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.

1 day ago, Gretna Public School District
Gretna Public Schools smiling new teacher at breakfast celebrating their first year
Gretna Public Schools 3 new teachers at breakfast tables eating and talking
Gretna Public Schools new teacher smiling at another teacher at breakfast
Gretna Public Schools new teacher at breakfast celebrating their upcoming new year
room of new staff members for Gretna Public Schools smiling and talking to each other
a group of new staff members gathered together eating breakfast and talking at tables
Principal Jake Runyon sitting with new staff members at Journey church breakfast for Gretna Public Schools
a group of new staff members talking together at breakfast gathering
a large room filled with round tables and new staff sitting and enjoying breakfast for Gretna Public Schools
Gretna Public schools Superintendent Travis Lightle speaking to the new teachers at Journey Church breakfast

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.

2 days ago, Gretna Public School District
a large group of staff members sitting in chairs engaged in listening and watching presentation.
a large group of staff members sitting in the black box theater room listening to a presenter at the front of the room
Please help us welcome our newest classroom teachers to the Aspen Creek family! 💛💚 We can't wait for everyone to get to know these amazing educators throughout the school year!
14 days ago, WENDI KISTLER
Image of our new 5th grade teacher.
Image of our new 3rd grade teacher and her family.
Image of our new 5th grade teacher.

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.

29 days ago, Gretna Public School District

Fifth graders end science with an egg drop experiment. I don't know who had more fun with the project...Mr. L or the fifth graders!!!

3 months ago, LAURA HEINKE
Kids celebrating their egg drop
Kids celebrating their egg drop
Kids celebrating their egg drop
Kids celebrating their egg drop
Kids celebrating their egg drop
Kids celebrating their egg drop
Kids celebrating their egg drop
Kids celebrating their egg drop
Kids celebrating their egg drop
Kids celebrating their egg drop
The countdown is officially on at Aspen Creek Elementary! With only a few days left until summer break, our students took to the sidewalks today for a special "Chalk the Walk" celebration.
3 months ago, DELAYNE SPURGIN
A group of five young girls sits in a circle on a sidewalk path, collaborating on a chalk drawing. They are surrounded by green grass, and in the background, other students are visible playing and drawing further down the path near a school playground.
A close-up of a completed chalk drawing on a sidewalk square. The message "Is It Summer Yet?" is written in large, bubbly blue letters, framed by two hand-drawn palm trees. In the bottom right corner, it is humorously signed "-the teachers" in smaller white script.
Three young boys are working with sidewalk chalk on a concrete path next to a grassy field. Two boys are kneeling, drawing large circles and rectangular borders with yellow and white chalk, while a third boy in a blue athletic shirt stands by watching. Several pieces of colorful chalk lie in the grass nearby.
A young boy in a black t-shirt and orange sneakers squats on a winding sidewalk, carefully drawing a palm tree with white and yellow chalk. In the distant background, a suburban neighborhood with modern houses and a grey street is visible under an overcast sky.
Two boys kneel on a sidewalk, adding details to a large collection of chalk drawings. One boy in a red shirt draws a square, while the other in a black shirt works on a nearby design. The sidewalk is covered in various shapes and faint words, with a neighborhood and rolling green hills visible behind them.

Congratulations to our incredible 5th Graders on a spectacular final elementary Night of Memories program.

To kick off the program, we shared a special tribute featuring every student and their favorite elementary school memory. Check out the video below.

Night of Memories 2026

3 months ago, DELAYNE SPURGIN
An event flyer with a black-and-white composition notebook pattern background, featuring colorful, retro-style stickers scattered around the edges.
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.
3 months ago, Gretna Public School District
Graphic listing Gretna Public Schools Summer Library locations and schedules. Whitetail Creek Elementary: Wednesdays from 9:00-11:00 a.m., June 3 through July 29. Falling Waters Elementary: Tuesdays from 9:00-11:00 a.m., June 2 through July 28. Harvest Hills Elementary: Wednesdays from 9:00-11:00 a.m., June 3-24 and July 15-29. Palisades Elementary: Every other Wednesday from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on June 10 and 24 and July 8 and 22. Aspen Creek Middle School: First and third Wednesdays from 12:00-2:00 p.m. on June 3 and 17 and July 1 and 15. Gretna High School: Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on June 10, July 1, and July 15.
Congratulations to our April Students of the Month!
These students did an incredible job demonstrating the pillar of courage, showing us all the importance of facing challenges with bravery and standing up for what is right, even when it’s difficult. We are so proud to recognize each of them!
3 months ago, WENDI KISTLER
Pictures showing Aspen Creek's students of the month in April.
Congratulations to our running clubs! They did an outstanding job at the Guardian Run on Saturday!
4 months ago, WENDI KISTLER
Picture of the Aspen Creek boy's running club.
Picture of the Aspen Creek girls' running club.
Picture of Aspen Creek running club coaches and ACE principal.
Picture of the Aspen Creek running club coaches.
Image showing the scoreboard at the Guardian Run.

A huge round of applause to these talented students for winning this year's Arbor Day Poster Contest!

On Thursday evening, the Gretna Arbor Society officially recognized their hard work and creativity. It’s inspiring to see our youth using their art to highlight the importance of trees and conservation in our community.

4 months ago, WENDI KISTLER
Picture of Mrs. Kelly and three students who won the Arbor Day poster contest.
Our Sole Sisters and Aspen Aces have been putting in the miles and the smiles as they prepare for the 2026 Gretna Guardian Run!

4th and 5th graders have been working hard in the weeks leading up to the big event. Whether they’re sprinting down the sidewalks or cheering each other on, they are embodying the spirit of the Guardian Run: doing THEIR best and having fun!

We can’t wait to see all of the Gretna elementary running clubs from across the district come together this Saturday, April 25th at 8:30.

A huge thank you to our volunteer coaches and parents for supporting these kids and making this season possible.
4 months ago, DELAYNE SPURGIN
A group of about 20 young boys and two adult male coaches standing together on a black running track for a team photo. The boys are wearing various athletic shirts and shorts, with some wearing sunglasses. One boy in the center wears a navy "Golden State" jersey with the number 30. They are positioned in front of a stadium bleacher structure and a small press box. The sky is bright blue with light, wispy clouds, and the sun creates soft shadows on the track.
A wide-angle, eye-level shot of a large group of approximately 30 young girls standing in a long line across a black running track. They are dressed in colorful athletic wear—shorts, t-shirts, and tank tops—and are smiling at the camera under a bright, clear blue sky. In the background, a large school building and several yellow school buses are visible. The perspective of the white lane lines on the track converges toward the bottom of the frame.
So incredibly proud of the Aspen Creek and Harvest Hills 5th Grade Choirs! 🎶 They put on a fantastic collaborative music program. It was wonderful to see these two schools come together and make such beautiful music. They did a great job! 👏✨
4 months ago, WENDI KISTLER
Picture of our 5th grade choir performance.

Huge shoutout to our incredible PTO for making us feel absolutely special during Staff Appreciation Week! 🍎✨

You truly went above and beyond to spoil us this week. Our hearts (and stomachs) are so full!

4 months ago, WENDI KISTLER
Thank you post for our PTO.

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.

4 months ago, Gretna Public School District
Join us on April 30th for our Annual PTO Carnival! Save $5 when you purchase your wristband in advance!
4 months ago, WENDI KISTLER
Flyer with information on it for our annual PTO carnival.

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

4 months ago, Gretna Public School District
Mrs. Diamond's class held their Starbooks Cafe writing celebration. They shared their completed fairy tales with family!
4 months ago, DELAYNE SPURGIN
A student in a green apron smiles while sitting at a desk with an adult. They are holding a Starbucks-branded paper cup and a packet of the student's writing titled "The Three Little Pigs."
A smiling student stands beside a seated woman at a classroom desk. The desk is decorated with a "Starbooks Espresso Menu" and several handwritten stories with colorful illustrations.
A smiling student stands beside a seated woman at a classroom desk. The desk is decorated with a "Starbooks Espresso Menu" and several handwritten stories with colorful illustrations.
An elementary student wearing a green apron sits at a desk and looks up with a smile while sharing a notebook of handwritten work with a woman sitting next to him.
A student in a green apron and an adult male guest lean over a desk together, intently reading through a stapled packet of the student's writing.
A young boy wearing a green apron smiles brightly as he sits between two adults. They are gathered around his desk, which displays his "Starbooks" writing projects and a "Gretna Visitor" sticker on the man's shirt.
A close-up of a student in a green apron sitting with two adults. They are all looking at the student's open notebook, which contains a story about a "Little Dog."
A student wearing a green apron points to a specific sentence in his notebook while reading aloud to a woman sitting beside him at a classroom desk.
A young girl in a pink shirt and green apron sits at a desk with two adults, smiling happily for a photo. A "Starbooks Espresso Menu" and her writing assignments are laid out in front of them.
A student wearing a green apron and a woman sit together at a desk, looking at the camera and smiling. The student is holding a white coffee cup, and his writing packet is visible on the desk.
Mrs. Diamond's class held their Starbooks Cafe writing celebration. They shared their completed fairy tales with family!
4 months ago, DELAYNE SPURGIN
A young boy in a green apron sits at his desk, proudly showing his illustrated writing to two adults. The man, kneeling beside the desk, and the woman are both smiling warmly at the student’s work. In the background, a door is decorated with a sign that reads "Welcome to STAR BOOKS cafe."
A student holding up a drawing of "The Big Blue Ocean" shares his story with two adults at a classroom desk. The classroom is buzzing with activity in the background, featuring cabinets decorated with colorful paper coffee mugs and other families enjoying the publishing party.
A large group photo of an elementary class and their teacher posing in the hallway. Almost every student is wearing a green "barista" style apron. They are gathered in front of a classroom door featuring a large black paper sign that says "Welcome to STAR BOOKS cafe" with a Starbucks-style coffee cup illustration.
A smiling elementary student in a pink pullover and green apron sits at a desk with her teacher or a family member. They are looking at an open notebook filled with handwriting. A "Starbooks Espresso Menu" is visible on the desk.
A young girl in a green apron stands at a desk, smiling as she presents her writing to two seated adults. The classroom background features coffee-cup-themed decorations on the cabinets and other families interacting.
A student in a green apron leans over a notebook, pointing to his work as he reads it to two adults. The man on the left wears a bright blue Nebraska baseball hoodie and a "Gretna Visitor" sticker, smiling proudly.
A student in a green apron and two adults lean in close to read a handwritten story in a notebook. A younger sibling stands nearby, also wearing a visitor sticker. The background is decorated with colorful paper Easter eggs and coffee cups.
A student wearing a green apron holds a Starbucks cup and smiles at the camera, sporting a faint "milk mustache." He is standing next to a man wearing a red Nebraska pullover and a white "N" baseball cap.
A young boy wearing a green apron sits at a desk next to a woman. They are both smiling at the camera while holding up a packet of the student's writing.
Two female teachers stand in a classroom smiling and wearing green "Starbooks" aprons. One holds a white coffee cup and lid, standing in front of a "Welcome to our Classroom" sign.
Last Thursday, our third graders had a special visit from meteorologist Rusty Lord! The kids were absolutely captivated by the incredible severe weather photos and videos he shared. It was a "whirlwind" of a lesson that brought science to life right in our school. A huge thank you to Mr. Lord for inspiring our future weather watchers!
4 months ago, DELAYNE SPURGIN
A male guest speaker stands at the front of a classroom, gesturing with his hands as he addresses a large group of elementary students. The students are sitting on a colorful, patterned rug, and several have their hands raised enthusiastically to ask questions or participate.
A classroom scene where a guest speaker points toward a projector screen titled "SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY." The presentation uses a "Cupcake Warning" analogy to explain weather alerts. A group of attentive students sits on a bright, multi-colored rug, looking toward the speaker and the screen.