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Tiffany Elementary expands universal reading program, hosts first 'Number Ninjas' math event
Summary
At the Aberdeen School District board meeting, Tiffany Elementary principal Ulberg outlined a new universal K–5 reading intervention called SOAR, daily 30‑minute leveled instruction for all students, and reported 135 students competed in a school 'Number Ninjas' math competition. Staff cited weekly data monitoring and six‑week movement cycles.
Tiffany Elementary Principal Ulberg told the Aberdeen School District board during its November 24 meeting that the school has launched SOAR (Soar to Success), a universal reading intervention that gives every student in grades K–5 a daily, 30‑minute, leveled reading block.
"All of our students in grades K through 5 have reading intervention based upon the level they're at for 30 minutes a day," Ulberg said, describing the program as a shift from selective pull‑out interventions to universal, differentiated support. Title teacher Jamie Tiff said staff use short, systematic lessons and weekly checks from curricula the presentation identified as UFLI (the transcript also alternately spells it "UFLY") alongside other assessments such as NWEA to track progress. Teachers meet every six weeks to review data and move students between groups when appropriate, she said.
The principal also highlighted family engagement and enrichment events: Tiffany hosted a Title I afternoon that drew more than 100 parents, and the school held its first elementary 'Number Ninjas' competition, which Ulberg said included 135 student participants. "It was a great afternoon of math," she said, and board members praised the event's energy and the classroom-level enthusiasm it generated.
Board members asked about inclusion of special education and English‑learner students. Jamie Tiff confirmed that special education and ESL students participate in SOAR and may receive support in sped classrooms or in leveled groups as appropriate. The presentation emphasized that students are not "stuck" in a group; movement is based on ongoing progress monitoring.
Superintendent Doctor Guffin commended Tiffany's staff for data tracking and for piloting practices other district schools may replicate. Ulberg said the school compiles weekly data on all students and will continue to report results to the board; further district consideration of duplicating the model at other schools was mentioned.
The board did not take formal action on the report. Administrators said they will continue monitoring outcomes and return with updated data on student progress.
