The NEST News
Edition 6: September 22 - 25, 2026
INFO YOU NEEED 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
THE THEME FOR 2026-2027
MISSION imPOSSIBLE
ACADEMICS
Parent & School Partnership
Eagles, thank you for another great week of learning and growing at Elko Middle School.
In previous editions of the NEST News, I have spoken on the partnership between parents and the school. We are committed to providing the best educational opportunities for your child at Elko. The staff here works hard every day to provide your students with the necessary supports to aid them in their success.
With all the opportunities provided, it is ultimately your support that allows us to do these things. When we call, you answer. If we need you to come to the school, you show up. I don't ever want to take these things for granted, because that level of dedication doesn't exist everywhere.
Again, I truly appreciate all that you do and the support you provide to keep the NEST strong and these Eagles soaring each day!
Reading!
READ—that is the name of the game this year! We are working hard to increase our students' ability to read and comprehend text.
Even though we are in the digital age, nothing can replace a good book and dedicated time for reading. If possible, please have your student read for at least 30 minutes each day. While it may not seem like a lot, it makes a massive difference in their overall reading stamina, vocabulary, and ability to comprehend text.
Thank you for your continued partnership at home as we help our Eagles grow!
Make Time For Math
I have been talking a lot about reading lately, but let’s not forget about Math!
The middle school mathematics curriculum has increased its rigor. Students must think critically and solve complex problems to fully grasp the concepts taught in their classes. Practicing math outside of the classroom will greatly increase our students' ability to keep up with this higher standard.
While we focus a lot on the SOLs, learning to think critically and master these core math concepts will benefit our students far beyond standardized tests—setting them up for long-term success in high school and beyond.
Please encourage your student to make time for math practice two to three nights per week. A little extra effort at home will make a massive difference in your child's confidence and success!
SCHOOL OPERATIONS
Attention Parents, We Need Your Help!
Our school is kicking off the World's Finest Chocolate Fundraiser on September 11th, and we're counting on your support to help us raise funds for student incentives and recognition programs.
These funds will help us reward students for their hard work, positive choices, and academic growth throughout the year.
To allow your child to participate, please complete the required Google Form:
🍫 Permission Form: Permission Slip 🍫
Your quick response will help us get the fundraiser started and allow our students to contribute to a worthwhile cause. This year, students can also collect funds electronically through the World’s Finest Chocolate App and dashboard.
Thank you for partnering with us to support and motivate our students!
SHOUTOUT TO THE SSOs!
Please join me in celebrating Mr. Cash and Mr. Press during School Security Officer Appreciation Week!
They work tirelessly to keep our students, staff, and campus safe and secure each and every day. We are deeply grateful for their hard work, constant vigilance, and unwavering dedication to Elko Middle School.
Thank you, Mr. Cash and Mr. Press, for all that you do to protect and support our Eagles!
ATTENDANCE UPDATES
TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT UPDATES
Schedule Changes
September 9th to 23rd is the schedule change request window. Parents can request their students schedule be changed by filling out a google form. When a request is submitted both admin and the counselors will review the request and determine if the change can be made. Fill out the google form here: https://bit.ly/32odMCS
Tamika Stacy Registrar
Phone ext. 20007
Sarah Fish 7th Grade
Gracyn Rawls 8th Grade
Corey Hancock 6th Grade
Jorli Swingen
Director for School Counseling/ EL & last name A- B
EVENTS
Glen Allen High School Center Open House
Attention 8th Graders!
The Center for Education and Human Development at Glen Allen High School is having their center open house on October 21st, 6:00 to 8:30 pm! Please make sure to save the date and if you have any questions feel free to reach out to Lexi Boettcher at hcps-boettchaj@henricostudent.org.
COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES
THE OPPORTUNITIES BELOW ARE FOR OUR ELKO/SANDSTON COMMUNITY
VOLUNTEER PROCESS
If you would like to become a volunteer, please complete the online volunteer/mentor application via the link below.
UPCOMING EVENTS
September 28th- Student Holiday-Teacher PD Day
October 28th- 1/2 Day-Staff Clerical Day
ELKO ATHLETICS
FALL ATHLETIC SCHEDULE
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- sjfrancis@henrico.k12.va.us
Akeela Tyson-Assistant Principal- altyson@henrico.k12.va.us
Blake Carrey-Assistant Principal- 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
Abby Thomas- Administrative Aide-arthomas@henrico.k12.va.us
Jocelyn Woodson- Administrative Aide- jrwoodson1@henrico.k12.va.us
Kristina Harris-Administrative Aide- kvharris@henrico.k12.va.us
