School Administration

Diane Muldowney, Principal

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

Dear Lightfoot Community,

My name is Diane C. Muldowney, and I am excited to begin my journey in Orange County as the new Principal of Lightfoot Elementary School.

Before joining Orange County Public Schools, I spent 22 years serving families in Spotsylvania County where I spent the majority of my teaching career in fourth and fifth grades. Most recently, I served as the Assistant Principal at Courthouse Road Elementary School for five years.

I am a native New Yorker and earned my undergraduate degree from the State University of New York at Cortland, home of the famous Cortland apple. I later received my master's degree from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green and earned my administrative licensure through the University of Mary Washington.

As a military spouse, I had the opportunity to live in several places across the country. Those experiences taught me the value of building strong relationships and creating a sense of belonging wherever life takes you. Of all the places my journey has led me, I feel fortunate to have settled in Virginia, and I am thrilled that my professional path has brought me to Orange County and Lightfoot Elementary School.

I look forward to working alongside the staff,  students, families, and the entire Lightfoot community. Together, we will continue to create a school environment where every Timberwolf feels welcomed, valued, safe, and inspired to learn each day.

Warm regards,

Diane C. Muldowney
Principal
Lightfoot Elementary School

 

July 15, 2026, 

Dear Lightfoot Elementary Families,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! I am excited to introduce myself as the new principal of Lightfoot Elementary School. My name is Diane Muldowney, and I am honored to be joining the incredible Timberwolf Pack!

In just one short week at Lightfoot, I have already experienced the kindness, warmth, and pride that make this community so special. I can't wait to partner with our students, families, and staff for an amazing year ahead.

This year's theme, Plug In, Participate, and Power Up, reminds us that when we all connect, bring our best energy each day, and actively engage in learning, great things happen. Together, we'll build powerful circuits of learning where every child is encouraged to grow, stay safe, and shine.

Please take a few moments to carefully read the information below, as it includes important details to help your family prepare for a successful start to the school year.

Thank you for welcoming me into the Lightfoot family. I look forward to meeting each of you and beginning a fantastic school year together.

See you soon!

Diane Muldowney
Principal

Important upcoming dates:

7/16/26: Popsicles with the NEW Principal 4:30pm - 6:30pm
7/30/26: OPEN HOUSE- Come to the Timberwolf Den and meet the 2026 - 2027 Pack 1:00pm - 6:00pm
8/05/26: First Day of School - Welcome- Use your regular patterns for coming and going each day- start the year with daily practice of routines
8/07/26: Attendance Spirit Day - Wear beach clothes (no suits) as we splash into another year 
8/13/26: PTA Meeting 4:15-5:00 PM in the Library- Come join us and put the PACK in PTA
8/20/26: Back to School Night 6:00-7:30 PM- Come take a look into the learning of your Timberwolf
8/25/26: Early Dismissal Day
9/04/25 - 9/07/25: Student & Staff Holiday
9/08/25: Interims tentatively go home
9/10/25: PTA Meeting 4:15-5:00 PM in the Library- Come join us and put the PACK in PTA
9/24/26: Student Early Dismissal Day for Parent/Teacher Conferences in PM
9/25/25: No School for Students - Parent/Teacher Conferences in AM
 

Open House: July 30th: 1:00 - 6:00

Calling all Timberwolves to the Lightfoot Den to Meet the 2026 - 2027 Pack ! Tour the school, meet staff and your teacher, and drop off supplies. You can also join the PTA. The entire Timberwolf staff is energizing and ready to, “PLUG IN, PARTICIPATE and POWER UP”

 

REMINDERS:

Drop off starts at 9:00 AM in the car rider line on the south entrance of 522.

Due to safety with the buses and at our entrance and students inside of the building, students cannot be walked to the door or class. To help with dismissal on the first couple days, please send your child to school the way they will be picked up throughout the school year. 

Dismissal starts at 3:53 PM. Car riders should be picked up by 4:00 PM on the south entrance of 522. Follow the directions from the school's staff and SRO.

 

3RD, 4TH, AND 5TH GRADE SUPPLY LIST

School Year 2026-2027

Essential Items:

Backpack (no rolling backpacks)

Crayons

#2 Pencils

1 Pair of Scissors (make sure they fit your child’s hand)

3 Glue Sticks

Pencil Case/Pouch

Always Appreciated:

Tissues

Highlighters

Sanitizing Wipes

Colored Pencils

Dry Erase Markers

Earbuds/Headphones (no wireless)