School Administration
Jay Snyder is the new principal of Locust Grove Elementary School. Mr. Snyder brings a wealth of experience to this pivotal role and embodies the priorities identified by the Locust Grove community Stakeholder responses emphasized the community's desire for a principal who is approachable, possesses strong communication skills, excels at building trust, sets high expectations for academic achievement, and values professional development for teachers.
As a teacher and administrator in Fredericksburg City Public Schools, Mr. Snyder's educational leadership has spanned the elementary, middle, and high school levels, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the K-12 educational journey. Further, Mr. Snyder's experience in facilities and project management at the division level has afforded him a well-rounded skill set that will benefit the entire school community.
Mr. Snyder is known for his approachable demeanor and his ability to build strong, trusting relationships with students, parents, and colleagues. His commitment to clear and consistent two-way communication will help ensure that all stakeholders feel heard, respected, and valued.
Mr. Snyder believes in setting high expectations for all students and providing the necessary support for them to succeed. He has experience leading the implementation of new instructional programs designed to foster high levels of academic achievement. Recognizing the crucial role of educators, Mr. Snyder is a strong advocate for ongoing professional development opportunities for teachers, fostering a culture of continuous growth and improvement. He champions teacher collaboration and the development of shared leadership models, empowering educators to contribute their expertise to create a dynamic and effective learning environment.
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Sonya Walsh has previously served in the positions of director of secondary education, director of instruction, supervisor of professional development, supervisor of instruction, instructional technology coach, and teacher in sixth grade and most recently as a kindergarten teacher at Locust Grove Primary School from January to May 2023. She has 18 years of experience, serving in Fredericksburg City Public Schools with a bachelor's degree in elementary education PreK - 6, and middle education 6-8 History/ Social Sciences endorsement in 2005. Ms. Walsh earned a master's degree in curriculum & instruction and in 2018, completed the qualifications for an educational leadership endorsement for an administrative career.
Ms. Walsh is from the Erie / Pittsburgh area and grew up in a small town between the two cities in Pennsylvania. She has two sons who will be attending LGP/E and her family has resided in Orange County for the past 9 years. She and her family enjoy swimming, biking, campfires, movie nights, and baseball. She also enjoys reading, exercising, traveling, and coffee.
