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.
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.
🏆 Gretna Games Champions! 🏆
Our Cedar Hollow staff had a blast competing in this year’s Gretna Games—and we’re proud to say we brought home 1st place! 🎉
From obstacle relays and cannonball contests to trivia, bowling, and more, our team showed incredible teamwork, school spirit, and had so much fun. Way to go, Guardians! 💙💛
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Cedar Hollow students had an exciting morning as they danced during the Glow in the Dark Dance Party! Students earned this party by working together and receiving enough "Cedar Hollas" for the reward! Way to go students!!
We are very proud to announce that our one and only Mr. Runyon received the "Administrator of the Year" award for the Gretna Public Schools. Mr. Runyon was presented the award by GPS Foundation and MCL Construction. Mr. Runyon has dedicated the last two years to making the culture of Cedar Hollow Elementary a place everyone loves to be. He continuous to build strong relationships with students and staff while cultivating a fun learning environment! We love Mr. Runyon! It's a GREAT day to be a Guardian!!
Cedar Hollow students had an exciting morning as the author Jerry Pallotta visited our school. Students listened to him share about adventures and how he came up with the idea for the different books he has written. He shared many photos from his adventures while growing up. Jerry Pallotta also shared lots of information behind the different Who Would Win books he wrote. He even shared a little sneak peek to a future Who Would Win book coming soon! Thank you Jerry Pallotta for visiting Cedar Hollow Elementary and inspiring our students to be readers and writers!
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.
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
No School Tomorrow: Due to unsafe road conditions across the district, Gretna Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, February 20, 2026. Any activities and events will be communicated directly by buildings, coaches and sponsors. Please stay warm and safe. For additional information, visit our website or follow us on social media.
NO SCHOOL ALERT - Due to the Winter Storm Warning and hazardous conditions predicted at dismissal, Gretna Public Schools will be CLOSED February 19, 2026. Any activities and events will be communicated directly by buildings, coaches and sponsors. Please stay warm and safe. For additional information, visit our website or follow us on social media.
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
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
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
Spreading Kindness, One Coffee Sleeve at a Time
The Cedar Hollow Kindness Club’s 4th and 5th graders recently partnered with The Beanery on 168th Street to spread joy throughout the community. Students decorated coffee sleeves with uplifting quotes, cheerful artwork, and positive messages—each one unique and meaningful.
The students loved knowing that their words and designs might brighten someone’s day or inspire a simple act of kindness in return. This hands-on service project provided a creative way for our students to make a positive impact and share kindness with the wider community. We’re proud of their compassion, creativity, and commitment to making the world a little brighter!
The Cedar Hollow Kindness Club’s 4th and 5th graders recently partnered with The Beanery on 168th Street to spread joy throughout the community. Students decorated coffee sleeves with uplifting quotes, cheerful artwork, and positive messages—each one unique and meaningful.
The students loved knowing that their words and designs might brighten someone’s day or inspire a simple act of kindness in return. This hands-on service project provided a creative way for our students to make a positive impact and share kindness with the wider community. We’re proud of their compassion, creativity, and commitment to making the world a little brighter!
