Gretna Public Schools

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

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

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

All Gretna Public Schools kindergarten and first-grade students experienced the magic of Mission Imagination with the Omaha Symphony at the Gretna High School theater. This interactive performance brought music to life and sparked creativity in our young learners. Thank you, Omaha Symphony, for this incredible experience. #BeGretnaGreat #MusicMatters

We had a special visitor at the board meeting this evening! A big thank you to Jeff Kaiser from the Sarpy County Sheriff's Office and his amazing service dog, Henry. Jeff shared how Henry, who he adopted at six weeks old and has since trained, provides comfort and builds relationships with both staff and students. Henry’s incredible ability to sense and support those experiencing trauma is truly heartwarming. We are grateful for this partnership and the positive impact it has on navigating both big and small challenges. Thank you, Jeff and Henry, for all you do! #GretnaGreat #CommunityPartnership

A Special Moment! We had a very special visitor at the district office. This adorable Kindergartener stopped by to see her framed artwork proudly displayed on our wall. We love showcasing student creativity and are so grateful for the beautiful pieces that brighten our hallways throughout the year. If your child has artwork displayed here, we would love for them to stop by and see it—feel free to visit and take a photo!

Introducing the first-ever Gretna Playbook! Your one-stop guide to all summer camps at Gretna East & Gretna High Schools. Whether your child is in elementary, middle, or high school, there is a camp for them-based on the grade your child will be entering in 2025-2026. These camps are open to all students-no matter which high school they will attend. QR codes for easy registration! Start planning your summer fun today! You can also find more details on our school websites' News sections. https://tinyurl.com/4csk3k5v #BeGretnaGreat #GretnaPlaybook

Introducing the first-ever Gretna Playbook! Your one-stop guide to all summer camps at Gretna East & Gretna High Schools. Whether your child is in elementary, middle, or high school, there is a camp for them-based on the grade your child will be entering in 2025-2026. These camps are open to all students-no matter which high school they will attend. QR codes for easy registration! Start planning your summer fun today! You can also find more details on our school websites' News sections. https://tinyurl.com/4csk3k5v #BeGretnaGreat #GretnaPlaybook

Important Update for Gretna Families Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, Gretna Public Schools will implement a new 10-point grading scale and transition to an A-F reporting system. This change is part of our District Strategic Plan and is backed by research from our K-12 District Grading Committee. Read the full news article on the district and any school website. New Grading Scale (2025-2026): A: 90-100 B: 80-89 C: 70-79 D: 60-69 F: Below 60 Why the Change? • Better alignment with colleges and other schools • Clearer representation of student achievement Timeline: • Fall 2025: New grading scale begins • 2025-2026: Ongoing updates to grading practices What about past grades? Grades earned before 2025-2026 will remain the same and not be adjusted. We’re committed to ensuring a smooth transition for all! For more details, read the full news article on any district and school website or reach out to your school administrator. #BeGretnaGreat #BuildingAFutureTogether #GradingUpdate

NO SCHOOL TOMORROW Due to inclement weather and expected hazardous road conditions, Gretna Public Schools will be CLOSED tomorrow, March 5, 2025. Additionally, Kids Connection will be closed and Kids Connection Registration scheduled for tomorrow evening is rescheduled for Thursday from 4:00–7:00 PM. Please stay safe, and we will provide updates as needed. Thank you for your understanding.

Due to the upcoming weather conditions, all buildings will close at 6:00 PM tonight. Elementary Conferences and Kids Connection Registration will also end at 6:00 PM. Teachers will reach out to reschedule if needed. If you opt for a phone conference this evening, please contact your teacher.

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!