing, and making peace signs at the camera during lunchtime.
A group of elementary school students wearing blue shirts sit together at a cafeteria table eating pizza, chips, and hot dogs.
Mrs. Kuzel’s 2nd graders worked so hard on their reading at home all school year!  As a class they read 43,354 minutes which translates to just under 756 hours!  We are so proud of how hard they are working on this life long skill!
3 months ago, Gretna Elementary
A classroom group photo of thirteen second-grade students standing in front of a whiteboard, proudly holding "Reading Rockstar" certificates. The room is decorated with educational posters, a daily schedule, and a "Fist to Five" chart. The date "May 15, 2026" is written on the whiteboard above the children.
On Wednesday, Appellate Court Judge Francie Weis spent some time explaining her job as well as the Judiciary part of the branch of government. Thanks, Judge Weis, for coming and sharing your experience with us at GES!!
3 months ago, Gretna Elementary
A woman in a black judicial robe stands at the front of a classroom, speaking to a group of seated students who are raising their hands. A gavel and law books are visible on the shelf behind her.
A medium shot of a woman in a black judicial robe gesturing with her hand while speaking in a classroom setting.
A woman in a judicial robe stands before a group of elementary students in a classroom, where several children are standing in a line as if participating in a mock trial or presentation.
A woman in a judicial robe facilitates a mock trial in a classroom, with students standing and gesturing toward one another while their classmates watch from the floor and desks.
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.
3 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.
Ms. Snyder's 4th grade class enjoyed a game of class kickball and sack races today!
3 months ago, Gretna Elementary
A smiling boy in a white Nike t-shirt participating in a sack race on a large green lawn near a school playground.
Three children in burlap sacks competing in a race on a bright, grassy field with a basketball hoop in the background.
Three children in burlap sacks competing in a race on a bright, grassy field with a basketball hoop in the background.
A group of eight children in colorful sports jerseys posing for a group photo on a dirt baseball infield.
Wide shot of a youth kickball or baseball game in progress on a dirt field under a bright blue, wispy sky.
Seven children posing and making peace signs against a green outfield fence with "GRETNA" visible on the padding.
A young girl in a red "Husker" jersey smiling on a dirt field with a teammate standing in the background.
Seven children in purple and red team jerseys posing together on a dirt sports field in front of a chain-link fence.
Six children standing in a row with their backs turned, showing the names "Bateman," "Parker," "Bragg," "Dietze," and "Kerr" on their jerseys.
A large group of children and a woman taking a crowded, celebratory selfie in a dugout, everyone holding up one finger.
Ms. Boeselager's kindergarten class is talking about Sun safety this week as we get ready for summer!
3 months ago, Gretna Elementary
A smiling girl in a pink Nike hoodie stands outdoors, holding out her wrist to show a handmade bracelet with pink and purple beads.
A young boy in a black skeleton-print hoodie looks down at a beaded bracelet on his wrist, standing on a sidewalk.
A boy wearing a blue Under Armour hoodie with a patriotic logo points to a pink and purple beaded bracelet on his wrist.
A young girl in a pink Disney Princess shirt and a pink headband looks down at her wrist as she adjusts a beaded bracelet.
A smiling boy in an orange t-shirt displays a bracelet made of yellow, purple, and pink beads on his wrist.
A girl in a bright pink Columbia fleece jacket looks down and points at her colorful beaded bracelet.
A boy wearing a black "Fortnite" t-shirt holds his arm out to showcase a purple and pink beaded bracelet.
A girl in a green "Creeper" Minecraft t-shirt smiles while looking at a new beaded bracelet on her wrist.
A girl in a pink unicorn dress with ruffled sleeves smiles at the camera while showing off her beaded bracelet.
A boy in a black "Just Do It" t-shirt raises his arm to display a purple and white beaded bracelet; another child stands in the background.

That's a wrap on another GES musical, The Jungle Book Kids! The students did AMAZING! Stayed tuned for the announcement of the musical for next year!!

3 months ago, Gretna Elementary
A group ensemble photo of the cast in various animal and plant costumes, including tigers, monkeys, and flowers, on the jungle-themed set.
A wide shot of a large cast of children in jungle costumes posing for a group photo on a gym stage in front of an audience.
Two students in bird costumes with large orange beaks perform at a microphone during a school play.
Several children in grey and green costumes with ivy accents perform a choreographed dance routine on stage.
A boy wearing a black t-shirt and an ivy vine garland stands backstage near black curtains, holding a prop rod.
A boy in a brown thermal outfit, monkey ears, and a fake grey beard poses with a peace sign and a staff in a school gym.
Two boys in black t-shirts stand on a stage riser decorated with jungle leaves; one wears a Jungle Book themed shirt.
A student smiles while draped in a large, plush green and yellow toy snake in a gymnasium.
Two girls smile for a close-up photo; one wears a brown top with ivy and the other a tiger costume, while holding a bouquet of pink and purple flowers.
A boy in a black athletic pullover and an orange hat stands smiling in front of a green and black backdrop decorated with vines.