The Winter Showcases, intended to demonstrate projects the students worked on during the year, also provide opportunities for students to practice their leadership, communication, and self-confidence skills. The students did not disappoint. Each student presented their projects quite knowledgeable of the content and reasoning that certain actions occurred. For example, one student demonstrated the effects of gravity between two of the same cars carrying different weight loads. The young man was able to interact with the audience while demonstrating the reason why the heavier car traveled farther toward the bottom of the ramp than the car with the lighter load. He confidently asked the audience why such was the case and congratulated the person with the right answer. The students in the Operation Homework afterschool programs are evidence that students are willing to learn, retain, and confidently communicate information as they remain engaged in the process and receive the necessary support to eXCEL in every academic and social environment.
The students and staff at each Operation Homework afterschool site hosted their winter showcases over the past two weeks. They displayed impressive science projects, such as demonstrating what different strains of bacteria look like under a microscope. One student used an empty two-liter soda bottle with a deflated balloon inside to illustrate how our lungs expand and deflate while breathing. Another student named and pointed out every part of the human body, including internal organs. The students were excited to see many faces in attendance, showing support and recognizing the hard work they put into each project.
I visited Southwest Middle School on Wednesday, December 18th, and Hairston Middle School on Thursday, December 19th. I interacted with several parents and students, interviewing them to gather their impressions of Operation Xcel. Each student I spoke with expressed their love for the program, stating that they enjoy learning new things and appreciate discussing new information to ensure their understanding during instructional time.
When I asked parents for their impressions of Operation Xcel and areas for improvement, their responses were generally consistent. Parents are pleased that their children have the opportunity to participate in an afterschool program focused on STEM, where they can meet new people. One father shared that his daughter used to come home without mentioning school but now frequently discusses her day. A mother noted that her daughter has transformed since starting Operation Xcel; she used to be very shy and introverted but is now more talkative and has made new friends.
The only area for improvement mentioned by parents relates to their children needing assistance with homework and school projects. When I inquired whether they or their children had informed the teachers about needing help, the answer was no. I recommend that parents encourage their students to communicate their needs to the teachers so they can receive assistance. After all, Operation Xcel is an afterschool program dedicated to supporting every student as needed, but students must keep their teachers informed.
