Walking Together Into a New School Year
Dear Hill-Murray Community,
We welcomed 1095 students to our campus this week!
At our opening all-staff meeting last week, I spoke with faculty about the idea of accompaniment. As caring adults in the lives of young people, we are blessed to walk alongside our students through their middle and high school years. They need us; they need our wisdom, compassion, guidance, and love. Sometimes their path is smooth, other times it’s challenging – either way, it is a sacred gift to be called to accompany young people. In the true Benedictine spirit, our faculty and staff do so with humility, patience, and steadfast love each day at Hill-Murray.
When students know they are cared for—whether they grasp the lesson or struggle with it, make a mistake or a good choice—they are given the best possible grounding for lifelong learning. For most of us, our greatest growth came not from our successes but from the challenges and trials that taught us grit, resilience, and faith. This summer, I re-read Big Panda, Tiny Dragon by James Norbury. As Tiny Dragon wisely reflects: “That tree has been through some rough times…” “Yes,” says Big Panda, “but it’s still here and it has gained strength and beauty.”
By accompanying adolescents in both their secure and insecure moments, we model what healthy relationships look like—the beauty and the messiness. It’s not always easy, but it is at the heart of why we are here: to guide, to support, and to walk faithfully with our students as they become the young adults God is calling them to be.
This spirit of accompaniment reflects the Benedictine way: “Let them support with the greatest patience one another’s weaknesses of body or behavior” (Rule of St. Benedict, 72). We walk together—in prayer, in learning, and in hope—trusting that God is shaping us all along the journey.
The start of a new school year brings its own kind of energy and joy. There’s a freshness in the air—new classes, new friendships, new goals—and with that comes great anticipation. 
Each year is a chance to begin again, to set intentions for growth, and to open ourselves to the surprises and blessings God has in store.
Finally, I want to thank you—our parents, families, and friends—for the many ways you support the Hill-Murray community. Your prayers, encouragement, time, and generosity make it possible for us to live out our mission each day. It is a privilege to partner with you in accompanying our students, helping them grow in wisdom, faith, and character. Together, we are building not just a school community, but a place where young people can become the people God is calling them to be.
Sincerely,
Melissa Dan, Ed.S.
Hill-Murray School President