Celebrating Our Oratorical Contest Winners
The Gretna Optimist Club sponsors the annual Oratorical Contest, providing young people with a platform to express their perspectives on the world. This year’s topic, “How Optimism Has Guided Me Through Trying Times,” encouraged students to reflect on personal, national, or historical experiences—helping them develop both written and spoken expression skills while competing for college scholarships.
One of the judges, Kathy Johnson, shared, “I was moved in all sorts of emotional directions by these students’ stories. People just really have no idea of the weight kids carry.”
Theresa Huttman, Oratorical Contest Coordinator, added, “I always look forward to this particular Optimist event. I’m amazed by the bravery these students show in choosing to participate. They share their vulnerabilities in a competitive public speaking format, which most people would never choose to do. We are so very proud of each and every one of them.”
Superintendent Travis Lightle says, “Public speaking is a fear for many, so it’s truly impressive to see four high school students step up and share how optimism has helped them overcome adversity. Our future is in good hands.”
Congratulations to our winners:
Avery Johnson (GEHS) – 1st Place
Makayla Ingram (GHS) – 2nd Place
Alice Drummond (GHS) – 3rd Place
Gavin Luthi (GHS) – 4th Place
Each district-level winner will receive a scholarship to use at a college, university, or trade school.
We are incredibly proud of these students for sharing their voices and embracing the power of optimism. #BeGretnaGreat
Gretna High School Choirs Hit the Right Note
Evolution, Mod Ac, Concert Choir, and Revolution took their talents to Harvest Hills today, filling the gym with music and energy. They didn’t just perform—they put on a show.
Thinking about joining? This could be you next time. Music, friendships, and standing ovations are all part of the deal. #BeGretnaGreat #GretnaChoirs
The school board has approved updated middle school boundaries for the 2025-2026 school year with the opening of Giles Creek Middle School. These changes help balance enrollment and maintain strong educational opportunities. You can read the full article here: https://www.gpsne.org/article/2048704.
Please visit our website and click Boundary Map on the header. View the interactive map and select “Middle 25-26” to see where your student will attend next year: https://www.gpsne.org/page/boundary-map.
Math Curriculum Adoption Update
Today, we met with all staff to go over the math adoption plan. Our journey toward adopting a new K-12 Math Curriculum has been a thoughtful, collaborative process that started in September.
September: Defined our vision, analyzed data, and shared rubrics
October: Evaluated various curriculum options
November-December: Hosted Vendor Day and an Open House for feedback
December-January: Developed and implemented a field test
February: Selected and communicated our curriculum choice
March-June: We will work on pacing, scope and sequence, assessments, and professional development
Our belief is that all students can learn mathematics at high levels. We are committed to providing opportunities that develop problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and perseverance skills. With individualized support, students will gain confidence in applying mathematics in their daily lives.
#BeGretnaGreat #MathMatters #FutureReady
Due to anticipated extreme temperatures tomorrow morning, the Gretna Public Schools Preschool Open House is being postponed until Friday, March 7th from 8:00-9:00.
Families who have registered for a preschool placement for the 2025-2026 school year should check their email for additional details.
NO SCHOOL TOMORROW: Due to the forecasted extreme cold during arrival time, Gretna Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, February 19, 2025. As previously scheduled, there will also be no school on Thursday and Friday.
Elementary conferences planned for tomorrow will be rescheduled, with schools providing updated information at a later date.
School Closure Notice: Due to the Winter Storm Warning and forecasted hazardous conditions, Gretna Public Schools will be CLOSED tomorrow, February 12th. Stay safe.
Our talented freshmen from Gretna Public Schools shared their perspectives in the Optimist Club essay contest, "How Optimism Has Paved My Road to Success." Congratulations to our winners: 1st place Avery Comfort (GHS), 2nd place Berkley Eyman (GHS), and 3rd place Emane Tchabode (GEHS). Avery’s essay now advances to the district competition. Best of luck! #GretnaPride #GretnaOptimistClub
Jim Oliver, the 8th grade American History teacher at Gretna Middle School, was honored last night at the Nebraska VFW Mid-Winter Conference banquet with the Citizenship Education Teacher Award. Sponsored by VFW Post 107725 in Gretna, this award celebrates his strong commitment to teaching American history and promoting civic responsibility. His creative and engaging methods make history come alive in the classroom, inspiring students to understand and appreciate the values and traditions that shape our country. Congratulations to Mr. Oliver on this well-deserved recognition for his outstanding work!
2025-2026 GPS School Calendar
2026-2027 GPS School Calendar
For the first time ever, we are excited to announce that the school calendars for the next two years, 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, are now available!
A special thank you to the Calendar Committee for their time and effort in making this possible. These calendars will allow families to plan vacations and time away well in advance, ensuring students can avoid missing valuable school days.
You can find the calendars under the "Parents" section on all school websites and are available in Printable Flyers for your convenience.
Gretna Public Schools proudly celebrates Andy Boone, Director of Assessment, for receiving the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)—the highest national honor for K-12 STEM educators! Join us in congratulating Andy Boone for this incredible achievement! Read more: https://www.gpsne.org/article/1975967
Gretna Public Schools Professional Development Day
Yesterday was an exciting day for educators at Gretna Public Schools! Teachers and staff came together for a day filled with learning, growth, and connection.
From inspiring sessions to breakout discussions on real-world classroom strategies, the event fostered collaboration and engagement among our educators. This Professional Development Day showcased the district's commitment to teacher growth and improving education for all.
Read more: https://www.gpsne.org/article/1976801
Due to an extreme cold warning during arrival time, there will be no school tomorrow, January 21st. Please stay warm and safe. We will provide additional updates as needed.
Additionally, any updates regarding high school activities will be made later in the day and communicated from the buildings. Stay tuned for more information.
Gretna Public Schools Strategic Plan: Advancing Our Vision
Today, district administrators collaborated on the phases of implementation for the Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment initiatives within our Strategic Plan. Through in-depth discussions and breakout sessions, they developed actionable strategies to ensure these initiatives are effectively integrated into our schools.
This ongoing work is essential to transforming our vision into measurable progress, fostering excellence in education, and strengthening outcomes for students, staff, and the community.
Learn more about the Strategic Plan by visiting any of our school websites and selecting "Strategic Plan" from the top menu.
https://www.gpsne.org/o/district/page/strategic-plan
At the January 13, 2025, Board of Education meeting, Rick Hollendieck, Kyle Janssen, and Dawn Stock were officially sworn in as newly elected board members. Following the oath, the board elected its officers for the year:
Rick Hollendieck – President
Kyle Janssen – Vice President
Dawn Stock – Secretary
Mark Hauptman – Treasurer
Their leadership will help guide the district in achieving its strategic goals, ensuring continued support for students, staff, and the community.
Thank you to all our board members for their dedication to education!
The Gretna Public Schools Community Report is here!
This annual report showcases the incredible achievements, updates, and stories from across our district. It’s a great way to see how our students, staff, and schools are thriving.
Find the Community Report here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TUp8Li6dzRy-DOrs1EauvX0XhjOxqK1D/view?usp=sharing or on our website at www.gpsne.org under About > About Us.
Thank you for your continued support of Gretna Public Schools!
A huge shoutout to the TES Music Makers 5th graders for bringing the beat — and a light show! — to the district office. You made our day buckets better! Thank you for sharing your talent and energy with us!
A heartfelt thank you to the Gretna High School Show Choirs and their parents for the delicious cookies! 🍪 Our Transportation Department works tirelessly throughout the year, especially during the busy competition season, to make sure our students get where they need to go safely and on time — even during those long and sometimes hectic hours.
This big gesture of appreciation is a big reminder of the care and dedication that makes our community so special. Thank you for thinking of our drivers!
Schedule Changes Due to Weather 🌧️
ACT Testing at GHS is postponed (new date TBD).
GHS Cheer Competition starts at 11AM.
GEHS Dance Competition starts at 12 PM.
Thank you for your understanding and flexibility.
Our talented Gretna Elementary School KidStyle students went on a magical musical tour throughout the community today, filling hearts with holiday joy! Their final stop? The district office, where they shared their beautiful voices with us after a long day of spreading cheer.
Thank you, students, for lighting up our day and keeping the holiday spirit alive!
