Who would've thought that a kindergarten student from GES back in 2007-2008 would be on the football field playing for a college football championship?!? Congratulations to Gretna's own, Brendan Franke, for winning a national championship last night for Indiana football!

about 22 hours ago, Gretna Elementary
A boy wearing a green and red striped shirt.
Football player wearing a red jersey and white pants kicking a football.

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

2 days 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

Our GES school musical will be around the corner before we know it! There are t-shirts available to be purchased to help fundraise for this, check out the link below!

https://gesjunglebookkids.itemorder.com

6 days ago, Gretna Elementary
Green t shirt showing the Jungle Book by Disney
Green t shirt showing the Jungle Book by Disney
Mrs. Allgood's 1st grade class had some special visitors this week!
about 1 month ago, Gretna Elementary
A boy hugs a person dressed in a Rudolph costume while a woman with a Santa hat looks on.
A girl hugs a person dressed in a Rudolph costume while a woman with a Santa hat looks on.
A girl hugs a person dressed in a Rudolph costume while a woman with a Santa hat looks on.
A group of students and their teacher stand in a classroom around a person dressed in a Rudolph costume and a woman with a Santa hat.
A boy hugs a person dressed in a Rudolph costume while a woman with a Santa hat looks on.
A girl hugs a person dressed in a Rudolph costume while a woman with a Santa hat looks on.
A boy hugs a person dressed in a Rudolph costume while a woman with a Santa hat looks on.
A boy hugs a person dressed in a Rudolph costume while a woman with a Santa hat looks on.
A boy hugs a person dressed in a Rudolph costume while a woman with a Santa hat looks on.
A group of students and their teacher stand in a classroom making silly faces around a person dressed in a Rudolph costume and a woman with a Santa hat.
Ms. Boeselager's Guardian Group made an empathy tree yesterday, since our schoolwide focus this month was on empathy!
about 1 month ago, Gretna Elementary
Two students stand in the front of the room putting Christmas light cutouts on a green Christmas tree.
One girl stand in the front of the room putting Christmas light cutouts on a green Christmas tree.
Two students stand in the front of the room putting Christmas light cutouts on a green Christmas tree.
A boy standsin the front of the room putting Christmas light cutouts on a green Christmas tree.
A girl stands in the front of the room putting Christmas light cutouts on a green Christmas tree.
Group of students kneeling on a classroom floor with a Christmas tree cutout visible on the whiteboard behind them.
Mrs. Singh came and did music therapy with Mrs. Johnson’s 3rd grade class this week!
about 1 month ago, Gretna Elementary
Group of students in a classroom sitting around the room holding up drumsticks while a woman presents in the front of the room.
Woman sitting in the front of the room playing a guitar while students sit around the room watching her.
Group of students in a classroom sitting around the room holding up drumsticks while a woman presents in the front of the room.
Mrs. Hirsch's 3rd graders have had some fun theme days in their classroom for their countdown to winter break❄️🎄🎅🏼
about 1 month ago, Gretna Elementary
Two girls wearing reindeer hats smile at desks with a cup with a reindeer dessert inside.
Three students wearing reindeer hats smile at desks with a cup with a reindeer dessert inside.
Two girls smile at desks with a cup with a reindeer dessert inside.
Three boys smile at desks with a cup with a reindeer dessert inside.
Three girls wearing reindeer hats smile at desks with a cup with a reindeer dessert inside.
Two boys smile at desks with a cup with a reindeer dessert inside.
Two boys smile at desks with a cup with a reindeer dessert inside.
Mrs. Hirsch's 3rd graders have had some fun theme days in their classroom for their countdown to winter break❄️🎄🎅🏼
about 1 month ago, Gretna Elementary
Two students dressed in red Santa coats and hats.
Group of students standing and kneeling for a picture in front a whiteboard wearing red Christmas gear.
Group of students standing and kneeling for a picture in front a whiteboard wearing red Christmas gear.
One student wearing a grinch costumer while holding a grinch head.
Group of students standing and kneeling for a picture in front a whiteboard wearing grinch gear.
Group of students standing and kneeling for a picture in front a whiteboard wearing grinch gear.
Group of students standing and kneeling for a picture in front a whiteboard wearing reindeer gear.
Group of students standing and kneeling for a picture in front a whiteboard wearing reindeer gear.
🎄 Rudolph came to visit our 1st graders yesterday! 🦌
about 1 month ago, Gretna Elementary
Group of students sitting in a classroom with a person dressed as Rudolph in the front of the room next to a Christmas tree.
Group of students sitting in a classroom with a person dressed as Rudolph and a woman wearing a red Christmas outfit in the front of the room next to a Christmas tree.
Group of students standing in a classroom around a person dressed as Rudolph and a woman with a Christmas outfit in the front of the room next to a Christmas tree.
Mrs. Dickes came to share some Holiday Cheer to Ms. Boeselager's Kindergarten class today! Her class loved the story she read!
about 1 month ago, Gretna Elementary
Adult sitting in a chair reading a book in the front of a classroom to students who are sitting on a carpet rug.
Adult sitting in a chair reading a book in the front of a classroom to students who are sitting on a carpet rug.
The kids have brought so many creative ideas to life this quarter! Their original pieces inspired many others to give it a try as well in art class!
about 1 month ago, Gretna Elementary
Student standing in front of a door that is covered by an artist snowman holding a red stocking with a Grinch.
Student standing in a room holding a brown clay reindeer with white antlers.
Student holding a white and yellow knitted yarn decoration.
Girl holding a cloth that shows a dog laying down with the words "My Box Max"
The students in Mrs. Kudlacek's 5th grade class were able to play BINGO with our friends from APACE today. Everyone was excited when a special visitor came to visit!
about 1 month ago, Gretna Elementary
Group of students in a cafeteria sitting at tables playing bingo.
Group of students in a cafeteria sitting at tables playing bingo with their hands raised.
Group of students and adults in a cafeteria sitting at tables with Santa standing in the center of the room.
Group of students and adults in a cafeteria sitting at tables playing bingo.
Group of students and adults in a cafeteria sitting at tables playing bingo with their hands raised.
Group of students and adults sitting at a white table playing bingo with red and blue tiles.

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

about 1 month 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
Third graders celebrated completing their 2nd quarter reading incentive with a hot cocoa and movie party today!🎥☕️📚❄️
about 1 month ago, Gretna Elementary
Group of girls sitting on chairs holding coffee cups up.
Large group of students in a room, some sitting on the floor while others are sitting on chairs or sitting on desks.
Group of boys sitting in a classroom around a table.
Group of students sitting in a classroom, some on the floor and some in chairs eating items from styrofoam cups.
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.
about 1 month ago, Gretna Public School District
photo of Kendra Schneider and text reading New Director of Special Education
Mrs. Kuzel’s 2nd grade class is trying out their boat making skills! They crafted boats out of tin foil and are seeing how many pennies they will hold before they sink. The winner was a tie between Kash and Clay at 108 pennies each!
about 1 month ago, Gretna Elementary
Four students standing around a table with a black tub present with aluminum foil and pennies.
Two students standing around a counter with a black tub present with aluminum foil and pennies.
Three students standing around a counter with a black tub present with aluminum foil and pennies.
Kindness club decorated coffee sleeves for The Beanery today! If anyone goes to purchase a warm beverage the next few weeks, they might be lucky enough to receive some extra holiday spirit from GES kids🥰
about 2 months ago, Gretna Elementary
Group of students sitting and laying on a gym floor working on an art activity.
Girl holding a coffee sleeve that says You are Loved.
Boy holding a coffee sleeve that says Merry Christmas.
Boy holding a coffee sleeve that says Merry Christmas.
Girls holding a coffee sleeve that is decorated for Christmas.
Girls holding a coffee sleeve that is decorated for Christmas.
Boy holding a coffee sleeve that is decorated for Christmas.
Our 4th grade students of the month for gratitude! Nominated by their peers and teachers for their positive attitudes and genuine thankfulness!
about 2 months ago, Gretna Elementary
Three students standing in front of a whiteboard that says "Gratitude" while holding certificates.
Mrs. Hirsch's 3rd grade class used Cheez-Its to measure and learn about the area of shapes!
about 2 months ago, Gretna Elementary
Group of kids sitting at desks with a paper in front of them and cheese its as well doing a math activity.
Group of kids sitting at desks with a paper in front of them and cheese its as well doing a math activity.
Group of kids sitting at desks with a paper in front of them and cheese its as well doing a math activity.
Group of kids sitting at desks with a paper in front of them and cheese its as well doing a math activity.
Happy Thanksgiving from Ms. Buffington's Kindergarten class!
about 2 months ago, Gretna Elementary
Group of students, some sitting, some kneeling, and some standing, along with their teacher in front of an arch made of Thanksgiving colored balloons.