This morning, Gretna Public Schools staff gathered at Gretna East High School to enjoy breakfast, great company, and the chance to reconnect before the new school year begins.

In the auditorium, Superintendent Travis Lightle reminded us of our WHY, the reason we show up, connect, and make a difference every single day. Every interaction is an opportunity to create a lasting memory for a child and to give them the most powerful gift we can: unconditional acceptance.

He reminded us that the students who challenge us the most are often the ones who need us the most. Our mission this year is clear: ensure EVERY child feels seen, valued, and accepted.

We also celebrated staff for their years of service and recognized those who received letters for outstanding work. What a wonderful way to begin the year together.

Thank you to Ranae Duncan for capturing these moments.

#RememberYourWhy #BeGretnaGreat #EveryChildEveryDay

5 months ago, Gretna Public School District
Gretna East auditorium filled with all staff gathering for speech for new year
a group of staff members sitting in auditorium seating at GEHS smiling for camera
Gretna East cafeteria tables filled with staff members gathering for breakfast
circle of 4 staff members laughing and talking with each other
Superintendent Travis Lightle shaking hands with a staff member earning 20 years of service award
GPS board members in cafeteria talking to staff members
two staff members sitting in auditorium seating smiling at the camera
staff members seated in the auditorium waiting for speech to start
a long table in cafeteria filled with staff members laughing together and talking
board member with staff members talking in groups in cafeteria

This morning, our incredible District Office staff gathered in the parking lot before heading to the all staff workshop at Gretna East High School. These behind-the-scenes leaders work tirelessly to keep the district running smoothly and when things don’t go as planned, they’re often the first to take the brunt of it. Still, they show up with smiles, solutions, and a strong spirit of collaboration. Their work is often underappreciated, but their impact is immeasurable. We’re grateful for every one of them. #BeGretnaGreat

5 months ago, Gretna Public School District
a group of nine district office staff members who are all smiles standing in the parking lot of the district office headed out to the all staff meeting
Special Education Paraprofessionals gathered today at Gretna East High School to prepare for the upcoming school year. They engaged in training focused on best practices and strategies to support students of all ages based on their individual needs. With 102 paras in attendance, our highest turnout yet, we are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated and talented team. Our teachers and students couldn’t do it without them! #BeGretnaGreat
5 months ago, Gretna Public School District
a large group of paraprofessionals sitting in the "black box" at Gretna East High School listening to five presenters about Special Education training
102 special education paraprofessionals gathered in a large room listening to a presenter speak about the strategies for supporting students
a group of paraprofessionals standing in the "black box" at Gretna East High School for special education training
Gretna Public Schools Parents/Guardians,

We are currently experiencing high traffic on NebSIS Family as many parents/guardians are logging in to view schedules and letters. As a result, some users may notice that their documents are loading slowly. They should appear once system traffic decreases.

If you have already completed Student Verification, please do not submit it again. We kindly ask for your patience and recommend trying again later. If schedules or letters are still not loading after a few hours, please feel free to contact us for assistance.

Thank you so much for your understanding, and we apologize for the inconvenience this may cause.

Gretna Public Schools Administration
5 months ago, Gretna Public School District
Gretna Public Schools logo with a "G" and text reading NebSis delays high traffic alert
Officers from the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office joined Mr. Sortino, Executive Director of Student Services, and our School Resource Officers to prepare for the upcoming school year. The group reviewed schedules, safety audits, and expectations—while also reaffirming our shared goal of building strong, positive relationships between SROs and students. We want every student to feel supported and know they have another trusted adult to turn to when they need help. We’re truly thankful for the ongoing collaboration with the Sheriff’s Office. #BeGretnaGreat
5 months ago, Gretna Public School District
A large group of SRO and police officers surrounding a table at Gretna Public Schools district office all smiling at the camera
We’re so grateful to Journey Church for hosting a breakfast to welcome our newest Gretna Public Schools staff members! It was a warm and thoughtful way to start their journey—as both educators and members of the Gretna community. Thank you for your support and hospitality!
5 months ago, Gretna Public School District
photos of all new staff to Gretna Public Schools - 76 new staff members on the stairs inside Aspen Middle School
Journey Church kitchen working on breakfast in the kitchen to host the new staff members
Two people standing together behind a table at Journey Church to host new staff members
Journey Church members standing at the breakfast buffet to serve the new staff members from Gretna Public Schools
Superintendent Travis Lighte standing in front of staff members at Journey Church speaking to the new staff
A large group of GPS new staff members sitting at round tables in a gathering area at Journey Church
A large group of new staff members seated around tables in a large room while Superintendent Travis LIghtle presents in front
Gretna Public Schools administrators and coaches completed their annual CPR certification training this week. This required training ensures all staff are prepared to respond in emergency situations and reinforces our ongoing commitment to student safety.
5 months ago, Gretna Public School District
nurse directing staff member of gretna public schools on cpr training on a mannequin
classroom of gretna public school coaches and admin training with nurses on CPR and AED
nurse guiding gretna public school coach on AED and CPR
classroom of gretna public school admin and coaches training on CPR
Gretna public school elementary principal amy falcone training on CPR
We’re proud to welcome our dedicated substitute teachers as they prepare for the 2025–2026 school year. Training and onboarding took place today at the new Giles Creek Middle School. Superintendent Travis Lightle joined the group to offer a warm welcome and share his appreciation for their important role in supporting students across Gretna Public Schools.
5 months ago, Gretna Public School District
all Gretna Public schools substitute teachers sitting in the cafeteria listening to a presenter
superintendent of gretna public school presenting to all new substitutes for the new school year
presenter speaking to new substitutes in the Giles Creek Middle school cafeteria with projector in background above stage.

New staff continued their training this week with a focus on foundational reading skills. Led by our incredible district reading specialists, teachers explored practical strategies to help students become confident, capable readers. #BeGretnaGreat

6 months ago, Gretna Public School District
Large group of new teachers gathered for training on new reading techniques all smiles and collaborating between desks.
classroom of new teachers sitting at desks all eyes on presenter at the whiteboard showing reading techniques
group of seven teachers sitting in classroom at desks collaborating and smiling with each other
Presenter speaking to new teachers in front of classroom while staff is sitting at the student's desks
Large classroom of teachers laughing and sharing ideas with each other

New staff kicked off the week with reading and math training, and the energy has been fantastic. We’re looking forward to even more learning, connection, and celebration as welcome events continue for both new and returning staff. The countdown to the new year is on!

6 months ago, Gretna Public School District
New staff engaged in learning about curriculum around tables with laptops and tv displaying reading choices
new staff gathered around tables in conference rooms in discussion and collaboration
large conference room filled with new staff engaged in learning new curriculum for math
tables filled with open laptops and water bottles at and two new staff members in discussion
presenter walking through conference room with tables filled with new staff in discussion and tv projecting video debrief
new staff at large tables grouped together looking at tv displaying video of math curriculum

Welcome to our newest special education team members!

New special education teachers, school psychologists, speech-language pathologists, and behavior facilitators gathered to dive into all things special education in Gretna.

They explored the special education website, practiced IEP writing, and engaged in meaningful conversations about delivering high-quality, individualized services to students.

Both the elementary and secondary groups brought thoughtful questions and strong collaboration. We’re excited to welcome this talented group to our district.

#GretnaPride #SpecialEducation #NewStaff

6 months ago, Gretna Public School District
several GPS staff members sitting at a group of tables discussing with laptop open
three GPS staff members at large tables working on laptops
Group of GPS staff members engaged in a discussion in large conference room
GPS staff members at table working on laptops
More parade highlights from Gretna Days. The band brought the energy, the bus rolled through with pride, and the soccer team showed up strong! Huge thanks to all the staff who helped plan, participate, and celebrate these great schools — your support means everything.
6 months ago, Gretna Public School District
Gretna East students walking in Gretna Days parade
Gretna East soccer girls walking in Gretna Days parade with a sign reading Gretna Girls Soccer
Gretna East show choir in Gretna Days parade walking beside float of a rock
Gretna East bus at Gretna Days parade

Gretna Public Schools showed up in full force for Gretna Days.
From students in the band and on floats to staff waving from the crowd, and even one of our school buses rolling through the parade. It was a proud day for our community.
Thank you to everyone who helped make it a day to remember. We’re excited to see you all again soon.
#BeGretnaGreat

6 months ago, Gretna Public School District
Gretna Days Bus with Kids2
Gretna Days parade with float of a Gretna schools birthday cake celebrate 65 years
Gretna Days parade with Gretna Middle school marching band marching with their instruments
Gretna Days parade with Gretna Elementary wagon filled with people celebrating 65 years
Gretna Days parade with students marching and playing instruments

District Leaders Gather at DLR to Prepare for the New School Year
This week, all building administrators came together at DLR for a district-wide leadership meeting. The day focused on collaboration, strategic planning, and student-centered goals. These meetings provide a valuable opportunity for our leaders to align efforts, share insights, and prepare for a successful year ahead.

We are grateful for their continued leadership and dedication to building strong school communities.

#BeGretnaGreat

6 months ago, Gretna Public School District
photo of GPS administration sitting at tables with laptops at DLR for back to school planning
photo of GPS administration at DLR for back to school planning

Our secretaries and nurses joined us at the District Office today for a collaborative session focused on preparing for the new school year. From refreshing daily processes to sharing insights, their work is vital to creating a smooth and welcoming start for all. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.

6 months ago, Gretna Public School District
Ten secretaries and nurses at several different tables in conference room with television projecting slideshow
tables and chairs filled with several secretaries and nurses from GPS in conference rooms listening to Karryn Wilcox
Three GPS staff members nurse and secretaries sitting at a desk in conference room takings notes
conference room filled with secretaries and nurses with slideshow projecting on television screens
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
7 months ago, Gretna Public School District
New Staff Members learning about technology at Gretna Public Schools
New Staff at Gretna Public Schools in a large conference room learning about technology provided to students and staff
New GPS staff at tables with their laptops learning about technology during onboarding
Bright new staff faces at the onboarding at the administration building
New GPS Staff getting one on one help as needed during onboarding
20D18713-5FBC-4B7E-B932-9F010AE56F78
Televisions on wall in conference room with several new staff members learning about GPS technology during onboarding
New Staff at Gretna Public Schools getting hands on with their technology equipment
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://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScS7yXo4YjhWgSZw-9dII8BaAAcqckBlQE0o6RQfyztsi-z8w/viewform
7 months ago, Gretna Public School District
GPS logo with a "G" and text reading 2025 Census Please Respond ASAP
Change your plans and get ready to cheer earlier than expected. The Gretna East State Championship Game has been moved to 1:00 PM tomorrow (instead of 5:30 PM). Catch the action on Nebraska Public Television as we support the Griffins! #BeGretnaGreat #GretnaEast #StateChamps
8 months ago, Gretna Public School District
Gretna East Griffin logo with text reading "Important Announcement"
We’re proud of our young artists. Eight talented Gretna Public Schools students in grades 3–5 entered the Optimist Club’s art contest, creating pieces based on the theme “Bringing Out the Best.” The Optimist Club selected the top three entries, and today those winners were invited to share their artwork at the Optimist Club breakfast. Each student received a set of notecards featuring their artwork on the front, and the Optimist Club will use additional printed sets as Thank You notes. Congratulations to our winners (pictured left to right): Cora Michalski, 3rd grade, Whitetail Leah Pedersen, 3rd grade, Palisades Harper Doeden, 3rd grade, Whitetail #BeGretnaGreat #StudentSuccess #GretnaPride #BringingOutTheBest
8 months ago, Gretna Public School District
the three winning students holding their artwork for a "Bringing Out the Best" contest
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”.
8 months ago, Gretna Public School District
Gretna Public Schools logo with QR code to Census link and text reading Please Respond ASAP