Welcome back to school Harvest Hills Families!

I would like to officially welcome you to the 2024-2025 school year. It is a privilege to return as your building principal. We have missed you and your students over the summer break and are excited to welcome you back to Harvest Hills. For families joining us for the first time with Kindergarten students, or if you’ve moved into the area, we are delighted to have you join our school community. 

This year marks the fourth year that Harvest Hills Elementary has been open. Our building is ready to welcome approximately 475 preschool to fifth grade students. This year, Harvest Hills Elementary consists of a morning and afternoon 3-year-old program, morning and afternoon 4-year-old program, three Kindergarten classes, four 1st Grade classes, three 2nd Grade classes, three 3rd Grade classes, three Fourth Grade classes, and four 5th Grade classes. 

We will also have several new staff members joining us this year:

Mrs. Gretchen Love, 3rd Grade teacher

Ms. Lindsey Coffey, 5th Grade teacher

Mrs. McKenzie Nelson, Paraprofessional

Mrs. Malissa Randecker, Paraprofessional

Mrs. Molly Burrell, Paraprofessional

Additionally, we are welcoming back Mr. Marlando Sparks to our teaching staff. Mr. Sparks is returning from North Carolina.

Class lists/Letters: Your child’s teacher will be accessible through Parent/Student Records Portal or NebSIS Family on August 7th, after you have completed Student Verification.  Once you have completed the verification process, your child’s teacher will appear under the Reports section on August 7th. You’ll receive an invitation to Rooms on Monday, August 12th, and once you sign in you will have access to further information about your child(ren)’s teacher and this is also where communication will occur during the year.

Rooms App:  The Gretna Public Schools app makes it easy to stay up to date with district news and events.  Now, Gretna Public Schools is making it easier to stay in touch with district communication from that same app. Using the Gretna Public Schools app, you can easily switch from district and school information to “Rooms”.  You can also access any “Rooms” you are part of through the app.  “Rooms” is where teachers will connect with parents/guardians of the students in their classroom.  You will receive a Guardian invite to access “Rooms” on August 12th. 

Rooms Support and Set Up Information

QR Information for Harvest Hills Elementary

We look forward to partnering with you to provide enriching educational experiences for your student(s). We believe that collaboration between parents and educators is crucial for the overall development and success of our students.  Our staff is dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment that empowers our students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We invite you to actively participate in parent-teacher meetings, school events, and volunteer opportunities to strengthen the bond between home and school. 

If, at any time, you have questions or concerns, please call the school at 402-332-5957 or email me at ktroester@gpsne.org. Our priority is always to work with you as a team, to not only keep our students safe, but also learning.

Please join us on Monday, August 12th for Open House at Harvest Hills Elementary from 5:00-7:00p. If you are new to the district and have a student that will be entering 1st - 5th grade, we invite you to an informal presentation at 4:30p in the gym. All families are welcome to stop by booths that are set up in the cafeteria regarding GHS Dance, GHS Cheer, Boys and Girl Scouts, PTO, and our very own kitchen staff. All classrooms will be open for visiting at 5:00p. After you meet your teacher, feel free to visit the cafeteria as the Gretna Foundation will be providing pizza to purchase ($5.00), or Twisted Fork Food and Kona Ice food trucks for dinner and dessert! 

Our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is providing each student a free Harvest Run t shirt for our annual run event scheduled for September 27th. Please fill out this form online or at Open House to select a shirt size. 

From all of us at Harvest Hills Elementary, it is an honor to serve the Gretna Public Schools community. We are looking forward to meeting you and working with your family.

 Important Dates:

• Wednesday, August 7th:  Teacher assignments will be available on Parent/Student Records Portal (NebSIS Family) after you have completed Student Verification.

• Monday, August 12th:  Open House

  • 4:30-5:00 – Open House for families new to Gretna Public Schools (grades 1st - 5th only)

  • 5:00-7:00 – Open House for all families

• Wednesday, August 14th: First Day of School (Pre-K - 5th Grade)

  • Doors open at 7:40 AM with school beginning at 8:00 AM.  Dismissal will be 3:10 PM, these are the same times as last year. 

• Tuesday, August 20th:  Picture Day

• Thursday, August 29th:  Curriculum Night (5:30-7:30 PM)

Kirsten Troester, Building Principal