Happenings (August 19, 2025)
Fall Youth Nights (Grades 3-8)
Do you know someone who would enjoy a Pioneers game? We encourage you to invite them to one of our Fall Youth Nights, where they’ll enjoy free admissions, snacks and the opportunity to win H-M spirit items!
Volleyball is August 26, Football is September 26 (Homecoming) and Boys Soccer is September 30! See fliers for registration information.
Uniform Portal Schedule Update
To help facilitate more frequent access to the uniform portal ordering process, there will be two portal openings each month moving forward. The uniform portal will open on the 1st of each month and close on the 10th. It will open again on the 15th and close on the 25th. The processing and delivery time is estimated to be 3-5 weeks.
Additionally, there will be a ‘Ship to Home’ option in the uniform portal for an additional fee. If you are looking for more information about uniforms, the uniform policy or the return policy, check out the uniform link on our school website, found in the student/parent portal. If you have more questions, please email uniforms@hill-murray.org.
New Uniform Crewneck Available!
The new uniform crewneck sweatshirt will be the only uniform item available in the Trading Post starting Thursday, August 21, during the Back to School event. Stop by to grab yours!
Senior College Meeting
The College Counseling Team will be presenting important information on the college application process and what students and parents need to know. We are offering this presentation on two separate evenings (Tuesday, August 26 and Wednesday, August 27) and attendance is required for just ONE of these meetings as there will be required documents for students/parents to complete and return to Guidance and Counseling.
Please mark your calendars and plan to attend ONE of the meetings listed below:
Tuesday, August 26: (6:30pm-7:30pm) – Auditorium
Wednesday, August 27: (6:30pm-7:30pm) – Auditorium
Finding Our Rhythm: 5 Ways to Support Our Students as School Begins
1. Listen and Reassure
Let them know you understand that something feels hard, and remind them they have the skills to work through it.
2. Normalize the Nerves
Remind them it’s completely normal to feel anxious at the start of something new. Everyone is adjusting to a new year, even their teachers feel nervous.
3. Focus on What They Can Control
There is growth from every new situation, even (especially) the hard ones.
4. Encourage Independence
Give them space to problem-solve while still knowing you’re in their corner. It’s easy as a parent
to want to jump in and fix it when our kids are feeling stressed, sad, or anxious. However, stepping back and letting them work through challenges helps them build valuable skills and confidence.
5. Remind Them of Their School Support Team
The Hill-Murray School Counselors are here to help. Students can stop into Guidance and Counseling, or email their assigned counselor to find a time to meet.
Meet the Guidance and Counseling Team!
Middle School Junior Achievement Co-Curricular Club
All middle school students are invited to attend our Junior Achievement information meeting after school on Wednesday, September 3 in room 120. This is a great way to get to know other students with a fun and engaging club. Students will be able to participate in interactive activities designed to help them recognize the best ways to manage their money. Our program, Junior Achievement Finance Park, will allow students to develop solid, long term financial habits. The meeting will run from 2:45pm – 3:15pm. See attachments below for more information and a registration form. Please contact Kelly Donnelly at kdonnelly@hill-murray.org with questions.
Click HERE for more information.
Click HERE for the registration form.
7th Grade Trip to Camp St. Croix
Families of 7th grade students should mark their calendar for the class trip to Camp St. Croix, which will take place October 7-8! Students will participate in team building activities as well as their 7th grade class retreat. An informational Zoom meeting will be held in September. Details on the meeting will follow soon.
Welcome Chef Matt!
Chef Matt Horn
Senior Executive Chef Manager, Hill-Murray School
Chef Matt Horn brings over 25 years of culinary leadership, innovation, and hospitality to Hill-Murray School. His career spans fine dining, corporate food innovation, and large-scale institutional dining, including 17 years as Corporate Executive Chef at The Schwan Food Company and leadership roles at the University of Minnesota and Amira Choice. A Certified Executive Chef (CEC) and Certified Research Chef (CRC), Matt has developed hundreds of new global food products, led culinary trend forecasting, and been featured in media appearances ranging from live Super Bowl cooking demos, national trade publications and multiple appearance on WCCO.
Matt began his professional journey earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Graphic Design and Computer Science from the University of Minnesota. A six week solo backpacking trip across Southeast Asia sparked his passion for food, ultimately leading him to graduate with honors from The Culinary Institute of America. His diverse education helps him merge design thinking with culinary creativity in a way that’s both practical and inspiring.
Throughout his career, Matt has remained committed to innovation and mentorship. He believes in using modern techniques and globally inspired ingredients to refresh classic dishes, always with an eye on health, flavor, and connection. A strong advocate for local sourcing, Matt works closely with area farmers and producers to bring fresh, sustainable ingredients to the table. He also fosters a kitchen culture of growth and respect, treating his team like an extension of his family and creating space for continuous learning.
Outside of the kitchen, Matt is a devoted husband and father. He and his wife Debra have been married for 23 years and have two children: a 19-year-old son and a 20-year-old daughter named Mika. The Horn household also includes two curious cats (Kabuki and Wampus) and a friendly dog named Biscuit. Matt is an Eagle Scout and former Scoutmaster, and his love for the outdoors shows in his hobbies; hiking, camping, urban exploring and downhill mountain biking. He’s also a passionate traveler and self-proclaimed food explorer, constantly seeking new flavors and experiences. When he’s not in the kitchen or on a trail, you might find him behind a gaming keyboard or chess board, enjoying strategy and creativity in all forms.
Chef Matt is honored to be part of the Hill-Murray community, where faith, learning, and service go hand-in-hand. He’s excited to lead a dining program that reflects those values — nourishing students not only with wholesome, delicious meals, but also with a spirit of hospitality, curiosity, and care.
Hill-Murray Game Tickets Now on GoFan
Hill-Murray School uses GoFan for mobile ticketing for athletic events. Fans can purchase tickets online through their respective school’s GoFan page or GoFan App. All major credit cards are accepted, along with Apple Pay.
For Individual Online Tickets CLICK HERE. Or Download the GoFan Mobile App. The link can also be found clicking BUY TICKETS on the top of our athletics website: https://www.hill-murray.org/athletics/
The online ticketing option allows schools to operate a more efficient ticket gate while creating an enhanced fan experience. Buying tickets online allows fans to access and share tickets easily by email or text without standing in line.
BEFORE THE EVENT
- Purchase your ticket on the GoFan app or website.
- Once you purchase your ticket online, you will get an order confirmation email and click on the “VIEW TICKET” on your mobile device. This can also be done in the app.
- Pay attention to the important information shown on the confirmation screen!
AT THE EVENT
- Prior to arriving at the gate, access your confirmation email or view the ticket in the mobile app and click on the “VIEW TICKET” on your mobile device.
- Show your mobile device to gate personnel, who will validate your ticket for admission.
- DO NOT Validate your ticket prior to arriving at the gate. A staff member will validate your ticket. If you validate your ticket in advance, you may need to purchase another ticket.
- Tickets CANNOT be printed. You must use your mobile device to access your ticket(s).
Schedule a Future Pioneer Shadow Visit!
We encourage you to schedule a shadow visit for your Future Pioneers this fall. Shadow guests spend the entire school day at Hill-Murray, hosted by a current student. We have limited space, so click HERE to schedule your student’s visit now!
Teacher Spotlight
From Arrowheads to Abroad: The Global Teacher Who Believed. A profile on Mr. Doug Schwartz.
