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Elko Middle School

August 17, 2026

1st Edition - August 17 - 21, 2026

Illustrated “The Nest News” first-edition cover, dated August 17–21, 2026, with a fierce eagle, blue sky, and yellow mail icon.

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INFO YOU NEED TO KNOW

VISION

At Elko Middle School, we are committed to soaring from good to great by cultivating a culture of educational excellence, innovation, and community engagement. Our vision is to empower ever

student to reach their full potential—academically, socially, and personally.

We will measure our success by:

Sustaining full accreditation through rigorous academic achievement and continuous improvement.

Expanding extracurricular opportunities that foster creativity, leadership, and collaboration.

Building strong partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, staff and student learning and real-world

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THEME FOR 2026-2027

MISSION imPOSSIBLE

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Dear Elko Students, Parents, and Community Members,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year at Elko Middle School! I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful, relaxing summer and are coming back energized for an exciting and rewarding year ahead. This year, we proudly continue our theme: Mission Possible.

Last year, our mission centered on moving from Off Track to On Track status under the Virginia Department of Education's school accountability classifications. Thanks to the relentless hard work and dedication of our students, staff, and families, we made significant gains in mathematics and celebrated meaningful academic growth. While we are proud of those accomplishments, we did not fully achieve every aspect of our goal. As a result, we remain committed and focused on ensuring that our mission becomes a complete reality for every student we serve.

At Elko Middle School, we want our Eagles to understand that their abilities, intelligence, and talents are not fixed. Growth comes through effort, perseverance, and continuous learning. By recognizing and building upon each student's unique strengths, we are preparing them for success not only in high school, but also in college, careers, and life. This commitment is reflected in our mission: Elko Middle School is committed to fostering a growth mindset by providing a high-quality education and data-driven instruction within a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. Through rigorous academics, meaningful relationships, and intentional support, we strive to ensure that every student feels empowered to learn, grow, and reach their full potential.

In alignment with the Henrico Learner Profile, our instructional practices will continue to focus on developing durable, lifelong skills that empower students to become critical thinkers, effective communicators, and responsible citizens. To further strengthen foundational academic skills, we are taking intentional steps this year to reduce student screen time during instruction. By decreasing our reliance on digital devices, teachers will incorporate more paper-and-pencil learning experiences designed to strengthen reading comprehension, writing proficiency, critical thinking, and sustained focus. This balanced approach will provide students with more opportunities for active engagement and hands-on learning.

We also recognize that meaningful learning can only take place when students feel safe, supported, and valued. The physical, emotional, and mental well-being of every child will remain at the forefront of everything we do. Our goal is to ensure that every student feels a sense of belonging in a safe, inclusive environment where they are respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive.

To further cultivate this positive school climate, we have a few important updates:

Extended Transition Time

We have added two additional minutes between classes this year. Students will now have five minutes to transition between classes, allowing them to move safely through the hallways and arrive prepared and on time for learning.

Important Expectations and Policies

To maintain a safe, respectful, and focused learning environment, we ask that students and families keep the following expectations in mind:

Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone Policy

We will continue to strictly enforce our bell-to-bell cell phone policy. Student phones must be powered off and securely stored from the time students arrive on campus until they are dismissed at the end of the school day. This expectation helps maximize instructional time and minimizes distractions.

Code of Student Conduct and Dress Code

Students are expected to always follow the Henrico County Public Schools Code of Student Conduct, including expectations related to behavior, attendance, and appropriate dress. We encourage families to review the Code of Student Conduct together to ensure a shared understanding of these expectations.

Weekly Student Clubs

Outside of the classroom, students will have opportunities to participate in weekly clubs based on their interests and passions. By incorporating student voice and choice, we can create a stronger sense of connection, belonging, and school pride.

As we officially begin this mission on August 24, 2026, we ask for your continued partnership. Education is a collaborative effort between the school, families, and the community. Your involvement and encouragement are the fuel that will help us navigate and overcome any challenges we encounter along the way. We strongly encourage you to stay engaged and actively participate in your student's middle school journey.

Thank you for everything you have done and will continue to do to support our school community. Together, we will make this school year a tremendous success!

With excitement and gratitude,

Dr. Lyles

MEET OUR TEAM

Dr. Lyles-Principal

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Ms. Jackson- Associate Principal

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Dr. Francis- Associate Principal (7th grade Administrator)

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Ms. Tyson- Assistant Principal (8th grade Administrator)

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Mr. Carrey- Assistant Principal (6th grade Administrator)

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ACADEMICS

Click here to view our 2026-2027 Elko Middle School Supply List.

SCHOOL OPERATIONS

STAGGERD START INFORMATION

Important Reminders for 6th Grade Orientation / First Day (August 24th):

  • Arrival (8:05 AM): 6th graders enter the building at 8:05 AM, clear the metal detectors, and head directly to the cafeteria for breakfast.
  • Schedule & Navigation: Students will attend all eight class periods. Staff members will be stationed throughout the hallways all day to direct students to their classrooms.
  • Dismissal (3:15 PM): Dismissal begins at 3:15 PM. Car riders should report to the front of the school, while bus riders will head to the bus loop.
  • Bus Tracking & Delays: Track your child's route using the HCPS Bus app. Please anticipate minor delays during the first few days as drivers help students get acclimated to their routes.
  • Parent Policy: To ensure a smooth transition and maintain security, parents will not be permitted inside the building to walk students to class.

Click here to view Staggered Bell Schedule for the 2026-2027 school year.

August 24th is the FIRST DAY for 6th grade ONLY!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES OF 7TH AND 8TH GRADE EAGLES!

ATTENDANCE UPDATES

  • Contacts/Pick-up Lists: Please make sure your student’s pick-up list is up to date by updating the Contacts listed in PowerSchool. You can do this by logging in to your Parent Portal account. Anyone coming to pick up a student for early dismissal MUST be listed in PowerSchool. If someone is not listed in PowerSchool, we will not be able to call the student down.
  • Early Dismissal: The cut off time for early dismissals is 2:30 pm.

ALLERGEN INFORMATION

Click here for form to update any food allergies your student may have.

TRANSPORTATION

*Transportation information is forthcoming.

Parent Portal Bus App HCPS families can access The Edulog Parent Portal bus tracking app. This app will empower families, improve communication and foster efficiency. Parents, guardians, and caregivers can follow their student’s bus, receive notifications when a bus enters a user-defined zone, and receive notifications that their student has boarded/disembarked the bus. Download on App Store or Google Play.

Click here to access the Parent Portal Bus App.

CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT 2025-26

Click here to view the 2026-2027 HCPS Code of Student Conduct.

CELL PHONE POLICY

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Secondary Schools

To ensure a learning environment free from unnecessary disruptions, cell phones and unauthorized electronic devices are required to be out of visible sight, and silenced, or in airplane mode during the school day, and during instruction-related after-school activities (tutoring, homework help, make-up work, etc.), unless being used for instructional purposes with the teacher’s permission. Unauthorized electronic devices include, but are not limited to, cell phones, and smart devices with cellular service or Wi-Fi connectivity.

To further reduce distractions in the classroom, students are required to put their cell phones and smart devices in division-issued storage devices during scheduled class time. This will provide even more consistency throughout and between schools. If a student needs to leave class to visit the restroom, clinic, school counseling office, etc., their cell phone and/or smart device must remain in the classroom. Students will keep their phones and smart devices away in their personal belongings during class changes and at lunch.

Recommended Consequences:

First Offense

Device confiscated until the end of the school day, verbal warning and parent/guardian contacted.

Second Offense

Device confiscated, parent/guardian contacted, and parent/guardian must retrieve the device.

Third Offense

Device confiscated, parent/guardian must retrieve the device, and school-level consequences may apply.

Fourth Offense

Device confiscated, parent/guardian must retrieve the device, school-level consequences may apply, and the student shall be banned from possessing a cell phone and/or electronic device at school for the remainder of the school year.

DRESS CODE

The HCPS dress code policy permits any student to wear any religiously, ethnically, or culturally specific or significant head covering or hairstyle, including hijabs, yarmulkes, headwraps, braids, locs, and cornrows. All students will be subjected to the same set of expectations regardless of gender, gender identity, or gender expression. These expectations should also carry to clubs, and extra-curricular activities. Staff are prohibited from applying the dress code by direct physical contact with a student or a student’s attire and from requiring a student to undress in front of any other individual. This policy complies with the Code of Virginia.

The administration of every school has the authority to notify students and parents/guardians of modifications to the dress code for spirit days and other school celebrations, as particular items pose a disruption, or as other circumstances warrant. Students may not wear the following items unless otherwise stated:

Students may not wear the following items unless otherwise stated:

  • Hoods (on heads), hats, or face masks (that covers more than the mouth and nose) inside school buildings, during regular school hours, unless required for religious or medical reasons.
  • Sunglasses (worn indoors), unless prescribed by a physician.
  • Clothing must reach the tip of the thumb when hands placed at the sides (arms straight with palms flat).
  • Messages on clothing, chains, jewelry, and personal belongings that pertain to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, sex, gangs, vulgarity, or messages that negatively represent a religion, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, transgender status, or people, or that could cause a substantial disruption to the learning environment.
  • Spiked jewelry, chains, and items which could cause student injury.
  • Beachwear (which includes bathing suits and trunks) and sleepwear.
  • Clothing that reveals undergarments.
  • Clothing that is see-through, revealing the midriff (while sitting or standing), or resembles undergarments.
  • Bedroom slippers or shoes with wheels.

The administrative team in each school shall have discretion regarding dress code decisions. Parents/Guardians of students who violate the dress code may be contacted to provide appropriate clothing for their child(ren), if necessary.

ELKO 2026-2027 BELL SCHEDULE

Click here to view Bell Schedule for the 2026-2027 school year.

OUTSIDE FOOD POLICY

  • No Outside Deliveries: Elko Middle School does not permit outside food to be delivered or brought in for students to consume during lunch (e.g., commercial delivery services or restaurant drop-offs).
  • Packed Lunches Welcome: Students may bring a lunch prepared at home to eat in the cafeteria.

OUTSIDE DELIVERIES FOR STUDENTS

To maintain a focused, safe, and distraction-free learning environment, students should not bring gifts such as stuffed animals, flowers, balloons, or candy to school on special occasions (e.g., Valentine's Day). These items can create safety hazards in crowded hallways and cause significant disruptions during instructional time.

DEPARTMENT UPDATES

COUNSELOR'S CORNER

A bright yellow banner with the text 'Welcome to the School Counselor's Corner' and a border of colorful paper doll figures.

Dr. Swingen-Counseling Director- Last Names A- B & EL Students

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Dr. Hancock- 6th Grade

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Mrs. Fish- 7th Grade

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Counselor Rawls- 8th Grade

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EVENTS

OPEN HOUSE

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8.20.2026 - Open House 3 pm-5 pm

Open House is an exciting time for parents and students to receive class schedules, meet our teachers and staff, and become acclimated to the building. To celebrate, we will have community vendors and food trucks available on site. Please note that community members are responsible for the payment of any items ordered from the food trucks. Additionally, all food and drinks must be consumed outside, as we do not have indoor dining space available for guests. Come out and enjoy being an Eagle in the NEST!

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT

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9.9.2026 - Back to School Night 4:30 pm-6 pm

Back to School Night is an opportunity for parents to meet our teachers and tour the building if they were unable to attend Open House. Please note that Back to School Night is designed for introductions and school walkthroughs, not individual parent-teacher conferences.

STAY IN THE KNOW WITH ALL THINGS ELKO & HCPS

COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES: THE OPPORTUNITIES BELOW ARE FOR OUR ELKO/SANDSTON COMMUNITY

No updates at this time.

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

  • September 4th: Teacher Student Holiday-Schools Closed
  • September 7th: Labor Day-Schools Closed
  • September 28th: Student Holiday-Teacher PD Day

ELKO ATHLETICS

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Elko Athletics week of: 8/17/26-8/21/26

ELKO LEADERSHIP TEAM