Happenings

March 11, 2016
Hill-Murray Science Students Move Full STEAM Ahead
Congratulations to the sixteen 8th graders who competed in the Twin Cities Regional Science Fair at the U of M on February 26th and 27th! 
 
They all received incredible reviews from the judges, and several finished in the top third of all middle school participants.  Four 8th graders were selected to advance to the State Science Fair: Corrine Brown, Kenny Larmie, Sydney Stone, and Ben Rocheford (regional alternate).  Two of those students, Kenny Larmie and Sydney Stone, were nominated to compete in the National Broadcom MASTERS, the premier middle school science competition for the top 10% of all science projects in the country, event this summer.  Way to go 8th graders!
C.A.R.E.ing for the Community 

 
C.A.R.E. is the peer empowerment group at Hill-Murray with a goal of promoting healthy choices. The group focuses on the topics of overall wellness, healthy relationships, safe driving, and avoiding alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. C.A.R.E.'s mission is: "Teens making positive choices while empowering others to do the same."
  
During Wellness Week, February 22-26, members of C.A.R.E. planned several out of uniform days which included, dress your style, dress as food groups, and wear purple day which is the awareness color for eating disorders.  Lisa Valentine, faculty advisor, showed videos and held classroom discussions to bring to light the Signs of Suicide (S.O.S.) Depression Awareness/Suicide Prevention.  

H-M Quiz Bowl Members Partake in Pop-Culture Quiz
On February 27th, Quiz Bowl Team members Joe Head, Morgan Giese, Neill Gunderson and Ryan Celski represented the Pioneers at the largest pop-culture themed quiz match ever held!  The team finished 21st out of 54 teams at the event hosted by Robbinsdale Armstrong High School.  
H-M Boys Lacrosse Players Give Back to the Community

Members of the Boys Lacrosse Team assisted the MN Chapter of US Lacrosse with a free introductory lacrosse clinic in the Frogtown neighborhood of St. Paul that was held every Thursday afternoon during the month of February.  The Pre-K through 6th grade boys and girls were introduced to the rich history of this centuries-old Native American game, provided instruction and fundamental skills practice, and instructed the participants on the basic rules of play.  Much thanks to Henry Boyer, Johnny Krawczyk, Jack Lorentzen, Andy Seifert, Max Vaith, Nicholas Visich, and 2008 Alum, Connor Jorgensen, for sharing their love of the game with the community!

Join Us for a Night of Beautiful Music

Hill-Murray Students Compete in Band Contest
Students warm up in preparation for their performances. All solo and ensemble pieces are played for a MN State High School League (MSHSL) adjudicator. Students are rated in all key areas of musicianship: rhythm, tone quality, intonation, balance, technique, and interpretation.

 
Symphonic Band alto saxophonist, Sam Henkes, performs his piece, Air and Rondo from "Abdelazer" by Henry Purcell. He is accompanied by Christine Walth.
Hill-Murray Solo-Ensemble Band Contest
  The MSHSL 4AA Solo/Ensemble Band Contest took place on Saturday, February 27th at White Bear Lake - South Campus. For several months, students rehearsed their instrumental compositions with their private teachers and accompanists.  Each performance is critiqued and evaluated by section judges.  Hill-Murray was well represented at this contest and received 12 "Superior" and 12 "Excellent" ratings.  Congratulations to the following talented musicians for their Superior ratings:

Mari Johnson (flute)
TaeWoo Kim (marimba)
Bomi Davies (baritone saxophone)
Dan Stone (oboe)
Elise Potvin (tenor saxophone)
Katherine Hull (oboe)
Emma Phelan (2 Superior ratings; flute and piccolo
Sam Henkes (alto saxophone)
Rory Scanlon (trombone)
Colin Atkinson (snare drum)

Almost Spring Concert
The Hill-Murray Parish School Band, "Almost Spring Concert" filled the H-M auditorium on March 1st. 134 students from 19 of our partner grade schools joined together for several rehearsals and ultimately an impressive concert.  Guests were treated to a variety of musical selections at the Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Jazz Band levels.  Congratulations to band directors: Warren Starr, Beth Johnson, LeAnn Lindgren, Heather Neimeyer, and Brian Hallermann for their work with these talented 4th-8th grade students. 
Hill-Murray Vocal Solo and Ensemble: Smashing Records!
  
On March 3rd, nine H-M students performed at the Vocal Solo and Ensemble Contest at North High School. All members received a "Superior" or an "Excellent" rating, which are the two highest scores a performer can achieve.

Delilah Schuster received a perfect score on her Italian solo.  Schuster and fellow classmate, Frannie Marin, captured a perfect score on their Latin duet. Competing against big schools such as Stillwater, Woodbury, Roseville, Cretin Derham Hall, East Ridge, and Tartan, both Schuster and Marin were awarded "Best at Site" which is one of the highest awards individuals can receive.
 
Congratulations to everyone who participated:
 
Natalie Chitwood
Katie Hinrichs
Nick Johnson
Frannie Marin
Jacob Miller
Joe Mogren
Delilah Schuster
Nicole Urbaniak
Kathy Wertzler
New Courses, New Options, Same Quality
  
We're very excited to officially announce a new track of courses available to H-M students with an interest in the fields of technology, computer science, and application development. We are calling these new courses the Tech Academy and there will be opportunities for students in all grades.  Go to www.hill-murray.org/techacademy to learn more.
  
We're also announcing  some new opportunities  for students  to complete credit and enrichment courses during the summer. 
The new Pioneer Summer Experience will kick off Summer 2016 with at least 6 courses, ranging from Yearbook to Intro to Coding. These course options give students the opportunity to complete credits outside of the normal school year. This gives them the option to take exciting elective courses or expand their high school transcript that their regular schedule wouldn't previously accommodate. 
More information is available on the Pioneer Summer Experience at www.hill-murray.org/PSE.

 
Hill-Murray DECA State Finalists

Over 2,000 students from across the state participated in the competition on March 6th-8th.  We had 15 students who were state finalists and 9 students who qualified for the international competition which will be held in Nashville, TN at the end of April.

State finalists are listed below.  Congratulations to the following students:

Sydney Ball* - Travel & Team Role Play, Financial Literacy Project, leadership
Madison Berg* - Travel & Team Role Play, leadership
Matt Driscoll* - Start-up Business, Marketing Management Role Play, leadership
Morgan Hohn* - leadership
Austin Kees* - Financial Literacy Project, leadership
Jay Lee* - Hospitality Team Role Play, Financial Literacy Project, leadership
Maggie McMahon* - Marketing Management Role Play - 2nd
Sophia Peterson - Franchise Business Plan
Maddie Renberg* - Principles of Hospitality & Tourism Role Play - 4th
Madi Rogers - Principles of Hospitality & Tourism Role Play
Jonah Rueb - Hospitality Team Role Play
Jenna Steichen* - Principles of Marketing Role Play - 2nd
Erica Steigauf - Principles of Business Role Play
John Townsend - Human Resources Role Play
Matt Venzke - Personal Financial Literacy Role Play

*Designates students who qualified for the international competition.
World History Students Advance to State

The Pioneers had an outstanding showing at the Metro Senior History Day event Monday at Augsburg College. Hill-Murray had 43 students participating in the event and by the end of the evening, 11 H-M students qualified for state and 8 students earned honorable mention ribbons. 

The State competition will be held on Sunday, May 1st at the University of Minnesota.  Congrats to all State qualifiers:

Mary Mueller and Kierney McGrath - Exploring the Galapagos: Darwin's Theory of Evolution (group exhibit)
Matt Driscoll - They need to know (Spy Planes) (individual exhibit)
Matt Gozum, Matt Langer, Ryan Wilhelm - Changing Basketball with the 3-point line (group website)
Sierra Arradonodo and Emma Krook - Launch of MTV (group exhibit)
Hannah Muntifering, RoRo Germ, Holly Campbell - Life and Legacy of Audrey Hepburn (group documentary)


Hill-Murray Spanish Students Volunteer at Our Lady of Guadalupe
Several Hill-Murray Spanish students, along with Se�ora Bush's son, Joey, volunteered at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish on Friday, February 26th. They helped prepare a Lenten dinner for members of the Parish to enjoy.
February World Language Star Students

French 3

Anna "C�line" Newton
Kiley "�lodie" Knutson
 
Honors French 4
Kyra "Ren�e" Taylor


Spanish 1
Hannah "Dora" Hass

Spanish 2
Delaney "Margarita" Runyon
Ryan "Sergio" Petersen

Spanish 3
Eric "Enrique" Cote
Alina "Elena" Gartner

Spanish 4
Sophia "Isabel" Daley
Lauren "Susana" Harrold

Spanish 5
Lauren "Lola" Lisowski

H-M Spanish Students Serving Those in Guatemala

Hill-Murray students in Spanish classes collected donations for Guatemala.  All 15 students traveling to Guatemala for Spring Break will be filling their backpacks with these donations and delivering them to those in need.  Thank you to all who donated!

Current Hill-Murray Student in Need of Host Family

Tony Wu is a 10th grade international student from China, and has been a student at Hill-Murray for the past year.  School life at Hill-Murray has provided him a wonderful experience both academically and in cocurricular activities.  As an out-going and hard-working young man, Tony is very active in theatre, Student Council, BBC, and acts as a Student Ambassador.  Tony is very friendly and self-disciplined, and has gotten along well with his host family members.  His current host family is expecting a new baby, so Tony has to look for another family to stay with from March 2016 through the 2016-2017 school year.  If you can help, please contact Tony at [email protected] for more information.

Join Us on the Trip of a Lifetime to Scotland and Ireland
  
 
Get ready to visit Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, and the Highlands!  Step into the Middle Ages on Edinburgh's Royal Mile, and under the towering spire of St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin.  In Belfast, old conflicts have given way to an influx of restored 19th-century architecture and a thriving arts scene.  The tour dates are June 12-21, 2017.

For more information, please check out EFTOURS.COM and enter tour number: 1771629MS.  You may also contact group leader, Laurie Fritzinger at [email protected].
Adventures Await You in France!

Share Your Hill-Murray Story!

Once we have children, we want nothing less than the very best for them.  We want to see our kids excel and succeed in every aspect of life, especially in their education.  As a parent at Hill-Murray, we want to know what made you decide to send your child or children to a Catholic College Preparatory High School.  What drew you to Hill-Murray?  As a parent, what did Hill-Murray offer that you did not see anywhere else?  What aspects of Hill-Murray School impacted your children, their future, and your family?  We are collecting these stories to share with potential Hill-Murray families.  Please take the time to write down your Hill-Murray story and email it to Shawn Illgen at [email protected].  Thank you, in advance, for your help!
Is Your Student Registered for Next Year?

A big thank you to everyone who has re-enrolled for the 2016-2017 school year!  There is still time to turn in your registration forms. Families should have received an email directing you to the TADS website to re-enroll and select a tuition agreement. Click here  to be directed to TADS and re-enroll today!

Applications for 2016-2017 Still Being Accepted

Applications for 2016-2017 are still being accepted in the Admissions Office.  If you know of a student who would make a great Pioneer, please have them contact Shawn at [email protected].  Help spread the word about our amazing school!

Tickets Now Available!

Community Sponsored Agriculture Available to Hill-Murray Families

Hill-Murray is sponsoring a CSA!  Threshing Table Farm in New Richmond, is offering to waive the delivery charges for any H-M staff, faculty, or parent who orders either a half or full unit for the season (18 weeks).  Orders will be delivered to H-M.  Pick up times will be determined in the coming weeks.  Sign up forms are located in the staff lounge, and a table will be set up at Parent-Teacher conferences. Thank you to Threshing Table Farm owners and current H-M parents, Mike and Jody Lenz, for this great offering!  For more information, visit www.threshingtablefarm.org.

Click the Link Below and RSVP for the Mother's Club Wine Tasting Event
This event is open to parents, friends and alumni (over 21) and will include a sampling of wines paired with complementary appetizers.  Click here to purchase your tickets.

Enjoy Dinner and Support the H-M Senior All-Night Party


Hill Murray is having a fundraiser for the Senior All-Night Party at Cafe Zupas in Woodbury on March 15th from 5:00-9:00pm.  In order for this to be a BIG success, we would love to see ALL grades out representing H-M!  Bring your parents, grandparents and friends for door prizes! Please remember, at the time of purchase, be sure to mention you are supporting the Hill-Murray fundraiser.  The fundraiser applies to dine in customers only!  We look forward to seeing you all at Cafe Zupas!

Class of 2016 Senior All-Night Party Donations Needed
   
The Senior All-Night Party will be held on June 3rd and we are asking for prize and gift card donations from YOU!  You may drop off donations at the Hill-Murray Main Office in a box marked "Senior All Night Party."  If you have larger items that need to be picked up, we can help you. If you know of a business that is interested in donating, please pass along their info and we will contact them.  Please consider donating to any or all of the categories below as we would like to be able to give every senior a prize: 
  
Prize ideas for college dorm rooms: 
  • school supplies
  • duffle bags
  • shower totes
  • bean bag chairs
  • fans
  • microwaves
  • TV's
  • Mini refrigerator
Gift card ideas (any dollar increment): 
  • Target
  • Walmart
  • Bed-Bath & Beyond
  • Kohls
  • Buffalo Wild Wings
  • Chipotle
  • Caribou
  • Subway
  • iTunes        
Other:
  • Fun BOXER SHORTS (sz S, M, L) for the boxer bingo game
  • Cash or checks are also accepted, and our committee will shop for you
Many thanks for considering donating!  For more information, please e-mail Paula Munkelwitz at [email protected].
Donations Needed for Guessing Jars

Donations are needed of large containers of countable items (i.e., animal crackers, jelly beans, etc.) for the Senior All-Night Party.  The senior guessing closest to the correct number in the jar will win the jar and its contents.  Please label donations with your name and the number of items in the container.  Empty containers are also needed.  Donations can be delivered to the main office.  Contact Beth Tollefson at [email protected] with questions.
Fathers Club Meeting and Social

Donate on March 16th

Roller Skating with DJ Cruz
  
On February 11th, Hill-Murray Middle School students went to Saints North Roller-Skating rink to enjoy roller-skating, games and fun!  Hill-Murray's own Dan Leko, aka DJ Cruz, provided the musical entertainment for the afternoon.  We gathered together outside the school walls to further build community among the Middle School students.  Both students and staff had a blast skating and playing laser tag.
Follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Pioneer Premier Auction

Planning is in full swing for the annual Pioneer Premier Auction on April 30. If anyone would like to donate items for the silent auction, we'd be most grateful!  Contact Maureen McDonough at [email protected].
 
The event raises funds for much needed operational support and tuition assistance. Your support has an incredible impact on our students and their families, as you can see from this direct quote from someone who received tuition support:
 
"I have always hoped and prayed that I could attend Hill-Murray. My parents have worked very hard to help make this dream possible for me. Along with this scholarship, it's actually happening! I can't wait to part of the Hill-Murray family."

Invitations for this year's Pioneer Premier Auction should soon arrive in your mail, but you don't have to wait to register! Click here to register for this magical event on Saturday, April 30 at the Hill-Murray Fieldhouse.   Tickets are $75 each per person. 
 
Thank you to the following sponsors!  
  • Dolan Printing
  • Mike and Kathy Pearson/Performance Pool and Spa
  • Chuck and Shannon Runyon/Anytime Fitness
  • Salute Dental
  • Tony and Ruth Yocum
  • Tony and Sara Yocum
  • Don and Jean Regan/Premier Bank
  • Sletten and Brettin Orthodontics
  • Horwitz NSI
  • Rocheford Plastic Surgery
  • Walter and Leona Schmidt Family Foundation
  • Andersen Corporation
  • Tillges Certified Orthotic Prosthetic, Inc.

Take Mom Out to the Ballgame!
Boys, grab your mom, grandmother, or special lady in your life and join us for the First Annual Hill-Murray Mother-Son baseball event at the St. Paul Saints Opening Night.  The game starts at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 19th at CHS Field.  Circle the date on your spring calendar!  More details to follow soon.
Feeding the Community
Hill-Murray students and staff served over 150 men and women at Simpson Shelter on February 28. This is another great example of how H-M is paying it forward this Lenten season. Great job!
Campus Ministry Needs Your Help!
  
Hill-Murray's Campus Ministry is in need of extra large metal spoons, glass cutting boards, large/extra large bowls, dish towels, and wash clothes.  If you are able to donate contact Sister Linda at [email protected].
Parents Needed to Help With Service Project

There is a parent opportunity for you to work with Hill-Murray students making a difference in our world.  Hill-Murray will be donating a meal at Solid Ground on Tuesday, March 29 from 4:15 - 7:00 p.m.  Solid Ground supports families that are presently in transition from homelessness to affordable housing.  This meal will be for families in need.  If you are interested, please contact Sister Linda at [email protected] or 651-748-2460.  There are only 4 openings for a parent/child team.  Thank you. 
Wednesday Morning Prayer

All students, families, and guests are invited to join us in prayer every Wednesday morning at 7:10 a.m. in the Chapel. 

Fr. Andrie joins us in the chapel on the first Wednesday of each month to begin the day with Mass. All other Wednesdays are prayer services led by junior and senior peer ministers. Please join us as we begin our Wednesdays with prayer!


Join us for Sister Linda's 25th Jubilee Celebration!
 

Prioress, Sister Paula Hagen, and the Sisters at St. Paul's Monastery invite you to the 25th Jubilee reception of Sister Linda Soler.  The celebration will be held at Hill-Murray on Sunday, April 10th from 2:00-5:00 p.m.  Come congratulate Sister Linda and thank her for all she has done to help our students and community.
Adoration Times

Adoration is an extension of the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament during the Mass. Christ sits directly before us as we enter into a time of great spiritual intimacy and transformation. You can spend your time reading, in private prayer, reflection, praying the Rosary, or simply sitting with the Lord. There is not only one way to pray during adoration.  Come as you are, and pray as you feel comfortable praying!

Time spent in Adoration will transform you, your family, and our Hill-Murray community.  Please join us as we take one day a month to grow spiritually, uphold our students and staff with prayer, and come together as a family of faith.  

Eucharistic Adoration with Daily Mass at 7:00 a.m. and Benediction at 2:00 p.m. will be on March 4 and April 11.
Adoration will begin after all school Mass at 10:30 a.m. on May 13.

For more information, or to sign up for a time slot, please contact Anne McCulloch at [email protected].

Mass Schedule

Mass & Prayer Schedule 2015-2016
 
Thursday, March 17:  Reconciliation Service
 
Thursday, March 31: Easter Mass
 
Friday, May 13: Senior Mass

All Masses are at 9:06 a.m.

Art Show

Join H-M Alumni Duke Pieper and the Minnesota Wild

Join the Minnesota Wild as they host former H-M hockey player, Duke Pieper as part of their Game Changer Speaker Series on March 15th. This free event will be held at the Xcel Energy Center and includes a free breakfast and a complimentary copy of Duke's book for all attendees.  Space is limited, so click the link above toRSVP now!
We Need Your Support!

Upcoming Events

No School - Easter Break - March 21-28