School Administration
Merilee R. Grubb, Principal
- Email: mgrubb@ocss-va.org
- Phone: 540-661-4520 Extension 3028
Meet Ms. Grubb
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.”
Message from Ms. Grubb
April 7, 2024
Dear Timberwolf Families,
Welcome back from Spring Break! Be present, be proud! Together, our Timberwolves are persevering in working towards grade level goals in Math, Reading, Writing, Science, and Social Studies! Each and every day counts. When students are at school each and every day, they are learning and they succeed!
The staff continues to cultivate a positive environment through our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). 42 students have received PAWSitive Office Referrals and 2,277 students have earned PAWSitive Tickets for “Practicing RESPECT, Accepting RESPONSIBILITY, While we Stay SAFE.” 9 students still have perfect attendance. The overall average attendance for Lightfoot is 94.4%. Our chronic absenteeism is at 11.5%--our goal is to be less than 10%. According to Attendanceworks.org, “The most recent federal data show that in the 2020-21 school year, at least 14.7 million students nationwide were chronically absent. This means that chronic absence has almost doubled from the more than 8 million students, pre-Covid-19, who were missing so many days of school that they were academically at risk. Chronic absence — missing 10 percent or more of school days due to absence for any reason—excused, unexcused absences and suspensions—can translate into students having difficulty learning to read by the third-grade, achieving in middle school, and graduating from high school.” We can work together to make sure that each student does not exceed missing 10% of the school year so students can succeed. Make sure you notify Ms. Jenkins or Ms. Brooking with the reason for the absence within 3 days of returning to school with doctor's notes if applicable.
Together, LES staff and families are on a MISSION to discover the potential in our students and help them succeed in life. Join us for Night at the STEAM Museum on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, from 6-7:30 PM to participate in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics with your child. You can buy pizza and water from the PTA from 5:30-6:00 PM and Kona Ice, both supporting our PTA.
Thank you to all the students and families who supported our Community Day of Service with donating supplies to the Orange County Animal Shelter and helping with the playground.
Be Present, Be Proud! When students are at school each and every day, they succeed!
A few reminders and important dates:
4/8 Eclipse - all students will receive Solar glasses to view the eclipse as part of our science instruction
4/9 GR 5 tour at LGMS
4/9 PTA Double Good fliers goes home
4/10-4/13 PTA Double Good Fundraiser
4/10 STEAM Museum during the school day and Night at the STEAM Museum 6:00-7:30 PM (purchase pizza from the PTA from 5:30-6:00 PM)
4/11 PTA Meeting 4:15 PM
4/12 GR 5 tour at PHMS
4/12 GR 3 AG Day field trip
4/17 LOWs History Poster Awards for GR 4 Winners at 6:30 PM at LOWs Clubhouse
4/17 Rising LGMS 6th Graders instrument night 5-8 PM at LGMS
4/18 Interims go home
4/18 Rising LGMS 6th Graders Parent/Student Night 5:30 PM at LGMS
4/23 GR 4 and 5 Reading SOL
4/24 GR 3 Reading SOL
4/26 Smile Virginia - mobile dentist - permission forms were sent home or register online https://www.myschooldentist.com/LEOCVA_sch
4/26 PTA Hat Day for $1 (cash only - exact change)
4/30 GR 4 and 5 Math SOL
5/1 GR 3 Math SOL
Sincerely,
Merilee R. Grubb