The XCELerator
_{Promoting

eXcellent Communities, Education, and Leadership}

February 27, 2026
In This Week’s Issue:

Black History Highlight: Meet Dr. Mark Dean, the co-inventor of the IBM PC. Learn how his "ISA bus" technology connects the world and inspires our students to be the architects of the future.
Impact Story: Celebrate with Michael! See how structured support helped her transform from shy to "happier and more confident."
The Village Advantage: Discover the "Secret Sauce" behind our OPeXCEptionaL Family Project™ and how we support families during both daily growth and imminent crises.
Parent Café: Registration is open for "Finding the Gold in Our Journey" on March 19th.

Final Black History Month Highlight

The Computer Architect: Dr. Mark Dean

”A lot of kids growing up today aren’t told that you can be whatever you want to be. There may be obstacles, but there are no limits.” Dr. Mark Dean

The Breakthrough: A co-inventor of the IBM Personal Computer (PC), Dr. Dean holds three of IBM's nine original patents. He developed the "ISA bus"—the technology that allows us to plug printers, monitors, and scanners into our computers. He also led the team that created the first one-gigahertz computer processor chip.
The "Xcel" Connection: Dr. Dean made technology accessible and connected. At Operation Xcel, we teach our students that they aren't just users of technology; they are the future architects who will build the next generation of global connections.

Michael's Confidence Through Academic Support

Before joining Operation Xcel, Michael experienced shyness and difficulty
staying focused. Through structured homework support and encouragement
from caring staff, Michael improved academically, strengthened his focus, and developed confidence in his ability to be successful in learning.

Listen to what Michael's mother says about him since becoming a student
in our Operation Homework program: “He comes home happier,
more confident, and proud of what he’s learning and accomplishing.”

Learn More About Operation Homework

The Village Advantage: Empowering Families,
Unleashing Student Potential

At Operation Xcel, we believe that when families are empowered, students are unstoppable. Our OPeXCEptionaL Family Project™—a staple of both Operation Homework and our 3-Steps Ahead summer camp—is your bridge to academic success. We are already engaged in a transformative semester, and we want your family to be at the center of it. Have you attended any family engagement workshops? Keep an eye out for upcoming workshops by checking our Events Calendar.

Operation Xcel Event Calendar

The "Secret Sauce" in the Activity Room

During our monthly Parent Cafés, while parents are gaining vital tools in one room, our youth (ages 4+) are thriving in another. Ms. Walton, our Family Engagement Specialist, is the anchor of this experience.

While she coordinates the administrative side of registration to ensure every parent is settled, her true "secret sauce" happens in the Activity Room. Through themed programs and creative arts and crafts, she creates an environment so engaging that the children truly miss her when she’s away. Her enthusiasm ensures that while your children are having a blast, you have the quiet space to get the resources you need to support their learning.

Compassion in Action: Support When it Matters Most

Our family engagement project is a lifeline for Operation Xcel families.

We believe in the power of a strong community. While we strive to empower every parent to manage daily needs independently, we are here for you during imminent crises. Whether it is an apartment fire or sudden food and clothing insecurity, Ms. Walton steps in as a dedicated resource provider to arrange housing, furniture, and essentials. At Operation Xcel, we truly put the "C" in Compassion.

Learn More About the OPeXCEptionaL Family Project: A Lifeline

Positive Parenting Tips of the Week

OPeXCEptionaL Tips for Home in Honor of SEL Day (March 2^nd)

Inspired by our research-backed workshops, here are a few ways to keep the learning momentum going:

Prioritize the "First Bell": Consistent attendance is the #1 predictor of long-term graduation success. Make showing up a family goal!
Practice "Parent SEL": Build your child’s emotional intelligence by helping them name their feelings. A child who can manage their emotions is a child who is ready to learn.
Create a "Learning Zone": Even a small, dedicated space for homework sends a powerful message that education is a top priority in your home.
Advocate with Confidence: Use the tools from our workshops to stay involved in your child’s school transitions. You are their most important advocate!

Are you Enjoying the Parents' Tips?
Click Here & Let us Know.

Parent Café - March 19^th

March 19, 2026 ~ 5:30 - 8:00 PM
Nathaniel S. Morehead Recreation Center
101 Price St, High Point, NC 27260

Registration Closes on March 12^th

Register for March 19^th Parent Cafe

Looking Ahead:
A Big Week for our XCEL Community

SEL Day 2026 (Monday, March 2nd): Social Emotional Learning is at the heart of what we do. Keep an eye out for our seven sites as our staff and SEL Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) emphasize these vital skills during Operation Homework after-school hours.
Women’s History Month: This Sunday kicks off a month of honoring the incredible women who have shaped our history. Join us all month as we celebrate "The Architects of Change", including some that we know very well. Hint: Who started this organization that was recently recognized as a model agency by NC DPI?

Visit the Events Calendar on our website to see what we have planned for the month!

Operation Xcel Event Calendar

Save the Date:
18th Anniversary Xcellence Gala

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.

Click Here to Purchase Your Tickets or Sponsor a Table