Happenings (February 10, 2026)
Click here to purchase tickets!
Speakers Series: Experience Dyslexia: Insight, Empathy, Action
Click here to RSVP!
Course Selection
Counselors started meeting with students last week to introduce the Course Selection process and timeline. New this year: course selections will be completed through the Parent Portal in Infinite Campus. The course selection window will be open in Infinite Campus on Monday, February 9 and will close on Monday, February 16.
Check out this document for all of the links and resources you’ll need to complete course selection for the 26-27 school year!
As always, the Guidance and Counseling Team is available to support students and families throughout this process. If you have specific questions or concerns, please contact your student’s assigned counselor directly.
Middle School Counselors (Grades 6-8)
Mrs. Lisa Valentine (Grades 6-7) 651-748-2224 lvalentine@hill-murray.org
Mrs. Katie Francis (Grade 8) 651-748-2235 kfrancis@hill-murray.org
High School Counselors (Grades 9-12)
Mr. Charlie Cicalello (A-C) 651-748-2426 ccicalello@hill-murray.org
Mrs. Amy Cosgrove (D-J) 651-748-2259 acosgrove@hill-murray.org
Mrs. Jenny Vinck (K-Q) 651-748-2441 jvinck@hill-murray.org
Mr. Aaron Goulet (R-Z) 651-748-2493 agoulet@hill-murray.org
College Counselors
Mr. Eric Carlucci (A-Z) 651-748-2238 ecarlucci@hill-murray.org
Mr. Charlie Cicalello Curriculum & Development
AP School Honor Roll
We are proud to share that Hill-Murray School has qualified for the College Board’s AP®
School Honor Roll. This national recognition honors schools whose Advanced Placement
programs are delivering strong results for students while expanding access to rigorous, college-
level coursework.
Click here for more information.
Honors World History Placement Test Information
The Social Studies Department will offer a placement test for students interested in enrolling in Honors World History for their sophomore year. Since students are not required to take a social studies course during freshman year, this test serves as one data point to help determine appropriate placement.
The test will be administered during WIN times the week of February 17. Students should sign up for one of the following sessions:
• February 17, WIN B with Ms. Rodriguez
• February 19, WIN A with Mr. Misenor
• February 19, WIN A with Mr. Schwartz
• February 20, WIN A with Mr. Faust
The test will include 8 multiple-choice comprehension questions and 3 analytical/critical thinking short answer questions. The test will be out of 20 possible points with the student needing a minimum of 16 for admittance into honors. Students may pick up the reading in advance from any social studies teacher beginning the week of January 26 and may use their annotated reading during the test.
The Social Studies Department encourages interested students to review the material carefully and come prepared to demonstrate critical thinking and analytical writing skills. Please note that not all students will qualify for the Honors course, and many students thrive in the standard World History curriculum.
Questions may be directed to Social Studies Department Chair Max Faust at mfaust@hill-murray.org.
Middle School Week 2/23-2/27
A Message from the Athletic Director
Dear Hill-Murray Parents,
As we continue through our winter season, we want to take a moment to thank you for your ongoing support of our student-athletes and the Hill-Murray athletic department.
We know that games can be intense. Emotions run high, calls don’t always go our way, and we won’t win every game. That’s all part of competition. Regardless of what happens on the court, ice, pool, or hill, it is our responsibility—as a program and as a community—to represent Hill-Murray with class, respect, and integrity.
Our athletes are watching and learning from us. The way we conduct ourselves in the stands matters. Positive behavior, respectful communication, and sportsmanship reflect who we are and help reinforce the values we want our kids to carry with them well beyond high school sports. We ask that we all remain positive role models as our children compete and give their best effort.
Thank you for being such important partners in Pioneer athletics. Your support means a great deal to our players and coaches, and we truly appreciate the energy and pride you bring to our programs.
We’re excited for what’s ahead and look forward to the rest of the season together.
Spring Sports Registration
Spring Sports Registration is OPEN! Please click here to register.
Boys Tennis Preseason Practices
The Hill-Murray Boys Tennis program is hosting a series of preseason captains practices to help everyone get ready for the upcoming spring season, which begins March 23rd.
These sessions are open to any student who plans to play boys tennis this spring — whether you’re a returning player or new to the program. It’s a great way to knock the rust off, build skills, and connect with teammates before tryouts.
Captains Practice Schedule
• February 22 | 4:30–5:30 PM — Baseline Tennis Center
• March 2 | 7:30–9:00 PM — Baseline Tennis Center
• March 15 | 6:30–8:00 PM — Life Time Fitness (White Bear Lake)
• March 19th| 4:00 – 5:00 pm – Baseline Tennis Center
• March 22 | 4:30–5:30 PM — Baseline Tennis Center
Cost: $6 per session Please Venmo @Andy-Skoogman to Coach Skoogman after each session you attend, and be sure to include the date of the practice in the note.
We encourage all players planning to compete this spring to take advantage of these workouts — the more racquet time now, the better prepared you’ll be when the season begins.
Hope to see you on the courts!
Player/Parent Track & Field Information Meeting
There will be a player/parent track and field Info Meeting Sunday, February 22⋅4:00 – 5:00pm in the commons. Reach out to head coach Olivia Rodriguez (orodriguez@hill-murray.org) with any questions.
As we partner together to support student well-being, it is natural that some of the topics we explore can also impact family systems.
I often think about the word balance. Balance of courses for students, balance of downtime and involvement in activities, and balance of screen time. We know that while students do not have their cellphones during the school day, they do at other times. We also know we, as adults, can support them in learning how to navigate the digital world in a balanced way.
Below, you will find the link to a Family Social Standards Agreement from The Social Institute. The Social Institute is a partner of ours here at Hill-Murray, that equips students, families, and educators with tools/skills that impact learning, well-being, and student futures. This agreement can help create an opportunity for conversations within your family about screen/tech time and how it aligns with your family standards and values. Here is the link: Family Social Standards Agreement
Working on this agreement or adapting this agreement to fit your family needs can be a great step to supporting the well-being of not only your student but of your family as a whole.
Financial Aid Application Update
Although the TADS Financial Aid Application deadline of 01/15/2026 has passed, we
still encourage families to apply. Financial Aid is still available and will be awarded if a
need is assessed by your application. Please note that awards cannot be applied in
TADS until application is complete.
If you decide to apply, you will be asked to submit information from your 2024 Tax
Return (Form 1040) as well as 2025 W2’s.
Please do not hesitate to contact Christine Raney in the Business Office at
tadsbillings@hill-murray.org if you have any questions.
Senior All-Night Party Sponsorship Form
Dear Hill-Murray Community,
The Hill-Murray Class of 2026 Senior All-Night Party will be here before we know it.
The party will be held right after Graduation on Thursday, May 21st, from 10pm-5am at
The Burrow in Oakdale! The Seniors will enjoy a fun-filled night of axe throwing, arcade
games, pickleball, laser tag, mini bowling, mini golf, casino games, boxer bingo, sports
simulators, a class Family Feud game, caricaturists, prizes, and more!
The committee has been working hard to put together an amazing party to celebrate
everything that the Class of 2026 has accomplished.
On behalf of the committee, we are asking for your support as we are seeking
sponsorships to help to fund this amazing event for the graduates. If you, or someone
you know, would like to become a sponsor for this event, the sponsor form can be
downloaded here. While the sponsorship opportunities include three tiered levels, the
committee is also more than happy to accept higher donations and willing to be creative
in providing recognition for the same.
On behalf of all of the planning committee, we are so excited to celebrate the Class of
2026! Please contact us with any questions.
Colleen Monahan and Susan Larson
Chairs of 2026 Senior All Night Party Committee
hmseniorparty@gmail.com
Follow us on Instagram: @hm26seniorallnightparty
Uniform Purchasing Information
Uniforms can be purchased from the Game One uniform portal online. The portal is open for orders from the 1st-10th and 15th-25th each month. The uniform ordering portal can be found on our school website in the parent portal, under the uniforms link. Shipping takes 4-6 weeks, so plan accordingly. Spring is around the corner and soon enough you’ll want to start thinking about fresh new uniforms for next fall. If you have any questions, please email uniforms@hill-murray.org.
The Nicholas Center Summer Programs
2025 Summer Reading Program
The Nicholas Center at Hill-Murray School, in partnership with Youth Advantage of Stillwater,
invites all striving readers entering grades 1st-6th in the fall of 2026 to join us for The
Nicholas Center Summer Reading Program at Hill-Murray. The Summer Reading Program is a
6-week, structured literacy program that focuses on boosting students’ literacy skills, including
phonological and phonemic awareness, vocabulary development, morphology, comprehension,
and fluency.
Click here to learn more about the Summer Reading Program and to register.
Brilliant Strengths Course
Do you have a child with dyslexia who struggles with confidence and anxiety? If so, we’d love to
meet them! We invite your child to explore their own Brilliant Strengths in The Nicholas
Center at Hill-Murray on the afternoons of Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in June and
July for a course that aims to boost self-esteem and help students recognize their many
strengths, all while developing a love of reading! During this six-week course, 3rd – 6th-grade students will meet three fun characters who emphasize a few common strengths of people with dyslexia, including resilience, innovation, and connection.
Click here to learn about the Brilliant Strengths course for students with dyslexia.
