Hall Star Shine Weekly
News & Updates for the Hall Star Nation
Are You Ready for the Week Ahead?!
Attendance Matters...An Important Clarification for Families
Research shows that students who miss 10 or more days in a school year - often called chronically absent - are at higher risk for lower reading achievement, gaps in learning that compound over time, and increased challenges with engagement and confidence at school. In alignment with MPS Attendance Policy 5100, once a student has reached 6 consecutive days or 10 cumulative absences, all future absences must be supported by a doctor’s note in order to be considered excused for the remainder of the school year. Regular attendance is a critical foundation for learning, and we appreciate families partnering with us to keep students present, connected, and thriving.
Hall Star Family Blessings Night | Merry Market
Reading Together Builds Bright Futures ✨
Research is clear: children become stronger readers when families intentionally read together at home. Setting aside devices and dedicating even 10–15 focused minutes a day to reading builds vocabulary, comprehension, and attention skills that classrooms alone cannot fully develop. Literacy grows through this partnership - what happens at home and at school working together - making shared reading time one of the most powerful investments families can make in their child’s future.
💡 Reminders
IMPORTANT DATES 📆
- Tuesday, December 16th | Merry Market | 5:00-7:00 PM
- Friday, December 19th | Pajama Day
- Friday, December 19th | Last Day of School Before Winter Break
- Monday, December 22nd thru Friday, January 2nd | NO SCHOOL - Winter Break
- Monday, January 5th | First Day of School for 2026!
Community Partner Spotlight: Canine Inspired Change 🐾
We are thrilled to partner with Canine Inspired Change, an incredible new community partner who has been meeting weekly with our 4th graders through a powerful blend of STEM and Social-Emotional Learning. Students have been learning about how the brain works while building self-regulation, focus, and teamwork - alongside their canine partners - through hands-on agility training. Our final session is this Tuesday morning, when students and their furry teammates will proudly showcase their collaboration, growth, and learning in action. This joyful, brain-based experience has been a true highlight for our Hall Stars! ✨🐶
Friday, December 19th is Pajama Day!
We’re wrapping up the final day before Winter Break in the comfiest way possible...PAJAMA DAY! Hall Stars are invited to roll into school in their favorite PJs and cozy vibes as we celebrate a season of hard work, growth, and joy. Let’s end the year relaxed, smiling, and shining bright!
How To Stay Informed
Stay connected with the Hall Star Nation!
Website: https://hall.mpschools.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MPS.HallSTEMAcademy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hallstemacademy/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hallstarnation
Twitter: @HallStars_MPS
YouTube: @hallstarsshinebright
Snow day smiles! ⛄
Hall Stars shine bright in every season - finding joy, adventure, and fun even on the chilliest days!
Hall STEM Academy
Hall Stars. Shine Bright!
1601 Aldrich Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN, 55411
(612) 668-2650
Sherrill Lindsey, Principal
Sarah Wicklund, Family & Community Liaison
Haley Palmore, Social Worker
Megan Duncan, Counselor
Lisa Cavanna, Secretary
Daisy Lezama, Office Specialist & Transportation Coordinator
Ekta Aggarwal, Licensed School Nurse
Kacia Subject, Health Services Assistant & Attendance Clerk
Cheryl Stevens, STEM Coordinator