School Administration

Merilee Grubb, Principal

• Email: mgrubb@ocss-va.org
• Phone: 540-661-4520 ext. 3028

Ms. Merilee R. Grubb was graciously appointed the principal of Lightfoot Elementary School July 1, 2019. Ms. Grubb previously served as the assistant principal of Locust Grove Primary and Elementary Schools from 2017 to 2019. Mrs. Grubb earned a bachelor’s degree in English and Linguistics, a Master’s in Elementary Education, and completed her Educational Leadership degree from the University of Mary Washington. Ms. Grubb also taught classroom management at the University of Mary Washington to prospective teachers. Ms. Grubb taught in a variety of K-8 classrooms for more than 15 years, earning her National Board Certification, and partnered with teachers as an instructional coach for another 4 years before coming to Orange County. Ms. Grubb recently joined the Virginia Principal of Distinction Cohort as selected by the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals (VASSP) and the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals (VAESP), the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE).

Ms. Grubb PAWSitively loves her Lightfoot Elementary School family. “I have been fortunate to serve as principal for six years to the most PAWSitive students, high quality staff, invested parents and supportive community members. I pride myself on fostering an unbiased learning environment that promotes critical thinking, creativity, curiosity, and a growth mindset. At Lightfoot, we have high expectations and accountability among students, families, educators, and myself as an administrator.”

January 11, 2026

Dear Timberwolf Families,

We had a great first week back in 2026! Thank you for taking ACTION to make sure your student is reading, practicing math facts, studying, and completing their homework daily. Homework in elementary school matters as it reinforces classroom learning, builds essential life skills like responsibility and time management, fosters independent learning, and serves as a crucial link between school and home. Homework also helps solidify concepts through practice, improves understanding, and prepares children for future academic and professional success by cultivating positive study habits. Homework also acts as a regular communication tool between teachers, students, and families. Looking for fun family activities? Check out the VDOE’s website to support Mathematics at home.

The staff cultivate a positive environment through our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Students are acknowledged at the classroom level as well as schoolwide and on the bus. Students are recognized for “Practicing RESPECT, Accepting RESPONSIBILITY, While we Stay SAFE.” Timberwolves have earned 1,043 PAWSitive Tickets. 22 students have received a PAWSitive Office Referral. You can take ACTION and partner with us to increase these great numbers by reviewing the school rules with your student at home, especially around playground, lunchroom, and bus rules and never saying anything that someone may deem to be a threat or threatening. 

As always, we can continue to work together by partnering with you to support your student's regular school attendance. Research shows that missing two days every month, which is ten percent of the school year, can have a significant impact on a student's academic success. Frequent absences can cause students to fall behind and can affect the whole classroom if the teacher has to slow down learning to help students catch up. Mrs. Robertson, Mrs. Casasanta, and Ms. O’Leary’s class tied for the best attendance last week with 100.00% attendance. The class with the best attendance for the month of December was Mrs. Headley’s 3rd grade class with 97.32%. They earned hot chocolate. The class with the best attendance for January will earn a snowball fight with Mr. Tinsman. 34 students have perfect attendance. Our chronic absenteeism is at 4.63%--our goal is 3%.

Let’s have a PAWSitive second semester, Timberwolves!

Sincerely,

Merilee R. Grubb, Principal

Important upcoming dates:
Reading Tutoring Mondays and Fridays 8:00-9:00 from 1/12/26-2/6/26
Math Tutoring Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:00-9:00 from 1/12/26-2/6/26
Varsity Tutoring for GR 4 and 5 every Monday and Tuesday 8:30-9:00 1/12/26-2/17/26 (except days with no school) 
Science Tutoring with Ms. Wayne and Mr. Duay for 4th & 5th graders, Monday and Tuesday, 2/9/26-2/10/26 and 2/16/26-2/17/26
Reading Tutoring with Ms. Penley, Wednesdays 3:55-4:55 PM, 1/14/26-4/1/26

1/12/26-1/16/26 PTA Coin Wars - the grade level with the most points in their Coin War Jug will win a treat from the PTA
Pennies = +1 point 
Nickels = +5 points
Dimes = +10 points
Quarters = +25 points
$1 bills = –100 points
$5 bills = –500 points

1/19/26 No School for Students or Staff
1/20/26 Bible Class off campus
1/26/23-1/28/23 Reading SGA (GR5, GR4, GR3)
1/29/26 Student Early Dismissal/Teacher PD
1/30/26 PTA Hat Day for $1
1/30/26 SGA Makeups
1/30/26 Movie Night - Wild Robot 6:00-7:30 PM (No drop offs - students must stay with an adult. Popcorn and water will be for sale from the PTA, cash only - no outside food or beverages. Students may bring blankets and stuffed animals. Electronic devices must be off during movie.)
2/2/26-2/6/26 Math SGA (GR5, GR4, GR3)
2/2/26-2/27/26 Kids Heart Challenge 
2/6/26 Interims go home
2/12/26 2 hour early dismissal (1:53 PM) for Parent Teacher conferences (2:30-6:00 PM)
2/13/26 No school for students for Parent Teacher conferences (8:00 AM-12:00 PM)
2/19/26 PTA Meeting
2/27/26 GR 5 Geography Bee 2:00-3:30 PM