May Overbey’s 'Number Ninjas' draws elementary students and high‑school mentors

May Overbey Elementary presented an overview of its Number Ninjas math enrichment program to the Aberdeen School District 06‑1 board, highlighting student participation, mentor involvement and competition activity.

Jessica Apple, a program advisor, said the program has grown rapidly since spring and now includes "42 students who are there and it makes about about a third about a quarter to a third of our, fifth grade students." Apple told the board the program extends math skills and that some students who were not previously interested in math showed strong engagement when participating.

Students described the program’s structure and rewards: fifth‑grader Calista Auburn said, "I like number ninjas because you get to improve your math skills" and described leadership roles where older students help younger ones. The program uses a belt/headband system to mark mastery, with white belts covering basic multiplication and black belts extending to elevens and twelves; advisers said they plan to add division challenges as students advance.

Central High senior Bain Clatt explained the high‑school mentor role: about 15–16 high‑school students volunteer as tutors and are scheduled via a Google Doc to ensure broad participation. The district praised the cross‑grade mentorship model and encouraged continuation and possible expansion to other schools.

Administrators said Number Ninjas took three teams to the OMT competition in the fall and will attend the April competition; the program partners with FBLA and leverages high‑school students for near‑peer tutoring. Board members responded positively and asked program staff questions about belt colors, selection of tutors and plans for future growth.