Ms. Merilee 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 loves her Lightfoot Elementary School family. “I have been fortunate to serve as principal for four years to the most PAWSitive students, staff, parents and community. The Lightfoot  community is a talented and passionate group of educators. I pride myself on building relationships with students, staff, parents and the community to provide the highest quality education to all students of Lightfoot Elementary School.”

 

October 1, 2023

Dear Timberwolf Families,

Together, our Timberwolves are making huge strides towards grade level goals!

As always, I want to highlight a few PAWSitive things going on at Lightfoot. We have nearly 50 students attending the Math and Reading Extended Day. We appreciate your commitment to help your child get extra support in Reading and Math! The staff continues to cultivate a positive environment through our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). 12 students have received PAWSitive Office Referrals and 523 students have earned PAWSitive Tickets for “Practicing RESPECT, Accepting RESPONSIBILITY, While we Stay SAFE.” 100 students still have perfect attendance–don’t forget that classrooms earn recognition and awards for the best attendance for the week and the quarter as well as individuals for perfect attendance for each quarter and the entire year. Students and families are also recognized for efforts to improve attendance. The overall average attendance for Lightfoot is 96%. Our chronic absenteeism is at 11% but should be less than10%. All absences, even if parent or doctor excused, count into the State Accreditation Report. We can work together to make sure that each student does not exceed missing 10% of the school year. Make sure you notify Ms. Jenkins or Ms. Brooking with the reason for the absence within 3 days of returning to school.

Together, LES staff and families are on a MISSION to discover the potential in our students and help them succeed in life.

A few reminders and important dates:

• No school on 10/9, Teacher Professional Development

• PTA meeting is 10/12

• End of the 9 weeks is 10/13 (Grades are posted within 48 hours of an assignment and visible in Parent Portal)

• Fifth Grade Farm Tour is 10/19

• No school on 10/20, Teacher Workday

• Report cards go home on 10/24

• Reading Night is on 10/25 - Character Dress up and Trick-or-Treating while learning Reading Strategies and games to help at home

• Character Dress-up Day is 10/31 (Treats that are peanut free and pre-wrapped as well as pencils, stickers, etc. are allowed to be brought in for the whole class. Please check the homeroom teacher for allergies)

• Pajama Day is 11/1 (no slippers, school appropriate dress)

• No School for students on 11/7

• Make-ups for picture Day on 11/9

• No School for students 11/22-11/24

Sincerely,

Merilee R. Grubb

Principal