School Administration
Letter to Families:
May 15, 2025
Hello Mustang Families,
I am writing with important information regarding end of year events for our 8th Grade students.
Tomorrow is the 8th Grade Semi-Formal Dance. A few important details need to be addressed so that everyone has a great time:
- Students will be given a ticket during lunch on the day of the dance (5/16). The Ticket is there entry please help them not to loose them.
- Dress Code for the Dance—Because the dance is still a school event, dresses must meet dress code guidelines. Since it is a challenge to find fashionable dresses that meet all aspects, we want to articulate that students may have spaghetti straps, and students can wear heels, however, dresses should be age appropriate and should not be excessively short or low cut.
- Students will be dropped off in the BUS LOOP starting at 5:30pm and picked up promptly at 8:00pm in the BUS LOOP.
- Food, Music, and Photography are included.
This is a reminder that our 8th grade Promotion Ceremony is Monday, May 19th at 6:00 pm in the LGMS gymnasium.
- Students need to arrive and report to their assigned rooms to line up by 5:45 (please not earlier than 5:30 pm).
- Parking is limited, so we are providing one ticket per family. If you need additional tickets, please let the front office know, and we will get an extra ticket for you. Parking is available in our bus loop, the front parking lot, and on the side of the building near the tennis courts, but will be somewhat limited so we encourage car-pooling.
- Students attire should be Dress Casual to Semi-Formal.
We look forward to seeing you as we celebrate our students’ accomplishments.
Sincerely,
Nick Sodano
LGMS Principal
Upcoming Dates:
May 2025
5-12: Reading SOL Retakes
5-12: MS Football Camp @ LGMS w/ OCHS
5-14: Math SOL Retakes
5-14: Spring Band Concert - 7 PM
5-15: LGMS Sports Banquet
5-16: Science SOL Retakes
5-16: 8th Grade Semi-Formal 6:00 to 8:00
5-17: OCHS Graduation
5-19: Civics SOL Retakes
5-19: 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony - 6:00 PM
5-20: Field Day
5-21: Last Day of School and Early Release
Summer School - First Two Weeks of June. Families with students in need of grade recovery have received an email. Please look for this. If you did not receive an email, but would like to inquire, email nsodano@ocss-va.org
Meet the Principal
We are excited to introduce to you the principal of Locust Grove Middle School, Mr. Nick Sodano. With his extensive educational background, including degrees in Social Science, History, and Education from Radford University, Mr. Sodano embarked on his teaching career in the Orange County School System in 2005. For six years, he dedicated himself to teaching 6th-grade social studies, 8th-grade civics, and AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) courses here at Locust Grove Middle School. During his teaching tenure, he pursued further education at the University of Mary Washington, earning a Master's of Education in Educational Leadership.
In 2011, Mr. Sodano assumed the role of Assistant Principal at Orange Elementary School, where he served until 2015. He then became the Principal at Locust Grove Primary School, leading the institution until his appointment at Gordon-Barbour Elementary School in the fall of 2017.
Residing in Gordonsville, VA, Mr. Sodano shares his life with his wife, Megan, and their two daughters. Beyond his commitment to our school, he finds joy on the water and cherishing quality moments with his family and friends.
As an educator, Mr. Sodano firmly believes in the potential of every child to achieve high standards. He strives to ensure that every decision made at our school is solely in the best interest of our students. With an open-door policy, Mr. Sodano warmly invites parents and members of our school community to connect with him, fostering a strong partnership for the benefit of our students.