NEST News
October 4th, 2026
Principal's Message
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:
- 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.
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
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.
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
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