Talon Times is Excelsior Charter Schools’ monthly newsletter designed to keep students and families informed and connected. Each edition highlights important school updates, upcoming events, student achievements, campus news, and helpful resources across all Excelsior campuses. It’s a quick way for our community to stay engaged and celebrate everything happening with our Eagles.
August
The August edition of the Excelsior Talon Times welcomes families back for the 2026–2027 school year and introduces this year’s theme, “The Road to Success.” This issue shares helpful first-day and orientation reminders, celebrates Excelsior’s new partnership with Unity Meals, and highlights the free, nutritious breakfast and lunch available to every student. It also encourages students to begin the year with confidence, stay focused, and take meaningful steps toward achieving their goals.
September
The September edition of the Excelsior Talon Times keeps families connected as we continue down the Road to Success! This issue highlights Attendance Awareness Month and Suicide Prevention Month, celebrates the grand opening of Excelsior’s new Phelan location, and looks back at a great first day of school. Families can also read about the exciting start with Unity Meals and Pizza Fridays, transportation options available to students, and an exciting announcement for the Class of 2027—Graduation is moving to the Ontario Convention Center!
👉 [Click here to read the full September newsletter!]
Archived Newsletters
2025-2026
June
The June edition of the Excelsior Talon Times celebrates student achievement, wellness, and summer safety across the Excelsior community. This month’s newsletter highlights the graduation of the Excelsior Charter School Class of 2026, the exciting announcement of Unity Meals as Excelsior’s new food service partner, and National Safety Month resources focused on teen driving awareness. Families can also explore important summer wellness topics, including water safety, camping safety, hydration tips, pet safety, mental health support through the 988 Lifeline, local food assistance resources, and upcoming 2026–2027 student orientation dates. The June newsletter provides valuable information to help students and families stay safe, healthy, connected, and prepared throughout the summer season.
👉[Click here to read the full newsletter!]
May
The May edition of the Excelsior Talon Times highlights exciting Student Services initiatives and important wellness resources for Excelsior families. This month’s newsletter features Excelsior’s two-day student food tasting tour, National School Lunch Hero Day celebrations, therapy dog wellness visits during state testing, Mental Health Awareness Month resources, anti-bullying events, graduation celebrations for the Class of 2026, and family-friendly community events happening throughout the Inland Empire. Families can also explore opportunities that support student wellness, school engagement, mental health awareness, and positive school culture across all Excelsior campuses.
April
The April edition of the Excelsior Talon Times highlights student wellness, family engagement, and community celebration across Excelsior Charter Schools. This issue features stress relief resources for students and families, a free parent workshop designed to support learning and connection, Earth Day activities that promote environmental awareness and responsibility, and an Autism Awareness Walk focused on inclusion and support for all students.
March
The March edition of the Excelsior Talon Times highlights important student wellness topics, including National Nutrition Month, mental health resources, food support services, opioid awareness, and cultural celebrations. Families can also explore local spring break events, farmers markets, and student spotlights while learning about healthy habits, community resources, and ways to support student success both in and out of the classroom.
February
The February edition of the Excelsior Talon Times focuses on student wellness, community engagement, and educational resources for Excelsior families. This month’s newsletter highlights important awareness topics, student support services, cultural celebrations, and opportunities for families to stay connected through school events, community activities, and helpful resources that promote student success and well-being.
January
The January edition of the Excelsior Talon Times welcomes students and families into the new year with a focus on health, wellness, organization, and student success. This issue highlights healthy habits, mental wellness strategies, School of Choice Week, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and ways students can start the semester strong through goal setting, kindness, and community involvement. Families can also learn more about the many resources and support services available through Excelsior’s Student Services Department.
December
The December edition of the Excelsior Talon Times highlights student support, community care, and holiday engagement across Excelsior Charter Schools. This issue features the grand opening of the Ontario Campus Giving Closet, important student safety and drug awareness information, cultural and holiday activities, and resources designed to support student well-being, inclusion, and success throughout the winter season.
November
The November edition of the Excelsior Talon Times highlights cultural awareness, student wellness, and community support across Excelsior Charter Schools. This issue honors Native American Heritage Month by encouraging students and families to learn about and celebrate the history, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. It also features opportunities for engagement with local cultural events, including the Cabazon Indio Pow Wow 2025. In addition, this edition spotlights the Victor Community Support Services Blues Program at the Barstow Campus, an early intervention initiative designed to support student mental health, build coping skills, and promote overall emotional well-being as part of National School Psychology Week.
October
The October edition of the Excelsior Talon Times highlights student engagement, wellness initiatives, and community connection across Excelsior Charter Schools. This issue features a $250 gift card giveaway for both a student and an adult tied to Aeries Parent Portal data confirmation and National School Lunch Program (NSLP) completion, emphasizing the importance of accurate submissions in supporting school funding. It also includes Red Ribbon Week activities promoting drug-free lifestyles and healthy decision-making, along with bullying prevention messaging that reinforces student safety, respect, and reporting support. In addition, this edition celebrates the Excelsior National Honor Society (NHS) Eagle Chapter for earning the national Service Award of Excellence in recognition of outstanding leadership, service, and community impact.
September
The September edition of the Excelsior Talon Times highlights student wellness, cultural celebration, and academic achievement across Excelsior Charter Schools. This issue recognizes Suicide Prevention Month and emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness and available crisis support resources for students and families. It also celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the culture, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. In addition, this edition features a major milestone for the Excelsior Academy Cosmetology Program, where students successfully passed the California State Board Exam, showcasing student success and program excellence.