Happenings (December 9, 2025)
Christmas Spirit Week (15-19)
The HS Student Council has a fun-filled Christmas Spirit Week planned for the week of December 15-December 19!
Monday is dress in uniform, but wear your favorite Christmas socks. We want to see your best festive socks.
Tuesday is dress in uniform, but wear a Christmas accessory day! So wear your Santa hats, reindeer ears, or any other Christmas accessories.
Wednesday is spirit wear, so you can wear any Hill-Murray spirit wear with your uniform bottoms. Essentially, treat it like a Friday.
Thursday is PJ Pant Day. Meaning you can wear Christmas pajama pants with any hoodie or shirt. No shorts, satin, or Pajama sets.
Friday is Christmas spirit, so wear red, green, Christmas sweaters, or anything to get in the festive mood for our Christmas break! The student council will also be hosting a pepfest and will have many fun activities and games to kick-off our Christmas break. We can’t wait to see you all there and in theme.
NHS Annual Toy Drive
NHS is hosting their annual toy drive to benefit the local organization, the Toy Shelf of North St. Paul. Please bring in new and unwrapped gifts, toys, games, and activities for children of all ages to the sleigh outside the auditorium.
Christmas Shopping at The Trading Post
The Christmas Trading Post is open for a few more limited shopping hours. Don’t miss your chance to pick up Hill-Murray gear and holiday gifts! Our final day to shop is Thursday, December 18.
Note: UNRL is back in stock!
Christmas Concerts
Join us for two beautiful nights of Christmas music at the Hill-Murray Auditorium!
Choir Concert
Monday, December 15 at 7 PM
Band & Orchestra Concert
Tuesday, December 16 at 6 PM
Come celebrate the season with our talented musicians!
Upcoming Advent Liturgical Schedule & Christmas PepFest
This Friday, on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we will hold a special prayer service during WIN A (9:15 am-9:45 am) in the Chapel. Students can sign up under Mr. Benner or Dr. Skinner. Father John will not be at school this Friday, so there will be no regular confession or WIN A Mass. Parents who wish to attend the Our Lady of Guadalupe Prayer Service are asked to email Dr. Skinner at sskinner@hill-murray.org to make arrangements. As we prepare for Christmas break, we’re also excited that the High School Student Council is hosting a Christmas Pep Fest on December 19, the last day of school before vacation. Confession will be available as usual that day 7:15 am to 7:45 am in the Chapel. Additionally, we will celebrate Christmas Mass on January 9, which falls during the liturgical Christmas season. We look forward to gathering as a community for these meaningful and joyful events.
Speaker Series (Jan. 14)
Click HERE to RSVP!
Introduction to Law and Criminal Justice Class Field Trip
Mr. Morrison’s Introduction to Law and Criminal Justice classes spent the day at the Justice and Democracy Center at the U.S. District Court in St. Paul. Students explored exhibits, observed real proceedings, and connected with professionals in the justice system!
November World Language Star Students
Click HERE for the November World Language star students!
As Christmas Break approaches, that also means we are getting closer to the end of 1st semester. Similar to the quarter check in, this is a great time to connect with your student on how things are going.
Here are a few ideas for reflection and conversation:
- Are there any adjustments needed to continue having success in school?
- Is your student balancing academics, social life and extra-curriculars in a healthy way?
- What goals does your student have to complete the semester?
- What goals does your student have for 2nd semester?
We understand that in these conversations, your student may share they want to look at changing a class for second semester. Just a few reminders as they relate to requesting a schedule change:
- All requests must be submitted by 3:00pm on 12/19 through this Google Form. Any MS students requesting a change will meet with their counselor and complete the form together.
- After completing the Google Form, students will meet with their school counselor to determine any next steps before finalizing the request.
- Once the request is finalized, Mrs. Costello, our registrar, will reach out directly to the student to provide updates on the request.
- A few reminders:
- A request does not guarantee a change
- Remaining on track for graduation is a point of conversation with any request
- We do not honor teacher change requests and do our best to keep your student with the same teacher for year long courses.
- The timeline for changes is not new, but the steps are. If you have any question, please reach out to your students counselor:
Middle School Counselors:
Lisa Valentine: 6th and 7th grade
Katie Francis: 8th Grade
High School Counselors:
Charlie Cicalello: last names A-C
Amy Cosgrove: last names D-J
Jenny Vinck: last names K-Q
Aaron Goulet: last names R-Z
As always, we are excited to continue working with you and your student(s) and supporting their success in all areas here at Hill-Murray!
Save the Date!
The Middle School Christmas Party is December 15th from 3-5 PM sponsored by the Middle School Student Council. Activities include a Christmas movie, crafts, games, hot cocoa and cookies. The popular Christmas cookie decorating contest will return with prizes in different categories like Most Creative Cookie and Most Festive Cookie. This event is free!
2026-2027 Academic Calendar
Looking ahead to next school year? Click here to view the 2026–27 academic calendar!
Baseball 2026 Spring Training Camp
Hill-Murray School is proud to offer a 4-week baseball camp for boys in grades 4+. In our Spring Training Camp, players will receive training in Hitting and both Infield and Outfield Defense. This camp is designed to prepare athletes for the upcoming season through skill-development drills and high repetition. Each participant will receive individual instruction from coaches and players from Hill-Murray’s Baseball Program
WHEN: SUNDAYS – (2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 3/1)
WHERE: HILL-MURRAY FIELDHOUSE
Group 1 (Grades 7+) 9:45AM-11:15AM ($150)
Group 2 (Grades 4-6) 11:30AM-1:00PM ($150)
REGISTRATION LINK – CLICK HERE
Future Leader Scholarship Application is OPEN!
We are excited to announce that the application process for the Hill-Murray Future Leader Scholarship is now open to all current 8th-grade students!
Do you have an 8th grader who demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities, a commitment to service, and a passion for learning? This scholarship is designed to recognize and support those students who are ready to become the next generation of Pioneers and difference-makers.
Encourage your student to apply and seize this opportunity! All necessary details, including the application form and deadline, can be found HERE.
