April 1, 2025

LENTEN PRAYER

Loving God – during this Lenten season you call us to conversion of heart. Let us take a moment of silence to contemplate what these 40 days of Lent might mean to us spiritually.  (pause)  – as we continue our day we remember  what peace there may be in silence.  Amen. 

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Happy April Fool’s Day, or poisson d’avril as they say in French. French Club has organized a school-wide game for today based on a French tradition. In France students try to sneakily tape a paper fish onto the backs of their classmates to call them an April Fool.

In French club today we will prepare the paper fish, and then be on the lookout, you might get a fish taped to your back! If you do, come see Dr. Obernolte or Monsieur Kolb in 118 or 136 to win some Swedish Fish as a prize. 

If you’d like to be someone who tapes the fish on people, sign up for Monsieur Kolb’s WIN this morning and you’ll color some fish to tape on your friends’ backs. Joyeux poisson d’avril les Pionniers ! Soyez vigilants et vigilantes !

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Attention Hill-Murray students and staff! 

The Hill-Murray Fishing Team is proud to present a special event for the North East Metro Conference!

Join us for an exciting evening with Sam Rardin — a Mille Lacs smallmouth fishing guide and tournament angler — as he shares expert tips to help take your fishing game to the next level.

This event is open to all HM Students and Parents interested in the HM Fishing Team

 Date: Tuesday, April 1st
 Location: Hill-Murray High School Auditorium
 Doors open at 6:15 PM, Program begins at 6:30 PM

Topics include:
 Spring-to-summer transitions – baits, cover, structure, and the overall hunt
 Plus a Q&A session on derby prep, practice strategies, and tournament day planning

Don’t miss it — we’ll see you there!

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Join the art club TODAY to make some colorful spring art! 

Sign up for Mr. Dahl or Ms. Heid’s WIN A or B.

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STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS 

ANNABELLE & AVERY

Here’s an update on the AI machines. Yesterday, Professor Nimble played 40 games and won 9. That’s a winning percentage of 23%. Midas, our new AI bot played 46 games and won 6. That may not be very many wins, but Professor Nimble and Midas both get better with each game! Be sure to visit both machines during lunch. You can play as many times as you want. And every time you beat them you get a prize.

Artificial Intelligence may seem brand new, but research on AI started all the way back in the first half of the 20th century. In 1940, Edward Condon created Nimatron, a computer that played the game Nim, just like Professor Nimble. One of the first running AI software programs was called Logic Theorist, created by Allen Newell, J.C. Shaw, and Hertbert Simon in 1955 at the Carnegie Institute of Technology. This program could prove theorems in mathematical logic. 

Research and development has continued since then and is growing rapidly. In 1997, IBM supercomputer Deep Blue was the first computer to beat a world champion chess player, Garry Kasparov, in what many see as a major milestone in the development of AI. Stop by the tables in the cafeteria to challenge Professor Nimble and Midas and to learn more about AI and the Machine Learning Club.

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MS. MARIN

Finally, it is Yondr time! Students, please take out your phones and your open Yondr pouch. Your teachers will ask you to lock it away for the day. Our goal is to be phone free from the start of school until 2:40. It’s always best to have your Yondr locked when it’s empty in your backpack, as that will help keep the locking pin safe. Simply unlock your Yondr on the way into school each day, and after you release it at the end of the day, close and lock your Yondr again before you put in your backpack. 

March 31, 2025

LENTEN PRAYER

Loving God, we know that your love for us is beyond all measure. You created us in your likeness and image and we have a profound dignity that cannot be erased.  During this season of Lent help us to turn toward your love, toward your forgiveness, toward your compassion so that we can fully experience the resurrection of Jesus.  Amen. 

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Attention Seniors!  We have a class meeting tomorrow during WIN A in the auditorium. I look forward to seeing you then!

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Come join French Club during WIN A, Tuesday, April 1st in Monsieur Kolb’s room, 136, for a Poisson d’Avril activity. We will be coloring and cutting out paper fish to use for a fun game with prizes. Sign up in Monsieur Kolb’s WIN A.

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From the Senior All Night Party Planning Committee:

Seniors, today is the final day to participate in the Butter Braid fundraiser to support the Senior All Night Party! You have until 11:59 p.m. to sell these delicious treats. If you sell 10 Butter Braids, your name will be entered into a drawing to win a TV! Don’t miss out—get your sales in before the deadline!

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Looking for service hours?  We could use a couple more student helpers at our New Family Uniform event this Thursday from 4:30 – 7:00 here at HM.  Please contact Mrs.O’Gary or Mrs.Monahan for more details and to sign up.  

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Join the art club Tuesday, April 1st to make some colorful spring art! 

Sign up for Mr. Dahl or Ms. Heids WIN A or B.

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STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS

FRANNIE P

Hi pioneers! This is your student council president Frannie. Thank you for all your participation and school spirit throughout spring fling week. Special thanks to everyone who performed in the talent show, all of the acts were amazing! 

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MS. MARIN

Finally, it is Yondr time! Students, please take out your phones and your open Yondr pouch. Your teachers will ask you to lock it away for the day. Our goal is to be phone free from the start of school until 2:40. It’s always best to have your Yondr locked when it’s empty in your backpack, as that will help keep the locking pin safe. Simply unlock your Yondr on the way into school each day, and after you release it at the end of the day, close and lock your Yondr again before you put in your backpack. 

March 28, 2025

LENTEN PRAYER – KAYLIN G

Dear Lord, 

As this Spring Fling week comes to a close, we thank You for the joy, fellowship, and opportunities to come together as a school community. We are grateful for the blessings of friendship, fun, and the spirit of unity that fills our halls.

Lord, we thank You for our school, our teachers, and our fellow students. May we always cherish the gift of learning and growing together in faith. As we head into the weekend, grant us rest and renewal, so we may return refreshed and ready to learn with open hearts and eager minds.

Amen

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Everyone is invited to sign up for Mass in the Chapel with Father John today during WIN A – you can sign up under Mr Benner or Father John – all are welcome. 

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Come join French Club during WIN A, Tuesday, April 1st in Monsieur Kolb’s room, 136, for a Poisson d’Avril activity. We will be coloring and cutting out paper fish to use for a fun game with prizes. Sign up in Monsieur Kolb’s WIN A.

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Good morning Pioneers. Thank you to everyone who submitted an answer to last week’s trivia question. The winner is sophomore Grace C who correctly guessed that Caitlin Clark scored 3,951 points in her college career. Please stop by 118 to pick up your Chipotle gift card from Dr. Obernolte.

Thank you to everyone who has submitted names of influential women in history. This week we will be highlighting the most submitted name, Rosa Parks. She is most commonly known for her refusal to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in 1955, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Her actions made her a symbol of the fight for civil rights. That leads us to our last trivia question of the month: what two medals was Rosa Parks awarded for her contributions to the civil rights movement? Submit your answer to the Google Form in the Announcements email.

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Attention Seniors:

From the Senior All Night Party Planning Committee

Please make sure to RSVP for the Senior All Night Party, sign the Burrow waiver, and submit your Kindergarten photo by April 18th (or sooner!). Check your email for the registration link.

A big thank you to the 42 Seniors who have already RSVPed.

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Attention all HOSA members attending the SLC: Please bring your parent permission slip to Ms. Lauby as soon as possible. Thanks!

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This message is for all HOSA students attending the SLC: The departure time for the State tournament has changed. We will be meeting in the Commons this Sunday, March 30th at 11:30 am with a prompt departure time of 11:45 am. Please do not be late. In addition, you are welcome to wear your competition suit OR comfortable clothing. Best of luck to all participants!” 

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MS. MARIN

Finally, it is Yondr time! Students, please take out your phones and your open Yondr pouch. Your teachers will ask you to lock it away for the day. Our goal is to be phone free from the start of school until 2:40. It’s always best to have your Yondr locked when it’s empty in your backpack, as that will help keep the locking pin safe. Simply unlock your Yondr on the way into school each day, and after you release it at the end of the day, close and lock your Yondr again before you put in your backpack. 

March 27, 2025

LENTEN PRAYER

Loving God, it’s so hard to love others sometimes and to love them the way Jesus did seems impossible. During this Lenten season help me to judge less and love more.  Help me to be inspired by Jesus’ love and guided by his example. Show me how to unlock my heart so that I am less selfish and more generous.  Amen. 

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Congratulations to the Pioneer Orchestra for earning an Excellent rating from all three of the judges at their competition on Tuesday!

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This announcement is for any students interested in participating in Esports this spring. We will have an information and registration meeting tomorrow, March 28th, during WIN B in room 116. An email was sent out yesterday with the list of games and the schedule for the season. Registration will close on Wednesday next week. If you have any questions, reach out to Mr. Goetzke. 

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Attention all HOSA members attending the SLC: Please bring your parent permission slip to Ms. Lauby as soon as possible. Thanks!

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STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS

EMMETT D

Good morning pioneers!

A big shoutout to everyone who participated in yesterday’s “Dress Your Best” theme

Today is Texas Thursday! So wear your best Western gear and show off that Texas pride!

Tomorrow is Florida Friday—so make sure to come in tropical gear!

And don’t forget, the Talent Show is TODAY! Come out and support your pioneers during win A as they showcase their amazing skills!

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GLOW CLUB

Good morning, High School Girls!

This is a message from GLOW.

Did you know that there is a type of journaling that can decrease feelings of anxiety, stress, and even physical pain?   This Thursday in GLOW, we will learn about a technique called Journal Speak from our guest speaker. She will walk us through how to use journaling to help find the root of our challenges and concerns and guide us toward acceptance and problem-solving.

Please sign up for Mrs. Schwartzbauer’s WIN A AND B Thursday!

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REESE & CAMILLE

Reese: Just a reminder that there is an HM Service for Life experience today during WIN. We will be making tie blankets! If you are attending meet in Campus ministry! 

Camille: Remember to email Ms. Fandrich if you would like to attend Feed My Starving Children on Saturday from noon to 2:30! 

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MS, MARIN

Finally, it is Yondr time! Students, please take out your phones and your open Yondr pouch. Your teachers will ask you to lock it away for the day. Our goal is to be phone free from the start of school until 2:40. It’s always best to have your Yondr locked when it’s empty in your backpack, as that will help keep the locking pin safe. Simply unlock your Yondr on the way into school each day, and after you release it at the end of the day, close and lock your Yondr again before you put in your backpack. 

March 26, 2025

LENTEN PRAYER

Loving God, I hear your invitation, “Come back to me” and I am filled with such a longing to return to you. During this Lenten season show me the way to return. Lead me this day in good works I do in your name and send your Spirit to guide me and strengthen my faith. I ask only to feel your love in my life today. Amen. 

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Congratulations to the high school Winds and Percussion! They went to the High School League Band contest yesterday and performed two pieces for a panel of three judges. They received a Superior Rating from all three judges- which is the highest scoring category.  Congratulations!!!

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Good Morning! This is a message from HM Students for Change. On Friday HM Students for Change is going to tie-dye shirts for Women’s History Month during WIN A. Sign up for WIN A under Dr. Obernolte if you want to participate. We have 11 shirts in total, 1 large, 6 medium, and 3 small. It’s first come first serve but if you want to bring your own shirt to tie-dye you are more than welcome to. Thanks! We hope to see you there.

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STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS 

GLOW CLUB

Good morning, High School Girls!

This is a message from GLOW.

Did you know that there is a type of journaling that can decrease feelings of anxiety, stress, and even physical pain?   This Thursday in GLOW, we will learn about a technique called Journal Speak from our guest speaker. She will walk us through how to use journaling to help find the root of our challenges and concerns and guide us toward acceptance and problem-solving.

Please sign up for Mrs. Schwartzbauer’s WIN A AND B Thursday!

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LEXI & LILY

Hey, it’s Lexi and Lily, and we are Junior Peer Ministers! We’re here to tell you that…Holy Moly 10 Minutes for your Souly is Happening TODAY in the Chapel during High School Break–10:10-10:20. 

This is a great prayer experience where we can grow closer to God in the craziness of the day. So grab a friend and head to the chapel during the break—it’s just 10 minutes to fill your Souly!! 

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REESE & CAMILLE

Reese: Hey Pioneers! The Hill-Murray Service for Life Club is hosting a WIN service experience tomorrow during WIN A and B under Ms. Fandrich. We will be making tie blankets for Children’s Minneapolis! 

Camille: We will also attend Feed My Starving Children in Eagan this Saturday from noon to 2:30. Please email Ms. Fandrich if you want to attend! This is open to all High Schoolers, even if you are not in the Service for Life Club. This is a great Poor and Vulnerable service Credit. There are only 15 spots available! 

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ANDREW M

The Student Council would like to congratulate Amelia M and Sam E for winning the scavenger hunt! They found the hidden Hot Wheels car to win the prize basket! Thank you to everyone who participated!

The Student Council would also like to thank the teachers & students who participated and cheered on the basketball games yesterday! The teachers won against Middle Schoolers and High Schoolers! Fun was had by all! Thank you!

Today’s theme is Wall Street Wednesday. Tomorrow, come dressed to represent Texas!

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LEXI W

Good morning Pioneers! This is Lexi W here with your wellness Wednesday. This week I want to shout out how impactful spending time with animals can be on your mental health. Taking time to volunteer at an animal shelter or even just pet your own dog for five extra minutes can have a huge impact for them and you! Thank you, and have a wonderful Wednesday.

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MS. MARIN

Today we have a lot of future Pioneer guests in the building! Please be sure to say hello when you meet them in classes or at lunch. They are excited to see what makes the Hill-Murray Pioneer community so great! 

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Finally, it is Yondr time! Students, please take out your phones and your open Yondr pouch. Your teachers will ask you to lock it away for the day. Our goal is to be phone free from the start of school until 2:40. It’s always best to have your Yondr locked when it’s empty in your backpack, as that will help keep the locking pin safe. Simply unlock your Yondr on the way into school each day, and after you release it at the end of the day, close and lock your Yondr again before you put in your backpack. 

March 25, 2025

LENTEN PRAYER

Loving God – during this Lenten season you call us to conversion of heart. Let us take a moment of silence to contemplate what these 40 days of Lent might mean to us spiritually.  (pause)  – as we continue our day we remember  what peace there may be in silence.  Amen. 

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Attention Juniors,

Please check your email for a message from the College Counseling Team.  This email includes details and resources for you to complete a required Resume assignment that will be due on Wednesday, April 16.  If you have any questions, please see Mrs. Egan or Mr. Cicalello.

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The Craft Club is meeting this Thursday during WIN A. Bring a craft of your own, or try out knitting, crochet, water color, or sketching. All are welcome. Sign up with Ms. Bourget. 

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If you’re looking for an easy service opportunity right here at Hill Murray, we could use helpers at a new family event on Thursday, April 3rd from 5-7.  You’d be helping pull uniforms to fill orders. Please see Mrs. Monahan or Mrs. O’Gary for details and to sign up. 

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STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS

IZZY T

Hi Pioneers, this is your Ministry Minute. A great way to get involved in your community is by volunteering at local organizations, such as helping at community centers, or youth sports, volunteering at Daycares, or teaching kids at Sunday school. Organizations such as the Special Olympics are also looking for volunteers to help work their events. Don’t be afraid to reach out to any of those organizations, check the Google Service Classroom, and find opportunities to participate and help in your local community. 

Reminder all service needs to be turned in to Ms. Fandrich via the Google classroom tracker by May 1st. Two service experiences are required for Graduation, but you can always do more and work towards a Service Award! 

Thanks and have a great day, Pioneers! 

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JILLIAN B

Hi Pioneers! Remember that this week is spring fling, hope everyone is dressed in USA apparel! Today during WIN there is a student-teacher basketball game during highschool WIN A and B. Tomorrow is Wall Street Wednesday with a scavenger hunt around the school for a prize of a gift basket.  Make sure to come dressed up in your best formal or business attire!! 

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LOGAN M

Student council will be having a scavenger hunt this week! If you find the hidden item and return it to the Office of Student Life, you can win a gift basket. Here is today’s clue:

“Highways have rest stops, that’s no surprise,

Find a place where relief is nearby.”

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ABBY L

Hi Pioneers!

This is Abby and Nora here to introduce a new club at Hill Murray, Pioneer Pickup. This club meets to pick up trash and litter in and around the ditch near Larpenteur. Our first meeting is going to be Wednesday, March 26. 

We are meeting at 7:30 am near the commons; remember to wear appropriate clothes for the weather. This will count as a general service service credit, and we hope you guys can make it!

Have a great day!

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HM STUDENT FOR CHANGE

Good Morning from HM Students for Change. On Friday HM Students for Change is going to tie-dye shirts for Women’s History Month during WIN A. Sign up for WIN A under Dr. Obernolte if you want to participate. We have 11 shirts in total, 1 large, 6 medium, and 3 small. It’s first come first serve but if you want to bring your own shirt to tie-dye you are more than welcome to. Thanks! We hope to see you there.

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MS. MARIN

Finally, it is Yondr time! Students, please take out your phones and your open Yondr pouch. Your teachers will ask you to lock it away for the day. Our goal is to be phone free from the start of school until 2:40. It’s always best to have your Yondr locked when it’s empty in your backpack, as that will help keep the locking pin safe. Simply unlock your Yondr on the way into school each day, and after you release it at the end of the day, close and lock your Yondr again before you put in your backpack. 

March 24, 2025

LENTEN PRAYER

Loving God, we know that your love for us is beyond all measure. You created us in your likeness and image and we have a profound dignity that cannot be erased.  During this season of Lent help us to turn toward your love, toward your forgiveness, toward your compassion so that we can fully experience the resurrection of Jesus.  Amen. 

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The Craft Club is meeting this Thursday during WIN A. Bring a craft of your own, or try out knitting, crochet, water color, or sketching. All are welcome. Sign up with Ms. Bourget. 

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From the Senior All Night Party Planning Committee:

Seniors, there’s just one week left to sell Butter Braids to support the Senior All Night Party! If you sell 10 Butter Braids, you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a free TV! Check your email, Instagram, or see Mrs. Trembley for all the registration details. Remember, the more Butter Braids you sell, the more prizes we’ll be able to give away at the Senior All Night Party!

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Attention Juniors,

Please check your email for a message from the College Counseling Team.  This email includes details and resources for you to complete a required Resume assignment that will be due on Wednesday, April 16.  If you have any questions, please see Mrs. Egan or Mr. Cicalello.

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You are invited to our World Language Choir concert this evening at 7pm. The concert is free and about 30 mins in length! Please come and support the Crescendo and Vivace choirs as they sing pieces from Serbia, Korea, Cuba and more! 

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STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS – 

MOLLY MO

Hey pioneers! Its student council member Molly M. And It is spring fling week! Today is Minnesota Monday. We are so excited to see all of you in your Minnesota gear! During connections, we will be playing Kahoot to test your knowledge of US trivia. Tomorrow is Tried and True Tuesday.  So we want to see everyone in the USA out. Make sure to sign up to watch the student-teacher basketball game tomorrow during win. Roll Pios! 

LOGAN M

Student council will be having a scavenger hunt this week! If you find the hidden item and return it to the Office of Student Life, you can win a gift basket. Here is today’s clue:

“On any road, short or long,

There’s a stop where travelers belong.”

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ART STUDENTS

Person 1: Hey pioneers! Are you interested in having your artwork displayed for people to see? Want the chance to win prizes for creativity?

Person 2: Well you’re in luck! Hill-Murray’s Spring Art Show is coming up in April, and everyone is invited to submit pieces to be displayed at the Monastery!

Person 1: An outside Judge will come to place students, and award prizes.

Person 2: If you’re interested, be sure to submit work to Mr. Dahl or Ms. Heid by Wednesday April 9th.  The show itself will be held from April 15th to May 31st.  The artist reception is on Wednesday April 30th.

Person 1: Art club will be hosting WIN times where students can work on their pieces, but anyone is welcome to submit work for display

Person 2: Stay creative and hope to see you there!

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ELLORY J

Good Morning! This is Ellory J from HM Students for Change. On Friday HM Students for Change is going to tie-dye shirts for Women’s History Month during WIN A. Sign up for WIN A under Dr. Obernolte if you want to participate. We have 11 shirts in total, 1 large, 6 medium, and 3 small. It’s first come first serve but if you want to bring your own shirt to tie-dye you are more than welcome to. Thanks! We hope to see you there._____

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MS. MARIN

Students, please be cognizant of the language you are using with each other in classes, halls, the cafeteria, etc. You should not be using swear words or other inappropriate language on campus. Thank you for your attention to this. 

As you know, we have fun theme days all week and you are out of uniform! Hats that fit the theme are allowed on Monday, Thursday, and Friday. Per the handbook, cut off shirts, midriff tops, cropped or torn items are not permitted. Guys, the clean shaven expectation still applies this week. Thanks for your attention to this and let’s make it an amazing SPRING FLING WEEK! 

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Finally, it is Yondr time! Students, please take out your phones and your open Yondr pouch. Your teachers will ask you to lock it away for the day. Our goal is to be phone free from the start of school until 2:40. It’s always best to have your Yondr locked when it’s empty in your backpack, as that will help keep the locking pin safe. Simply unlock your Yondr on the way into school each day, and after you release it at the end of the day, close and lock your Yondr again before you put in your backpack.