T-R PHOTO BY ADAM SODDERS - Hoglan Elementary kindergartner Run Mang shows off an ST Math exercise he was working on. Run is performing above grade level in both the online math program and in the digital literacy program Lexia Core 5.

The chromebook emitted small “blips” and “blops” as Hoglan kindergartner Run Mang played one of his favorite math games on the digital ST Math program.

That’s where Run is at his happiest: learning about math and having fun while doing it. He is also an excellent reader and writer.

“These are the challenge puzzles, which means he’s completed all of the levels as a kindergartner already,” Hoglan teacher Amy Pollard said as she watched Run make his way through the ST Math challenges.

Run said he particularly enjoys the ST Math mascot, Jiji the penguin.

Pollard also said he is at the first-grade level in the digital literacy program.

“He reads above grade-level, he writes stories that are credible, he’s just a kid that is one of those silent leaders,” Pollard said.

She said Run is still working to master the English language, as his native language is of Southeast Asian origin. However, she said he communicates well and is catching on very quickly.

When he’s not excelling in his classwork, Run said he likes to spend his time playing at home.

“I like to play with my toys,” he said. “I have some trains and some cars.”

Pollard said Run’s excellence in the classroom goes beyond his academic prowess.

“He doesn’t say a lot, but just kind of everybody in the classroom likes him, everybody in the grade level likes him, he leads by example,” she said. “He is just always eager to learn.”