Today is the start of our One School One Book. Please check your oldest or only child's backpack for your family's copy and the schedule, along with a QR code for a the links to the audio files if your family would prefer to listen. Happy reading!
Our morning assembly was bursting with positivity today! 🌟 We took a moment to celebrate all the amazing growth we’ve seen in Kindness, Respect, Responsibility, Gratitude, Empathy, and Perseverance. These aren't just 'traits of the month'—they are part of who we are every single day! We are also thrilled to kick off February by focusing on Honesty. 🤝 Being truthful in our words and actions helps us build a stronger, more trusting community. We can't wait to spot our students shining and leading by example all month long!
This morning we recognized our January Students of the Month. They were recognized for demonstrating the trait of perseverance. Way to go, Guardians!
Congratulations to our five Battle of the Books teams! These fourth and fifth grade students read six to ten books, met twice a month and competed against teams from Cedar Hollow, Palisades and Whitetail in our 5th annual competition. We are so proud of them! 📚🎉
We are proud to showcase artwork created by talented students from across Gretna Public School District. These pieces are now on display at the District Office for our community to enjoy. We rotate artwork often, so stop by and see the creativity of our students in person. Amazing work!
#BeGretnaGreat
#BeGretnaGreat
Just a reminder that our Magazine Sales conclude on Friday. Donations can be turned into teachers in the morning and online shopping will end at noon. Thank you so much for your support so far!
The School Board approved the 2027-2028 school year calendar at last night’s meeting. To help families plan ahead, we are sharing the 2025-2026, 2026-2027, and 2027-2028 calendars early so vacations and appointments can be scheduled with minimal impact on learning.
As we plan for future school years, we also want to remind families why attendance matters. Missing 10 percent of the school year, about 18 days, can significantly affect student success at all grade levels. In the early grades, strong attendance supports reading development. In middle and high school, regular attendance is closely connected to academic progress and graduation.
Improving attendance is a shared responsibility, and small habits make a big difference. Planning vacations and appointments outside of school days, maintaining consistent routines, and staying connected with your child’s school all help students succeed.
Every day in class builds learning, confidence, and connection.
Every Day Counts. Attendance Matters.
2025-2026 Calendar - https://tinyurl.com/mrmc9d6n
2026-2027 Calendar - https://tinyurl.com/ck3td335
2027-2028 Calendar - https://tinyurl.com/3s8y3s24
As we plan for future school years, we also want to remind families why attendance matters. Missing 10 percent of the school year, about 18 days, can significantly affect student success at all grade levels. In the early grades, strong attendance supports reading development. In middle and high school, regular attendance is closely connected to academic progress and graduation.
Improving attendance is a shared responsibility, and small habits make a big difference. Planning vacations and appointments outside of school days, maintaining consistent routines, and staying connected with your child’s school all help students succeed.
Every day in class builds learning, confidence, and connection.
Every Day Counts. Attendance Matters.
2025-2026 Calendar - https://tinyurl.com/mrmc9d6n
2026-2027 Calendar - https://tinyurl.com/ck3td335
2027-2028 Calendar - https://tinyurl.com/3s8y3s24
NO SCHOOL TOMORROW
Due to forecasted cold temperatures and safety concerns during morning arrival time, Gretna Public Schools will be CLOSED tomorrow, January 23, 2026. Any activities and events will be communicated directly by buildings, coaches and sponsors.
Please stay warm and safe.
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
Our Magazine Sale is happening January 19-30. There are two ways to participate: shop online at shopfund.com (use code LJDYX when registering your student) or send donations to school in an envelope marked with your student's name and teacher.
This morning students met in their Guardian Groups. The focus was on perseverance. We listened to the story "The Thing Lou Couldn't Do" and through about challenges we have faced and what we can tell ourselves when do we face challenges.
This morning we recognized our December Students of the Month. These students did an amazing job of demonstrating our trait of Empathy. Way to go, Guardians! We are so proud of you!
Our monthly assembly reviewed our trait of Empathy and introduced our new trait of Perseverance - pushing yourself to work through challenges and obstacles. We are excited to watch students demonstrate this trait throughout the month of January.
Mrs. Hartwig and Miss Taylor started a snowball fight with Mrs. Conways first graders. It was a fun start to the day!
Students in Mrs. Nixon's 4th grade class have been celebrating a Pioneer Christmas. Students had their silhouettes traced and then later got to guess their classmates' silhouette picture.
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
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.
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.
Mrs. Martin's 4th grade class practiced empathy and conflict resolution by creating posters with partners.
This morning we had our Student of the Month assembly. We wrapped up gratitude and learned about empathy. We will be looking for students who exemplify empathy in the month of December.
This morning we recognized our November Students of the Month who exemplified the character trait of Gratitude. We are so proud of you, Guardians! Way to go!
