NEST News
October 4th, 2026
Principal's Message
Eagles, welcome back to another exciting week in the NEST!
The weather is starting to change and the leaves are beginning to fall. As we enter this fall season, let's continue to push our students toward academic excellence. I truly believe that we can move the needle in student achievement—not just on the SOLs, but with essential life skills.
The Journey to 2030 strategic plan emphasizes student preparation for life beyond K–12 schooling. We are teaching life lessons so our students are ready for the world. The middle school years are critical, and we only have three years to make a lasting impact. With that being said, we will continually need your support to make these pivotal years productive.
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Elko Middle School does not tolerate any type of bullying. We strictly follow the Code of Student Conduct to investigate, address, and resolve any issues. School should always be a safe place for students to learn and thrive, and we will continue to cultivate this type of environment.
A huge shout-out to all of our parents and community members for supporting our World’s Finest Chocolate fundraiser! Your generosity provides funding to support special events and incentives for both our students and staff.
We appreciate all your support in making Elko one of the best schools in Henrico County Public Schools!
Outside Food, Food Delivery Not Permitted
Eagle families,
Please be reminded that students are not permitted to receive food deliveries to our campus. This includes DoorDash, UberEats, GrubHub, and/or any outside takeout food dropped off to the main office. Students are welcome to bring a packed lunch with them to school, or to receive lunch from our school cafeteria.
Attendance Office
Absences can be reported one of the following ways:
- Filling out the Elko Attendance Google Doc
- Emailing Mrs. Nolte: mlnolte@henrico.k12.va.us
- Sending a Parent Square message to Mrs. Nolte
- Sending a handwritten note with your student when they return to school
- Calling the school: 804-328-4110
Please note that if a student reaches 5 and 10 unexcused absences, their parent or guardian will be contacted to schedule an attendance meeting.
Gifted Identification Process
The gifted referral window will be open from Thursday, October 22, through Thursday November 12, at 11:59 PM. During this time, students may be referred to the gifted identification process by an educator, parent/guardian, community member, peer, or self. By submitting a referral, you are requesting your child be evaluated to determine eligibility for gifted services. To learn more about the gifted identification process, please click here: 26-27 Gifted Identification Information. To begin a referral, login to PowerSchool and click on forms. Follow this guide for instructions. Additional information about gifted programs can be found on our website: Henrico Schools Gifted Services Website
Gifted referrals will not be accepted after Thursday, November 12. Contact your Gifted Resource teacher, Rebecca Crofts, (rlcrofts@henrico.k12.va.us) with questions.
School Operations
Fall Picture Day Information
Date: October 15th & 16th (DURING SCHOOL)
Order Online Code: PX516635
Website: www.strawbridge.net
Sports Pictures Information
Date: October 15th (AFTERSCHOOL)
SPORTS TEAMS: Football, Girls Basketball, Boys Soccer, & Girls Tennis
Order Online Code:FM516636
Website: www.strawbridge.net
School Counseling Updates
8th Grade Specialty Centers
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!
The Elko School Counseling Team
Tamika Stacy Registrar
Phone ext. 20007
Sarah Fish (7th Grade)
Phone ext. 20011
Jennifer Boulding (8th Grade)
Phone ext. 20010
Corey Hancock (6th Grade)
Phone ext. 20008 clhancock1@henrico.k12.va.us
Jorli Swingen
Director for School Counseling/ EL & last name A- B
Phone ext. 20009
EMS Weekly Athletics Update
Advisory Competition (Canned Food Drive)
Join Elko's PTSA
Volunteer Process
If you would like to become a volunteer, please complete the online volunteer/mentor application via the link below.
Upcoming Events
- October 28th: student 1/2 day, staff clerical day
Community Event
Elko Leadership Team
Tyrus T. Lyles, Ed.D.(Principal): ttlyles@henrico.k12.va.us
Quantina Jackson (Associate Principal): qtjackson@henrico.k12.va.us
Sharne' Francis (Associate Principal, 7th Grade) sjfrancis@henrico.k12.va.us
Akeela Tyson (Assistant Principal, 8th Grade) altyson@henrico.k12.va.us
Blake Carrey (Assistant Principal, 6th Grade): abcarrey@henrico.k12.va.us
Jorli Swingen (Director of School Counseling): jkswingen@henrico.k12.va.us
Kendra Amis (Athletic Director): kdamis@henrico.k12.va.us
Jennifer Jenkins (Administrative Aide):jrjenkin@henrico.k12.va.us
Torre Siler (Administrative Aide): tsiler@hennco.k12.va.us
Omar Peters (Administrative Aide): orpeters@henrico.k12.va.us
Jocelyn Woodson (Administrative Aide): jrwoodson1@henrico.k12.va.us
Kristina Harris (Administrative Aide): kvharris@henrico.k12.va.us