Happenings

May 8, 2015
Hill-Murray has an International DECA Finalist!
 

Six members of our DECA Club recently returned from the International DECA Conference which was held in Orlando, FL, April 24-29.  

15,000 students from over 10 countries attended this event.  Gunnar Andrews became the first ever international DECA finalist 
from Hill-Murray.  Gunnar competed with students from around the world, and received an award for having an exam score in the top 5%.  
Gunnar was also named an overall finalist in his category, placing in the top 20.  

Students from Hill-Murray also attended leadership workshops and career development seminars while at the conference.  
In addition, our club was recognized for having the largest percentage increase in membership in our association.  Pictured about from left to right:  Morgan Hohn, Charlotte McReynolds, Kyle Myers, Jake Yocum, Gunnar Andrews and Steve Jungbauer.


 

American Scholastic Challenge Winners


Hill-Murray Middle School students competed in the American Scholastic Challenge competition recently.  Taking home the State Championship Titles were 6th grader Lauren Sklar and 8th grader Claire Arnold.  All four 8th graders scored above the national average of 51, while four 6th graders scored above the national average of 54.  The 6th graders who scored above the national average are: Lauren Sklar, Connor Williams, Nathan Garrett, and Samantha Young.  Congratulations to all who competed!

Hill-Murray competitors pictured above are:
Back Row: Emma Phelan*, Adam Behun*, Peter Tollefson, Alex Andert*
3rd Row: Claire Arnold*, Nathan Garrett, John Becker
2nd Row: Andrew Leegwater, Nathan Gist
1st: Row: Samantha Young, Lauren Sklar, David Tjernlund
Not pictured: Connor Williams
* denotes 8th grader

Spanish Star Students of the Month            

 

Spanish 2

 

Soo Bin "Elena" Park

Kaitlin "Mia" Koran

Ethan "Pablo" Henseler

 

Spanish 3

Madelyn "Rosa" Maietta
Nicholas "Nicolas" Visich
Austin "Raśl Potter
Lauren "Susana" Harrold
Sophia "Isabel" Daley

Congratulations Solo/Ensemble Students!            


 

Below are the results of the 2015 MSHSL Regional Solo/Ensemble Contest, that was held at Tartan H.S. on February 21st.  The following students all earned a top rating of "Superior" for their performances:

 

Elizabeth Schram, Flute solo

Elizabeth Schram, Piccolo solo

Sam Henkes, Alto saxophone solo

Elise Potvin, Tenor saxophone solo

Colin Fleming, Trumpet solo

Tom Stehler, Trumpet solo

Sam Hickman, Trumpet solo

Angela Yarusso, Trumpet solo

Rory Scanlon, Trombone solo

Jack Sullivan, Vibraphone solo

 

The following students earned the next highest rating of "Excellent" for their performances:

 

Emma Sloot, Flute solo

Lexie Adamsky, Oboe solo

Lauren Zantua, Clarinet solo

Alex Kazos, Tenor saxophone solo

Leanne Adamsky, Anne Franey, Elise Potvin, and Jessie Tossey; Saxophone ensemble

Kevin Vander Heyden, Trumpet solo

Sabrina DuMond, French horn solo

John Townsend, Euphonium solo

Colin Atkinson, Vibraphone solo

Stephanie Eberhard, Xylophone solo

Will Sutherland, Snare drum solo

 

Symphonic Band trombonist, Rory Scanlon, was selected by the MN Music Educators Association (MMEA) to represent Hill-Murray in the All State Concert Band, which is a top honor.  Congratulations, Rory!

 

Signing Day


Congratulations to H-M seniors Jacob Olson, Leah Patrick, and Marshawn Wilson and who both signed on April 23rd to play their respective sports at D1 schools!  Jacob will be attending Harvard to play hockey, Leah will be attending Union to play hockey, and Marshawn is heading to Northern Illinois to play basketball.  Friends, family, coaches, trainers, and H-M staff were on hand to help celebrate.  Well done, Pioneers!
Hill-Murray Art Show Award Winners

Our Annual All-School Art Show took place this week with a reception yesterday evening.  This year, we had a record - 183 pieces of artwork on display.  The artwork ranged from drawing, painting, animation design, photography and computer graphic designs as well as 3D art including ceramics and wire sculptures. All of this artwork just proves how talented our students are and what amazing artists they are becoming.  


 

A retired art teacher was the Juror for the exhibition and the following students received prizes for their artwork:


 

High School: Emily Turner - 1st Place, Nam Vu - 2nd Place, Sophia Larson - 3rd Place


 

Middle School: Elizabeth Jungbauer - 1st Place, Margo Keeler - 2nd Place and Anna Fox - 3rd Place.


 

The following students received honorable mentions: Amelia Berg, Holly Campbell, Savannah Cunnien, Maddie Detviler, Zannah Esteb, Megan Miller, Andy Mueller, Mary Mueller, Marissa Pilney, Rush Pojasek, and Jordan Peterson.


A Special Music Announcement

Our own H-M senior, Jason Peterson, and his band "Painting Stars" recently released their first album, "Bold Ideas".  Band members are from Eastridge, St. Thomas Academy, Visitation and Mounds Park Academy.  The album is available on ITunes, Spotify and other music streaming services.  Several of the bands songs were played after homeroom this week.  The band is now entered into a contest for a chance to play on the Vans Warped Tour this summer. They are judged on social media buzz.  Click this link, then click the blue "Share this band" button to help the band gain social media exposure.  You can like/follow  "Painting Stars" on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Earth Day

Students in Mr. Jensen's Earth Science class celebrated Earth Day on April 22nd by analyzing current climate concerns.  This year, 8th graders have taken on an "Earth Day for Seven Days" environmental advocacy project that will be tagged to support Earth Hour's "#YourPower" program.  Topics range from energy conservation to food issues.  Use your power to make a difference! 

Applications for 2015-2016 Still Being Accepted         

  

Hill-Murray enrollment applications for new students for the 2015-2016 school year are still being accepted.  If you know a student who would make a great Pioneer, please have them contact Kaitlin at ksalscheider@hill-murray.org or Shawn at sillgen@hill-murray.org.  Help spread the word about how amazing Hill-Murray School is!

Host a Korean Student at Hill-Murray         

  

Taewoo is a 9th grade student at Hill-Murray.  He enjoys playing the piano and drums.  This is a great opportunity for a family to engage in cultural exchange.  A $1100/ mo. stipend is provided to the host family.  If interested, please contact Hongjoo Lee at 651-755-2836 or hongjoolee@hotmail.com or ktw4514@naver.com.
C.A.R.E. Buckle Up/Safe Driving Campaign

C.A.R.E. is sponsoring a Buckle Up/Safe Driving Campaign this week. Activities include pledge signings for all students at lunches on Tuesday, encouraging drivers and passengers to buckle up, not be distracting in any way, and to not drive impaired or get into a car with someone who is impaired. On Wednesday, junior and senior prom-goers can sign a public banner and a personal pledge to be BuzzFree at prom.


A M.A.D.D. crash car has been located outside Hill-Murray all week. It is the story of Danielle Pound who died at age 20. She drove after drinking and crashed her car into a concrete barrier. The storyboard with the car includes these words from her family: "We hope that as you read these short paragraphs you will consider our loss and pain before you choose to make a mistake similar to Danielle's."  Be smart Pioneers and drive safe!


 

H-M Students Visit the St. Paul Monastery
 
On April 29th, Hill-Murray students spent the afternoon performing service work at St. Paul Monastery.  The Sisters greatly appreciated the extra hands to complete many projects, but were even more thankful for the uplifting conversations.  Good job students!  

Catholic Services Appeal            

  

We ask you to remember that Hill-Murray is a recipient of Catholic Services Appeal funds.  The CSA Foundation gave 357 scholarships to students last year to attend Catholic High Schools in the Archdiocese.  Please help if you can.  More information can be found at www.csafspm.org.
Faculty and Staff Recognition Banquet

On April 30th, faculty and staff gathered at Indian Hills Golf Club to recognize milestone achievement in years of service to 
Hill-Murray. Congratulations to our 2015 Honorees!

 

Five Years:                  Linda Strahan             

 

Ten Years:                   Dick Ghizoni               Adam Goehner

                                    Nancy Perrault           Bill Schafhauser

                                    Steve Schneller         Tammy Seebeck                                             

 

Fifteen Years:              Terri Beran                 Laurie Fritzinger

                                    Lisa Valentine

                       

Twenty:                       Tim Josephson            Liz Marin

                       

Twenty-Five:                Bill Lechner

 

Thirty:                          Paul Otto

 

Thirty-Five:                  Jean Busch                 Mary Grau-Stumpf

                                   

Retirements:                Elizabeth Jaeger

                                    Julie Peterson

                                    Sue Paul


 

Attention Thrivent Financial Employees!

Hill-Murray School as been enrolled as a participating organization in Thrivent Choice.  Thrivent Choice is a charitable grant program that allows employees to recommend where Thrivent Financial distributes part of its charitable outreach grant funds each year.  See below on how you can direct your Choice Dollars to benefit students at Hill-Murray.
Tax Bill to Benefit YOU - Contact Your Legislators TODAY 

Minnesota tax law currently prohibits taxpayers from using their education tax credit for non-public school tuition.  Legislation has been introduced that should change that.  The new language included in the House Omnibus Tax bill, HF 848, would apply to all families at all income levels and would increase the maximum tax deduction levels for kids in K-12.  Click here for information on how to contact your legislator today!

Donalds Uniform Sale and Valuable Coupons 

Donalds Uniform is having a sale June 1st-30th in which Hill-Murray families will receive 10%-20% off everything!  Click here for the June Sales Flyer, Hill-Murray Price SheetNew Student Coupons, and information on how to become a preferred customer.  Visit the Donald's Uniform website at www.donaldsuniform.com for more information.

H-M Flags Available in the Trading Post for Your Open House


Stop in the Trading Post to pick up a Pioneer flag for your porch, flag pole, or open house.  The long awaited stadium chairs have also arrived! Give your back a break this spring with our stadium seat that attaches easily to any bleacher.  Check out all of our Pioneer wear on Wednesdays from 10:30-12:30 and Thursdays from 1:30-3:30.


 

Laptop Insurance Information 

         

 

 

This is a friendly reminder that although Hill-Murray provides an optional insurance program to cover physical damage to your student's device. The program does not cover devices that have been stolen or lost.  If you would like coverage, we highly recommend having the device covered under what's called "Personal Articles Insurance Rider" through your homeowner's insurance.  Insurance companies will generally request an item inventory description of the device being covered.


 

Follow the link http://www.hill-murray.org/uploaded/HMConnected/HMConnected_Laptop_-_Personal_Articles_Form.pdf to obtain a copy of the personal articles form to give your insurance agent.


Mark Your Calendars 

Parent Workshop 

 

 

Donations Needed for Senior All-Night Party


 

Attention Hill-Murray Community - The Senior All-Night Party on June 5th is fast approaching and we are in need of prize donations. Donations such as Target or other retail gift cards (in any increments), gift cards for food or restaurants or monetary donations are greatly appreciated.

 

We also need donations for prize giveaways - our goal is to have a great prize for every senior. Consider items for a dorm room as a prize item - coffee makers, college school supplies, fans, TVs, microwaves, refrigerators, bluetooth speakers and headphones.

You can drop off your items in the donation box located in the Hill-Murray Main Office. Larger items can either be dropped off in the main office or contact us and we will arrange a pick up time. If you know a business or individual who would be willing to donate, please email their contact information to us and we will contact them directly.


 

Please email hm2015party@gmail.com if you can help or if you have any questions.


Hill-Murray Spring and Summer Camps  

 

Upcoming Dates        

 

May 8 - Early Dismissal - 11:30am - Staff Development / Prom
May 22 - Last Day for Seniors
May 25 - No School - Memorial Day