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Middle School Counselor's Corner

Hello, my name is Mrs. Valentine and I am the Middle School Counselor here at Hill-Murray.  I have been at Hill-Murray since 2000 and I am glad to be a staff member at a wonderful place.  The middle school is extra special!

Please browse the upcoming events, stories, suggested reading, website links and other interesting tidbits on these pages.

Please feel free to contact me by phone or e-mail with questions, concerns or comments. My direct phone line is 651-748-2224. My e-mail is lvalentine@hill-murray.org

First Group of H-M Eighth Graders Perform Well on EXPLORE Test

On All-School Testing Day in October 2006, 8th graders changed to a new test.  For the first time, the students took the EXPLORE test, which is part of the ACT testing program.  Compared to national averages, Hill-Murray averages were impressive.  Here are the national and Hill-Murray averages on the four subtests and the composite score:
(Top score possible is 25 in each area.)

                            National Avg.                   H-M Avg.


English                  14.2                                17.5

Mathematics          15.1                                18.2

Reading                13.8                                 17.2

Science                 15.9                                19.0

Composite             14.9                                18.1

Congratulations 8th graders!    


Seventh Graders Also Change Testing Format

In October 2006, the 7th graders took four different assessments on All-School Testing Day.  The four were Vocabulary, Math, Writing and a Learning Styles Inventory.  The test format was created by 7th grade teachers and was scored on-site as well.  Parents received results in late November.  

If you have questions about either series of tests, contact Middle School Counselor, Lisa Valentine, at 651-748-2224 or lvalentine@hill-murray.org.                  

 
Yes, I believe I CAN BEE what I want to BEE! Bees are a symbol of the "I CAN" way of life.

Scientists can prove that it is aerodynamically impossible for the bumble bee to fly-its body is too heavy and its wings too light to sustain flight. But the bumble bee chooses not to be influenced by science's negative viewpoint and flies anyway. When you look at the bee, think this thought-"Yes, I believe I CAN BEE what I want to BEE!"


The bumble bee offers another lesson. When the bumble bee is flapping its wings, it is able to start the flight process. Remember to keep on keeping on and you will get where you want to go. Keep your wings flapping and you will go far!


Great websites for Middle School students

Suggested Reading for Middle School Parents
  • The Roller Coaster Years: Raising Your Child Through the Maddening Yet Magical Middle School Years, by Charlene C. Giannetti and Margaret Sagarese
  • Reviving Ophelia: Saving the Selves of Adolescent Girls, by Mary Pipher, Ph.D.
  • Real Boys: Rescuing Our Sons from the Myths of Boyhood, by William S. Pollack
  • The Optimistic Child: A Proven Program to Safeguard Children Against Depression and Build Lifelong Resilience, by Martin E.P. Seligman, Ph.D.
  • No:  Why Kids-Of All Ages-Need to Hear it and Ways Parents Can Say It, by Dr. David Walsh 
  • Why Do They Act That Way? A Survival Guide to the Adolescent Brain for You and Your Teen, by Dr. David Walsh


651-777-1376    Copyright 2005 Hill-Murray School
2625 Larpenteur Avenue East, Maplewood, MN 55109      Phone: 651-777-1376      Fax: 651-748-2444