President’s Perspective

Addressing Ongoing COVID-19 Concerns

Hill-Murray School President Melissa Dan
Melissa Dan • November 23, 2021

Dear Hill-Murray Community,

I don’t know about you, but I’m particularly grateful for my family, friends, and health this Thanksgiving holiday.

Over the past two years, we’ve seen COVID-19  take many lives and significantly alter the lives of people around the globe. As a society, we changed how we lived, worked, celebrated birthdays, get-togethers, and holidays.

Much has changed since early 2020, but, at the same time, so much remains the same.

We are again facing a COVID-19 surge in Minnesota, and Hill-Murray is not immune. Our leadership team is deeply committed to closely monitoring the evolving numbers and prioritizing the health and wellness of students and staff above all else. We firmly believe keeping students in school is paramount to their mental and academic well-being. But we also realize that we cannot compromise their physical health.

We’re enhancing our procedures to improve safety and the flow of information as the pandemic path remains difficult to predict.

First, our Covid Dashboard, located on the Parent/Student Portal of the website, now provides a grade-by-grade breakdown of the number of students who test positive for the virus.

Second, we continue to encourage everyone to follow these recommendations:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water.
  • Keep your child home when they are experiencing symptoms (especially fever and persistent cough)
  • Wear a face covering
  • Test your child if they have any symptoms
  • Talk with your health professional about the vaccination if eligible
  • Report positive test results to the H-M nurse. If parents need to contact anyone over Thanksgiving, they should do so at: nurse@hill-murray.org or call 651-748-2431

Thank you in advance for sharing this information. Our partnership with parents and families is a critical component as we continue to navigate today’s reality.

Lastly, our faculty and staff are the true heroes of our community. Let’s not forget all their hard work and dedication to our students as we gather around our Thanksgiving tables this week. 

May God bless you and your families. 

Melissa Dan, President