February 25, 2025

Before the prayer –  We have a special prayer intention this morning. We ask for prayers for Pope Francis who is sick, we pray for his comfort and healing.  

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STUDENT REFLECTION – VEDA

Good morning pioneers, my name is Veda. I’m in 8th grade and going to tell you why I love Hill-Murray. When I first started attending Hill-Murray in 6th grade I was super nervous and stayed up all night planning and hoping I wouldn’t walk into the wrong classroom. I got to school and walked into my first hour, Mrs. Clausen’s class. I was greeted with a warm smile and a couple questions about myself. It made me feel welcome and I was suddenly not as nervous. Till this day if Mrs. Clausen and I ever pass in the hall, we make time to have a small conversation and catch up. She is not the only person that’s a good example, Mr Benner is always greeting students with a “good morning” and takes the time to know everyone’s name and puts effort into it. He is always so nice and never fails to lighten up the school. These are just two examples of what hill-murray is about. Now that I am in 8th grade and have been attending this school for almost 3 years I am no longer scared to walk into a classroom or mess up on a speech because I know it doesn’t really matter and honestly nobody cares. hill-murray has always made me feel supported and safe, that’s why I love hill-Murray.

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Happy Middle School Week! 

Join us for a magical journey to Middle-earth as we proudly present “The Hobbit”—a middle school production full of adventure, courage, and unexpected heroes!

Come and support our talented students as they bring J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic tale to life on stage. We promise an evening of excitement, bravery, and, of course, a little mischief from some unexpected guests!

Performances are this Friday and Saturday both nights at 7pm. Tickets are free if you are a Hill-Murray Student when you bring your ID. Reserve your tickets online or buy them at the door. We hope to see you there!

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This is a reminder for all 6th Graders to head down to the chapel after announcements. Please put your backpacks and Yondr pouches away in your locker–you can have your cell phones on the bus, but not out during Retreat. Looking forward to a fun time! See you in the Chapel. 

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If you attended the Father-Daughter Dance, your photos are now available for pickup in the Office of Student Life. Please stop by today to collect yours!

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Girls Golf Parent Meeting – Sunday, March 2, 4:00 p.m.

We will hold our player/parent meeting on Sunday, March 2 at 4 p.m. in the cafeteria. If you are interested in playing golf this year and can’t attend please contact Mr. Mathre. 

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Join the Spanish Club next Thursday for Guatemalan shucos. Ms. Luna and Dr. Obernolte will show you how to make them and of course you’ll get to try them as well. Sign up for either WIN A or WIN B with Dr. Obernolte and we’ll see you on Thursday in room 118!

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Attention Baseball Players – please check your email for a message from Coach Cicalello.  Also – This is a friendly reminder that in order to be eligible to tryout – all players must be registered by Wednesday March 5.  –

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STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS

ADRIANA W

Hey Pioneers, this is Adriana W, Senior Peer Minister here with your Ministry Minute. I wanted to shout out Feed My Starving Children. This is such a wonderful organization and non-profit that I love. I have volunteered there many times with my family and friends, and I know you probably have too. This non-profit believes that hope starts with feeding every child’s body and soul. It is super easy on the Feed My Starving Children website to sign up for a slot. Working together to create the Manna Packs is fun, and provides a nutritious meal for children around the world. This is just a reminder that all high school students need to do service, and this would count for the Poor and Vulnerable credit! Once done, you should track it on the Google Service Classroom and turn it into Ms. Fandrich. Thanks Pioneers! 

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ELLA & BRIGHTON

Ella: Good Morning Pioneers My name is Ella C

Brighton: and my name is Brighton R and we are a part of the middle school student council.

Ella: Tomorrow morning there will be a $1 donut sale

Brighton: This sale will take place at both entrances

Ella: Make sure to bring cash if you want to start your day off with a sweet treat!

Brighton: We can’t charge the donut cost to your lunch money so have money ready!

Ella: We are holding this sale because all of the proceeds go to Mary’s meals

Brighton: Mary’s meals is an organization that helps provide food for the less fortunate

Ella: There mission is to get rid of world hunger by 2030

Brighton: So by purchasing a donut you will not only get to start your day off right but also support this amazing organization.

Ella: Also, middle schoolers don’t forget Tomorrow’s dress up day theme is warm Wednesday 

Brighton: So dress in your favorite comfy clothes!

Ella and Brighton: Have a good day pioneers!

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. 

February 24, 2025

HELLO 6th Graders- Guess what…You have your 6th Grade Class Retreat TOMORROW.  It promises to be an exciting time! We will be starting the day with Mass with Fr. John in our Chapel, then taking a Bus to Guardian Angels Catholic Church–where we will meet up with our Retreat Leaders! You are out of uniform tomorrow, but please dress appropriately for being active and for winter in MN! There will be lots of snacks throughout the day and we have Pizza for Lunch! If you have any questions, please let me–Ms. Fandrich know!

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Join Spanish Club next Thursday for Guatemalan shucos. Ms. Luna and Dr. Obernolte will show you how to make them and of course you’ll get to try them as well. Sign up for either WIN A or WIN B with Dr. Obernolte and we’ll see you on Thursday in room 118!

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STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS 

AVA, REGAN, OR ALEXIS

Morning ladies!

Glow is meeting today during win b. We have a special guest here to speak to the group about fueling our bodies!  You won’t want to miss it. Sign up for win b today with Mrs Schwartzbauer. See you there!

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FRANNIE P

Hi pioneers! This is a reminder that the Hill Murray girls lacrosse informational meeting will be held tonight in the cafeteria at 6 pm. All girls grades 7-12 are invited to attend regardless of your lacrosse experience! 

Thank you to everyone who participated in the blood drive this past Friday. With all of your help, we were able to donate over 300 liters of blood! Way to go pioneers! 

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EVA & PEYTON

Eva: Hi Pioneers, this is Eva S

Peyton: And this is Peyton H

Eva: And we are here to tell you about a donut sale Wednesday morning to benefit Mary’s Meals

Peyton: Mary’s Meals is an organization that provides life-changing school meals to children living in some of the world’s poorest communities. 

Eva: The promise of a meal brings children to school and then gives them the energy needed to concentrate and learn.

Peyton: Bring $1 to purchase a donut Wednesday morning, which will benefit this important organization. Make sure you bring cash as you won’t be able to use your lunch account for this.

Eva: Thank you and see you Wednesday morning!

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STUDENT REFLECTION

Hello pioneers. My name is Brighton Robertson. Welcome to Middle School Week! Each day this week, a middle schooler will share with you some reasons why we love Hill-Murray Middle School! 

I was given the opportunity to speak to you all about why I love Hill-Murray. This is a really hard question to answer because this school is filled with so many great peers and staff. I came to Hill – Murray in 7th grade. Shortly after I discovered the amazing clubs, sports, and programs. Fall of this year I joined the Hill- Murray Girls soccer program. I was nervous to try out but it ended up helping my year to start off with new friends and a whole new soccer community. As the season went on I made new friends and improved in a sport I am passionate about. Later on in the year, I decided to give the HM Alpine Ski team a chance. I again met new people and had such an amazing experience. All though these are two very different activities, they both had one thing in common. When you arrive at practice you will get this sense of belonging which is what makes Hill-Murray such a special place for kids to grow throughout their years of education. With all that being said I know it can be scary to try something new. Although I believe Hill-Murray is the place to do so. I would like to give a shout out to my best friends who are alway there for me and my teachers that always push me to do better. In conclusion, Whether you know me as a friend, classmate, or some random 8th grader, let this be your sign to pursue your interests and try new things and take advantage of this amazing school and what it has to offer. I also would like to mention that tomorrow is throwback Tuesday for Middle School! You can dress like you’re from the 80s, 90s, 2000s, and more! Thanks for listening and have a great day pioneers!

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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. 

February 21, 2025

Peer Minister Maria C – Prayer

Lord, we thank you for the gift of this week, and weekend, for the opportunities we have to spend time with friends at all the games. We ask that you protect us as we make memories with each other, and we are grateful for the time to celebrate each other and our school. Bless the teams competing and give them the strength to persevere through any adversities set in their path. We ask that you help us to stay present, show kindness to one another, and protect the students and athletes as the weekend continues. Amen. 

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Join the Spanish Club next Thursday for Guatemalan shucos. Ms. Luna and Dr. Obernolte will show you how to make them and of course you’ll get to try them as well. Sign up for either WIN A or WIN B with Dr. Obernolte and we’ll see you on Thursday in room 118!

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HELLO 6th Graders- Guess what…You have your 6th Grade Class Retreat coming up next Tuesday, February 25th.  It promises to be an exciting time! We will be starting the day with Mass with Fr. John in our Chapel, then taking a Bus to Guardian Angels Catholic Church–where we will meet up with our Retreat Leaders! You will be out of uniform on Tuesday, but please dress appropriately for being active and for winter in MN! We will have snacks throughout the day and we have Pizza for Lunch! If you have any questions, please let me–Ms. Fandrich know!

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MR. GOULET

Today is the Blood Drive!  Thank you to all of the students and staff who signed up to donate, it is much appreciated!

Students, you should get a Reminder Card in your 2nd-period class today.  This card has the time you selected to donate.  You will need this card to get out of class so do not lose it.  If you did not get a card, please email Mr. Goulet.

Teachers/Staff, if you signed up to donate, I placed your Reminder Cards in your mailbox.  We still have some time slots open!  Email Goulet if you are interested and he can let you know what is open still.

Student Council thanks you!

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STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS 

S&B: Good morning pioneers!

S: My name is Sydney M 

B: And my name is Bianca B 

S: we are from student council and we are here to talk about the middle school party on Monday!

B: There will be pizza

S: Drinks

B: music 

S; Games

b; Vr

s; And a wii

b; come to hang out with friends 

s; listen to music 

b; and play games.

s; there will be dress days throughout the week with a fun activity or event each day. 

b; See the email you received from Mrs. Deziel for more info on the theme for each day

S: And Remember – Pizza Party is on Monday from 2:45-4:30 in the LMC!

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MS. MARIN

What an exciting game yesterday at the X VS Andover! As you know, our Hill-Murray Girls Hockey Team has advanced to the semi finals with a game tonight at 6 PM. I hope as many of you as possible will be able to come to the X and cheer on your fellow PIONEERS! The theme is BLACK OUT. 

I gave an important announcement yesterday and I want to restate it again today, because it’s important. It is always our expectation that our fans are respectful of other teams, players, and schools. This means that we don’t chant put-downs at other teams, players, or schools. We do not turn our backs to them when they are introduced. We do not yell insults or use inappropriate gestures when they are introduced, etc. Please be PRO PIONEER and have all of your cheers promote OUR players, OUR team, and OUR school! I have had a few kids tell me “but it’s tradition”. To that I will say: Let’s be sure that the traditions we carry forward to future generations of Pioneers are the very BEST of us, and live up to our mission and our values. All eyes are always on us. So let’s be classy and respectful and cheer loud and proud for our Pioneers!

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. 

February 20, 2025

Attention Flaherty Family Foundation Scholars. This is a reminder that your meeting with Ms. Woods is today. Check your email from Mrs. Bates for more details.

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STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS 

CAMILLE S

Hi Pioneers! Just a reminder from student council that the annual blood drive is tomorrow, February 21st from 8am to 1pm. For those of you who have signed up already you will be given a card tomorrow for your time slot. If you would like to donate and have not signed up already we have open slots and you can stop by and donate as a walk-in. Have a great day pioneers!

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MS. MARIN

As you know, we have an 11:55 AM dismissal today.  I hope to see you at the girls state tournament hockey game at the X!  If you aren’t able to go, school is done at 11:55 and you are free to leave. For those students who do stay on campus, please report to the cafeteria and commons area.  Thanks! 

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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. 

February 12, 2025

This is a reminder to those of you who have signed up to help deliver donor gifts next Monday., Feb 17th 

Please meet at the main entrance on Monday at 11:00 to pick up your delivery route and the gifts you are delivering. 

Thank you!

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SOPHIA S

Good morning, Pioneers; this is Sophia S here with your Wellness Wednesday. Today I am going to talk about the value in seeking genuine connections. Whether it is with your friends, family, or another loved one, take this time over break to foster that connection. I cannot reiterate enough how important it is to have genuine connections with other people, and how impactful that can be for your mental health. Enjoy your break pioneers, and have a wonderful Wednesday.

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SOPHIA I & ANNA J

Hey, it’s Sophia and Anna, 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. 

Our prayer experience reflects where we see God in ourselves. 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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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. 

February 11, 2025

Are you a chess player looking for some good games?  Well, lucky for you, there are multiple opportunities to play.  Sign up for Mr. Gapinski’s WIN time or stop by after school on Tuesday for some chess matches.

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This announcement is for all high school students. There is a pioneer investor meeting today during WIN A in room 120. Be sure to sign up for Mrs. Donnelly’s WIN A. Hope to see you there!

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Attention all 7-12 grade students! Do you like to run far (or short), jump high (or far), or show off your strength by throwing something heavy? Do you want to stay in shape for your other sports? Come to the track and field student information meeting on Tuesday, February 11th in the auditorium immediately after school. All new and returning athletes are asked to attend. See Ms. Rodriguez in room 117 if you are interested but cannot make the meeting.

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STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS

EVENY M

Good Morning Pioneers! This is one of your Senior Peer Ministers, Eveny M, and this is your Ministry Minute! Volunteering at your church is the service experience I want to shout out today. Most churches have several opportunities to serve at mass, such as being an usher, a lector, a sacristan, an altar server, or a musician. There are also opportunities outside the liturgy, such as gardening, volunteering at your church’s cemetery, decorating the church for the different liturgical seasons, or participating in a meal train. There are indeed opportunities to interest everyone, and if any of these experiences interests you, there is probably more information on your church’s website or at your parish office! And that was your ministry minute!

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JESSICA L

Good morning pioneers! NHS will be holding a service opportunity for high schoolers next week on Thursday, February 20th, during WIN A! We will be making tie blankets, and it will count towards half of a service hour for the poor and vulnerable. Go do some fun service, spend time with your friends, and sign up for either Ms. Rodriguez or Mrs. Deuth’s WINs! Thanks, and we hope to see lots of you in the varsity gym!!

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MS. MARIN

Please congratulate Mrs. Serene Deuth, when you see her. She has been nominated for a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Only 110 teachers will be selected nationally to win this award, and it is quite the process to fulfill the application, once nominated. Way to go, Mrs. Deuth! 

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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. 

February 10, 2025

Attention all 9-12 grade students! 

Our Spring Musical: Six is having auditions on Wed Feb 19. 

Six is the story of the 6 wives of Henry the 8th with a modern pop music take! This show will have a lot of fun ensemble dancing and singing! 

Tonight after school from 2:45-3:30 we will teach you an audition song and the audition dance to give you an opportunity to ask questions, get help, and work with our choreographer and music director before the auditions.

We will meet in the choir room!!! 

Please reach out to Ms Walth if you have any questions!

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Are you a chess player looking for some good games?  Well, lucky for you, there are multiple opportunities to play.  Sign up for Mr. Gapinski’s WIN time or stop by after school on Tuesday for some chess matches.

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Attention all 7-12 grade students! Do you like to run far (or short), jump high (or far), or show off your strength by throwing something heavy? Do you want to stay in shape for your other sports? Come to the track and field student information meeting on Tuesday, February 11th in the auditorium immediately after school. All new and returning athletes are asked to attend. See Ms. Rodriguez in room 117 if you are interested but cannot make the meeting.

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STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENTS 

GLOW CLUB

Attention High School Girls

It’s your Junior Glow leaders, Regan J and Ava C. Our next GLOW meeting is Today, during WIN B. Sign up under Mrs. Schwartzbauer. Come celebrate Galentines with us and take time to reflect on friendship, and learn about love languages. 

We hope to see you all there, and can’t wait to celebrate! Have a great day Pioneers!!”

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CAM H

Good morning pioneers! NHS will be holding a service opportunity for high schoolers next week on Thursday, February 20th, during WIN A! We will be making tie blankets, and it will count towards half of a service hour for the poor and vulnerable. Go do some fun service, spend time with your friends, and sign up for either Ms. Rodriguez or Mrs. Deuth’s WINs! Thanks, and we hope to see lots of you in the varsity gym!!

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JOHN P

Hey Pioneers we will be celebrating Valentine’s day this Wednesday in red or pink out of uniform. Also don’t forget to sign up for the blood drive during lunch pr on the sign-up genius sent out by Ella Bergstrom. 

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EVENY M

Attention Pioneer Investors! Please check your email for a message I, Eveny M, sent out last night with information about our upcoming investment conference. If you want to attend, please respond to that email and let me know before midnight tonight. Thank you!

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MS. MARIN

The Commons and Cafeteria will be closed after school today due to set up for an event in that space. 

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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.