4/15/2026 — Dr. Kodey Hughes, Superintendent
As Superintendent, I have the special privilege of visiting classrooms throughout our district, observing instruction in literacy, mathematics, science, and the overall learning environment. These visits consistently show the dedication of our educators and the continuous growth of our students. Recently, I experienced an amazing moment at Red Cliffs Elementary School. I was invited to attend the school's annual third-grade "Multiplication Madness" competition, a culminating event that celebrates not only math proficiency but also perseverance, growth, and student engagement at the highest level. What I saw was nothing short of remarkable. The success displayed did not happen overnight. At Red Cliffs, math instruction is intentional and strategic from the very beginning of the year. Students first build conceptual understanding through repeated addition and arrays. From there, they progress into mastering multiplication facts, moving through carefully sequenced sets.
Math fluency develops through consistent practice using technology. On their iPads, students interact with an app that presents randomized math problems, requiring both accuracy and speed. To "pass off" each level, students must correctly answer at least 20 problems in one minute. Once all sets are mastered, they progress to mixed multiplication, aiming for 50 correct answers in three minutes.
The results speak for themselves. In one classroom, every single students successfully passed all multiplication facts this year, an unprecedented achievement. Even more impressive, many students far exceeded expectations, with 17 out of 23 reaching at least 100 correct answers in three minutes.
The Main Event: Multiplication Madness
All of this preparation leads to one of the most anticipated events of the year at Red Cliffs. Each third-grade teacher selects their top eight students to compete in a 32-student, single elimination tournament. Seeded by their personal records, students go head-to-head in fast-paced, three-minute rounds of mixed multiplication. In the case of a tie, accuracy determines the winner.
When I walked into the multipurpose room during the competition, the atmosphere was electric. Music played, students were introduced like athletes, and their peers filed the room, cheering them on. It felt less like a classroom and more like a championship event. This year's finalists demonstrated an extraordinary level of skill. The following RCES third graders took home the wins.
1st Place: Axton Watts - 204 Answers Solved
2nd Place: Jackson Garlick - 197 Answers Solved
3rd Place: Anela Anderson - 191 Answers Solved
4th Place: Ryder Jones - 179 Answers Solved
To put this into perspective, the first-place student solved 204 math problems in just three minutes. As an educator and leader, I can confidently say that I would struggle to reach even half that number. Watching these students perform at such a high level was both humbling and inspiring.
Events like this do not happen in isolation. They are a result of a strong partnership between educators, families, and the broader community. Teachers set high expectations and provide meaningful instruction. Parents reinforce learning and offer encouragement at home. Local businesses like Bev's and Bar W contribute prizes, helping to celebrate student success in a tangible way. Most importantly, students rise to the occasion. They embrace the challenge, support one another, and take pride in their accomplishments.
At Red Cliffs Elementary, students are not just learning math; they are mastering it. They are building confidence, developing discipline, and discovering that hard work leads to real achievement. They have truly become "mathematicians". If what I witnessed is any indication of what lies ahead, the future is incredibly bright, not just for Red Cliffs Elementary, but for our entire district. #JuabProud