This Is The Gretna Way - https://tinyurl.com/yc794t7m

What is The Gretna Way?

It’s more than a phrase. It’s who we are and how we show up for one another.

It’s our students supporting each other. It’s staff members lifting one another up. It’s families cheering our schools on. It’s community members stepping in to help. It’s choosing positivity, finding joy, and making sure the people around us know they matter.

The Gretna Way belongs to all of us.

We asked members of our Gretna community what The Gretna Way means to them. We didn’t give them answers or tell them what to say. We simply asked them to share their experiences with Gretna Public Schools.

What they shared is a powerful reminder of the culture we have created together.

Our students feel it. Our families see it. Our community believes it.

As we begin another school year, let’s continue to support one another, embrace our imperfections, choose positivity over pessimism, find joy, and spread it every day.

Because we don’t do it alone.

We do it together. And that’s The Gretna Way.

Take a few minutes to watch the video and hear from the people who help make Gretna Public Schools such a special place.

A special thank you to Jacht for helping us capture the voices, stories, and spirit that make The Gretna Way so special.
about 1 month ago, Gretna Public School District
Ms. Snyder's 4th grade class used the GPS expectations of giving kindness, practicing accountability, and staying safe to make posters with examples of ways to show all three to help them be successful in the classroom!
about 1 month ago, Gretna Elementary
Three elementary students in a classroom smile while holding up a handwritten poster labeled "GPS" with rules for kindness, accountability, and safety.
Three young students pose together in a classroom, with one boy holding up a large poster outlining "GPS: Give Kindness, Practice Accountability, Stay Safe."
Three children pose with a brightly colored, hand-drawn "GPS" poster in a classroom setting, with one boy kneeling in front with his arms outstretched.
Four young students stand in a classroom around a large poster covered in star drawings that reads "GPS: Give Kindness, Practice Accountability, Stay Safe."
Three smiling students in a classroom display a large white poster with colorful, handwritten text that reads "Give Kindness, Practice Accountability, Stay Safe."
Three elementary school students stand together in a classroom, holding a large poster decorated with drawings and notes explaining "GPS" school guidelines.
Miss Sempek's 2nd grade class has been hard at work practicing their math facts and collaboration skills with card games!
about 1 month ago, Gretna Elementary
Three young students sitting on a black patterned rug in a classroom, smiling as they play a card game.
Four young students sitting on a black patterned rug in a classroom, smiling while holding and playing with cards.
Three students sitting on a green botanical-patterned rug in a classroom, smiling and holding playing cards.
Three young students gathered around a wooden activity table in a classroom, holding cards and smiling.
Three young students sitting on a green rug near a couch in a classroom, smiling while playing a card game.
Three students sitting on a dark grey carpet in a classroom, smiling while holding playing cards.
Mrs. Johnson’s 3rd grade class made a friendship snack to enjoy while getting to know new friends in their class!
about 1 month ago, Gretna Elementary
Three students sitting on flexible floor chairs in a classroom, filling out worksheets on clipboards.
Two students sitting on a classroom carpeted floor, working on worksheets next to small bowls of snacks.
Elementary students working in a classroom area with flexible seating, books, and low tables.
Two students sitting opposite each other at a small classroom desk, working on worksheets together.
Two young girls lying on the carpeted floor opposite each other, writing on clipboards.
Fourth graders spent some time this afternoon getting to know one another by playing the game mail call!  An enjoyable time was had by all and they got to meet some new friends!
about 1 month ago, Gretna Elementary
A wide view of a school gymnasium where a large group of students sits in a wide circle around the basketball court as one student stands in the center.
Students actively running around yellow floor markers during a game on a gym court while others watch from the perimeter.
Children scattered across a wooden gymnasium floor, running and playing an interactive activity near yellow markers.
A wide shot of students seated in a large circle on the gym floor listening as a young boy stands in the middle circle to speak.
Mrs. Dickes took time out of her busy schedule to read the Principal from the Black Lagoon today to Mr. Vos’s classroom. Thanks to Mrs. Dickes for spending some time with us and sharing her love of reading!!
about 1 month ago, Gretna Elementary
A teacher in a teal shirt standing in front of a classroom of students seated on the floor listening.
A close-up of a teacher seated in an armchair holding up the book The Principal From the Black Lagoon.
A teacher sitting in an armchair showing the cover of a children’s book to a group of students sitting on the classroom floor.
A teacher sitting in an armchair reading an open children's book aloud to students gathered on the carpet.
A teacher holding a children's book and posing for a group photo with a room full of smiling elementary students.
Learning about responsibility and getting to know each other in Ms. Christensen's 5th grade class!
about 1 month ago, Gretna Elementary
Four students sitting at a round classroom table coloring worksheets with crayons and markers.
A smiling girl sitting on the floor with a plush duck behind her, coloring a worksheet on a lap desk.
Three elementary school girls smiling at their desks while working on coloring pages with markers and crayons.
Four students sitting in a cozy classroom reading corner, working on worksheets in colorful lounge chairs and bean bags.
Two boys smiling while sitting on the floor together against a wall with cursive alphabet posters above them.
Four students sitting at a round classroom table coloring worksheets with crayons and markers.
Big smiles, new friends, and lots of learning! 🎨🧸 Mrs. Lindsey’s preschoolers are off to a fantastic start this school year! Check out some of our favorite moments from the first days. 🍎✨
about 1 month ago, Gretna Elementary
A teacher and six young students sitting around a kidney-shaped wooden table during snack time in a classroom.
A smiling teacher sitting on the floor in a preschool classroom while playing with toys alongside three young students.
A teacher smiling next to a young girl who is holding colorful plastic play bowls and a baby doll in a classroom.
Two adults and six children sitting around a classroom table smiling during snack time with fish crackers and juice boxes.
Two young boys sitting on a colorful carpet in a classroom, smiling next to a long line of toy trucks and construction vehicles.
A smiling boy sitting on the floor next to a bin of wooden train track pieces and toy train accessories.
A young boy with glasses kneeling on the classroom floor playing with a plastic doctor kit.
A young girl in a pink dress and mermaid headband smiling in a classroom next to a toy baby doll on a cushion.
Two smiling young girls posing at a play table filled with colorful toy cakes, donuts, and play food items.
Five young boys smiling and playing together with toy action figures and cars in a classroom setting.
It's been a GREAT start to the 2026-2027 school year at GES!! We look forward to an exciting year ahead with some pretty awesome students!
about 1 month ago, Gretna Elementary
A teacher and a group of young students smiling behind a large "Welcome Back to School" yard sign in front of Gretna Elementary School.
Students and teachers sitting on picnic tables and stone benches, waving in an outdoor courtyard outside a brick school building.
A teacher and a group of young students posing for a photo behind a large "Welcome Back to School" lawn display outside Gretna Elementary School.
Elementary students gathered behind a colorful "Welcome Back to School" sign on the grass in front of Gretna Elementary.
A teacher and students posing behind a "Welcome Back to School" lawn sign on the front lawn of Gretna Elementary School.
A teacher and a line of young students standing behind a "Welcome Back to School" sign on the front lawn of the school.
Students and a teacher posing enthusiastically behind a colorful "Welcome Back to School" display outside Gretna Elementary.
A class of students and their teacher smiling together behind a large "Welcome Back to School" lawn sign outside the school building.
A teacher and a group of elementary school kids standing behind a "Welcome Back to School" sign on the grass in front of Gretna Elementary.
A group of elementary students gathered behind a large "Welcome Back to School" yard sign in front of Gretna Elementary School.
What an amazing display of teamwork and creativity in Mrs. K’s 5th grade classroom! 🛠️✨

Students worked together to build a perch for Harry so he could see more easily around the room. Their challenge? Use only the materials in their supply bags and get Harry as high above the tabletops as possible—without compromising his safety!

So much problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity on display! We’re so proud of these young engineers! 💡👏
about 1 month ago, Gretna Elementary
Five students standing in a classroom smiling as one girl holds up a red plastic cup tower project.
A teacher and five students sitting around a classroom table working on a STEM building activity.
Four smiling girls seated at a long wooden desk in a classroom with project supplies.
Four girls gathered at a desk showing off a tall paper-and-tape tower project.
Three girls standing behind a desk presenting a tall vertical structure made of paper and tape attached to a red cup.
Three boys posing at a classroom desk with craft supplies like straws, tape, and a red cup.
Three girls smiling at a desk with school supplies, tape, and project materials.
Three boys wearing glasses smiling at a desk while constructing a structure with pipe cleaners, paper, and a red cup.
Three boys standing together smiling next to a red cup tower topped with craft sticks and a pom-pom figure.
Three boys standing proudly behind a tall paper and red cup tower topped with a green pom-pom.
GES has author Justin Colón coming for an author visit on September 16th! Check out the following photos for more info!
about 1 month ago, Gretna Elementary
Letter for Author Visit coming to GES on September 16th
Order form for GES author visit
Author Justin Colon details

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 1 month 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.

about 1 month 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/

about 2 months 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
about 2 months 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!
about 2 months 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.

2 months ago, Gretna Public School District
Representing GES at the Gretna Staff Olympics and taking first place in the obstacle course and kerplunk!
3 months 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

4 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.

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