Strengthening Hill-Murray’s Identity for a Stronger Community
• May 29, 2024
Dear Hill-Murray Community,
We graduated 181 seniors at the Cathedral in a beautiful graduation Mass on Thursday evening, and I could not be prouder of our Pioneers. Their journeys are taking them all across the country from the Universities of Minnesota, St. Thomas and St. John’s, to the University of Wisconsin and Miami, from Penn State to the University of Notre Dame, and from Texas Christian University and the University of Tampa to Amherst and Dartmouth. Regardless of where they will be next year, as I told our students Friday, you will forever be a Pioneer…
As we say goodbye to the Class of 2024, we are already planning for the next school year. One area that has my attention is our uniform policy, philosophy, expectations, and daily enforcement. I would like to share my thoughts with you and assure you that we are on the right track regarding our desire to improve and enhance the uniform policy at Hill-Murray.
Uniform Philosophy and Expectations
At Hill-Murray, our uniform is more than just a dress code. It’s a symbol of our rich tradition, a testament to our strong community, and a marker of our unique identity. Hill-Murray’s uniform represents an environment where students can thrive academically and personally. While it can sound dramatic, we believe the uniform is crucial to our school culture. As I’ve learned from the many school reunions I’ve attended with graduates from the last 50 years, one’s high school uniform is something our graduates definitely remember (or complain about) for the rest of their lives.
We have uniforms at Hill-Murray to keep the focus on learning and promote school unity and respect within our halls and classrooms daily. Our uniforms are crucial in helping to keep unhelpful differences out while fostering a sense of belonging and the idea that the whole is more significant than any individual. It is a way to strengthen our school identity and spirit as well as free up brain space for students as they plan what to wear each day. We believe strongly in the importance of the Hill-Murray school uniform. With that said, the last few years since going through Covid have been difficult. Quite frankly, we were so focused on keeping students healthy and in class that enforcing the uniform policy took a back seat in some ways. Additionally, long before my time at Hill-Murray, it was decided that students could wear spirit wear/athletics/club wear any day of the week. While students have embraced this option, it has led to a sense that there is no standard uniform that promotes school unity and spirit.
School uniforms are a hallmark of Catholic education and, under my watch, will always be part of the Hill-Murray student experience. We want students to be proud of their uniform, comfortable, and willingly adhere to the components of the policy. Teachers and administrators are expected to enforce the policy in a kind and discreet manner, knowing that consistency and accountability are appreciated by families, school staff, and even the students. While enforcement can sometimes be tedious and uncomfortable for school staff and parents, we engage in the effort because we believe in the importance of the uniform, especially as it relates to our Catholic identity.
As our school community has grown by over 200 students in the last few years and will be well over 1000 students next year, we are in an excellent position to refresh and revitalize the uniform policy with the goal of strengthening our identity and supporting our values. Let’s level set – Why do we have uniforms at Hill-Murray? What are the values that undergird our uniform policy and practice?
We believe our Uniform Philosophy and Expectations should promote the following:
1. A Sense of Identity and School Spirit
Our uniform is more than just a piece of clothing; it symbolizes identity. It creates a powerful sense of belonging, creating a unity among students that transcends economic, social, and cultural differences. Wearing the uniform means students carry their school’s legacy, honoring the alums who came before them and upholding the values and principles for which their school stands. The uniform helps build a strong sense of community among students. When you see your classmates wearing the same uniform as you, you understand that you are all part of a shared experience.
2. Promoting Equality and Inclusion
Our uniforms are a powerful tool in promoting discipline and equality. By ensuring that everyone wears the same attire, we foster a sense of unity and discourage social hierarchies based on appearance. This commitment to equality means that students are judged by their actions, not their outfits, creating a more inclusive and fair environment for all.
3. Reducing Peer Pressure and Bullying
In a society where teenagers often face intense peer pressure to conform and fit in, our uniform should be a sanctuary of relief for students and their parents. The uniform removes pressure to keep up with the latest trends or purchase expensive clothing, which can be especially burdensome for students from lower-income backgrounds. In a uniform, all students look the same, eliminating one primary source of peer pressure.
4. Focus on Academics
One of the essential values of a Catholic school uniform is allowing students to concentrate on academics. Without the distraction of fashion or the social stress of dressing to impress, students can prioritize their education. They don’t have to spend precious minutes each morning deciding what to wear, allowing them to get to school on time and ready to learn.
5. Preparing for the Future
Beyond the high school years, the experience of wearing a school uniform has a lasting impact. It prepares students for the professional world, where dress codes and uniformity may be standard. The discipline, punctuality, and respect for rules learned in high school often carry over into college and the workplace, giving these students an edge regarding adaptability and professionalism.
The tradition of wearing a uniform will continue at Hill-Murray. But much like our curriculum, we will continue to evolve and innovate to meet the needs of our current students while staying grounded in best practices and tradition. In an era when many societal values are shifting, our uniform remains a symbol of tradition that continues to evolve and a testament to the enduring values of a PIONEER.
Sincerely,
Melissa Dan
Please note the following for the 2024 – 2025 School Year:
- Hill-Murray’s new UNIFORM website will open in mid-June and will be your one-stop shop for all approved uniform options. This will make it easier than ever to ensure your student is dressed appropriately for school. Orders will be taken throughout the summer, and we will send reminders in June and July so you can be sure to get your uniforms before the start of school in August. We are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible for you.
- As we stated last year,2023 – 2024 was the final year for all Hill-Murray girls to wear the gray Donald’s skirts.For 2024 – 2025, there will be black skort options, but students must purchase them through Hill-Murray’s UNIFORM Website through GameOne.
- The 2024-2025 school year will be the final year spirit/athletic/club wear will be allowed each day of the week at Hill-Murray School. Spirit wear/athletic/club wear will only be permitted on Fridays for the 2025-2026 school year. This gives a one-year grace period for those students, but for the 2025 – 2026 school year, athletic/spirit/club wear will only be allowed on Fridays.
