The Nest News-11th Edition- October 28 -November 1, 2024

Eagles Strong

MISSION

Elko Middle School is a comprehensive middle school in Henrico County Public Schools. We aim to inspire educational excellence among all students in their journey from middle to high school. To achieve our goal, Elko will increase the percentage of students demonstrating proficiency in grade-level content by 10% in ELA, Math, & Science. Elko Middle School will maintain a Chronic Absenteeism rate below 15%.

VISION

Elko Middle School will soar from good to great by inspiring educational excellence among all students. Educational excellence will be measured by maintaining full accreditation in our academic program and increasing the number of extracurricular activities and business partnerships in the community. To this end, we will provide:

1. A safe and orderly campus for all students

2. Daily instruction meeting individual student needs.

3. Programs and activities that enhance academic achievement, as well as each student’s social

THE THEME FOR 2024-2025

UNLEASH YOUR INNER EAGLE: EXPLORE, LEARN, SOAR

CLINIC UPDATES

If you have any questions, please get in touch with Nurse Barrett at klbarrett@henrico.k12.va.us.

ATTENDANCE UPDATES

Please refer to our Attendance Flier for information regarding reporting absences, early dismissals, and attendance letters. Please note that attendance letters are sent out regarding both excused and unexcused absences, as well as suspensions.

Click here to review Attendance Flyer.

Click here to report absences to our attendance secretary.

REMINDER SCHOOL LUNCHES & FOOD DELIVERIES FOR STUDENTS

Breakfast and lunch are prepared daily for students. These meals are free to all students.

Food deliveries for students will not be allowed this year. Deliveries via Uber, Instacart, etc., will be returned to the sender. Parents or Guardians cannot drop off food from outside vendors (McDonald's, Chic Fil A, etc.) to students at any time during the school day.

ELKO'S NEW PTSA OFFICERS FOR THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR

Meet the new PTSA officers for the 2024-2025 school year

Congratulations to the new PTSA officers for the 2024-2025 school year. Click here to view officers list.

Join the PTSA! We have chair positions open and WE NEED YOU!

Click here to find out more information about Elko's PTSA!

Click here to become a member of our Elko PTSA family!

Chair positions OPEN:

-Fundraising/Spirit

-Nominations

-Planning/Programs

-Faculty Appreciation

Your involvement is crucial to our school’s success. By joining the PTSA, you can help shape the educational experience for all students, support school events, and foster a strong community. Membership provides a platform for your voice to be heard and allows you to contribute to meaningful initiatives. Let’s work together to make Elko Middle School the best it can be! Go Elko Eagles! 🦅

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES

11.12.20244:30PM-6PM

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Mark your calendars, parent teacher conferences will be November 12th from 4:30pm-6:00pm.

Be on the lookout this week for a ParentSquare message from each of your Eagle's teachers. The ParentSquare message will have directions on how to sign-up to meet with the teacher. If you want your ten minute conference to be virtual, please let the teacher know when you schedule so that they can send you a TEAMS link.

Before you schedule meetings, check your Eagle's grade in each class using PowerSchool Parent Portal. This might help you determine which teacher you want to prioritize when scheduling.

REMINDER CELL PHONES ACTIONS & CONSEQUENCES

1st Offense: Device confiscated until the end of the school day, verbal warning and parent/guardian contacted.

2nd Offense: Device confiscated, parent/guardian contacted, and parent/guardian must retrieve the device.

3rd Offense: Device confiscated, parent/guardian must retrieve the device, and school-level consequences shall apply.

4th Offense: Device confiscated, parent/guardian must retrieve the device, school-level consequences shall apply, and student shall be banned from possessing a cell phone and/or electronic device at school for the remainder of the school year.

COUNSELOR'S CORNER

Counselor's Corner

Elko Learning Lab

Learning Lab is a chance for students to receive in person tutoring for classes that they are struggling with. Learning Lab will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays either before school (7-8am) or after school (3:30 to 4:30pm). You can only sign-up if invited by your teacher. Please contact your teachers for more information.

8th Grade Families

Specialty Center - Applications

Specialty Center and ACE center application window is quickly approaching! There is a specialty center or ACE center in Henrico for almost any student.

You must give your student permission to apply to specialty centers. You will need to log into the website version of PowerSchool Parent Portal. The form to give permission is located under the menu on the left “Specialty Center” (star icon). Please contact Dr. Swingen if you need help accessing PowerSchool or need your password reset at jkswingen@henrico.k12.va.us you can also submit this paper copy of the form to either Ms. Fish or Dr. Swingen: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GVWLyPvLNDafBJiOv4YQGX7wz0TZzhn2/view?usp=sharing

School Counseling Appointments

Our School Counselors are happy to meet with parents either in person or over the phone to discuss any concerns or questions they might have. To schedule an appointment to see your student’s counselor please call (804)328-4111 or email your student’s counselor.

Counselor Rawls (6th Grade) – glrawls@henrico.k12.va.us

Ms. Flowers (7th Grade) – acflowers@henrico.k12.va.us

Ms. Fish (8th Grade) – stfish@henrico.k12.va.us

Dr. Swingen (EL and Last Name A & B) – jkswingen@henrico.k12.va.us

Ms. Stacy (Registrar) - tcstacy@henrico.k12.va.us

Use the link below to schedule appointments with our Registrar. Please select a time slot to schedule your registration meeting. You will need to complete the enrollment forms (either online or in person) and bring proof of residency with you to your appointment.

https://appt.link/elko-school-counseling/registration

SCA SPIRIT WEAR FUNDRAISER-OCTOBER 7-31 (FINAL WEEK)

Spirit Week-FINAL WEEK

Please show your support by placing your orders for the SCA Spirit Wear Fundraiser! All proceeds will go towards SCA sponsored events for Elko Middle School students such as dances and the annual spring carnival. Orders will be accepted starting now and shipped upon the fundraiser closing date of October 31st. Orders can be placed by scanning the QR code attached to flyers or by accessing the links below. We appreciate your support and can't wait to see you in your Elko gear!

Elko Est. 2007 Spirit Wear

Eagles Splatter Paint Spirit Wear

THE BOOK FAIR IS HERE!!!

SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR

📚✨ The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to Elko! ✨📚

Mark your calendars: from October 28 to November 8, dive into a world of incredible books, fun activities, and amazing deals! Whether you're searching for a gripping novel, a whimsical picture book, or engaging nonfiction, the fair has something for everyone.

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to expand your library and support our school. See you there! 📖🎉

HCPS ONLINE SERVICES AND RESOURCES

Click here to access HCPS online services and resources website: this website can assist in the following areas: PowerSchool Parent Portal, Schoology, Making School Payments, and Paying for Meals.

COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES

There are no new announcements at this time.

VOLUNTEER PROCESS

If you would like to become a volunteer, click here to complete the online volunteer/mentor application.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Nov. 1: Student and Teacher Holiday

Nov. 4: Schools Closed – Wellness Day

Nov. 5: Student Holiday / Teacher Virtual Clerical Day - Election Day

Nov. 27-29: Schools Closed - Thanksgiving Holiday

ELKO ATHLETICS

Elko Athletics

Let's go, Eagles!!! E-A-G-L-E-S, Eagles!

SPORTS INFORMATION 2024-25

Elko Athletics Week 10/28/24-11/1/24 at a glance!

ELKO LEADERSHIP TEAM

Tyrus T. Lyles Ed.D-Principal-ttlyles@henrico.k12.va.us

Taleesa Meeks- Associate Principal- tjmeeks@henrico.k12.va.us

Corey Calder- Associate Principal- ctcalder@henrico.k12.va.us

Akeela Tyson- Assistant Principal- altyson@henrico.k12.va.us

Brandon Hardy- Assistant Principal- bahardy@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

Ethel Reed- Administrative Aide- elreed@henrico.k12.va.us

Torre Siler-Administrative Aide-tsiler@hennco.k12.va.us

Abby Thomas- Administrative Aide- arthomas@henrico.k12.va.us

Frenchie Travis- Administrative Aide- fmtravis@henrico.k12.va.us