School’s Out, but H-M Crews are Already Getting Ready for Fall!

Dear H-M Community: 

There were no minor traffic jams on Larpenteur Avenue, no morning announcements, and no students in our classrooms yesterday.  But that doesn’t mean nothing’s happening at Hill-Murray! 

Immediately after we said goodbye to the students for another summer, crews were already preparing for their return this fall. The most notable projects taking place during the next few months are the upgrade of several classrooms and renovating the varsity gym. 

You may recall that we updated about a dozen classrooms last summer, and crews will be busy installing new technology and replacing old desks and other classroom furniture. We received positive feedback from teachers and students who experienced the new classrooms this past academic year.  Our goal is to continue creating a physical classroom environment, along with other learning spaces, that reflect the kind of educational experience we value.  For example, our projects support the physical space students need to be able to easily interact and collaborate as they engage in compelling conversation.  The classroom setup makes it comfortable and practical as students dig into topics and materials that challenge them academically as they continue to grow as critical thinkers and leaders.  

Crews will finish the varsity gym’s needed improvements and makeover this summer. The work began this spring with sanding and redesigning the floor, painting walls, and replacing the bleachers. I’m confident the changes will preserve our rich history but look and feel fresh and fabulous! We’ll send you photos of progress throughout the summer. 

Those are the two highest-profile, most noticeable projects over the next few months, but we are also replacing old concrete around the school, repainting the parking lot, and installing new exterior lighting. As we all know, little things can make a big difference. 

I’d be remiss if I didn’t say thank you to our generous community for helping us continue to transform our school and provide our students with an unbelievable experience. As educators, summer is a time to rest, relax, and get reinvigorated for the return of our students. 

Throughout the summer, you will continue to hear from me via the President’s Perspective. Our summer office hours are 8 am – 2 pm, Monday through Thursday, and Friday, 8 am – Noon. Please do not hesitate to call or stop by over the summer.  You are always invited to join us this summer for daily Mass with our Chaplain, Father Paolo, at 8:30 AM in the Chapel.  

Please check the school calendar for specific dates and details. 

And finally, our seniors graduated at the Cathedral of Saint Paul last night. To say we are proud of our students is an understatement, and I would ask that you keep our 161 graduates and their families in your prayers as their journey as a Hill-Murray student has ended and they begin their next well-deserved chapter.

Enjoy your summer, and you’ll hear from me again soon!