Happenings (August 27, 2024)
Back to School Night
All parents of Hill-Murray students are invited to join us on Wednesday, September 4th, for Back to School Night. This parents only event offers an exclusive opportunity to experience your student’s academic journey at Hill-Murray School. Please dress comfortably, as some areas of our school are not yet fully air-conditioned.
Parents of students in all grades (6-12) will begin Period 1 at 6:00 PM. The Trading Post will be open from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Special Meeting Times:
- Optional meeting for parents of 6th graders and new 7th and 8th graders: 5:00 PM in the Chapel
- Optional meeting for parents of 9th graders: 5:00 PM in the Auditorium
The Trading Post will be open from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
We hope to see you there!
Uniform Exchanges & Returns
Uniform Exchanges
Open Monday-Thursday one hour after school: Located by the Office of Student Life.
Uniform Returns
Returns can be made at any time at the front desk.
Navigating Transitions: Supporting Students as the School Year Begins
The beginning of the school year can bring both excitement and worry for all students, whether you are a new student to Hill-Murray, a Senior starting your final year or even a new Principal. We all handle transition in different ways. This time of year provides an opportunity for students to practice important skills that will benefit them in the future.
Parents can help by framing the new school year as a time to focus on flexibility, with what they can and cannot control. Supporting our students through stressful times while allowing them age-appropriate autonomy, helps them develop problem-solving skills and confidence.
A couple of examples of how to support students form a parent role are below:
- Support them through listening and agreeing that while something does seem hard, they can navigate the situation with the skills they have.
- ie. Navigating the lunchroom without a phone can be stressful but is an important part of learning to manage discomfort and build resilience.
- Remind your student that it can be normal to feel anxious and stressed around new situations and that this year is a new grade or role for every student in our building. Let them know you are there to support them as they find their way.
Your students also have many adults to support them in the building. Counselors serve as support systems for students and families. High school students are encouraged to access our office during their Pioneer Period, and middle school students can utilize WIN times. However, if students need immediate assistance they can stop in during passing time, let their teacher know they need to see a counselor, or email us to send them a pass. Feel free to contact your student’s counselor if you have any questions. Please note the changes in the breakdown of the department and the Counselors assigned to students by last name below.
THE GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING TEAM
Middle School Counselor (Grades 6-8)
Mrs. Valentine: lvalentine@hill-murray.org, 651-748-2224
Upper School Counselors (Grade 9-12)
Mr. Charlie Cicalello (A-C) ccicalello@hill-murray.org, 651-748-2426
Ms. Amy Cosgrove (D-J) acosgrove@hill-murray.org, 651-748-2259
Mrs. Jenny Vinck (K-Q) jvinck@hill-murray.org, 651-748-2441
Mr. Aaron Goulet (R-Z) agoulet@hill-murray.org, 651-748-2493
College Counseling
Mrs. Carrie Egan (A-Z) cegan@hill-murray.org, 651-748-2238
Mr. Charlie Cicalello (Curriculum Development) ccicalello@hill-murray.org, 651-748-2426
New Family Coordinator/Guidance and Counseling Assistant
Jen O’Gary jogary@hill-murray.org
Hill-Murray Students at the State Fair!
Students in the Machine Learning Club will be sharing their Professor Nimble project with the entire state at the Great Minnesota Get-Together. Professor Nimble is a simple, interactive, and very visual way to teach people about Artificial Intelligence. At the fair students will be explaining how Professor Nimble works, how it was created, and how it demonstrates principles of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence. The students were invited by the Math-On-a-Stick experience and are supported by the Minnesota State Fair Foundation.
Theatre Student Informational Meeting
Middle School Junior Achievement Co-Curricular Club
All middle school students are invited to attend our Junior Achievement information meeting after school on Wednesday, September 4th in room 120. This is a great way to get to know other students with a fun and engaging club. Students will be able to participate in interactive activities designed to help them recognize the best ways to manage their money. Our program, Junior Achievement Finance Park, will allow students to develop solid, long term financial habits. The meeting will run from 2:45 PM – 3:15 PM. See attachments below for more information and a registration form. Please contact Kelly Donnelly at kdonnelly@hill-murray.org with questions.
Click here to learn more about Junior Achievement.
Click here to for the Junior Achievement registration form.
Hispanic Heritage Night
Join Spanish Club for Hispanic Heritage Night! Thursday, September 26th from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM on the patio outside of The Nicholas Center. There will be a food truck, music & fun! Please email Ben Obernolte at bobernolte@hill-murray.org if you are interested in helping out.
Hill-Murray Sports Pioneer Pass
Hill-Murray Athletics is excited to announce the new All-Seasons Sports Pioneer Pass! The All-Seasons Sports Pioneer Pass is $80 and includes admission to all on-campus HOME games for Football, Volleyball, Boy & Girls Soccer, Boys & Girls Basketball, and Boys & Girls Lacrosse. Does not include hockey or playoff games. Come support your Pioneers!
Click here to purchase a pass. Once purchased, the pass can be added to your Apple wallet for easy access at the gate.
Tickets to individual games will still be available online or at the gate. Adult admission is $8/game and seniors/students are $5/game.
*Hill-Murray students are admitted free to home games with a valid student ID!
Please reach out to Sarah Turner at sturner@hill-murray.org with any questions.
Lunch Program – New Meal Pricing
At Hill-Murray, we strive to offer nutritious and satisfying meals for our students and staff. This year, we are excited to continue our partnership with FLIK Independent School Dining. FLIK creates made-from-scratch meals while supporting local and sustainable agricultural practices.
This year our meal deal will be $6.80 per meal.
To ensure smooth operations, we ask that families keep their lunch account balances current. Balances that go in arrears more than $50 will be suspended.
While Hill-Murray does not participate in the state’s free lunch program, families in need of assistance have qualified for the Free & Reduced Lunch program through our TADS Tuition Assistance Program.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Business Office at cerickson@hill-murray.org.
7th Grade Trip to Deep Portage
Families of 7th grade students should mark their calendar for the annual class trip to Deep Portage Learning and Conservation Center in Hackensack, MN, which will take place October 9-11! Students will visit Deep Portage for 3 days of learning outside the classroom. An informational Zoom meeting will be held Monday, September 9th at 7:00 PM. The Zoom link will be sent to 7th grade families and the meeting will be recorded for those unable to join.
Save the date: Blessing of the Animals on October 5
St. Benedict is renowned for his protective spirit, symbolizing guardianship and care for all creatures. Bring your beloved pet to St. Paul’s Monastery on Saturday, October 5th from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM to receive blessings for their well-being and happiness. Students who would like to volunteer at the event can email Dr Skinner.
