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.
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.
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.
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.
Welcome to The Gretna Way!
Please join us in welcoming our newest members of the Gretna Public Schools family!
We’re excited to have these new faces joining us for the 2026-27 school year. Each person brings their own experiences, talents, and energy to our schools, and we can’t wait to see the impact they will have on our students and staff.
We hope they quickly feel at home, find their people, make meaningful connections, and experience what makes Gretna such a special place to work.
Welcome to the team! We’re glad you’re here and excited to have you as part of The Gretna Way. Here’s to a great year of supporting one another, finding joy, and spreading it every day!
We’re officially getting ready for another great school year!
This morning, our staff came together for our Back to School All Staff Meeting, and it was great to see everyone back, reconnecting with colleagues, sharing a few laughs, and getting excited for what’s ahead.
Our district office team took a quick photo to celebrate the start of the year and the incredible people who help make Gretna Public Schools such a special place.
As we prepare to welcome students back next week, we’re reminded that the Gretna Way is all about the relationships we build, the support we provide, and the joy we bring to our work each day.
We’re ready for another great year and can’t wait to see our students back in our schools soon!
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.
Gretna Public Schools is honored to announce that Superintendent Travis Lightle has been selected as a recipient of the Humanex Exemplar Education Award.
This distinguished recognition celebrates leaders in education who demonstrate a lasting and multiplying impact within their schools and communities. Honorees are recognized for inspiring excellence, developing talent, and positively influencing the lives of students, staff, and the broader community in ways that extend well beyond the present.
Superintendent Lightle’s leadership reflects a deep commitment to educational excellence and community impact. This award highlights the meaningful difference he continues to make within Gretna Public Schools and beyond.
Over the past few weeks, Gretna Public Schools welcomed our newest staff members during New Staff Orientation at the District Office. Through training sessions, shared meals, and opportunities to connect with colleagues and district staff, they began building relationships and learning more about the GPS community.
We are excited to welcome these new team members and look forward to the many ways they will support, inspire, and make a difference for our students. Welcome to Gretna Public Schools!
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
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.
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.
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.
Superintendent Travis Lightle spoke today at the Annual State of the City Address at Journey Church to share updates on the continued momentum in Gretna. Thank you to the Gretna Chamber of Commerce and Journey Church for hosting the event.
Superintendent Lightle highlighted the growth of Gretna Public Schools, including Strategic Plan progress and accomplishments, the history and expansion of both the community and school district, and a strong 95% teacher retention rate. He also provided updates on budget and levy history and reinforced the importance of the Gretna Way.
The Gretna Way means accepting all students unconditionally and maximizing their potential. Gretna Public Schools continues to attract and retain incredible educators who live out this commitment every day. We are a community of professionals who understand that our work is challenging, demanding, and immensely rewarding.
Community leaders also provided updates on major developments shaping Gretna’s future, including the new City Hall Community Complex and Library, Buc-ee’s, the 192nd and I-80 interchange, Nebraska Medicine,.
Erica Walsh delivered an engaging and interactive presentation at the National Educational Technology Association (NETA) Conference today titled “Animating Learning: Stop Motion Projects in Canva.”
Participants explored how students can demonstrate their understanding through creative stop motion projects using Canva. The session featured real student examples, step by step guidance for launching projects, and access to free tutorials that make the technology approachable for all learners.
Attendees left not only inspired, but with their own completed stop motion creations ready to bring dynamic, creative learning experiences back to their classrooms.
#BeGretnaGreat #NETA
Fifth grade High Ability Learner (HAL) students from across Gretna Public Schools recently gathered at the District Office for a morning focused on problem-solving, collaboration, and community building.
Students worked together in teams to solve engaging math challenges while connecting with peers who share a passion for learning. High school HAL students volunteered their time to support each group, helping guide discussions and encourage deeper thinking.
The event provided a valuable opportunity for students to collaborate across schools, strengthen their problem-solving skills, and build connections within the district. It was inspiring to see students engaged, working together, and enjoying the challenge of mathematics.
Our school board recently attended a national conference in San Antonio focused on strengthening leadership, improving governance, and enhancing student learning. During the event, board members engaged with education leaders from across the country, explored innovative programs and technologies, and gained valuable insights into child development.
We look forward to applying what was learned to continue supporting student success and strengthening our schools.
We look forward to applying what was learned to continue supporting student success and strengthening our schools.
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.
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
Board Members Spread Staff Appreciation Across Schools
This week, members of the Board of Education and district administration are visiting every school to deliver small staff appreciation gifts. It’s always a joy to see Board members engage with staff and celebrate their incredible dedication.
A big thank you to our Board for taking the time to recognize the amazing work happening in classrooms and offices across the district, and to our staff for your kindness and flexibility during these visits. Your commitment to our students and community never goes unnoticed!
This week, members of the Board of Education and district administration are visiting every school to deliver small staff appreciation gifts. It’s always a joy to see Board members engage with staff and celebrate their incredible dedication.
A big thank you to our Board for taking the time to recognize the amazing work happening in classrooms and offices across the district, and to our staff for your kindness and flexibility during these visits. Your commitment to our students and community never goes unnoticed!
No School Tomorrow: Due to unsafe road conditions across the district, Gretna Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, February 20, 2026. Any activities and events will be communicated directly by buildings, coaches and sponsors. Please stay warm and safe. For additional information, visit our website or follow us on social media.
NO SCHOOL ALERT - Due to the Winter Storm Warning and hazardous conditions predicted at dismissal, Gretna Public Schools will be CLOSED February 19, 2026. Any activities and events will be communicated directly by buildings, coaches and sponsors. Please stay warm and safe. For additional information, visit our website or follow us on social media.
