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
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
53 student leaders from Gretna High, Gretna East, and Pleasanton came together for the first of four leadership sessions with Stephen Mackey. Students, ranging from freshmen to seniors, took part in an interactive experience focused on leading with integrity, influencing others in positive ways, and building a culture that lasts.
Mackey, co-author of The Locker Room and founder of 2Words Character Development, shared powerful lessons drawn from more than 20 years of working with students and coaches. This was just the beginning, as our student leaders will continue meeting with him throughout the year to strengthen their leadership and make a lasting impact in their schools and beyond.
The Gretna Public Schools College Fair is on Tuesday, Sept. 23rd from 5-6:30 pm at Gretna High School. A College Planning Presentation is at 6:30 pm in the GHS Theatre on Sept. 23rd. Please use the QR Code or https://app.strivescan.com/registration to sign up ahead of time!
Gretna High School Fall Event Extravaganza at Gretna Middle School on Friday, August 22nd
5:00 Volleyball Scrimmage
7:00 Football Scrimmage
Food courtesy of Gretna High Boosters
Cheer on our athletes #BeGretnaGreat
