September is filled with opportunities to celebrate learning, community, service, and the people who help make our communities stronger. This month, Operation Xcel will be recognizing several important observances, including:

National Literacy Month: A month-long celebration highlighting the importance of reading, writing, and literacy skills at every age.

National Attendance Awareness Month: A reminder that regular school attendance plays an important role in helping students stay connected to learning and reach their goals.

Sept. 5 - International Day of Charity: A day recognizing the power of generosity, service, and compassion in strengthening communities.

Sept. 7 - Labor Day: A time to recognize the contributions and achievements of workers.

Sept. 8 - International Literacy Day: A global reminder of the importance of literacy as a fundamental right and a foundation for lifelong learning.

Sept. 15 - Hispanic Heritage Month (through Oct. 15): A celebration of the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.

Sept. 21 - International Day of Peace: A day dedicated to promoting peace, understanding, and cooperation within communities and around the world.

The beginning of a new school year is more than a fresh start for students—it's an opportunity to encourage young people to discover their strengths, explore their interests, and recognize the impact they can have on the world around them.

The founding principles of Operation Xcel reflect nothing less than youth empowerment. Our staff are dedicated to creating positive, supportive environments where students can ask questions, explore new ideas, express themselves, and find the resources they need to succeed.

Looking for ways to empower the young people in your life? Try these ideas:

Give Lori Walton, our Family Engagement Specialist, and Family Resource Fair Committee, our sponsors, AND volunteers their appreciation and applause! 

Operation XCEL’s Back 2 School Fair Equips Families for a Year of “XCEL-lence”

On Saturday, July 25, 2026, Operation XCEL welcomed families to its annual Back 2 School Family Resource Fair, transforming the First Baptist Church in Greensboro into a vibrant hub of learning, connection, and inspiration. This year’s theme, Destination XCEL-lence: “All the Places You Can Go!”, set the tone for a day dedicated to dreaming big while building the practical skills to make those dreams a reality.

From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., registered families moved through a thoughtfully designed experience that blended fun with empowerment. Each family received a personalized passport, collecting stamps as they visited resource vendors and attended workshops. More than a dozen community vendors filled the resource area, offering everything from health screenings and voter registration to information on local support services. Breakfast and refreshments kept everyone fueled, and the day culminated with a backpack giveaway—each stuffed with school supplies—along with raffles, sponsored by Dr. Tracy Walton that brought extra excitement.

The heart of the fair was its two-part workshop series, carefully curated to address the real challenges families face. During Workshop Series A, parents and caregivers could choose from sessions like Social Media—the Good, the Bad & the Ugly, Attendance Matters, Parent Burn-out, All Things IEP & 504 Plans—What You Need to Know, Puerto de Apoyo (dedicated support for Spanish-speaking families), and academic strategy labs for both reading and math. After a break to explore the Health & Wellness Room and connect with vendors, Workshop Series B offered a fresh set of topics: Parenting & You—Balancing It All, Electronic Device Addiction, Anti-Bullying/Peer Pressure, and additional literacy and math sessions. The entire community then came together for an OPX Town Hall, where families shared their voices and heard directly from program leaders.

While adults engaged in these sessions, children were immersed in their own enriching activities. Arts and crafts rooms sparked creativity, while The Mad Scientist Lab (offered in two sessions) brought hands-on STEM fun. These youth-centered spaces, staffed by trained educators, ensured that parents could focus on learning without distraction.
“We recognize that the system is broken, not our children,” said Charlene Gladney, Operation XCEL’s Executive Director and Founder. “Not only do we seek to provide school supplies and a fun day for children, but to equip our parents and caregivers with the tools they need to build the confidence and wherewithal necessary for encouraging stronger students and lifetime learners.”

The fair also served as a gateway for families interested in Operation XCEL’s after-school programs, with priority fall registration open at all seven sites. Building on the momentum of last year’s event, which drew over 300 families, this year’s fair once again demonstrated the community’s deep commitment to educational equity.
For over 18 years, Operation XCEL has challenged implicit bias in education and worked to close economic and educational gaps for students from marginalized communities. Events like the Back 2 School Fair are a powerful reminder that when families are equipped with knowledge, resources, and a supportive network, every child can chart a course toward XCEL-lence.

We are proud to announce that Operation Xcel has been selected as a 2026 New York Life Foundation Aim High grantee! This investment will support our continued work preparing middle school students for a successful transition to high school and beyond. We are grateful to the New York Life Foundation and the Afterschool Alliance for their partnership and commitment to expanding opportunities for young people.

A successful school year isn't only about grades—it's also about building routines, staying connected, taking care of yourself, and giving yourself room to grow. Small habits established early in the school year can make a big difference as students navigate new classes, responsibilities, friendships, and challenges. 

Here are a few ways students and families can start the year on the right foot:

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