The XCELerator
Promoting
eXcellent Communities, Education, and Leadership |
A Message from our Executive Director |
To our Operation XCEL Family,
Eighteen years ago, I made the life-changing decision to leave a career as an electrical engineer in Corporate America’s Fortune 100. While I enjoyed the logic of systems, I felt a calling to ensure that underserved youth had the same "operating system" for success—academic enrichment and social-emotional learning—that more fortunate students access so easily. Today, seeing the fruit of that decision in students like Zach and staff like Ms. Coleman makes every moment of that journey worth it.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, I am reminded that progress is built by those who lead where they are planted. This month, we honor the legacy of women who paved the way for Operation XCEL to exist. I invite you to join us at our upcoming Gala to celebrate the students, parents, and community influencers who are the heartbeat of our mission.
With purpose,
Charlene Gladney Executive Director & Founder, Operation XCEL
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Women's History Month 2026 |
This month, we celebrate the courage, intellect, and activism
of women who have reshaped our community.
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Charlene Gladney: Our founder, who pivoted from a high-level engineering career to create a sanctuary of learning for Greensboro’s youth 18 years ago.
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In Memoriam: Mrs. Willena Cannon (1948–2026): We honor the life of a true Greensboro pillar who passed away this January. A survivor of the Greensboro Massacre and a veteran of the Woolworth sit-ins, her social activism remains a blueprint for our students.
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Dr. Sharon Contreras: The former Superintendent of Guilford County Schools who continues to push the boundaries of educational equity through her leadership with the Innovation Project.
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Follow the Journey: Each week this month, we will be diving deeper
into the stories of these incredible women. Follow us on LinkedIn
and visit our Website to read the full features on their lives and legacies.
Click Here and Follow us on LinkedIn - (posted Each Thursday)
Click Here to Read our Blogs - (posted each Tuesday)
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Beyond SEL Day: Building Global Citizens |
The Science of Success
Earlier this week, the world celebrated International SEL Day. At Operation Xcel,
we use this milestone to highlight the "hard" science behind "soft" skills.
Peer-reviewed research from the American Journal of Public Health and
Harvard University confirms that Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is the primary predictor of college attainment and career growth in a globalized economy.
Our K-8 students aren't just getting a head start—they are building the
foundations of empathy and resilience that lead to lifelong success.
Expert Insight
Our staff of SEL subject matter experts, including Ms. Fuller at Jamestown
Middle School, use evidence-based strategies like "affect labeling" to help
students clear their "mental runway" and prepare for higher-level learning.
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Student of the Month: The Unsung Hero
Zack (7th Grader) |
At Operation XCEL, we know that true leadership isn't always loud; sometimes, it’s a steady, quiet force of good. That is exactly why we are recognizing Zach as our Student of the Month.
Zach shows up every day with a level of integrity that inspires everyone around him. He is the student who helps without being asked, encourages his peers when no one is watching, and consistently chooses the right path even when there is no spotlight. Operation XCEL runs more smoothly because of Zach’s kindness, patience, and willingness to serve. Thank you, Zach, for being a remarkable role model and a vital part of our community!
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Staff of the Month:
A Commitment to Community
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Ms. Halima Coleman | JCPC Mentor & Site Support
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We are thrilled to celebrate Ms. Halima Coleman as our Staff Member of the Month! Following her graduation from N.C. A&T State University this past December, Ms. Coleman made a deliberate and heartwarming choice: instead of seeking employment elsewhere, she chose to remain with Operation XCEL to invest her talents back into our students.
Ms. Coleman’s impact is truly remarkable. She connects with students on a deep social and emotional level, ensuring they feel supported far beyond their academic needs. As a "team player" in every sense of the word, she is always ready to step into any classroom or assist with any task needed to ensure our program’s success. We are honored to have her dedication and passion on our team!
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March is National Reading Month:
Help us Build a Foundation for STEM!
At Operation Xcel, we know that literacy is the "operating system" for
all other learning. Before a student can master complex math or dive
into a science experiment, they must first master the page.
As we celebrate National Reading Month, we are reminded that reading
is the basis from which our children "read to learn". Without this core skill,
the components of STEM/STEAM lose their meaning.
We are currently looking for Reading Buddies to help our students perfect
this vital skill. As a Reading Buddy, you will read aloud to students and, more importantly, provide a supportive ear as they practice reading to you.
Will you help a student unlock their full potential?
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Positive Parenting Tips of the Week |
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Bring the classroom strategies of
our experts into your weekend!
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| - The "Post-it" Reset: When your child feels overwhelmed, have them write the emotion on a sticky note and "let it go" by placing it in a bin. Scientific research shows that naming a feeling (affect labeling) reduces stress in the brain's emotional center.
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Perspective-Taking: While reading or watching a movie this weekend, ask: "How do you think that character feels? Why might they see this differently than we do?" This builds the social awareness needed for a diverse world.
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Think Out Loud: Model responsible decision-making by sharing your "why." For example: "I’m choosing to wait because it’s the most respectful choice for everyone involved."
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March 19, 2026 ~ 5:30 - 8:00 PM
Nathaniel S. Morehead Recreation Center
101 Price St, High Point, NC 27260
Hurry! Registration Closes on March 12th
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Don't miss this opportunity to connect with other parents and share strategies for supporting our children's growth!
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Visit the Events Calendar on our website to see
what we have planned for the month!
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The 18th Annual Celebration of Xcellence Gala: Gift a Seat |
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Celebrating our students, parents, and community influencers.
We want our families to be the guests of honor at our annual Gala, but we know ticket costs can be a barrier. We are looking for sponsors to "Gift a Seat", so our hardworking students and parents can enjoy this celebration of their achievements.
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| Mark your calendars for a milestone celebration!
When: Friday, April 11th, 2026
Where: The Blue Heron Event Venue
Why: To celebrate 18 years of empowering young learners to reach their full potential. Join the Operation Xcel family as we honor nearly two decades of fostering a lifelong love of learning and building a stronger community together.
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Stay Connected
Don't miss our weekly Women's History Month features! Make sure you are following us on Social Media for
the latest updates! |
Address: PO Box 412 - Stokesdale, NC - 27357
Phone: 336-644-3530 EIN 26-3948215
Website: https://www.operationxcel.org
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