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!
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.
Cedar Hollow 3rd and 5th grade students had their second annual Cedar Hollow Thanksgiving Day Parade this afternoon. 3rd grade and 5th grade students worked together to create awesome balloons for their parade.
Cedar Hollow students got to spray silly string on their teachers today in celebration of raising money during the Cedar Hollow Hustle. It was an exciting day as each student was able to participate in the celebration! The teachers even had a little fun spraying silly string on Mr. Runyon!!
Gretna Public Schools Board of Education Attends 2025 NASB State Education Conference
The Gretna Public Schools Board of Education spent two days at the 2025 NASB State Education Conference—Nebraska’s largest annual gathering for school board leaders. The event provides valuable training and collaboration on key topics such as legislative updates, emerging educational trends, student well-being, school safety, school finance, and effective district governance.
By participating, board members bring back insights that support informed decision-making and strengthen the long-term success of Gretna Public Schools. We appreciate their dedication to professional growth and continued service to our students, staff, and community.
The Annual Community Report is Here!
Our school district’s Annual Community Report is now available on our website! It showcases our achievements, financial stewardship, and goals for the year ahead. We encourage all staff to take a few moments to review this important update and stay informed about our district’s progress.
View full report on our website https://tinyurl.com/5n8u3jk5
Our school district’s Annual Community Report is now available on our website! It showcases our achievements, financial stewardship, and goals for the year ahead. We encourage all staff to take a few moments to review this important update and stay informed about our district’s progress.
View full report on our website https://tinyurl.com/5n8u3jk5
What Students Wish Adults Knew — Tonight at Gretna High!
Join Gretna Public Schools for an evening with Stephen Mackey, co-author of The Locker Room.
Exhibits begin at 6:00 PM and the presentation starts at 7:00 PM.
Come listen, learn, and connect with your community.
Tonight’s the conversation you don’t want to miss.
Cedar Hollow students had a fantastic day celebrating Halloween. Students participated in a parade to show off their costumes followed by parties put on by parents!
Thank you parents for your help with a fun afternoon.
Have a fantastic night trick or treating! Stay Safe!
Happy Halloween!
Thank you parents for your help with a fun afternoon.
Have a fantastic night trick or treating! Stay Safe!
Happy Halloween!
Tomorrow night is the Battle of 370. Join us for a Community Opportunity to support Gretna's needs. This will be a great event for the whole family! Come early and stay to cheer on the Griffins and Dragons!
Cedar Hollow 3rd Graders did an excellent job singing during their music program last night.
Thank you Mrs. Smith for all your hard work on a fun program that portrays different songs from a variety of movies.
They did an awesome job and the special guests were an exciting touch!
Way to go Mrs. Smith and the 3rd Graders!
Thank you Mrs. Smith for all your hard work on a fun program that portrays different songs from a variety of movies.
They did an awesome job and the special guests were an exciting touch!
Way to go Mrs. Smith and the 3rd Graders!
Cedar Hollow Preschool students raced in their Cedar Hollow Hustle on Thursday. They had a blast running and dancing to music!
Cedar Hollow students had a blast racing around the track during the Cedar Hollow Hustle!
Community Opportunity Tailgate & Food Drive
Date: October 24 | Time: 6 PM
Hy-Vee tailgate available for purchase!
Come hang out, enjoy some food, and support the Gretna Backpack Program. Make an impact in our community!
#GretnaBackpack #CommunityUnity #BeGretnaGreat
Date: October 24 | Time: 6 PM
Hy-Vee tailgate available for purchase!
Come hang out, enjoy some food, and support the Gretna Backpack Program. Make an impact in our community!
#GretnaBackpack #CommunityUnity #BeGretnaGreat
Today Superintendent Lightle stepped into a new role as school bus driver. From elementary to high school, students were surprised to see him behind the wheel. Our elementary students showed their approval with big smiles and a thumbs up. It was a wonderful reminder that leadership means being ready to help wherever needed. Thank you to Superintendent Lightle and all of our dedicated staff who make sure students arrive safely every day. #BeGretnaGreat
Cedar Hollow Elementary wrapped up the first three days of school with an all school assembly. Students then engaged in exciting classroom activities as they continued to learn the school rules and expectations. It's been an exhilarating first three days!
Cedar Hollow Elementary welcomed students for the first day of school. The halls were filled with excited chatter as students met their teachers and visited with new friends! What a great day to be a Guardian!