Congratulations to these students for receiving Strength of Spirit awards during our Core Values week at GHS.
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
We are proud to announce the fall Honor and Merit Roll recipients. Please click on the links below:
Senior Honor Roll
Junior Honor Roll
Sophomore Honor Roll
Freshmen Honor Roll
All grade levels Merit Roll
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
Gretna High School Student Council is excited to host our semi-annual community blood drive, giving YOU the opportunity to help those in need. Please use the QR code to sign up. Students received an email with additional instructions. Community members who sign up, please enter through the front doors and check in at the table on Jan. 30.
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
GHS is proud to announce winners of the Strength of Spirit Award: Londyn Campbell, Audra Blessen, Henry Kester, and Celab Haecker.
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
Today was a great day for Gretna Public Schools. Gretna High School earned the silver and Gretna East High School brought home the championship. Both schools also received the Best Actor award, highlighting the talent and dedication of our students. Congratulations to all on an exceptional season.
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.
GHS is proud to announce winners of the Strength of Spirit Award: Colin Lingbloom, Elle Burrell, Caleb Finch, Skylar Parker, Lanie Vance, Miah Lindquist, and Nathan Bennett. Not pictured: Rebecca Roberts.
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.
GHS is proud to announce winners of the Strength of Spirit Award: Jack Huttmann, Merrick Wilcox, Joey Onwiler, Omel Gunubu, Ryleigh Brandenburgh, Chanel Kinzl, Gabe Rowley, Haley Burtwistle, Alex Seeger, Nolan Spencer, and Jaxson Belitz.
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
🏈 Playoff Football Game – Friday, November 7 at GHS
*Game Time: 4:00 p.m. at Gretna High School
*Admission: NSAA event – all attendees must pay (no Gretna passes permitted)
*$8 for adults | $6 for students
*Noisemakers are not allowed per NSAA rules.
🚗 Parking & Dismissal:
*Remember, school is in session until 3:20 p.m. Expect heavy traffic from 3:20–3:30 p.m. as students exit and fans enter. Sarpy County Deputies will be on hand to direct traffic.
🏟️ Stadium Procedures:
*The stadium must be cleared quickly and completely following the GHS game. No people, blankets, seats, etc. may be left in the stands.
*One ticket does not allow admission to both games.
*Please be patient entering and leaving the school grounds — it will be busy!
Let’s celebrate our team and community by showing Servant Leadership, Work Ethic, Accountability, Integrity, and Resilience in the stands. Go Dragons! 💚🔥
*Game Time: 4:00 p.m. at Gretna High School
*Admission: NSAA event – all attendees must pay (no Gretna passes permitted)
*$8 for adults | $6 for students
*Noisemakers are not allowed per NSAA rules.
🚗 Parking & Dismissal:
*Remember, school is in session until 3:20 p.m. Expect heavy traffic from 3:20–3:30 p.m. as students exit and fans enter. Sarpy County Deputies will be on hand to direct traffic.
🏟️ Stadium Procedures:
*The stadium must be cleared quickly and completely following the GHS game. No people, blankets, seats, etc. may be left in the stands.
*One ticket does not allow admission to both games.
*Please be patient entering and leaving the school grounds — it will be busy!
Let’s celebrate our team and community by showing Servant Leadership, Work Ethic, Accountability, Integrity, and Resilience in the stands. Go Dragons! 💚🔥
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.
GHS is proud to announce winners of the Strength of Spirit Award: Miles Cradduck, Ayden Furstenau, Ainsley Hodges, Halle Mason, Emma Brophy, Madalyn Tarver, and Molly Robledo. NOT PICTURED: Rylee Hopkins
GHS is proud to announce winners of the Strength of Spirit Award: MJ Kushiner, Sarah Kula, Harlee Boyd, Olivia Thomsen, Madison Babin, Natalie Halmes, Colter Bronstad, Keyla Osorio-Gaspar, Logann Dostal, and Boston Nielsen
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