Dear Elko Students, Parents, and Community Members,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year at Elko Middle School! I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful, relaxing summer and are coming back energized for an exciting and rewarding year ahead. This year, we proudly continue our theme: Mission Possible.

Last year, our mission centered on moving from Off Track to On Track status under the Virginia Department of Education's school accountability classifications. Thanks to the relentless hard work and dedication of our students, staff, and families, we made significant gains in mathematics and celebrated meaningful academic growth. While we are proud of those accomplishments, we did not fully achieve every aspect of our goal. As a result, we remain committed and focused on ensuring that our mission becomes a complete reality for every student we serve.

At Elko Middle School, we want our Eagles to understand that their abilities, intelligence, and talents are not fixed. Growth comes through effort, perseverance, and continuous learning. By recognizing and building upon each student's unique strengths, we are preparing them for success not only in high school, but also in college, careers, and life. This commitment is reflected in our mission: Elko Middle School is committed to fostering a growth mindset by providing a high-quality education and data-driven instruction within a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. Through rigorous academics, meaningful relationships, and intentional support, we strive to ensure that every student feels empowered to learn, grow, and reach their full potential.

In alignment with the Henrico Learner Profile, our instructional practices will continue to focus on developing durable, lifelong skills that empower students to become critical thinkers, effective communicators, and responsible citizens. To further strengthen foundational academic skills, we are taking intentional steps this year to reduce student screen time during instruction. By decreasing our reliance on digital devices, teachers will incorporate more paper-and-pencil learning experiences designed to strengthen reading comprehension, writing proficiency, critical thinking, and sustained focus. This balanced approach will provide students with more opportunities for active engagement and hands-on learning.

We also recognize that meaningful learning can only take place when students feel safe, supported, and valued. The physical, emotional, and mental well-being of every child will remain at the forefront of everything we do. Our goal is to ensure that every student feels a sense of belonging in a safe, inclusive environment where they are respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive.

To further cultivate this positive school climate, we have a few important updates:

Extended Transition Time

We have added two additional minutes between classes this year. Students will now have five minutes to transition between classes, allowing them to move safely through the hallways and arrive prepared and on time for learning.

Important Expectations and Policies

To maintain a safe, respectful, and focused learning environment, we ask that students and families keep the following expectations in mind:

Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone Policy

We will continue to strictly enforce our bell-to-bell cell phone policy. Student phones must be powered off and securely stored from the time students arrive on campus until they are dismissed at the end of the school day. This expectation helps maximize instructional time and minimizes distractions.

Code of Student Conduct and Dress Code

Students are expected to always follow the Henrico County Public Schools Code of Student Conduct, including expectations related to behavior, attendance, and appropriate dress. We encourage families to review the Code of Student Conduct together to ensure a shared understanding of these expectations.

Weekly Student Clubs

Outside of the classroom, students will have opportunities to participate in weekly clubs based on their interests and passions. By incorporating student voice and choice, we can create a stronger sense of connection, belonging, and school pride.

As we officially begin this mission on August 24, 2026, we ask for your continued partnership. Education is a collaborative effort between the school, families, and the community. Your involvement and encouragement are the fuel that will help us navigate and overcome any challenges we encounter along the way. We strongly encourage you to stay engaged and actively participate in your student's middle school journey.

Thank you for everything you have done and will continue to do to support our school community. Together, we will make this school year a tremendous success!

With excitement and gratitude,

Dr. Lyles