At Hamilton Community Schools, every student’s growth and success are at the heart of what we do. Through our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), teachers and staff are able to provide personalized instruction that meets each learner right where they are — ensuring that every student receives the support or enrichment they need to thrive.
“MTSS stands for Multi-Tiered System of Supports, and it’s really a framework for how we provide every student with what they need to be successful,” said HCS MTSS coordinator, Elizabeth Brandonisio. “Whether that’s intervention, enrichment, or something in between, our goal is to meet each student where they are and help them grow.”
MTSS is a districtwide system that helps educators identify students’ individual needs — whether they require additional intervention or opportunities for enrichment. By using student data to guide instruction, teachers can ensure that no one slips through the cracks and that every learner is challenged appropriately.
“We’re proud of our robust MTSS system here at Hamilton,” said Director of Teaching and Learning, Laura Zeinstra. “It allows us to offer meaningful support to all of our learners, and we truly believe that all students can learn at high levels.”
At the elementary level, MTSS is built directly into the daily schedule. Each day, students move to different classrooms and work with various instructors, allowing them to focus on specific skill areas. “During our MTSS time, all students are grouped based on their current needs,” explained first-year Blue Star Elementary MTSS interventionist, Kate Ojeda. “Some are working on strengthening foundational skills, while others are diving deeper into enrichment activities that push their thinking even further.”
This structure also fosters confidence and collaboration among students. “When kids work in small groups, they feel more comfortable taking risks and celebrating progress,” Ojeda added. “For those who have struggled in certain areas, this is a time when they can catch up and start to feel successful again.”
Teachers and staff continuously use data to evaluate progress and make adjustments. “We look at data on every student — individually, by class, and as a whole building — to see where growth is happening and where we can do more,” shared Brandonisio. “It’s about using what we learn to make the best decisions for our students.”
The results are evident in both academic performance and student confidence. “You can see the excitement when something clicks for a student,” said Blue Star Elementary MTSS paraprofessional, Holly Miller. “That light bulb moment — that’s what MTSS is all about.”
