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This Is The Gretna Way - https://tinyurl.com/yc794t7m

What is The Gretna Way?

It’s more than a phrase. It’s who we are and how we show up for one another.

It’s our students supporting each other. It’s staff members lifting one another up. It’s families cheering our schools on. It’s community members stepping in to help. It’s choosing positivity, finding joy, and making sure the people around us know they matter.

The Gretna Way belongs to all of us.

We asked members of our Gretna community what The Gretna Way means to them. We didn’t give them answers or tell them what to say. We simply asked them to share their experiences with Gretna Public Schools.

What they shared is a powerful reminder of the culture we have created together.

Our students feel it. Our families see it. Our community believes it.

As we begin another school year, let’s continue to support one another, embrace our imperfections, choose positivity over pessimism, find joy, and spread it every day.

Because we don’t do it alone.

We do it together. And that’s The Gretna Way.

Take a few minutes to watch the video and hear from the people who help make Gretna Public Schools such a special place.

A special thank you to Jacht for helping us capture the voices, stories, and spirit that make The Gretna Way so special.
2 days ago, Gretna Public School District
6A team students worked on problem solving by putting together puzzles without knowing the final image.
3 days ago, AMY TASICH
Students working on a puzzle.
Students working on a puzzle.
Students working on a puzzle.
Students smiling at a table with a puzzle.
Ms. Stenger's 6th graders were working to save "Fred the worm" yesterday in class. Good teamwork everyone!
3 days ago, AMY TASICH
A group of student working at tables.
A group of student working at tables.
A group of student working at tables.
A group of student working at tables.
A group of student working at tables.
A group of student working at tables.

GCMS is so excited to have kids back in the building! We are ready for the 26-27 school year.

5 days ago, AMY TASICH
Kids in a teacher in the library.
Kids and teachers in the lunchroom.
Two adults talking to kids in the lunchroom.
Students sitting at desks in a classroom with a female teacher in front.
Staff members sit in the bleachers.
Five women stand against the wall smiling at the camera.

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.

5 days ago, Gretna Public School District
Gretna Public Schools smiling new teacher at breakfast celebrating their first year
Gretna Public Schools 3 new teachers at breakfast tables eating and talking
Gretna Public Schools new teacher smiling at another teacher at breakfast
Gretna Public Schools new teacher at breakfast celebrating their upcoming new year
room of new staff members for Gretna Public Schools smiling and talking to each other
a group of new staff members gathered together eating breakfast and talking at tables
Principal Jake Runyon sitting with new staff members at Journey church breakfast for Gretna Public Schools
a group of new staff members talking together at breakfast gathering
a large room filled with round tables and new staff sitting and enjoying breakfast for Gretna Public Schools
Gretna Public schools Superintendent Travis Lightle speaking to the new teachers at Journey Church breakfast

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.

6 days ago, Gretna Public School District
a large group of staff members sitting in chairs engaged in listening and watching presentation.
a large group of staff members sitting in the black box theater room listening to a presenter at the front of the room

Welcome to our new GCMS teachers! We are looking forward to having Mr. Bednar, Ms. Olis, Ms. Bartlett (all team 6B) and Mr. Crenshaw (8th grade) as a part of our staff this year.

7 days ago, AMY TASICH
Four adults stand smiling by a wall.
GCMS Staff is looking forward to welcoming students tonight at our Open House. Be sure to join us anytime from 4:30-6:30!
7 days ago, AMY TASICH
Family First One of the commitments we've made as a staff at Giles Creek Middle School is to keep Family First. We believe in making the most of every school day, while recognizing that some of the lessons children carry with them for life are learned around the dinner table, on the drive home from practice, and through quality time with family.  Because of that, we want to partner with you in protecting your family's time.  Our commitment is to make every minute count by providing meaningful instruction and maximizing academic growth during the school day. We believe the best academic learning happens while students are with us in the classroom. Rather than assigning homework for the sake of homework, we will be intentional about any work students bring home. In most cases, that will be unfinished classwork that was not completed during designated work time or materials to review and prepare for an upcoming assessment.  When the school day ends, we want your child to have time to participate in activities, clubs, explore their interests, and simply be a kid. Students will succeed academically while still having meaningful time with the people who have the greatest influence on their lives, their family.  This commitment extends to our staff as well.  We’ve asked our teachers to unplug from email each evening from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 a.m. because we want them to have the same opportunity we hope for our students: meaningful time with their families. If an urgent matter arises after hours, please email me directly, and I'll respond as soon as I'm able.  I believe few things have a greater impact on a child's life than a strong family. Strong families build strong kids, and strong partnerships between home and school create the best environment for students to thrive. That commitment to family is one of the things that makes the Gretna community so special, and it's something we want to continue to protect and strengthen at GCMS. Thank you for trusting us with your children each day. We look forward to partnering with you to make this a tremendous year.  Riley Gross  Principal
Giles Creek Middle School Back to School Open House August 10th, 2026 19075 Giles Road 4:30-6:30

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.

about 1 month ago, Gretna Public School District

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

2 months ago, Gretna Public School District
Gretna public schools logo with a G and text reading 2026 Census Please Respond ASAP

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.

3 months ago, Gretna Public School District
a large group of school bus drivers standing in front of the Gretna Public Schools bus
two Gretna Public Schools bus drivers retiring from the transportation department posing in front of the GPS school bus
4th Quarter Cupcake Wars Winners! Monsters Inc. made by Keaton, Ryker, Jordan, Luca, and Jaxson.
3 months ago, AMY TASICH
Four boys look at the camera and smile. One is holding a trifold box cutout with cupcakes on the bottom.
Congratulations to 8th grader Taylor Freeland for winning the 800 in a time of 2:23.92 at the Nebraska Championship meet in Gothenburg over the weekend. Great job and way to represent GCMS!
3 months ago, AMY TASICH
A girl runs on a track and the rest of the group is far behind her.
A girl smiles on top of a podium and holds a medal.
It's the FINAL cupcake wars for the year! Voting starts tomorrow.
3 months ago, AMY TASICH
A student frosts a cupcake.
A group of students sit a desk and frost cupcakes.
A student frosts a cupcake.
Two boys smile at the camera and hold a cupcake.
A group of girls smile at the camera and frost cupcakes.
A group of girls look at the camera and smile.
A student frosts a cupcake.
A student frosts a cupcake.
Even the GCMS staff got in on Adam Sandler day!
3 months ago, AMY TASICH
A group of teachers stand in front of a wall smiling for the camera.
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.
3 months ago, Gretna Public School District
Graphic listing Gretna Public Schools Summer Library locations and schedules.  Whitetail Creek Elementary: Wednesdays from 9:00-11:00 a.m., June 3 through July 29.  Falling Waters Elementary: Tuesdays from 9:00-11:00 a.m., June 2 through July 28.  Harvest Hills Elementary: Wednesdays from 9:00-11:00 a.m., June 3-24 and July 15-29.  Palisades Elementary: Every other Wednesday from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on June 10 and 24 and July 8 and 22.  Aspen Creek Middle School: First and third Wednesdays from 12:00-2:00 p.m. on June 3 and 17 and July 1 and 15.  Gretna High School: Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on June 10, July 1, and July 15.
It was Adam Sandler day at school and GCMS did not disappoint! Join us tomorrow for grade level color day. 6th-gold/yellow; 7th-gray; 8th-black.
3 months ago, AMY TASICH
A group of students pose and point at the camera with sunglasses on.
A group of students smile for the camera.
A large group of students pose for the camera.
6th grade students had the chance to participate in Battle of the Books! We had six teams battle it out and they all did great. Our winners were: Noah, Maddie, Makenna, Kendyll and Bre.
3 months ago, AMY TASICH
Five students sit on a couch and smile at the camera.
Four students sit at a table.
Four students sit at a table.
Four students sit at a table.
Five students sit at a table.
Four students sit at a table.
Four students sit at a table.
We were seeing double all around GCMS today for TWIN day! Join us tomorrow for Adam Sandler day.
3 months ago, AMY TASICH
Students dressed in matching outfits.
Students dressed in matching outfits.
Students dressed in matching outfits.
Special thanks and a HUGE shout-out to these 8th graders! They served as tour guides for our incoming 6th graders last night and did an outstanding job!
3 months ago, AMY TASICH
Eight students stand in a hallway and smile at the camera.