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.
4 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

4 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!

4 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

4 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.
4 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

4 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

4 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.

4 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
5 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
5 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
6 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
6 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”.
7 months ago, Gretna Public School District
Gretna Public Schools logo with QR code to Census link and text reading Please Respond ASAP
Palisades Elementary shined on April 30 during our incredible Art Show! The creativity and talent of our students were on full display, and we couldn't be prouder. A huge thank you to Mrs. Turczak for your dedication and hard work in bringing this night to life — it was truly wonderful! Catch a glimpse of the evening here: https://youtu.be/ODEo9J4h8m0 #BeGretnaGreat #PalisadesPride #ArtShow2025
7 months ago, Gretna Public School District
Gretna Educator Helps Guide CS Instruction at NETA Kim Ingraham-Beck, technology teacher at both Gretna High School and Gretna East High School, recently presented a breakout session at the Nebraska Educational Technology Association (NETA) Conference titled “I'm Teaching CS, Now What?” With Nebraska’s new computer science standards now required at every grade level, Kim’s session focused on helping educators—whether new or experienced—develop a clearer understanding of how to implement effective CS instruction. She provided practical strategies, classroom-tested resources, and ideas for boosting student engagement. Her work supports fellow educators while continuing to position Gretna Public Schools as a leader in technology integration and computer science education. #BeGretnaGreat #NETA2025 #ComputerScienceEducation #InstructionalLeadership #GretnaPublicSchools #EdTech
7 months ago, Gretna Public School District
GHS and GEHS teacher in front of an audience with screen presenting teaching material
high school teacher in front of a large screen presenting teachable machine to audience
Gretna Staff Member Presents at NETA Conference At this year’s Nebraska Educational Technology Association (NETA) Conference, Gretna East and Gretna High School Instructional Technology Coach Trina Popple led a session titled “The Great Escape: Designing Digital Escape Rooms to Boost Engagement.” Her presentation demonstrated how educators can use Genially to build digital escape rooms that serve as review games, encouraging students to collaborate, problem-solve, and stay engaged. The session was well attended and offered practical strategies for integrating technology into instruction. This presentation reflects the ongoing efforts of Gretna Public Schools staff to bring forward-thinking, student-centered approaches to the classroom. #BeGretnaGreat #NETA2025 #DigitalLearning #EdTech #InstructionalTechnology #GretnaPublicSchools
7 months ago, Gretna Public School District
large crowd gathered in a conference room while GHS teacher presents her designs
teacher speaking to a crowd in front of a large audience with The Great Escape on screen
large group gathered in conference room to learn from GHS teacher about creating engaging games for students
teacher presenting to a packed house on "The Great Escape" shown on the screen about creating games for students to boost engagment
Anannya Sahu, a 7th grader at Aspen Creek Middle School, won 1st place in the 2025 Virginia Frank Memorial Contest. She was one of 80 students in the 7th grade category and stood out among more than 350 applicants. Anannya’s creative fiction piece—featuring characters from books she loves—earned her the opportunity to present at UNO to parents, fellow winners, Omaha Public Library board members, and the executive director of OPL. In one of her first submissions, she earned $100 for herself and $100 for the Aspen Creek Middle School Library. Congratulations to Anannya for representing ACMS and Gretna with excellence.
7 months ago, Aspen Creek Middle School
Anannya Sahu speaking at UNO in front of fellow winners.
Anannya Sahu posing with flowers and 1st place award for the 2025 Virginia Frank Memorial Contest.
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
7 months ago, Gretna Public School District
Superintendent Travis Lightle leaning over the front of a bus seat speaking into a mic talking to the elementary students on the bus tour of Gretna
photo inside a bus tour of Gretna of students raising their hands
Superintendent Travis Lightle speaking to a bus full of students on the history tour of Gretna
When creativity connects classrooms, amazing things happen! First graders at Aspen Creek Elementary teamed up with art students from Gretna East High School for a special project that brought imagination to life. Each elementary student created a unique monster drawing in art class, which was then transformed into a real-life sculpture by the talented members of the GEHS Art Club. From sketch to sculpture, this collaboration was a powerful reminder that art inspires, connects, and builds community—no matter your age. This is what it means to Be Gretna Great—collaborating across schools, empowering students to lead, and using creativity to make meaningful connections. Huge shoutout to Mrs. Kelly at Aspen Creek Elementary and Mr. Kruse at Gretna East High School for making this magical partnership possible! #BeGretnaGreat
7 months ago, Gretna Public School District
students posing for the camera with their clay monsters ]
a tray of clay monsters sitting on top of their sketched versions
photo of monster sketches and clay creations
Don't miss out on summer fun! It's not too late to sign up for camps through the Gretna Playbook. The Playbook is your go-to guide for all summer camps at Gretna East and Gretna High Schools. Whether your child is in elementary, middle, or high school, there's something for everyone—based on the grade they’ll be entering in 2025-2026. The best part? It’s easy to sign up using the QR codes in the Playbook. You can also find more details at: https://tinyurl.com/4csk3k5v Start planning your child’s summer today! #BeGretnaGreat #GretnaPlaybook
7 months ago, Gretna Public School District
Images of kids in summer camp and text reading Gretna Playbook: Your Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun!