The Hiawatha Buzz!

*Click on the Hiawatha Buzz image above for a mobile-friendly view or table of contents on a computer

Finally, a quick reminder to please pull all the way forward when using the drop-off lane, even when students are being brought directly into the gym. Stopping near the gym blocks traffic in the drive and on Hiawatha Avenue, and pulling forward helps keep everyone moving safely and smoothly. Thank you for your cooperation and patience each morning!

Warmly,
Kolby Snellenberger
Principal

• February 23 - March 3, 2026 (Winter Break) - No School - Please plan accordingly

Report cards are now available!

To access your child’s progress report, log into your PowerSchool Portal account. If you have not set up your PowerSchool Portal account, you can find more information below. If you need help with this, please contact the EWSD helpdesk.

• How to Access Progress Reports Video

• PowerSchool Portal Login

• Information about PowerSchool Portal (including how to set up an account)

• Helpdesk Contact Information: helpdesk@ewsd.org or 802-857-7777

• If you would like a printed copy of the report, please contact Hiawatha's front office

If you want a printed copy, please contact the Ms. Michelle in the Front office at hiawathaoffice@ewsd.org or call her at 802-878-1384.

• How to Access Progress Reports Video

• PowerSchool Portal Login

• Information about PowerSchool Portal (including how to set up an account)

• Helpdesk Contact Information: helpdesk@ewsd.org or 802-857-7777

Snow is on the way and that is good news for our cross country ski program in PE. We were very fortunate earlier this year to acquire 24 sets of skis & bindings through the NENSA ROCKS program! I will try to get the kids outside any time there is enough snow and the temperatures are comfortable. I want to make sure kids first few times skiing are as fun and positive as possible. I spend a lot of time on skis in the winter, so this program is especially exciting for me.

Stay warm.

Mr. B.

Join us for kids night at Texas Roadhouse on Tuesday, January 27! Proceeds benefit Hiawatha PTO. Just print out or show your server this flyer with the event barcode. (attached the flyer for you Michelle)

The Hiawatha PTO is excited to present "Screenagers" on February 12th at 6pm. Updated with the latest science, research, and expert insights, Screenagers is an award-winning documentary that dives into the challenges families face in this digital age. Free admission for the Hiawatha parent and caregiver community (not recommended for kids).

Thank you!

Taryn Hennebicque

Hiawatha PTO Co-President

Dear Families,

At Hiawatha Elementary, our goal is to ensure every child receives the instruction and support they need to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. One way we do this is through a framework called Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS).

What is MTSS?

MTSS is a school-wide approach that helps us provide the right level of support for each student. It is proactive, data-driven, and designed to meet the needs of all learners through a tiered model:

A little more about Tier 3 Intervention…..

How do we determine which students need tier 3 intervention?
Three times a year (fall, winter, and spring) we gather information using:

• Star Assessments (computer-adaptive tests for literacy and math)
  
  

• DESSA (a Social Emotional Learning screener)
  
  

These screeners give us a snapshot of how students are doing. However, a single assessment is only one data point so we also use follow-up screeners and classroom assessments to ensure we have a clear picture of each child’s needs. This helps us identify which students may benefit from additional tier 3 intervention.

Communication with Families

• If your child is recommended for Tier 3 intervention you will receive communication from the school and be invited to an Educational Support Team (EST) meeting. At the meeting you will learn about your child’s strengths/goals and have an opportunity to ask questions. Your child’s teacher, the interventionist providing the support, and our EST coordinator will also attend.

• If you do not receive communication about tier 3 support, your child does not need tier 3 intervention.

• We do not send communication for Tier 1 or Tier 2. Tier 1 is for all students and Tier 2 support is fluid, often changing as students progress. Families can always connect with classroom teachers if there are questions about tier 1 or 2.

• 
  

If you have questions about your child’s learning, we encourage you to reach out directly to their classroom teacher. You are also welcome to contact me if you’d like to learn more about MTSS or our assessment process.

Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s success.

Warmly,
Kaylie Bufano
RTI Coach

kbufano@ewsd.org or 802 857-7759

This is a reminder that during the winter months, please send your student to school with a hat, a pair of gloves or mittens, a coat, snow pants, and boots. Students go outside for recess unless the ‘feels like’ temperature is below zero degrees.

Also, please pack extra shoes for your student to wear inside the school building. Wearing wet snow boots is not only uncomfortable but makes for wet floors, which can lead to injury.

If you need assistance with obtaining winter coats, please contact me.

Thank you,

Reyna Maher, RN

rmaher@ewsd.org

802- 857-7740

Please click the link below to see the hot lunch menu, be sure to select the correct month you need and select lunch in the drop down in the top of the page. If needed, there is a print option. The menu can also be found on our website :-)

Menu

Hello everyone!

We know that there is a lot of need in our communities right now. Our office has compiled a list of free food resources in Chittenden County with information about hours, location, accessibility and eligibility requirements that can be shared with families who need assistance.

You can find it on our Burlington | Vermont Department of Health website, or linked here: https://www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/document/lh-burlington-Chittenden-County-Food-Resources.pdf

We will update it periodically, but if you are ever using it and find errors, please let us know!

Best,

Jess

Jessica LaClair (She/Her/Hers)

Public Health Specialist III| School Liaison

Burlington District Office, Vermont Department of Health

128 Lakeside Suite 106, Burlington, VT 05402-0070

802.951.0069

jessica.laclair@vermont.gov

Email: hiawathaoffice@ewsd.org