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.”

April 12, 2026

Dear Timberwolf Families,

We are so thankful for all stakeholders taking ACTION and making sure our students are respectful, responsible, and safe at Lightfoot. Timberwolves took ACTION and collected about 300 items for the Orange County Animal Shelter for the Day of Service! Thank you for supporting our LES Day of Service. 

As we return from Spring Break, take ACTION and make sure your student is at school for instruction, studying, and completing homework. Also, make sure your child is following the OCPS Dress Code:

“Clothing should fit, be neat and clean, and conform to standards of safety, good taste and decency. Clothing that exposes cleavage, private parts, the midriff, or undergarments, or that is otherwise sexually provocative, is prohibited. Examples of prohibited clothing include, but are not limited to: sagging or low-cut pants, low-cut necklines that show cleavage, tube tops, halter tops, backless blouses or blouses with only ties in the back, clothing constructed of see-through materials and head coverings unless required for religious or medical purposes.”

The staff continues to cultivate a positive environment through our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). This month our “spotlight” is following expectations at recess. 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 1,729 PAWSitive Tickets. 30 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. Take ACTION and be PAWSitive, Timberwolves!   

As always, we can continue to work together by partnering with you to support your student's regular school attendance. The class with the best attendance for the month of March was Mr. Duay’s fourth grade class. They earned a basketball competition with Mr. Tinsman, Deputy Devine, and Deputy Gray. The class with the best attendance for April will earn extra recess. 20 students have perfect attendance. Our chronic absenteeism is at 3.3%--our goal is 3%.

See attached flyers for rising LGMS 6th graders.

LGMS Instrument Night

LGMS Rising 6th Graders Information Night 

See the attached flyers for the Right at School Before/After Care offered at LES. 

Parent Forum Flyer

Summer Camp Flyer

Let’s have a PAWSitive end to the 2025-2026 school year, Timberwolves!

Important upcoming dates and events:
4/13/26 Dental Clinic
4/13/26 GR 4 Germanna Foundation in-house presentation
4/14/26 Interims go home
4/16/26 GR 5 Field trip - Farm tour
4/16/26 Steam Night 6:00-7:30 with Kona Ice and Donuts for sale from the PTA
4/17/26 Job Fair/Career Day during Connect
4/21/26 No School for Students 
4/23/26 PTA Meeting
4/24/26 PTA Hat Day
5/7/26 “Stay on Target” School Spirit Day - dress for success, professionally for college/career
5/14/26 PTA Meeting
5/15/26 Music performance at 2:30 PM
5/15/26 PTA Hat Day
5/18/26 Field 45 during Connect
5/20/26 GR 5 Awards (invitations to come)

• Martin 9:30
• Gray 10:00
• O’Leary 10:30
• Wayne 11:00

6/1/26-6/18/26 Summer School (more info to come)

SOL dates:

• 4/22 GR 5 IRW SOL
• 4/28 GR 5 Reading SOL
• 4/29 GR 4 Reading SOL
• 4/30 GR 3 Reading SOL
• 5/1 Reading SOL Makeups
• 5/4-5/15 GR 3 VALLSS (mClass date to come)
• 5/4 Reading SOL Makeups
• 5/5 GR 5 Math SOL
• 5/6 GR 4 Math SOL
• 5/7 GR 3 Math SOL
• 5/8 GR 5 Science SOL
• 5/11 GR 4 VA Studies SOL
• 5/13 GR 3-5 Reading SOL Retakes
• 5/14 GR 3-5 Math SOL Retakes
• 5/15 GR 5 Science and GR 4 VA Studies SOL Retakes