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Elko Middle School

October 5, 2026

7th Edition - October 5 - 9, 2026

A bold “The Nest News” banner features a fierce blue-and-white eagle, a yellow envelope with a red alert, and clouds; 7th Edition, Oct. 5–9, 2026.

View The Nest News 7th Edition Smore Newsletter

The Nest News-7th Edition-October 5-9, 2026

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PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

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Greetings Eagles,

We are off to another great week at Elko Middle School. We recently received our Performance Report from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), which includes student results from the Spring 2026 SOL assessments. While these results highlight areas where we need to grow across all tested subjects, this data serves as a valuable roadmap. The VDOE, alongside federal monitoring, will assist us in creating targeted support systems to help our students succeed.

Additionally, our leadership team holds biweekly meetings with our HCPS School Quality Specialist to review our data and make the necessary instructional adjustments in real time. As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we have developed a Multi-Year School Support Plan with three-year goals. Here are our Year 1 targets:

  • English Language Arts: 50% of Elko Middle School students will show growth on their Reading SOL assessment by advancing one or more performance bands or maintaining a passing score.
  • Mathematics: By the end of Year 1, 80% of Algebra 1 students will demonstrate proficiency on the Math SOL assessment.

I am sharing this information to remain fully transparent about where we currently stand and the proactive steps we are taking to boost student achievement. Once the official report goes live on the VDOE website, I will provide instructions on how you can access it. As we work toward these goals, we need your partnership. You can support your child at home through weekly reading practice and engaging in activities that sharpen their skills to meet the rigor of middle school mathematics. Resources for families are available directly on the Virginia Department of Education website.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Elko Middle School!

Dr. Tyrus T. Lyles

ATTENDANCE OFFICE

Absences can be reported one of the following ways:

Please note that if a student reaches 5 and 10 unexcused absences, their parent or guardian will be contacted to schedule an attendance meeting.

SCHOOL OPERATIONS

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Fall Picture Day Information

Sports Pictures Information

  • Date: October 15th (AFTERSCHOOL)
  • SPORTS TEAMS: Football, Girls Basketball, Boys Soccer, & Girls Tennis
  • Order Online Code: FM516636
  • Strawbridge Website

COUNSELOR'S CORNER

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8th Grade Specialty Centers

Our 8th grade students learned about Specialty Centers and ACE Centers this Friday during Advisory class. The application window is from September 28 - November 13th. The School Counseling Department is happy to assist any students interested in applying. If you need help setting up your SchoolMint account please contact Dr. Swingen.

Level Up Elko - 7th and 8th grade students can sign up to hear from specific specialty centers during Advisory. Currently we have 7 specialty centers signed up to visit our students and hopefully more to come! Click the button below to access student sign ups.

Level Up Specialty Center Presentation Sign-up Form

Mission Tomorrow Field Trip

Mission Tomorrow permission slips went home Tuesday, September 29th for 8th grade students. This is a career exploration field trip for our 8th graders. They have the chance to walk around and visit with over 100 Richmond region companies to learn about their companies and careers. Please make sure to fill out these permission slips and have your student turn them in. The deadline is Friday, October 9th.

The Elko School Counseling Team

Tamika Stacy Registrar

Sarah Fish (7th Grade)

Jennifer Boulding (8th Grade)

Corey Hancock (6th Grade)

Jorli Swingen

ELKO ATHLEICS

EMS Weekly Athletics Update-Week of: 10/5/26-10/9/26

Click here to view Elko Athletics Fall Sports Schedule for the 2026 season.

EVENTS

Advisory Competition (Canned Food Drive)

Click here to learn how to donate to the Henrico Heroes Advisory Food Drive.

Join Elko's PTSA

Click here to join Elko Middle School's PTSA and apply to serve as an officer or chair today!

VOLUNTEER PROCESS

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If you would like to become a volunteer, please complete the online volunteer/mentor application via the link below.

Click here to access the HCPS Volunteer Form.

UPCOMING EVENTS

October 28th: student 1/2 day, staff clerical day

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Click here to view the flyer for Senator Jennifer McClellan's Annual Harvest Festival.

STAY IN THE KNOW WITH ALL THINGS ELKO & HCPS

ELKO LEADERSHIP TEAM