The Nest News- 1st Edition-August 18-22, 2025

	*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
THE THEME FOR 2025-2026	MISSION imPOSSIBLE Dear Elko Middle School Families and Community, As we launch into a brand-new school year, we are thrilled to welcome our students, families, and staff back with the exciting theme: “Mission: imPossible!” This year, we are on a mission—a mission to inspire, to grow, and to achieve greatness together. Every student who walks through our doors is full of potential, and with the support of our dedicated educators, engaged families, and vibrant community, success is not just a goal—it’s a guarantee. 🔹 Our Mission: To create a safe, inclusive, and dynamic learning environment where every student feels empowered to explore, learn, and lead. 🔹 Our Tools: Curiosity, collaboration, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. 🔹 Our Team: Students, teachers, families, and community members—working together to make the impossible, possible. Let’s make this school year one of discovery, achievement, and joy. We invite you to partner with us, stay involved, and help us make this mission a resounding success. Together, we’ve got this—because at Elko Middle School, every mission is possible! With excitement and gratitude, Dr. Lyles
ACADEMICS SCHEDULES	If your student was unable to attend Flight School or Open House, they will receive schedules of the first day of school. Students are not permitted to change schedules during the first weeks of school.
SCHOOL OPERATIONS 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.
STUDENT IDs	Students will receive their IDs during Advisory Classes in the first week of school. It is mandatory for students to wear their IDs every day they attend school. If an ID is lost, students will be charged a fee for a replacement. The price for replacement IDs will be announced later. Please help enforce the ID policy.
TARDY POLICY 2025-26	Elko Middle School believes that success in school is dependent on punctual and regular attendance. We also think that tardiness has a direct correlation with student performance and the overall learning environment. One of the most valuable life skills a student can learn is taking responsibility for arriving at each class on time every day. This skill can be easily acquired and will serve as a valuable asset for the future. To maximize student learning, the Elko Middle School Tardy Policy has been developed to emphasize the importance of students being in the classroom for the entire period. Learning the responsibility of getting to class on time is an integral part of Elko Middle School’s vision, which prepares all students to achieve success in college, career, and life. Recognizing that classroom attendance cannot be substituted, we will adhere to the following tardy policy: Definition of Being Tardy to Class: A student who is NOT in his or her classroom when the tardy bell rings. Progressive Discipline for Tardiness to Class Tardies to class: Teacher Actions #1-Conversation with student to reset arrival expectations #2 -Warning & Parent Contact #3-Referral & Parent Contact Definition of Being Tardy to Class: A student who is NOT in his or her classroom when the tardy bell rings. Elko Middle School’s Progressive Tardy Discipline Plan will take effect on Monday, August 25, 2025. Please help support our students in achieving their full potential and developing learning habits that will enable them to succeed in school and throughout life!
CLINIC VIRGINIA CARDINAL CARE INFORMATION	Click here to view information regarding Cardinal Care.
MEDICATION	As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we want to ensure all of our students' health needs are met. If your child has prescription or emergency medications with updated doctor's orders for this school year, please be sure to connect with Nurse Barrett. You can reach Nurse Barrett by calling the school at (804) 328-4110. We look forward to a healthy and successful school year! Nurse Barret-klbarrett@henrico.k12.va.us
TRANSPORTATION	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 view information regarding student transportation.
CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT 2025-26	Click here to view the approved HCPS Code of Student Conduct for the 2025-2026 school year.
LAPTOP DISTRIBUTION	Laptops will distributed to students on Wednesday 8/20, Thursday 8/21, & Friday 8/22.
CELL PHONE POLICY	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.
ELECTRONICS	Students are not allowed to bring or use headphones, AirPods, iPads, or any electronic devices not provided by the school. Students with assistive devices for medical (504) or educational (IEP) purposes are permitted to use them in school.
DRESS CODE	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.
BELL SCHEDULE	2025-2026 Elko Bell Schedule
DEPARTMENT UPDATES	Attention 7th Grade Parents! To start school, all rising 7th graders are required to have the Tdap and Meningococcal (MenACWY) vaccines. Your student will not be allowed to attend school without these shots. Address Affidavit Reminder If your student is enrolled using an address affidavit, please remember to schedule an appointment to bring in the required documentation. Call Ms. Stacy in the school counseling office to schedule your time. 📅 Student Schedules Available August 7 Student schedules will go live on PowerSchool starting August 7. Please note: Schedules are not finalized until the first day of school, and changes may still occur. If your student has a missing core class or an empty block, please contact their school counselor. Requests for elective or other schedule changes will open Sept 3 - 17th. More information on this will be given after we start the school year. Thank you for your patience as we get ready for the start of the school year! 6th Grade - (Substitute for Ms. Fish) Jennifer Bolding jbolding@henrico.k12.va.us 7th Grade - Counselor Rawls glrawls@henrico.k12.va.us 8th Grade - Ms. Flowers acflowers@henrico.k12.va.us EL and last names A-B - Dr. Swingen jkswingen@henrico.k12.va.us
EVENTS	AUGUST 18, 2025 9.3.2025-Back to School Night 4:30pm-6pm
RESOURCES SPOTLIGHT: ELKO & HCPS TOOLS FOR SUCCESS	ELKO WEBSITE HCPS CAREERS HCPS ONLINE SERVICES & RESOURCES
COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES (ELKO AND SANDSTON COMMUNITIES)	The Virginia House of Delegates administers an annual page program for youths aged 13-14, focusing on civics education, the legislative process, and leadership development. Applications for the 2026 House Page Program open today, August 1, and close Friday, October 17, at 5 PM. Each applicant must submit a recommendation letter from their Delegate. Please refer any constituents with questions about the program to this FAQ provided by the House Clerk’s Office
VOLUNTEER PROCESS	If you would like to become a volunteer, please complete the online volunteer/mentor application via the link below. Volunteer: Your involvement as a volunteer can make a valuable contribution to education in Henrico County. launchelko.henricoschools.us
UPCOMING EVENTS	August 29th - Teacher Student Holiday-Schools Closed September 1st- Labor Day-Schools Closed September 22nd- Student Holiday-Teacher PD Day
ELKO ATHLETICS	Elko Athletics Week 8/18/25-8/22/25 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 TBD- Administrative Aide- Torre Siler-Administrative Aide- tsiler@hennco.k12.va.us Abby Thomas- Administrative Aide-arthomas@henrico.k12.va.us Frenchie Travis- Ad-ministrative Aide- fmtravis@henrico.k12.va.us

Eagles Strong

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

THE THEME FOR 2025-2026

MISSION imPOSSIBLE

Dear Elko Middle School Families and Community,

As we launch into a brand-new school year, we are thrilled to welcome our students, families, and staff back with the exciting theme: “Mission: imPossible!”

This year, we are on a mission—a mission to inspire, to grow, and to achieve greatness together. Every student who walks through our doors is full of potential, and with the support of our dedicated educators, engaged families, and vibrant community, success is not just a goal—it’s a guarantee.

🔹 Our Mission: To create a safe, inclusive, and dynamic learning environment where every student feels empowered to explore, learn, and lead.

🔹 Our Tools: Curiosity, collaboration, resilience, and a commitment to excellence.

🔹 Our Team: Students, teachers, families, and community members—working together to make the impossible, possible.

Let’s make this school year one of discovery, achievement, and joy. We invite you to partner with us, stay involved, and help us make this mission a resounding success.

Together, we’ve got this—because at Elko Middle School, every mission is possible!

With excitement and gratitude,

Dr. Lyles

ACADEMICS

SCHEDULES

If your student was unable to attend Flight School or Open House, they will receive schedules of the first day of school. Students are not permitted to change schedules during the first weeks of school.

SCHOOL OPERATIONS

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.

STUDENT IDs

Student IDs

Students will receive their IDs during Advisory Classes in the first week of school. It is mandatory for students to wear their IDs every day they attend school. If an ID is lost, students will be charged a fee for a replacement. The price for replacement IDs will be announced later. Please help enforce the ID policy.

TARDY POLICY 2025-26

Elko Middle School believes that success in school is dependent on punctual and regular attendance. We also think that tardiness has a direct correlation with student performance and the overall learning environment. One of the most valuable life skills a student can learn is taking responsibility for arriving at each class on time every day. This skill can be easily acquired and will serve as a valuable asset for the future. To maximize student learning, the Elko Middle School Tardy Policy has been developed to emphasize the importance of students being in the classroom for the entire period. Learning the responsibility of getting to class on time is an integral part of Elko Middle School’s vision, which prepares all students to achieve success in college, career, and life. Recognizing that classroom attendance cannot be substituted, we will adhere to the following tardy policy:

Definition of Being Tardy to Class: A student who is NOT in his or her classroom when the tardy bell rings.

CLINIC VIRGINIA CARDINAL CARE INFORMATION

Click here to view information regarding Cardinal Care.

MEDICATION

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we want to ensure all of our students' health needs are met. If your child has prescription or emergency medications with updated doctor's orders for this school year, please be sure to connect with Nurse Barrett.

You can reach Nurse Barrett by calling the school at (804) 328-4110.

We look forward to a healthy and successful school year!

Nurse Barret-klbarrett@henrico.k12.va.us

TRANSPORTATION

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 view information regarding student transportation.

CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT 2025-26

Click here to view the approved HCPS Code of Student Conduct for the 2025-2026 school year.

LAPTOP DISTRIBUTION

LAPTOP DISTRIBUTION

Laptops will distributed to students on

Wednesday 8/20, Thursday 8/21, & Friday 8/22.

CELL PHONE POLICY

Cell phone policy

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.

ELECTRONICS

No electronics

Students are not allowed to bring or use headphones, AirPods, iPads, or any electronic devices not provided by the school. Students with assistive devices for medical (504) or educational (IEP) purposes are permitted to use them in school.

DRESS CODE

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.

BELL SCHEDULE

2025-2026 Elko Bell Schedule

DEPARTMENT UPDATES

Counselor's Corner

Attention 7th Grade Parents!

To start school, all rising 7th graders are required to have the Tdap and Meningococcal (MenACWY) vaccines. Your student will not be allowed to attend school without these shots.

Address Affidavit Reminder

If your student is enrolled using an address affidavit, please remember to schedule an appointment to bring in the required documentation. Call Ms. Stacy in the school counseling office to schedule your time.

📅 Student Schedules Available August 7

Student schedules will go live on PowerSchool starting August 7.

Please note:

Schedules are not finalized until the first day of school, and changes may still occur.
If your student has a missing core class or an empty block, please contact their school counselor.
Requests for elective or other schedule changes will open Sept 3 - 17th. More information on this will be given after we start the school year.

Thank you for your patience as we get ready for the start of the school year!

6th Grade - (Substitute for Ms. Fish) Jennifer Bolding jbolding@henrico.k12.va.us

7th Grade - Counselor Rawls glrawls@henrico.k12.va.us

8th Grade - Ms. Flowers acflowers@henrico.k12.va.us

EL and last names A-B - Dr. Swingen jkswingen@henrico.k12.va.us

EVENTS

First Day of School AUGUST 18, 2025

9.3.2025-Back to School Night 4:30pm-6pm

RESOURCES SPOTLIGHT: ELKO & HCPS TOOLS FOR SUCCESS

ELKO WEBSITE

HCPS CAREERS

HCPS ONLINE SERVICES & RESOURCES

COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES (ELKO AND SANDSTON COMMUNITIES)

The Virginia House of Delegates administers an annual page program for youths aged 13-14, focusing on civics education, the legislative process, and leadership development.

Applications for the 2026 House Page Program open today, August 1, and close Friday, October 17, at 5 PM. Each applicant must submit a recommendation letter from their Delegate.

Please refer any constituents with questions about the program to this FAQ provided by the House Clerk’s Office

VOLUNTEER PROCESS

volunteer