The XCELerator
Empowering Minds & Celebrating Creativity |
Welcome to this week's newsletter!
As we head into the heart of March, we are celebrating the visionaries in our community, the brilliance of our young artists, and the power of reading. |
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Community Spotlight
The Local Legend with a Fortune 500 Vision |
What happens when you apply Fortune 500 discipline to community empowerment? You get the story of our very own local legend, Charlene Gladney.
After 20 years leading at giants like Xerox, IBM, GE, and Hewlett-Packard, Charlene pivoted from the boardroom to the classroom. She took the strategic precision of the corporate world and poured it into a new mission: Operation Xcel. We’re diving deep into the journey that turned two decades of tech and telecom expertise into a blueprint for student excellence.
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March is Youth Arts Month:
Putting the "A" in STEAM |
Our students have been busy proving that science and technology are even better with a touch of creativity! From vibrant dance routines to soulful poetry and intricate crafts, our kids are showing us exactly how the Arts complete the STEAM equation.
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- Creative Critters: Check out our latest gallery of student-made masterpieces when you pick up your students, or check out the artwork during our Spring Showcases in May.
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The Power of Poetry: This month, students are exploring rhythm and rhyme to express their unique voices.
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Dance & Movement: Watch for our upcoming showcase where technology meets choreography.
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Is Our Symphony Missing a Note?
Help Us Harmonize This National Reading Month! |
This March, Operation Xcel joins the nation in celebrating National Reading Month under the theme "Symphony of Stories." At Operation Xcel, we know that literacy is not just a school subject—it is the foundation of the 21st-century readiness we strive to provide for every student.
However, literacy is a team sport. Studies consistently show that students who see their mentors and parents reading for pleasure are significantly more likely to succeed academically. We are challenging you, who are already involved, to move beyond the sidelines. How can you "Xcel" with us this month?
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Sponsors: Your support allows us to refresh our library with diverse "Symphony of Stories" titles where our students can see themselves as the protagonists of their own futures.
- Mentors: This month, don’t just help with homework. Spend 15 minutes of your session reading with your mentee. Show them that even leaders never stop learning.
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Parents: Turn off the screens for 20 minutes a night. Let your child see you reading. Ask them about the "rhythm" of the story they are exploring.
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The symphony of a child’s success requires every instrument to be in tune.
Will you help us conduct the next movement?
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National Reading Month -
Parenting Tips for "Reading to Learn" |
March isn't just about reading for fun—it’s about using literacy as a tool for discovery. Here are three ways you can help your child transition from "learning to read" to "reading to learn":
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Ask "Why" and "How": When reading non-fiction or news together, ask open-ended questions like, "Why do you think the author included this fact?" or "How does this connect to what you learned in school?"
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Model Curiosity: Let your children see you reading recipes, manuals, or news articles. Explain that you are reading to find a specific answer or solve a problem.
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The "Topic Deep Dive": If your child is interested in a specific STEAM topic—like robots or gardening—visit the library to find three different books on that subject. Compare what each book teaches you!
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Upcoming Family Engagement Events |
Mark your calendars for these important opportunities to connect and lead: |
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- The Parent Cafe: "Find the Gold in Our Journey"
***REGISTRATION CLOSED MARCH 12TH***
- When: Thursday, March 19th | 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
- What: A supportive space for parents to share, connect, and recharge.
- Parent Advisory Board Meeting:
- When: This Saturday, March 14th | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
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Summer 3-Steps Ahead Camp |
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It’s almost time! We are thrilled to announce that registration for our popular Summer 3-Steps Ahead Camp officially opened Monday, March 16th.
This camp is designed to give students a head start on the next school year through engaging STEAM activities, field trips, and academic enrichment. Spots fill up fast, so be ready to register early!
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The 18th Annual Celebration of Xcellence Gala: Gift a Seat |
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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Please take a moment and let us know what you think about our newsletters.
Are there any topics you would like us to cover?
We value your feedback!
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Operation Xcel
PO Box 412
Greensboro, NC 27357
336-644-3530
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PO BOX 412 | Stokesdale, NC 27357 US
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