What an amazing first day we had, Guardians! We loved getting to see your smiling faces and hope you enjoyed the day like we did.
1 day ago, Falling Waters Elementary
Two fourth grade boys sit at desks with Miss Clark smiling behind them.
A fifth grade girl and boy are sitting at tables working on a worksheet at the start of the day.
A second grade girl and boy are sitting at a table coloring a worksheet.
A second grade girl stands with Mrs. Ehlers smiling at the start of the day.
Mrs. Conway sits at a table with three boys who are coloring. Everyone is smiling.
Mrs. Simmons eats lunch with a kindergarten girl wearing her "I rocked the first day of Kindergarten hat."

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
We loved seeing so many smiling faces and can't wait to get started with our 2026-2027 school year on Wednesday!
3 days ago, Falling Waters Elementary
Two boys and a girl stand behind a table smiling at back to school night.
Two sisters stand with Mrs. Conway smiling with their backpacks.
A new kindergarten boy sits at a table with a bag of school supplies.
Miss Krula poses for a picture with one of her fourth grade students.
Mrs. Nixon smiles with one of her new fourth graders.
Two second grade boys stand with arms around shoulders smiling.
A third grade boy gets his locker ready for the first day.

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

Attention All Gretna Residents!

Thank you to everyone who has already completed the annual Census. If you have not yet completed it, please take a moment to do so by June 18th. Your participation is vital and helps shape the future of Gretna and supports the continued growth of our school district.

You may complete the census in several convenient ways:

  • Go directly to the online form

  • Scan the QR code provided

  • Complete and return the postcard sent in the mail

  • Visit www.gpsne.org and select “GPS Census”

  • NEW: Drop off your completed postcard at the district office or any Gretna Public Schools building

We appreciate your time and support of this important community effort.

Census Form:https://tinyurl.com/mprxjsxs

2 months ago, Gretna Public School District
Gretna public schools logo with a G and text reading 2026 Census Please Respond ASAP

Falling Waters Summer Library starts on Tuesday, June 2nd. Come between 9 and 11 am to check out some books to read!

Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/FWESummer26

2 months ago, Falling Waters Elementary
Blue sign with clouds and pink swimming ring books and beachball. Sign reads: Falling Waters Summer Library. June 2-July 28 9-11am. Come check out books every Tuesday in June and July. Sign up today at https://tinurl.com/FWESummer26

The Gretna Public Schools Transportation Department wrapped up the school year with a special last day breakfast celebration. Along with enjoying time together and reflecting on another successful year, the department also recognized three outstanding drivers on their retirement: Ardell Savage, Denny Savage, and Tracie Hurtz.

Ardell, Denny, and Tracie have each dedicated years of service to safely transporting students and supporting Gretna Public Schools every day. Their commitment, reliability, and care for students and families have made a lasting impact on our district and community.

We are incredibly grateful for everything they have done throughout their careers and wish them happiness and relaxation in retirement. Congratulations and thank you for your service.

3 months ago, Gretna Public School District
a large group of school bus drivers standing in front of the Gretna Public Schools bus
two Gretna Public Schools bus drivers retiring from the transportation department posing in front of the GPS school bus
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.
All library books are due by Friday. Some places to check for library books are under furniture, in the closet, on a bookshelf, or in the car.
3 months ago, Falling Waters Elementary
Happy cartoon book stands on top of a pile of books. The words above say "Library Books Due Friday."
Our morning began with our assembly where we wrapped up not only our month of Courage but we revisited all of the character traits we have worked on throughout the year. Students then moved to our final Guardian Groups where each student worked on creating a square for a school-wide Kindness quilt. We can't wait to see all of the different ideas and designs come together.
3 months ago, Falling Waters Elementary
Rows of students sit in the gym looking at the principal and a sign showing Courage - it is choosing to do what is right, helpful or kind even when it's hard or scary.
Three boys sit at a table with art supplies and squares to create a kindness picture.
Four boys sit at a table with art supplies and squares to create a kindness picture.
This morning we had our final assembly to recognize our April Students of the Month. These students were observed exemplifying the trait of courage. We are so proud of them. Way to go, Guardians!
3 months ago, Falling Waters Elementary
Three rows of students holding their signs for being the Student of the Month who demonstrates Courage.
Some fifth grade classes got to try out pendulum painting in art this week. Second graders got to make trading cards using the art medium of printmaking.
3 months ago, Falling Waters Elementary
Three girls and two boys stand around their table pressing their prints onto their papers in art. Papers have 3 rows of 3 squares.
Three boys and two girls stand around their table pressing prints onto their paper. Their papers are 3 rows of 3 squares.
5 boys and 1 girl are standing on black paper while two kids swing paint bottles from a white stand.
A group of fifth graders are observing students swinging paint bottles hanging from stands for pendulum painting.
Today students got to celebrate Arbor Day with a presentation from the Gretna Arbor Society Tree Board. Three fifth graders were selected as poster winners, a few fifth graders from Kindness Club got to help plant our new tree (named Marcus) and four fifth graders shared their poems about Arbor Day with the school. We are so thankful for our new tree and the opportunity to learn about the holiday that orignated in Nebraska!
4 months ago, Falling Waters Elementary
Three fifth grade girls and art teacher Miss O'Connell stand in front of a screen that says "Gretna Arbor Day 2026 Poster Contest Theme: Trees and Pollinators Make Perfect Partners." The students are holding the posters they designed.
A group of students are working to loosen the root ball of a tree they are planting.
A group of students are scooping dirt around a tree they planted.
Four fifth grade boys are on the left and five fifth grade girls are on the right next to a tree they planted.
The mayor of Gretna stands at the front proclaiming today Arbor Day in Gretna.
Mrs. Gabriel and the Arbor Day Foundation Tree Board president hold a white flag with a green logo for Tree City USA by Arbor Day Foundation.
A girl in a light blue shirt stands at the front holding a microphone reading her poem.
A boy in a navy blue hoodie stands at the front holding the microphone reading his poem.
A boy in a black shirts stands at the front with a microphone reading his poem.
A girl stands at the front holding a microphone reading her Arbor Day poem.
Today students got to listen to author Jerry Pallotta. They learned lots of interesting facts about animals and got to see a bit of the writing process.
4 months ago, Falling Waters Elementary
Jerry Pallotta stands next to a screen with the blue book cover for Who Would Win: Porcupine vs Pangolin?
A kindergarten girl stands in front of the screen with her right arm stretched out. Behind is a photograph of a tiger skeleton with an outstretched paw
7 students stand in front of a screen while Jerry Pallotta moves a shark picture over them
students move their hands like a whale tail
Jerry Pallotta stands in front of a screen showing edits he made on his writing
Jerry Pallotta shows a storyboard on the screen for one of his books
Mrs. Dorram's class earned a Fort Party! What a fun Friday!
4 months ago, Falling Waters Elementary
A girl and two boys hold stuffed animals standing next to a blanket fort.
Two girls and two boys kneel next to a blanket fort holding stuffed animals.
A girl sits in front of a blanket fort and a boy stands next to her. Both are holding stuffed animals.
A girl lays under a blanket fort.
A boy in a pokemon hoodie leans over the top of a blanket fort. Two boys and a girl stand behind him smiling.
Two girls and two boys are standing next to their blanket fort smiling.
Two girls and two boys are standing next to their blanket fort smiling.
Wow! Our 4th and 5th Grade Disney Musical production of 101 Dalmatians Kids was absolutely incredible today. Don't forget you have a chance to watch this production tonight at 6:00pm.
4 months ago, MELANIE GIBBONS
A cast picture with students in their costumes for 101 Dalmatians.
A maid, a farmer and a woman are in the. middle surrounded by kids dressed as dogs.
A student dressed as a dalmatian in a cowboy hat and boots saluting.
A boy with a green shirt and brown hat is holding a gray kanine krunchies box with 4 kids dressed as dalmatians in front of him. A farmer sleeps in a blue chair next to the dogs with a boy in an orange shirt, brown jacket and gray hat behind.
A row with 3 girls dressed as brown dogs 6 kids alternating between girls dressed as pink poodles and kids dressed as orange corgis with 2 girls dressed in black with plaid sahes look like they have paws up.
A boy in a green shirt and brown pants is kneeling with hands out, a boy with brown pants, orange jacket and hat is kneeling and a girl dressed as Cruella DeVille is in the middle.

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
Falling Waters is excited to share Disney's 101 Dalmatians Kids this Friday at 6:00pm. We hope you will join us for this amazing performance!
4 months ago, Falling Waters Elementary
Beige poster with dots. Falling Waters Elementary Presents Disney 101 Dalmatians Kids. April 10th at 6:00pm. Flowers will be available for purchase or there is a free will donation to help us maintain the program.

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