This week, we’ve been welcoming new team members to Gretna Public Schools as they begin their onboarding and orientation process. Whether in the classroom, administration, support roles, or operations, these dedicated professionals are learning about our district’s mission, values, and commitment to student success. We’re proud to grow our team with passionate individuals who play a vital role in building a strong foundation for a lifetime of success for every student.
#BeGretnaGreat #NewStaff #GretnaPublicSchools #BuildingOurFuture #TeamGretna
Attention All Gretna Residents!
Thank you to everyone who has already completed the annual Census. If you haven’t yet, please take a moment to complete it by June 18th. Your participation is vital—it helps shape the future of Gretna and supports the growth of our school district.
There are four easy ways to complete the Census:
• Fill out the form directly.
• Scan the QR code.
• Use the postcard you received in the mail.
• Visit www.gpsne.org and click on “GPS Census.”
We appreciate your time and help with this important community effort!
Census Form: https://tinyurl.com/n4hrvuj6
Thomas Elementary has multiple para-educator positions open for the 2025-2026 school year. Flexible scheduling/days of the week & hours (up to 29.5 per week). You can apply for the positions listed above by going to the following website: https://gpsne.schoolspring.com/
Open Positions include:
*Classified Building Para Educator (KG/1st Grade) (Mon.-Fri. - 8:15-2:15 PM)
*Classified Special Education Para Educator (Pre-K) (M-Th.. 7:30 AM - 3:15 PM & Off Fri.)
When you apply online, please put a note on the application about Thomas Elem. being your preference school within the school district. If you have questions, please contact Mr. Basye at (402) 332-5578 or email bbasye@gpsne.org for more information.
Attention all residents of Gretna! You will soon receive mail from the Gretna Public School District regarding the census, which must be completed as soon as possible. The great news is that you don’t have to wait for the mail! You can complete the census using one of the following three methods:
• Go directly to the form at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScS7yXo4YjhWgSZw-9dII8BaAAcqckBlQE0o6RQfyztsi-z8w/viewform
• Scan the QR code.
• Visit www.gpsne.org and select “GPS Census”.
For the 2025-26 school year, we will be working with a company called School Speciality to provide families with the opportunity to purchase all the school supplies for next year with one click of a button.
Online store open: April 30th - May 23rd
Order Online at: www.ShopTTkits.com
Enter Thomas Elementary's Account #: 44513
These supply kits will then be packaged and shipped directly to Thomas Elementary and placed in your child's classroom for open house, which is on Monday, Aug. 11th, 2025.
Congratulations to Maddy (1st place), Mitchell (2nd place), and Jameson (3rd place) for their winning poster designs in the annual Gretna Arbor Society poster contest. The theme of this years contest was 'Give New Life to Your Yard'. Thank you Mr. Naylor for your support of our students as they completed their posters.
TES 1st graders are 'showing-off' their reading skills to 2nd graders. Great work 1st graders and thanks to our 2nd graders for being a great audience.
Mrs. Wagner's kindergarten students used persuasive writing to convince Mr. Basye to have an ice cream party! They obviously got the job done! Great work kindergarten friends!
First grade students have been learning about how worms and roly-polies help plants grow. We were able to hold them and observe them wiggling and tunneling.
TES kindergarten students learned about different habitats today at school. Who knew we had a desert, tundra, rainforest, and an ocean here at Thomas.!
For more than 15 years, Gretna Public Schools' third graders have participated in a one-of-a-kind tradition: a history tour of Old Gretna led by the Superintendent. From the original jail and blacksmith shop to the first schoolhouse site, students explore key pieces of the town’s past while gaining pride in their community.
#BeGretnaGreat #GretnaGuardians #GPSHistoryTour
We are excited to be hosting a Read and Feed in April! Our topic will be on kindness and friendship so come join us for supper, a great book, and some fun family activities. If you are planning on joining us, please complete the registration form so we can plan for food. Looking forward to seeing you on April 10th!
Don't miss out on our upcoming PTO events!
Introducing the first-ever Gretna Playbook! Your one-stop guide to all summer camps at Gretna East & Gretna High Schools. Whether your child is in elementary, middle, or high school, there is a camp for them-based on the grade your child will be entering in 2025-2026. These camps are open to all students-no matter which high school they will attend. QR codes for easy registration! Start planning your summer fun today! You can also find more details on our school websites' News sections. https://tinyurl.com/4csk3k5v #BeGretnaGreat #GretnaPlaybook
Thomas Elementary students participated in their spring bus evacuation drill. Thanks Mr. Gary for helping us learn how to stay safe while riding the bus.
Important Update for Gretna Families Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, Gretna Public Schools will implement a new 10-point grading scale and transition to an A-F reporting system. This change is part of our District Strategic Plan and is backed by research from our K-12 District Grading Committee. Read the full news article on the district and any school website.
New Grading Scale (2025-2026):
A: 90-100
B: 80-89
C: 70-79
D: 60-69
F: Below 60
Why the Change?
• Better alignment with colleges and other schools • Clearer representation of student achievement
Timeline:
• Fall 2025: New grading scale begins
• 2025-2026: Ongoing updates to grading practices
What about past grades?
Grades earned before 2025-2026 will remain the same and not be adjusted.
We’re committed to ensuring a smooth transition for all! For more details, read the full news article on any district and school website or reach out to your school administrator.
#BeGretnaGreat #BuildingAFutureTogether #GradingUpdate
This week first graders are learning the R controlled vowel 'ar'. Students in Mrs. Foral's 1st grade class made pirate hats to play the part!
Our Thomas families rock! We were able to collect 31 boxes of donations for the Gretna Neighbors Food Pantry. Thank you for your generosity!
Thomas Elementary students wore specific colors based on grade level and took a picture to celebrate 'Read Across America Week'.
3 Supernova vball players (Kayla Caffey, Allison Whitten, & Mac Podraza) came to help celebrate 'Read Across America' week. What a cool experience for our kids! Thanks to Missy Hansen for your help.
