📢 Surplus Notice – Items Available for Bid or Reallocation
The following items have been identified as surplus and will be made available through sealed bid or professional resale:
🚌 2000 Blue Bird Bus
Bus has approximately 150,000 miles and is being sold “as is”.
If you are interested in taking a closer look, please contact Les Harding, Transportation Director at les.harding@goswedes.org or call 308-537-3651 ext. 9.
🏃 Track Pits (2 Pole Vault, 1 High Jump)
These IPI-brand pits were damaged in last year’s windstorm and were replaced by insurance.
If you are interested in taking a closer look, please contact Marc Mroczek, Activities Director at marc.mroczek@goswedes.org or call 308-537-3651 ext. 9.
🔧 Manchester 30-Gallon Air Tank
This air tank is in new condition and is not needed for future district operations. Specifications are available here: https://bit.ly/4n6vXph
📚 Instructional Materials
Following curriculum updates, a number of instructional resources have been retired from use. While still in usable condition, they are being offered at fair market value. No bid required. Available materials can be viewed here: https://bit.ly/3HGrER7
📬 How to Bid or Inquire
If you are interested in buying any of these items from the school please submit a bid in a sealed envelope by June 20th, 2025 at 3PM. Envelopes can be hand delivered or mailed to Dr. Allison Jonas (Gothenburg Superintendent) 1322 Ave I Gothenburg NE 69138.
On June 20th, the envelopes will be opened and the highest bidder will be the buyer. Payment must be received before possession and pickup must take place by June 30th, 2025. All sales are final and are being sold “as is”.
Thank you for supporting our efforts to make the most of district resources!
🚨 We’re hiring for the 2025–2026 school year! 🚨
Gothenburg Public Schools is looking for passionate, student-centered individuals to join our team.
If you're ready to make a difference and be part of something great, check out our current openings and apply today!
bit.ly/SWEDEjobs
Today we recognize and sincerely thank Mr. Nate Wyatt, who officially stepped down from the Gothenburg Board of Education after an incredible 18 years of service. Since January 2006, Mr. Wyatt has been a thoughtful, steady voice and a true advocate for students, staff, and public education in our community.
His leadership, insight, and unwavering commitment have made a lasting impact, and we are deeply grateful for the time, energy, and heart he’s poured into Gothenburg Public Schools. It’s not easy to step away from something you’ve helped shape, but his legacy will absolutely live on in the culture and direction of our district.
As we say thank you to Mr. Wyatt, we also look forward to welcoming someone new who is ready to be part of something great. If you or someone you know is interested in serving on the Board of Education, you can learn more at: bit.ly/applyBOE
📢 School Board Vacancy – Now Accepting Applications
At its June 9, 2025 meeting, the Gothenburg Public Schools Board of Education accepted the resignation of Board Member Nate Wyatt. In accordance with Nebraska state law, the Board will begin the process of appointing a qualified individual to serve the remainder of Mr. Wyatt’s term.
This is a valuable opportunity to support public education and make a difference in the lives of students across our district. 🏫💛
📌 Interested in serving?
Applications are available at bit.ly/applyBOE and on the district website. Paper copies are also available at the Superintendent’s Office (1322 Avenue I, Gothenburg, NE).
✔️ Eligibility Requirements:
Must be a registered voter
Must reside within the Gothenburg Public School District
📅 Application Deadline:
Thursday, June 26 at 4:00 PM
📥 Submit Applications To:
Dr. Allison Jonas, Superintendent
📧 allison.jonas@goswedes.org
📍 Or drop off at the district office
🗓️ The selected candidate will be appointed and sworn in at the regular Board of Education meeting on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Jr./Sr. High Media Center.
Help shape the future of GPS—consider applying or sharing with someone who would be a great fit!
🚨 We're Hiring! ReSET Room Paraprofessional 🚨
Help students reset, refocus, and re-engage! 🌟
Do you have a calm presence, a heart for students, and a passion for making a difference every day? We're looking for a ReSET Room Paraprofessional to lead our new ReSET Room—where students can Reflect, Set Goals, Engage, and Try Again.
👩🏫 What You’ll Do:
You will work closely with our MTSS Behavior Teacher & Counseling team to…
✅ Welcome and support students needing reflection or de-escalation
✅ Lead guided activities that build accountability and emotional regulation
✅ Collaborate with teachers and staff to support student success
✅ Foster a respectful, calm, and supportive environment
✅ Reinforce strategies to help students build positive skills
🎯 You Might Be the Perfect Fit If You:
✔️ Find fulfillment in helping students grow through difficult moments
✔️ Stay calm under pressure and lead with empathy
✔️ Believe positive relationships help students overcome barriers and thrive
✔️ Communicate well and love being part of a team
📅 Apply today and help us build a stronger, more supportive school community—one reset at a time.
For a job description, visit: https://bit.ly/ReSETpara
To apply, visit: bit.ly/applyGPS
💬 Questions? Contact: Mrs. Josie Floyd (josie.floyd@goswedes.org)
After an extraordinary career spanning more than three decades, we are honored to celebrate the retirement of Mrs. Barb Hicken!
Mrs. Hicken grew up in Iowa and pursued her passion for teaching at Kearney State College (UNK), later earning her master’s degree from Wayne State College. She began her teaching career at 81R, a small country school, before spending 12 impactful years teaching in Lexington. Eventually, she became a proud Swede, leaving a lasting mark on countless lives in our community.
Mrs. Hicken comes from a rich line of educators, including her mother, her sister, and many aunts and uncles. They all shared a commitment to shaping young minds, and this legacy of teaching has undoubtedly inspired Mrs. Hicken's own remarkable journey.
When reflecting on her career, Mrs. Hicken shared that the relationships she built with her students have been her greatest joy. She will deeply miss the many moments and memories spent with her students and colleagues.
In her well-deserved retirement, Mrs. Hicken looks forward to spending quality time with her family, attending her grandkids’ activities, and exploring new hobbies... with crafting at the top of her list!
Thank you, Mrs. Hicken, for the profound impact you've had on so many lives! We wish you all the best in your retirement! 🥳🌟👏
After a remarkable career in both education and coaching, Mr. Roger Koehler is hanging up his teaching hat... again. A proud graduate of Wausa High School, Mr. Koehler went on to attend Northeast Community College before earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Mr. Koehler began his teaching journey at Gothenburg High School in 1985, where he taught for 33 years before retiring the first time in 2018. However, his love for education and his Swede pride brought him back to the Gothenburg Business Department, where he embraced a second chapter as a teacher for 5 more years.
Throughout his career, Mr. Koehler has left an incredible mark in the classroom and on the field, court, and track. He has coached football, basketball, track, cross country, and, most recently, served as the Head Boys Golf Coach. His dedication and leadership have inspired countless students and athletes over the years.
When reflecting on his career, Mr. Koehler shared that his greatest joy has been witnessing the success of the student-athletes he’s had the privilege to teach and coach. He’s also cherished the camaraderie with his fellow business teachers and the daily interactions with students and staff. Mr. Koehler and his wife, Julie, are incredibly proud that both of their children chose careers in education! Logan is teaching at Norris, and Kylie will be teaching at Minden this fall after teaching for several years at Kenesaw.
Mr. Koehler looks forward to part-time work, plenty of time on the golf course, and continuing his role as a football referee with his local crew.
Thank you, Mr. Koehler, for your years of service, your unwavering dedication, and the lasting impact you’ve made on so many lives. We wish you all the best in your well-earned retirement! 🌟👏
Happy National Speech- Language Pathologist Day!! Especially to our very own Erin Feather, Tatum Cool, and Taylor Junker. You are all amazing!!!
🚨 Surplus Alert! Our shop has recently listed a variety of items available to the public. Don’t miss out—check out what’s up for grabs! 🔧🪑🖥️
➡️ https://bit.ly/4jj31aw
#SurplusSale
After 37 years of dedication, passion, and service, Mr. Tim Peterson is retiring! 🎉 Mr. Peterson graduated from Gothenburg High School, earned his degree from UNL (and also played football for the Huskers), and then taught at Greeley and SEM before coming back to Gothenburg. Over the years, Mr. Peterson has taught History and P.E. and also helped out the district by serving in a short-term role as Junior High Principal. He has also dedicated many years to coaching basketball and track.
When asked about his career, Mr. Peterson shared that he measures success in the “daily victories” of his students. He takes pride in helping them discover their potential... especially those who didn’t enjoy P.E. at first but ended up looking forward to going to P.E. class! In retirement, Mr. Peterson looks forward to spending more time with family, playing lots of golf, and refereeing football. He also plans to substitute teach!
Thank you, Mr. Peterson, for the profound impact you have made on the lives of so many, and we wish you all the best in your next chapter of life. Congratulations! 🌟👏
Good afternoon… This is Josie Floyd, Elementary Principal at Gothenburg Public Schools calling with some final information about tomorrow’s Elementary Track and Field Day. We are expecting warm weather tomorrow so please remember the sunscreen and a water bottle for your child. Placing your child’s name on the water bottle would be greatly appreciated. They will be able to refill it throughout the day.
We are hoping that everyone had the chance to look at the slip of paper that came home on Friday listing the events your child has signed up for. Please bring that slip of paper with you to the Track and Field Day (or take a picture of it with your phone) so you have a quick reference throughout the day.
We ask that you have your child to the track at 8:45 a.m. tomorrow morning. Kindergarten through 3rd graders will start the day with their running events and students in 4th through 6th grade will start the day with their field events.
If your child is participating in running events, you are welcome to sit in the bleachers for the best view of the track as your child will sit with you until their specific event is called.
When your child’s running event is called over the announcements, they will report to the WEST gate to enter the track (the west gate is the gate closest to the outside concession stand). When they are done running they will exit the track through the EAST gate (closest to the high school parking lot). We ask that once you send your child to the WEST gate, that you please stay in the same location until they are done running… so they can find you again :)
Please note that no parents will be allowed on the track or track infield at any point during the day. This includes the high jump area. The reason for this is because while one section of the elementary is doing field events, the other section will be doing running events. Therefore we cannot have spectators on the track and / or crossing the track. If you have a student who will be high jumping, you will be able to watch the high jump from the west fence line (near the long jump bleachers). Thanks for understanding.
We will do our very best to make LOTS of intercom announcements throughout the day that will let everyone know when students should report to their events. Please listen carefully anytime you hear an announcement being made as there will be a lot going on at one time tomorrow.
As mentioned previously, we encourage you to bring a picnic lunch with you to the track and field day or purchase a meal from our Gothenburg PTA. Hot Dogs and Walking Tacos will be available. Although we should have a nice lunch break from 12:00 to 12:45 p.m. (or even a bit longer), we do not feel this is enough time for you to venture downtown or do drive-through. You are welcome to spread out on the west practice football field or even venture over to Ehmen Park.
If your child returned the bottom portion of the track note (a few weeks ago) indicating that they would like a sack lunch made by the school, that sack lunch can be picked up just inside the community building doors (near the cafeteria). This is also where everyone can access the bathrooms throughout the day.
If your child is being supervised by school staff (as indicated on the slip of paper you returned to the school previously), you may drop your child off to school at the “normal time” (7:55 a.m.) through the main door of Dudley. We will have staff ready to greet them. These same students will then return to the elementary building after the track meet and will be dismissed at normal time (3:30 p.m.) unless checked out by a parent prior to that time.
One final reminder… there will be no access to the school building throughout the day (except to use the bathroom and have access to drinking fountains). The Junior High and High School students will have a normal school day so we will need to keep their building as safe as possible. Because of this, we encourage you and your family to dress in layers, wear sunscreen and to bring a water bottle.
If you need to reference this information again, you can find it on the school’s Facebook page, as well as the school website.
We look forward to seeing you all tomorrow and can’t wait to have our ENTIRE Swede Family on campus tomorrow. It’s going to be a GREAT day!
Dudley Track & Field Day - May 12th
This is information regarding the Kindergarten through 6th Grade Track and Field Day to be held on Monday, May 12th. The meet will start promptly at 9:00 AM. Please have your child to their first event by 8:45 AM. Students do NOT need to come to school (or check into their classroom) prior to 8:45 AM. As the schedule shows below, Kindergarten-3rd Grade students will complete their running events in the morning and their field events in the afternoon. 4th-6th Grade students will complete their field events in the morning and their running events in the afternoon. The afternoon session will begin @ 12:45 p.m.
If your child has an adult family or friend supervising him / her for the day, it will be their responsibility to get to each event on time. As you may notice, there is not a specific time that each event is scheduled to begin. The schedule is “rolling” which means once an event is finished, that grade level will then rotate to the next event. It is imperative that you pay attention to what event your child's specific grade level is participating in (or stay close to cheer on other classmates) in order to guarantee that your student arrives at their next event on time.
Students are all bringing home a schedule of events today. This piece of paper will show each event that he / she signed up for, as well as where those events will be located around the track and field area.
If you have any questions please email me at bryson.mahlberg@goswedes.org
It’s been so much fun celebrating our incredible teachers this week for Teacher Appreciation Week! 🎉 We are truly grateful for the impact they make on our students every single day — with their hearts, their passion, and their commitment to helping every child grow. A special shoutout to Alli Scholting for the fun banners that we were able to place in both lounges! 💛 #TeacherAppreciationWeek #ThankATeacher #GratefulForOurSwedes
🌟 Wish Day at Dudley Elementary was May 1st 🌟
May 1st marked a special celebration at Dudley Elementary—Wish Day and the culmination of our 15-day Reading Adventure with students and families! 📚✨
To celebrate the journey, every student wrote a meaningful wish and linked it with their grade-level peers to form colorful paper chains. On May 1st, classes gathered around a tree on the south playground (maybe RED) to take a photo with their chains of wishes!
The paper chains will be proudly displayed near each classroom on pallet trees handcrafted by Mr. Bartels' talented students. 🌳💫
We hope our families enjoyed reading this story together and sharing in the joy of reading and dreaming with their children. 💭❤️
Thank you to all our Dudley readers and families for making this adventure so special! 💛
#BeHereBeYouBeASwede #DudleyWishDay #ReadingAdventure #SwedePride #DudleyElementary
🌟 Teacher Appreciation Week | May 5th–9th 🌟
This week, we celebrate the heart of Gothenburg Public Schools — our incredible teachers and staff! Every day, they go above and beyond to inspire, support, and guide our students. Now is the perfect time to say thank you and share just how much their efforts mean to you!
Let’s come together as a school community and shower our staff with some much-deserved SWEDE APPRECIATION!
➡️ Use our Positive Teacher & Staff Referral Form which is always available on our District Webpage or click on the link below, to recognize any member of the SWEDE staff who has made a difference. (bit.ly/3QCFsxP)
💬 Your kind words will be shared directly with them by an administrator — because kindness deserves to be celebrated.
Let’s fill this week with gratitude, positivity, and heartfelt praise. Together, we can lift up those who lift up our kids every single day.
#SwedePride #TeacherAppreciationWeek #SwedeAppreciation #ThankATeacher
🌟✨ A huge thank you to Flatwater Bank for making it possible for our Swede Branch 6th Grade Tellers to attend Stellar Teller Day on the UNK Campus on May 1st!
It was an incredible day of learning, fun, and leadership! Our students were inspired by author and speaker Julia Cook, who shared powerful lessons and stories that will stick with these young leaders for years to come. 📚💡
Congratulations to our 2025 Stellar Teller—Abigail Scott from Swede Branch! We are so proud of you!
Dudley Elementary 2nd Graders had a fun-filled, learning experience at Kennedy Landscape, where they were introduced to many species of trees, learned how to plant flowers, and how to care for them. Keep 🌸 blooming and growing 🌺 these last few weeks of school!
🎉 It’s a Double the Fun Fist Bump Friday at Dudley! 🎾👟 We’re excited to welcome the Girls' Tennis Team and Boys' Track Team as our special greeters! Thanks for helping us start the day with smiles, high fives, and Swede spirit! 💙💛 #FistBumpFriday #BeASwede #SwedePride
Happy School Principal's Day to two of the best! GPS is lucky to have Mr. Ryker and Mrs. Floyd. Thank you for your leadership!
Guess what today is at Dudley Elementary? It is WISH DAY! If you have been following along with our One School One Book "Wishtree", you know what we are talking about. All students and staff will be writing their wish and placing it on a tree at the end of our day! We hope you have enjoyed this reading journey with your family! #2025
