Dear Hall Star Parents and Guardians,
As we begin the 2025–2026 school year, our hearts are with everyone affected by the recent tragedy in Minneapolis. At Hall STEM Academy, your child’s safety, care, and learning are our highest priorities. We will continue to lead with compassion while keeping strong, consistent safety routines so students feel secure and ready to learn.
Our daily safety routines include:
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Single secure entry: All visitors buzz in at the Office Entry (Door #16), show ID, sign in at the Main Office, and wear a visitor badge.
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Late arrivals: A parent/caregiver must escort students who arrive after the bell to the Main Office to check in. For safety, please do not drop students at the door.
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Locked doors & supervision: Exterior doors remain locked during the school day; staff supervise arrival, dismissal, and common areas.
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Drills & readiness: We practice age-appropriate safety drills (fire, lockout, lockdown, shelter-in-place, and evacuation) with calm, child-centered language.
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Student support: Our Counselor, Ms. Duncan, and Social Worker, Ms. Haley, along with our support staff are available for any student who needs to talk or needs extra care.
Attendance & punctuality: every minute matters.
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Doors & breakfast: 7:10-7:30 AM (please arrive by 7:15 AM if your child will eat breakfast).
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First bell: 7:25 AM (five minutes to get to class).
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Instruction begins: 7:30 AM • Attendance recorded by 7:35 AM.
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Dismissal: 2:05 PM (Pre-K & Kindergarten) • 2:10 PM (Grades 1–5).
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School year length: 168 days (Grades 1–5) • 166 days (Pre-K & Kindergarten).
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Minutes of learning each day: 400 minutes (Grades 1–5) • 395 minutes (Pre-K & Kindergarten).
A quick reminder about the impact of tardiness: arriving one hour late on seven occasions equals 420 minutes...that’s more than a full day of school. With foundational math and literacy beginning right at 7:30 AM, on-time arrival helps your child start strong.
Morning Drop-Off = Safety First
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No cars allowed in the Bus Lane on Aldrich Avenue. Do not drive, stop, or park there. We have over 15 buses arriving each morning.
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Car drop-off location: Aldrich & 16th Avenue (staff supervised). Pull forward, curbside only; stay in your car.
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Walking your child to the door? Please park away from the bus lane and parent drop-off zone and use crosswalks.
Thank you for helping us keep every student safe.
Thank you for partnering with us on safety, attendance, and a joyful start to learning. We’re grateful for your trust and excited to help every Hall Star shine bright this year.
With appreciation,
Sherrill Lindsey, Principal
