H-M Happenings (April 1, 2022)
Computer Graphics 1 Students Design a New Logo for Local MN Business
Click here to see all designs made by Computer Graphics 1 students
Students in Mr. Dahl’s Computer Graphics 1 class took on business owner and H-M parent Donell Frank as a client this past quarter, and they designed several possible new logo designs for her. After providing feedback to the students, Ms. Frank chose to adopt a design by Evan Mackley ’25 as a new logo for her business. The students would like to thank Ms. Frank for sharing her time and her perspective as a business owner with them.
7th Grade Students Learn about Sulfide Mining in MN
In many of their classes, 7th graders are learning about the impacts of sulfide mining on the Boundary Waters region of northern Minnesota. Students are investigating the potential impacts on the environment and the economy, as well as learning about global need for minerals like copper and nickel. In their Math classes, for example, students are learning to apply percentages to predict the amount of ore a mine can expect to extract from a certain mining site. In the activity pictured here, students are measuring the “ore” concentration in different sites on our sand table. They collected a sample of sand from the table and sifted out the “ore” (perler beads). By comparing the weight before and after, they are able to determine which site has the highest concentration of ore.
In their next lessons, they will look at estimates of copper and nickel concentrations in the actual Mesabi Iron Range and consider the need and feasibility of the mines. In their science classes, students are learning about the ecosystems and watersheds in northern Minnesota, and they will investigate the potential environmental impacts on the region. At the same time, in Social Studies students are learning to evaluate the quality of sources and are learning about the social and political implications of sulfide mining in the region. Ultimately, students will combine what they’ve learned from all of their classes to decide for themselves what they think the future of mining in the region should be. On April 12th, they will share their ideas with the community through a poster session and culminating celebration.
Internship Spotlight
Joshua Yocum is currently participating in our Enterprise Business Internship Program. As an intern at Patio Town in Oakdale, Joshua is gaining valuable experience in their Villa Landscapes division. He is gaining knowledge with design and contracting work. In addition, Joshua is helping draft estimates and is gaining experience with their bidding system.
Summer Sports Camps
The 2022 Hill-Murray Summer Sports Camps are now LIVE and available for registration. This summer we are offering Boys and Girls Soccer camps, Boys and Girls Basketball camps, Boys and Girls Hockey Camps, Volleyball camp, Football camp, Tennis camp (coming soon), and a Strength and Conditioning Camp.
Please CLICK HERE to register and click on the soccer ball to get started!
Because your student does not have a Hill-Murray Student ID yet, we have attached directions HERE to sign your child up WITHOUT a Hill-Murray Student ID.
Please use Google Chrome or Firefox when registering your child and please let us know if you have any questions.
Thank you! We hope to see your child this summer!
Please email John Pohl, Activities Director, at jpohl@hill-murray.org with any questions.
Students & Parents offer insights after viewing “Screenagers: The Next Chapter”
After viewing the documentary “Screenagers: The Next Chapter” on March 29, students took a survey, and parents who came to the evening viewing also offered insights. Communication and balance were acknowledged by both students and parents as key to keeping screen time and device use reasonable. There was also consensus that keeping phones out of bedrooms at night is crucial to restful sleep, and that young people thrive more when together in person versus on screens.
Stress levels, anxiety, and depression in teens were on the upswing prior to the pandemic, which then further heightened these mental health concerns. The video offered numerous suggestions for supporting students who are struggling with any of these. Mindfulness breathing exercises, getting outside, returning to hobbies (or finding new ones) were all noted as helpful strategies to enhance wellbeing for all young people. Therapy for families and individuals, sometimes in combination with medication, shows effectiveness. You can find many more resources at Screenagers Resources.
All H-M families are reminded that we also have the S.O.S. (Signs of Suicide) Depression Awareness and Suicide Prevention curriculum and resources, including an online depression screen, that are available at Signs of Suicide Program.
Please contact your child’s counselor if you wish to further discuss concerns and strategies.
World Language Department Star Students
Click here to see the World Language Department Star Students for March.
College Fair at Cretin-Derham Hall High School
College Fair at Cretin-Derham Hall High School: 550 South Albert Street, St. Paul 55116
Tuesday April 5, 6:30-8:00 PM
Free and open to freshmen, sophomores, juniors and their parents.
College Fair for Juniors
We have a wonderful opportunity for juniors coming up at the end of April! On Thursday April 28, the Minnesota Twin are hosting College Prep Day. This event includes a College Fair from 10:30 to noon, where students can speak directly with college representatives. The fair is followed by a ballgame beginning at 12:10pm, with the Twins going against the Detroit Tigers. The event costs only $15 which includes the game ticket and busing. Lunch will be on your own. We will leave school at about 9:45am and return around 3:30pm. Students interested should watch their email for a complete list of colleges attending and a google form to sign up. Space is limited.
Spring Speaker Series
Preparing our Children for the Road, not the Road for our Children
Please join us April 5th for a presentation from Dr. Julie Robinson on “Preparing our Children for the Road, not the Road for our Children.”
Dr. Robinson will be highlighting the benefits of parenting our youth for a “growth” mindset rather than a “fixed” one. Apart from talent and intellect, often worshiped in our society, we need to help our youth realize that challenges, failures, and sheer effort are critical tools in finding their paths. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. with the presentation beginning at 7:00 p.m. If you have any questions please contact Brent Johnson (bgjohnson@hill-murray.org). CLICK HERE to register for the presentation.
Click here to view all four upcoming Speaker Series presentations this spring.
Adoration
Hill-Murray parents are invited to participate in the spiritual practice of Adoration, which is held in the Hill-Murray Chapel during the school day typically on the first Friday of each month.
Adoration refers to the time when the Blessed Sacrament (the consecrated host) is placed on the altar and the faithful spend time with Jesus in the Chapel in quiet prayer and reflection.
At Hill-Murray you are invited to attend Mass at 7:15am on days of Adoration and are welcome to sign up for a time to stay in the Chapel in prayer.
Friday, April 8, 2021 sign up is open. CLICK HERE to sign up.
To learn more about this beautiful spiritual practice, CLICK HERE to check out the US Conference of Catholic Bishops website.
Sophomore Parking Permits – Sold Out for 2021-22
From the Office of Student Life- Sophomore parking permits are now SOLD OUT for the 2021-22 school year. Permits were granted to the first 40 students who had received their drivers license this year.
Hill-Murray Pioneer Premier Auction
Buy your tickets online for $100/ person and view and watch your favorite auction items at www.pioneer.givesmart.com
