Gretna Public Schools educators participated in a districtwide Professional Development Day featuring breakout sessions on instruction, technology, wellness, and leadership, concluding with a keynote by Stephen Mackey on school culture and educator impact. Read more at https://www.gpsne.org/article/2642761 #BeGretnaGreat

2 days ago, Gretna Public School District
Superintendent Travis Lightle and Former Board Member David Gulizia speaking to GPS staff about negotiations
Four GPS Administration staff sitting in classroom waiting for teachers to attend their breakout session during GPS PD Day
teachers in front of classroom acting out different words and phrases
GPS staff on PD day spinning clay
GPS staff sitting in classroom learning for PD day
GPS staff on PD day learning coaching techniques
Speaker Stephen Mackey talking to GPS staff about what makes you different?
GPS staff sitting in a classroom learning on PD day
Mike Sortino speaking to GPS staff at PD day

🎬🍿 PTO Family Movie Night is THIS Friday! 🍿🎬

Join us for a fun family evening! Doors open at 6:15 PM, with the movie starting at 6:30 PM.

Feel free to bring blankets, pillows, and a lawn chair to get comfy. We’ll have popcorn and water available for everyone to enjoy!

Reminder: No other food or drinks will be allowed in the gym.

We can’t wait to see you there!

7 days ago, WENDI KISTLER
Flyer for PTO movie night this Friday. Showing Dog Man.

Congratulations to our December Students of the Month! These amazing students shined by demonstrating the pillar of Empathy. The ability to recognize and understand others’ feelings is a powerful character trait, and these students exemplified it beautifully. We are so proud of you all. Keep up the great work!

15 days ago, WENDI KISTLER
Picture of December students of the month recognized for Empathy.

Attention: We Are Hiring School Bus Drivers!

Our school district is looking for caring, dependable individuals to help transport our students safely to and from school each day.

If you enjoy working with children and want a meaningful role in your community, we’d love to have you on our team! Apply at www.gpsne.org

about 1 month ago, Gretna Public School District
Gretna Public Schools logo with photo of school bus "We Are Hiring - Drivers Part-Time 20+ Hrs per week CDL & Non CDL 19.60-29.40 Per Hour High Quality Vehicles Vehicle Technology Paid Training PTO & Sick Leave Apply at GPSNE.ORG
Thank you, ACE families, for your generosity with the food drive. We raised over 3,900 items to be donated to Gretna Neighbors. AMAZING!!!
about 1 month ago, WENDI KISTLER
Picture showing students in our kindness club around all the boxes of items donated for Gretna Neighbors.
The Kindness Club brought the holiday spirit to Hy-Vee last week! So proud of these kiddos for their amazing bell-ringing efforts and the joy they spread!
about 1 month ago, DELAYNE SPURGIN
A large group of approximately ten children, mostly girls, wearing winter coats, hats (including several Santa hats), and leggings, stand smiling in front of an automatic glass doorway of a store during the day.
The Kindness Club brought the holiday spirit to Hy-Vee last week! So proud of these kiddos for their amazing bell-ringing efforts and the joy they spread!
about 1 month ago, DELAYNE SPURGIN
A group of ten children, mostly boys, in winter coats and hats stand together outside during sunset. Several children are wearing string lights or other holiday accessories.
Three boys in winter hats and coats stand side-by-side outdoors at sunset. The boy in the middle holds a bell, and the boy on the right is wrapped in colorful oversized string lights.
Two young girls in dark winter puffer coats and pom-pom knit hats stand close together and smile at the camera outdoors at sunset. The girl on the right is wearing bright pink snow pants.
Five boys wearing winter clothing and Santa hats or knit hats stand in a line outdoors at sunset. Four of the boys are wrapped in oversized string lights or tinsel.
A group of seven children wearing winter coats, hats, and boots stand smiling in front of an automatic glass doorway of a store during the day. A Salvation Army sign is visible in the background near the doors. The child in the center front is kneeling.
Four girls wearing Santa hats and winter clothing stand smiling in front of a store entrance. A sign for The Salvation Army and a red donation kettle are visible between the girls in the center. The girl second from the right wears a green shirt and Christmas-themed pajama pants, while the girl on the far right wears red and black plaid pajama pants.
A group of four children—three girls and one boy—stand outside at night in winter coats and hats beneath a large, partially visible, illuminated sign that reads "Pharmacy." The boy on the far right wears a red and black jacket.
Four young boys in winter coats, gloves, and hats stand smiling in front of an automatic glass doorway of a store with a Salvation Army sign above and to the right of the entrance. The boy on the far left wears a green and yellow jacket, while the other three wear gray and black jackets.
A group of seven children, mostly girls, wearing winter coats and hats stand outside at night beneath a large, illuminated sign reading "Pharmacy" on a brown wooden-paneled wall. Some children are wearing Santa hats.
A group of six young girls stands smiling in front of a store entrance. They are all wearing winter jackets and Santa hats. The girls on the left and center are wrapped in colorful holiday string lights, and a Salvation Army donation kettle and sign are visible behind the group.
Tomorrow is the final day of the food drive! So far we have collected a little over 2,000 items. Thank you to all of you! Bring in as many items as you can to help support Gretna Neighbors Food Pantry for one last day.
about 1 month ago, DELAYNE SPURGIN
A graphic featuring a partial illustration of a green and white decorated Christmas ornament with a yellow cap and a red star above it, promoting the ACE Holiday Food Drive from December 8th to 12th. The page also contains a table detailing daily donation themes and suggested non-perishable food and essential items for each day of the week, with a note that the top class in each grade level will receive a special surprise.
Dr. Kendra Schneider Named New Director of Special Education
Gretna, NE – December 9, 2025

Gretna Public Schools is thrilled to announce Dr. Kendra Schneider as the new Director of Special Education, effective July 1, 2026, following Paul Duin’s retirement. Dr. Schneider has served as Assistant Director since 2021, leading program supervision, compliance, and professional learning initiatives.

“I’m extremely excited to serve as the Director of Special Education for Gretna Public Schools,” Dr. Schneider said. “Paul Duin has been an incredible mentor, and I’m honored to build upon the strong foundation and high-quality programs established by him and Deb Siemers, the previous Director of Special Education. I look forward to working alongside our talented special education team, collaborating with families, and ensuring every student receives the support they need. Gretna Public Schools’ commitment to excellence in special education is evident, and I’m eager to contribute to our continued growth and success.”

Superintendent Travis Lightle added, “We are excited to announce Dr. Schneider as our new Director of Special Education. Her leadership over the last five years has led to positive changes in our district, and our department’s retention rate remains the envy of the state because of it. Dr. Schneider’s experience and genuine dedication to Gretna Public Schools make her the ideal person to continue advancing our programs.”

Dr. Schneider brings more than 20 years of experience in special education and also serves as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. She holds a Doctorate and two Master’s degrees from the University of Nebraska and is actively involved in statewide initiatives advancing special education.
about 1 month ago, Gretna Public School District
photo of Kendra Schneider and text reading New Director of Special Education
ACE 4th & 5th Grade Kindness Club is collecting items all week long to help support Gretna Neighbors Food Pantry. Help Kindness Club out by brining in any of the items on the flyer any day this week.
about 1 month ago, DELAYNE SPURGIN
A graphic featuring a partial illustration of a green and white decorated Christmas ornament with a yellow cap and a red star above it, promoting the ACE Holiday Food Drive from December 8th to 12th. The page also contains a table detailing daily donation themes and suggested non-perishable food and essential items for each day of the week, with a note that the top class in each grade level will receive a special surprise.
2nd graders enjoyed making balloons for our annual Aspen Creek Elementary Thanksgiving parade!
about 2 months ago, BRITTNEY BRUNSWIG
Children getting ready for the balloon parade
Children taking a photo with their balloons
Children walking in a balloon parade
Congratulations to our November Students of the Month! 🎉
These amazing students shined by demonstrating the pillar of GRATITUDE. We’re so proud of you all! Keep up the great work!👏
about 2 months ago, WENDI KISTLER
Photo of ACE students of the month of November.
Fourth graders in Mrs. Anderson's class compete in the annual Thanksgiving Cranberry Tower Challenge. The goal was to create the tallest structure that could hold up the weight of a book using only cranberries and toothpicks.
about 2 months ago, SARAH ANDERSON
Four students gather around a table smiling and build a tower using cranberries.
Four students gather around a table smiling and build a tower using cranberries.
A structure made with cranberries and toothpicks - hexagonal
A student constructs a tower of toothpicks and cranberries.

Gretna Public Schools Board of Education Attends 2025 NASB State Education Conference

The Gretna Public Schools Board of Education spent two days at the 2025 NASB State Education Conference—Nebraska’s largest annual gathering for school board leaders. The event provides valuable training and collaboration on key topics such as legislative updates, emerging educational trends, student well-being, school safety, school finance, and effective district governance.

By participating, board members bring back insights that support informed decision-making and strengthen the long-term success of Gretna Public Schools. We appreciate their dedication to professional growth and continued service to our students, staff, and community.

2 months ago, Gretna Public School District
The Gretna Board of Education and Superintendent posing for a picture at the NASB State Conference
a selfie of the Gretna Board of Education at the NASB 2025 State Education Conference
Congratulations to our talented students! Lily, Layla, and Josie were recognized as winners in the Optimist Art Contest. They joined the Optimist Club for breakfast at Billy’s Cafe and received note cards featuring their artwork. Special shoutout to Josie for earning 1st place, whose artwork will now advance to the national competition!
2 months ago, Gretna Public School District
three students holding their artwork to for the Optimist Club to view
student holding their artwork of a girl facing the away from audience
student holding their artwork of a person standing on top of a mounting looking at the sunrise
student holding their artwork talking about it with the Optimist Club
three handdrawn art one of a girl in purple dress facing away, one of a tall mounting with person on top looking at sunset, one of the sun and moon
The Annual Community Report is Here!

Our school district’s Annual Community Report is now available on our website! It showcases our achievements, financial stewardship, and goals for the year ahead. We encourage all staff to take a few moments to review this important update and stay informed about our district’s progress.

View full report on our website https://tinyurl.com/5n8u3jk5
2 months ago, Gretna Public School District
Image of a bell and text reading Community Report - Available online visit our website under About or use the link below to view the full report.
Thursday’s Veterans Day Assembly was wonderful! Three 5th grade students proudly shared their Veterans Day essays, our 4th graders sang beautiful patriotic songs, and the VFW and American Legion Color Guard honored us with a moving presentation of the colors. We’re grateful to our veterans for their service and sacrifice! ❤️🤍💙
2 months ago, WENDI KISTLER
Photo of guest readers and the VFW and American Legion Color Guard.
Student reading his Veterans Day Essay during a school assembly.
Student reading his Veterans Day Essay during a school assembly.
Student reading his Veterans Day Essay during a school assembly.
4th grade students singing at the Veterans Day Assembly.

Aspen Creek Elementary loves it when Henry and Chaplain Jeff come to visit!
@henrythewonderdog

3 months ago, WENDI KISTLER
Two students petting Henry, the therapy dog.
Two girls petting Henry, the therapy dog.
Congratulations to our October Students of the Month! 🎉
These amazing students shined by demonstrating the pillar of RESPONSIBILITY. We’re so proud of you all! Keep up the great work!👏
3 months ago, WENDI KISTLER
Image showing students of the month of October.
Screenshot 2025-10-30 at 1
Book-tober was a success! Thank you to everyone who donated, we collected a huge stack of books to share with families in our community! 📚💛
3 months ago, WENDI KISTLER
Screenshot 2025-10-31 at 1