Week of 4/28/23
What's Happening at HPA This Week?
Message from the Head of School
Aloha HPA ʻohana,
Wow! What a dynamite week of fun and family connections! I am so grateful for the interactions and the support from you all – Ka Makani, you are awesome! Thank you!
Monday, May 1 — Lei Day — marks the start of HPA’s traditional May Day Challenge, which is dedicated this year to our treasured Stanford W. Shutes Track. What a fitting day to take on such an important campaign! Much like the lei we give to share our aloha and appreciation, we want to show our commitment and support to ensure Coach Stan Shutes’ legacy continues to thrive. A hero to all who were lucky enough to know him, I truly believe Coach Shutes would be proud of who we are today as the values he instilled in the programs he touched continue to be prominent in our current work, studies, and play.
Built in 2009, countless steps, soles, and competitions have taken a bit of a toll, and it’s become time to revitalize our treasured track with a new surface and new lines. Changing from its original cinder oval to a state-of-the-art surface for league competitions 14 years ago — striving for excellence in our programs often involves re-investment in our special facilities. This cycle is both a sign of age and durability, as well as an opportunity for rebirth.
Over four days, we’re aiming to raise $50,000, and if we’re successful, a generous donor will match those gifts with another $20,000!
Even if you’re not a track star, a triathlete in training, or even a casual runner, I know you can appreciate the many amazing Ka Makani moments that have happened in this special place. From football championships to Keiki Triathlons, Glow-athon fundraisers, and HPA Olympics — not to mention the immeasurable number of laps family and friends from our community have taken around the track just talking story or trying to improve upon their last time. The early morning sunrise as you round the Kohala corner and head back towards Maunakea is just as wonderous as the coastal sunset that can be seen from the stands of this iconic space.
From one coach to another, I know how important it is to take care of the spaces that make practice and play, as well as all the powerful lessons that naturally occur in between, possible. A landmark for all to see as they pass by campus, we strive to maintain the beauty and spirit of this special play space. Humble and proud, Stan Shutes and the track and field named in his honor, embodies the simplicity and sheer joy that an active, wholesome lifestyle provides.
Keep your eyes open for emails and on our social media platforms for additional details! I hope you will join us in this effort.
As we round the corner into this last month of school — final exams and end-of-year celebrations will take center stage. It can be a lot to navigate at once, especially for our students in transitional stages (I’m looking at you, 5th, 8th, and 12th graders!) At this time, more than ever, the power of a consistent routine can assist in propelling you forward. As former track star and current Cross Country coach Kimo Higgins shares, Coach Shutes used to say at the end of every practice, “Touch your toes, go home, and do your homework.”
We’re almost there, let’s cross the finish line strong!
Have a great weekend!
Best,
Fred Wawner
Head of School
School Bulletins for the Week of 4/28/23
Lower School
Each week, Lower School Principal Dora Kwong writes a message to K-5 families highlighting joyful moments and meaningful lessons and offering a glimpse into what students and parents can plan for in the weeks ahead.
From the desk of your Division Principal, Dora Kwong
Aloha Lower School families,
The excitement of May Day preparations are upon us and our students are united in mele and hula in preparation for this annual showcase. Mahalo to families who have already volunteered through the ʻOhana Association to help us decorated the stage. If you are so inclined, we would love more support to help our Lower School students shine. Here is the ʻOhana Association link to sign up.
As a reminder, this coming week, all Lower School students in K-5 will be spending some time at the Upper Campus, rehearsing at Gates Performing Arts Center (GPAC). Students will be shuttled back and forth between the Village Campus and Upper Campus by bus during the school day. However, there are specific times and days when families will need to drop off or pick up their child(ren) directly to/from rehearsal. Please refer to the following chart for details. You can also find information from your child(ren)’s grade level communication/newsletter(s):
For families who are unable to attend our May Day performance in person, here is the livestream link. Please feel free to share with your ʻohana!
Here is also the link to our email message from a few weeks back, which details our protocols. As a reminder, children will be dismissed immediately following the program at 11:00 am.
Should you have any questions about this coming week’s rehearsals or the performance itself on Friday, May 5, at 9:30 am, please reach out to me directly. I look forward to seeing you there!
Have a beautiful weekend, Lower School ʻohana!
Me ka mahalo nui,
Dora Kwong
Lower School Principal
A note from Mr. Chickering, Middle School Principal
Aloha Grade 5 families,
I know it’s hard to believe — as I went through it just last year! — but your children are heading into Middle School next year! Middle School is a time of change — with multiple teachers, new schedules, new programs, lockers, and more! It can be a lot to wrap your head around for both students and parents, and in order to shed some light on these changes, we will be hosting a few activities the week of May 15.
On Monday, May 15, from 3:30 to 4:40 pm in the Village Campus Drama Hall, we will host a parent information session to share the overall structure of the Middle School and answer questions you may have. Students are welcome to come to this as well, but we will also be hosting a few sessions for them during school that week.
Ms. Baydo will be bringing a group of 6th-grade students to her time with Grade 5 on Tuesday, May 16, to answer 5th-grade students’ questions and help share some insights to demystify 6th grade and Middle School.
On Wednesday, May 17, I will host the Grade 5 students for a preview of the Middle School program, a tour of the Middle School area, and a special recess on Kohala Field.
I hope these sessions will give a good overview of what to expect and what to be excited about when we start 6th grade in August. Please know that you can always reach out to me with questions at any time.
All my best,
Glenn Chickering
Middle School Principal
gchickering@hpa.edu
Capstone Update from K-8 Capstone Coordinator Dagan Bernstein
Mahalo, mahalo, mahalo! My deepest gratitude to our learning community for supporting our 5th-grade students at their capstone presentations and Sustainability Fair. Their presentations were reflective, engaging, and exemplified our core value of the pursuit of excellence. This is a team effort, and I don’t have enough room to list all the people that help bring these significant projects to life. Kumu, families, community members, administrators–we all work together to support our students. It is an honor to be part of this team. Great job, 5th graders!
Schedule
Our K-5 classes continue with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, May 1.
We encourage all families to check the School Calendar in myHPA for the most up-to-date information. In addition, a list of Key Dates (school opening and closures) can also be located on the Lower School Family Resources tile located in myHPA.
Coming Up
• Saturday, April 29, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm: ʻOhana Association General Meeting & Elections; Gates Performing Arts Center (GPAC); movie screening of Yes Day!
• Friday, May 5: 9:30 to 11:00 am: K-5 May Day performance, GPAC. Volunteer for the decorating committee here!
Student Support
Ms. Baydo (K-8 School Counselor) rbaydo@hpa.edu and Mr. Ludes (K-8 Learning Specialist) jludes@hpa.edu are available to discuss and support social-emotional and academic concerns for your child(ren). Please connect with them via email.
Past Email Communications
All past email communications can be accessed by visiting the Lower School Family Resources tile on myHPA and scrolling down to Past Parent Email Communications, 2022-2023.
myHPA
In addition to Seesaw, many important resources can be located on our community portal, myHPA. Check the Lower School Family Resources tile for the most up-to-date information.
Summer at HPA
Ka Makani Keiki Camp
Arts, sports, hiking, and enrichment on campus and around our island to fill the summer days. Runs weekly from June 5 to July 28. Registration is now open, so reserve your spot today!
Middle School
Each week, Middle School Principal Glenn Chickering pens a note to 6-8 families reflecting on the activities and accomplishments of the week and previewing what students and parents can look forward to in the coming days.
From the desk of your Division Principal, Glenn Chickering
Aloha Middle School families,
With May just around the corner and so much going on nowl and in the weeks ahead, there is plenty of energy and excitement on campus. While a big part of the last weeks of school are about looking ahead, we are remembering to savor these moments and celebrate all we have accomplished this year and staying present to finish the year strong.
Now that our 8th grade capstone presentations are complete, the Class of 2027 begins to turn their attention toward transitioning to the Upper Campus. We got things started on Thursday, by taking our Grade 8 students to the Upper Campus to meet key administrators, faculty and staff, tour the campus with upper school student leaders, and attend some of the 12th-grade capstone presentations.
Our 8th-grade Dinner and Dance is coming up on Saturday, May 6, at Anna Ranch. Dress is semi-formal. Nice aloha wear works too!
6:00 – 6:30 pm: Arrival and photo booth (this will also be open through the dance)
6:30 – 7:30 pm: Dinner; Menu:
- Antipasto platter with marinated artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, roasted red peppers, and roasted garlic
- Gluten-free penne pasta
- Penne bolognese
- Caesar salad
- Garlic bread
- Porcini mushroom and cheese ravioli
7:30 – 9:00 pm: Dancing
9:00 pm: Pick-up at Anna Ranch
Sign-up sheets for helping if you can: 8th-grade Dinner and Dance volunteer form
And looking ahead to our TransitionCeremony on Wednesday, May 24:
8th-grade Transition Ceremony Decorating Crew volunteer form for Tuesday, May 23.
On Friday, May 12, we will present our Middle School Performing Arts Showcase, where Middle School students from our Theater class will be performing plays written for them by students in our Playwriting class. We will also hear our ʻUkelele Ensemble perform some of their favorite pieces. Parents are welcome to attend these performances at Gates Performing Arts Center (GPAC) on the Upper Campus. The show starts at 1:30 pm. Please enter the Upper Campus through the east gate nearest the Tennis Center.
Speaking of Middle School Performing Arts, many of you will have heard that Ms. Tali will be moving on at the end of this school year for new opportunities. We are filled with gratitude for the time Ms. Tali spent with us and the energy and care she gave to our students.
We will be welcoming Kelly Wadlegger to our team next year as our Performing Arts Teacher. Kelly will be moving to Hawaiʻi Island after having lived on Oʻahu and Maui, after always keeping her eye on a chance to relocate here to join HPA and family on the island. Kelly brings a wealth of experience teaching Middle School Performing Arts while collaborating with teachers and infusing Hawaiian culture to her students’ performances. We are excited to welcome her to the team.
Please remember to keep your eye on the Coming Up section below, as there is lots going on as we celebrate a great school year.
I hope you have a great weekend!
Mahalo,
Glenn Chickering
Middle School Principal
Capstone Update from K-8 Capstone Coordinator Dagan Bernstein
Hulō to our 8th-grade students! And a huge mahalo to our families, kumu, administrators and staff, members of our community, and everyone who is part of this ʻohana at HPA! It is through our shared efforts that we are able to bring the students’ capstone projects to life. Watching the 8th graders present to our panelists for assessment as well as during our culminating exhibition in Hale ʻĪnana reminds us of what our core value of the pursuit of excellence looks like in action. My sincerest gratitude to our entire learning community for working together to support our students as they “strive for the highest and best result.”
Schedule
Our Middle School 2022-2023 Daily Schedule continues with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, May 1.
We encourage all families to check the School Calendar in myHPA for the most up-to-date information. In addition, a list of Key Dates (school opening and closures) can also be located on the Middle School Family Resources tile located in myHPA.
Coming Up
• Saturday, April 29, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm: ʻOhana Association General Meeting & Elections; Gates Performing Arts Center (GPAC); movie screening of Yes Day!
• Monday, May 1: Advisor Reports published
• Saturday, May 6: Grade 8 Dinner and Dance at Anna Ranch, from 6:30 to 9:00 pm
• Monday, May 8, and Tuesday, May 9: Upper School Registrar visit to go over 9th grade schedules
• Friday, May 12: Middle School Performing Arts Showcase at GPAC, from 1:45 to 3:00 pm. Parents welcome
• Tuesday, May 23: Grade 6 and 7 Class Retreats; Grade 8 drop-off at GPAC for Transition Ceremony practice
• Wednesday, May 24: Grade 8 Transition Ceremony at GPAC, from 10:00 to 11:00 am. Parents and guests are welcome. Students will be dismissed following the ceremony.
Student Support
Please remember that we will be outside as much as possible during lunch and recess, so a rain jacket for light rains and a pareo or small beach towel for picnicking will be great to have at school. Students should also bring a water bottle to school each day.
Ms. Baydo (K-8 School Counselor) rbaydo@hpa.edu and Mr. Ludes (K-8 Learning Specialist) jludes@hpa.edu are available to discuss and support social-emotional and academic concerns for your child(ren). Please connect with them via email.
Digital Citizenship Resources for Parents
Parenting in the Digital Age: Resources for Parents
Past Email Communications
All past email communications can be accessed by visiting the Middle School Family Resource tile on myHPA and scrolling down to ‘Past Email Communications, 2022-2023’.
myHPA
myHPA is where you can find all the resources related to your child’s learning. Two key resource boards that we would like to draw your attention to are the Middle School Family Resources, and the Middle School Student Resources.
Summer at HPA
ZeePro Soccer Hawaiʻi International Training Camp
These special camps are a great opportunity for keen young soccer players to get a taste of what it is to be training and playing like the Pro Academy players at Manchester city or FC Barcelona. We offer a mini version of our Advanced Camp for beginner and intermediate level players. The curriculum will outline the Elite Player Development method of ZeePro, including the 5 main Pathways of Elite Soccer. There will be a variety of games, small sided scrimmages, and even a chance to train with our Toca Touch Trainer soccer robot. It is a not to miss chance to Train and Play like a Pro!
Upper School
From the desk of your Poʻo Kumu (Division Principal), Kaʻai Spencer
Aloha e nā ʻohana o ka makani!
This week has been filled with some very inspirational moments that all come as a result of the amazing work of our students. As many of you know, our seniors have been presenting their capstone projects all week in our GPAC theatre. Another opportunity to highlight some of our seniors was in our chapel for the return of HPA’s Senior Speaker Series. Both of these events have provided an amazing platform for senior students to showcase their research, personal experiences, and advice for the underclassmen.
The senior capstone presentations have been incredible. I wish that I could be available to see all of them because I am sure I am missing out on some presentations that would fill me with excitement and joy. It is great to see the grand visions that come about in some of the projects. Similarly, the people who have been interviewed and served as community mentors for our students are fostering a great deal of innovation and creativity that help build trust in the belief that our future is in good hands. These connections are very important and necessary for guiding our students to the future with experience and direction.
The second platform that has featured a couple of our seniors was in the chapel. Senior students Parker Smith and Alden Mazo presented speeches to the entire school in our newly renovated Davies Chapel. The last time we gathered as a whole school in the chapel was when our seniors were freshmen. With that in mind, it was a fun way for them to go full circle and lead the return to that beautiful space. Both of their speeches focused on gratitude for their experiences at HPA. They spoke about relationships, opportunities, memories, and hopes for the underclassmen in the audience. It is clear that featuring our students is one of the best ways to inspire other students.
Our students are multi-talented, and they have interests that ensure a bright future. They have attention to areas that I would have never thought of on my own. For these reasons, I am forever grateful for the inspiration they have given me.
Ke aloha nō,
Kaʻai Spencer
Upper School Poʻo Kumu
Schedule
Our Upper School 2022-2023 Daily Schedule will resume as an Mamo day with in-person instruction on our Upper Campus on Monday, May 1.
We encourage all students and families to access the School Calendar in myHPA for the most up-to-date information. In addition, a list of Key Dates (school opening and closures) can also be located on the Upper School Family Resources tile located in myHPA.
Coming Up
• Saturday, April 29, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm: ʻOhana Association General Meeting & Elections; Gates Performing Arts Center (GPAC); movie screening of Yes Day!
• Monday, May 1 – Thursday, May 11: AP Exams
Student Support
Should your child need additional learning support, we encourage you to reach out to JoAn Canning, our Upper School Learning Support Center Director, by emailing jcanning@hpa.edu. In addition, our counselors are ready to assist any student who needs additional support to navigate these unusual and unprecedented times. Please feel free to reach out to the Upper Campus counseling team of Tiffany Freitas at 808-881-4038 or tfreitas@hpa.edu and Steve Furchner at 808-640-4441 or sfurchner@hpa.edu.
Ka Makani Athletics
Our spring athletic schedule has been updated, and be sure to check out the weekly schedule as well. You can also access the athletics schedule on the myHPA calendar.
College Counseling
Support for Seniors and Senior Families
While many seniors have already received news from their colleges, others are awaiting admissions decisions and financial aid offers that will arrive in the coming weeks. Wherever your senior is in this process, College Counseling is here to help, whether by talking through college options, offering support and guidance, or helping to interpret financial aid packages.
For your reference, we are including two articles that we hope you will find useful.
Helping Your Teen Make a College Decision
College Rejection: How to Take the Sting Out of Difficult News
We also recommend Karen Coburn’s Letting Go: A Parents’ Guide to Understanding the College Years as an excellent parent resource for processing the transition to college. Please reach out at college@hpa.edu if you need us. We look forward to our continued work with you.
Testing
Aloha AP Students! AP Exams will commence Monday, May 1, 2023. A schedule of exams and exam locations will be posted near the exit of the dining hall. Students testing with accommodations will be notified of their exam schedule and locations via email. You will all be receiving email reminders for any test you are registered to take. Please be sure to check your email regularly for any updates or changes.
You are required to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to an exam. That means students testing at 8:00 am must report no later than 7:30 am, and students testing at 12:00 pm must report no later than 11:30 am.
For afternoon exams, please do not enter any exam space until the proctor directs you to, in case the morning test goes longer than expected. Students may not be dismissed from the exam room until an exam has officially ended for all students, so please plan accordingly.
Below are some important reminders for test day:
What to bring to the exam:
- Two sharpened No. 2 pencils (with erasers) for completing multiple-choice sections
- Two pens, with black or dark blue ink only, for completing booklet covers and free-responses
- Up to two approved calculators with the necessary capabilities (Allowed only for AP Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics, and Statistics exams)
- A ruler or straightedge if taking an AP Physics Exam
- A photo ID (student ID is fine)
- A snack and water bottle for breaks
- A jacket or sweater, in case the room temperature is below your comfort level
Do NOT Bring to the exam:
- Electronic equipment (phones, smart watches, or wearable technology of any kind, laptops, tablet computers, Bluetooth devices, portable listening or recording devices— MP3 player, iPod, etc.— cameras or other photographic equipment, devices that can access the internet, separate timers of any type, and any other electronic or communication devices)
- Books, compasses, correction fluid, dictionaries, highlighters, or notes
- Mechanical pencils, No. 3 pencils, or colored pencils
- Rulers or straightedges (these are allowed only for Physics exams)
- Protractors
- Scratch paper (notes can be made on portions of the exam booklets or, for Chinese Language and Culture, and Japanese Language and Culture, on scratch paper provided by the proctor)
- Computers or calculators (except as previously noted)
- Reference guides, keyboard maps, or other typing instructions
- Watches that beep or have an alarm
- Food or drink
- Clothing or shoes with subject-related information
- Earplugs
- Clipboards
Food and drink are prohibited in the exam room; however, students are allowed to bring a snack and beverage for the 10-minute break.
Please remember to abide by the policies of both the College Board and Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy during the exam period. Any misconduct will be reported and could jeopardize your AP Exam score.
Scores will be available to students online at apscore.org in July. Students will also be able to access their scores at that time by signing in through My AP.
Please reach out to me at testing@hpa.edu with any questions.
Wishing you all the best with your AP exams!
Accessing Scores from the School Day ACT
Scores from the April 4th School Day ACT exam will be available 4-8 weeks after the exam date. Once scores become available, students will receive an email from ACT with directions on how to access exam scores through their myact.org account.
Class of 2023
Mahalo to all the families who completed the Commencement ticket survey with their soon-to-be graduates. We are reviewing everyone’s responses and are working to accommodate as many people as possible. To clarify, if a senior has a sibling who attends HPA — they do not need a ticket out of the allotment of six (6) given to each senior. These HPA students and/or employees may sit with their families in the ticketed-seating section (NOT the employee/student section).
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at graduation@hpa.edu if we can be of assistance.
Links:
Class of 2023 End-of-Year Events Ticket Survey
Class of 2023 End-of-Year Events reminder email – March 19, 2023
Grad Night 2023 Volunteer Form
Class of 2023 End-of-Year Events – ʻOhana meeting – January 31, 2023
Class of 2023 End-of-Year Events – Resource Board & Slides
Class of 2023 End-of-Year Events – Calendar
Student Life
Congratulations to our new 2023-2024 Student Council!
Executive Student Council
Alden Collinson – President
Alex Goodman – Vice President
Ariana Hudgins – Secretary
Eric Tang – Treasurer
Luke Linebaugh – Executive Dorm Rep
Class Representatives
Class of 2024
Michael House
Greyson Shin
Ben Wyatt
Class of 2025
Lily Hodges
Charlotte Kassis
Wynter Radey-Morgan
Class of 2026
Chole Jung
Henry Mailing
Pemma Norbu
In October 2023, we will elect three Class Representatives for the Class of 2027. Until then, please join me in congratulating the 2023-2024 Student Council.
Mahalo for all the student participation in our elections!
Residential Life
With less than a month left in the current year, our residential students are preparing for the end of the year, transitioning to the next, and looking forward to summer! In addition to focusing on their academic work and upcoming exams, there are a number of events to look forward to, including our final Lava Lounge of the year, our annual Dorm Wars Closing Ceremonies, Formal Dinner, celebrations, and many more activities!
To prepare for summer and move-out, students were informed this past week of the process for packing up their rooms.
- Starting next week, to help students start to declutter and begin slowly packing up, we will be holding a clothing and school supplies drive to benefit local students in need.
- All returning students may store up to three (3) boxes or suitcases in our locked storage closets for the summer. The school has a limited supply of storage boxes that students are welcome to utilize.
- Graduating seniors who wish to sign out with their families before graduation are welcome to do so, but will be required to fully pack up their rooms before doing so. They may leave a set of bed sheets and a small bag with clothes they will need for Baccalaureate, Commencement, and Grad Night, but should otherwise be moved out.
As we look ahead to next year, we want to recognize the students who stepped forward to lead our residential community next year. After a series of individual interviews, applications, and a group interview process, the residential faculty are pleased to announce the students who will be serving as next year’s dormitory prefects. We look forward to working alongside them next year to help make our community and student experience as positive and welcoming as it can be!
Miron Amanai Van Duijvenbode
Samuel Faiola
Alexander Goodman
Martina Guerra Bovea
Maxwell Heilmann
Victoria Holmes
Regan Jackson
Isabella Jeffers
Mailee Johnson
Mingyeol (Justin) Kim
Chun Cheng (Bruce) Lee
Luke Linebaugh
Alexander Link
Murphy Makely
Marcela Rodriguez Millan
Haruno Murakami
Sumire Nagai
Katherine Philpott
Contessa Ricci
Daniela Rojas-Castelblanco
Rowan Schiermeyer
James Skyrm
Zixun (Eric) Tang
Jack Van der Reis
Zane Vannatta
Benjamin Wyatt
Lily Yamauchi
Past Email Communications
All past email communications can be accessed by visiting the Upper School Family Resources tile on myHPA and scrolling down to ‘Past Email Communications, 2022-2023’.
myHPA
myHPA is where you can find all the resources related to your child’s learning. Two key resource boards that we would like to draw your attention to are the ‘Upper School Family Resources and the ‘Upper School Student Resources.
Summer at HPA
Summer Academies
Do you have a passion you want to pursue? Our specialized four-week academies are designed for day and boarding middle and high school students ages 11-17. Runs from June 26 to July 21. Reserve your spot now, as spaces are filling up!
All-School
Need to know information for our entire Ka Makani ʻohana.
Advancement & Alumni
May Day Challenge
Next Monday, we launch HPA’s traditional May Day Challenge, dedicated this year to our iconic Stanford W. Shutes Track. Over four days, we aim to raise $50,000 toward a new surface and new lines, which have seen many Ka Makani victories and a LOT of miles since construction in 2009. If we are successful, a generous donor will match those gifts with another $20,000 to the effort!!
Stay tuned for our Monday launch. (And for those of you eager to get started, don’t hold back!) Our track holds many memories—get ready to share your favorites. See you online!
HPA Fund
As we enter the final months of the school year, please take a moment to make your annual gift to the HPA Fund. We rely on the generosity of or current families, along with alumni, and friends, to sustain the outstanding educational experience we offer every student, every day, here at HPA.
School Gardens (check!), two libraries (check!), experiential learning (check!), beautiful campus community (check!), amazing and dedicated faculty (check! check!) – none of this is possible without the HPA Fund! If you haven’t made your gift, there’s still time! Want to know more about the Fund and everything it makes possible for our students? Visit our Priorities & Impact page.
P.S. Save the Date!
Mark your calendars, Alu Mai 2023 is coming! It’s never too early to start planning for a FABULOUS party in support of a WONDERFUL cause! Save the date for this year’s Alu Mai Gala in Support of Financial Aid at HPA. Can’t wait to see you there!
ʻOhana Association
It’s the most important time of the school year — celebrating our teachers! We could use your help showing them love for everything they do for our kids.
P.S. Save the Date!
Our ʻOhana Association elections are coming up this Saturday, April 29, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, at the Gates Performing Arts Center (GPAC) on the HPA Upper Campus. Refreshments will be served, so please come and enjoy.
For those who may be interested in joining the ʻOhana Board, we have some terrific board leadership opportunities open including Lower School Vice-President, Middle School Vice-President, events coordinators for Lower and Middle School, community liaison, and more. You can read the job descriptions here. It is a wonderful way to meet and connect with other HPA families. To learn more or get involved, please email ohana@hpa.edu.
Village Campus Teacher Appreciation
National Teacher Appreciation Week is Monday, May 8 through Friday, May 12! In celebration of our Village Campus faculty and staff, the ʻOhana Association with support from K-8 families, will be hosting a luncheon on Wednesday, May 10. Please sign up here to donate food, small gifts, and lei. Lei will be distributed by the 5th graders on Aloha Friday. In addition, K-8 students are asked to make signs, thank you cards, and decorations to adorn their classroom doors and honor the wonderful faculty and staff at the Village Campus. Lower School room parents will help organize Lower School door decorating on Sunday, May 7, and we would love the support of any Middle School students or families! Please email Ohana_vpmiddle@hpa.edu if your Middle Schooler can help decorate!
Thank you so much for your support, Village Campus families! If you have any questions or can help with Teacher Appreciation Week activities, please email Ohana_vplower@hpa.edu
Park for Coffee
There is another Park for Coffee on Friday, May 12, 2023, from 7:45 to 8:30 am at the Village Campus. Come and enjoy coffee, donuts, and conversation (bring your own mug!). We look forward to seeing you there!
COVID-19 Policies & Information
While masks continue to be optional indoors and outdoors, there will be times when we will require everyone — students, families, guests, and employees — to wear masks. You will be notified in these instances. Everyone, regardless of age or vaccination status, must have a clean mask with them at all times should HPA officials determine they are necessary.
- HPA COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, 2022-2023
- HPA Community Safety Pledge, 2022-2023
- HPA COVID-19 Positive Cases Policy
- HPA COVID-19 Decision Tree
For a complete directory of all our health and safety protocols, please review our COVID-19 Policies & Information Resource Board on myHPA.
Health & Wellness
Hawaii Poison Control Center has trained nurses, pharmacists, and toxicologists available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. They offer free advice, and it is 100 % confidential. Their telephone number should be on everyone’s cell phone: 1-800-222-1222.
Hawaii CARES (formerly The Crisis Line of Hawaii) offers 24-hour-a-day, 7-days-a-week resources, including crisis and mental health resources and substance use treatment services. If you or someone you know need help, please call 9-8-8 or 1-800-753-6879 OR text ALOHA to 741741.
Isaacs Art Center
Isaacs Art Center is free and open to the public, Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and on Saturdays by appointment. Gallery works for sale may also be viewed on our website. Be sure to also visit our Instagram and Facebook pages for highlights from ongoing exhibitions. Sales from gallery artwork have supported the HPA Financial Aid program since its opening in 2004.
Safety Protocols
Campus Access
During this time, campus access is limited to current students, employees, essential contractors, and approved guests — all of whom have completed a daily thermal/symptom check and a screening questionnaire. Guests to campus will have had their hosting faculty or staff member fill out the appropriate form and will have received permission from their supervisor.
Should a student’s family member need a meeting with a faculty, staff, or administrative team member, kindly contact them so that they can apply to have you come to campus. From that point, security team members will be alerted to your appointment date and time and let you onto campus.
At the Upper School, please do not park and walk onto campus without an appointment. Similarly, at the Village Campus, kindly call or email for an appointment so that arrangements can be made. Mahalo for your understanding and respect for this process.
If you See Something, Say Something
We ask all families to join HPA in keeping our campus safe. While on the HPA campus, if you see anything out of the ordinary, we ask that you please report it to the school or local authorities immediately. This will help us maintain the safest campus for our students.
• Imminent threat to life or property: call 911 immediately and email Mark Noetzel at mnoetzel@hpa.edu
• Anything out of the ordinary: email Mark Noetzel at mnoetzel@hpa.edu
CrisisGo for Parents
It is important that all families are set up with CrisisGo, HPA’s school emergency communication tool. To set up CrisisGo SMS/Email subscription, please click on this invitation link and complete the form by adding your name, email, and cell number (this is an important step if you would like to receive an SMS message) and click on the Subscribe button. Should an emergency occur, you will be alerted by email and SMS messaging. You can also locate these instructions by logging into myHPA, clicking on the resource tab, and selecting the CrisisGo Safe2SpeakUp tile.
Safe2SPeakUp for Middle and Upper Students
Families, it is extremely important that the school is able to communicate not only with parents/guardians, but also with each student, via their mobile device. We are asking all students in grades 6-12, who bring a phone to school, to download theSafe2SpeakUp app.
Safe2SpeakUp allows us to inform students of emergency events when immediate action is needed. Teachers and administrators would also receive the information so that our community is on the same page. Please review the instructions below and assist your child with downloading the Safe2SpeakUp app.
This is a companion app to CrisisGo, an app that teachers and administrators use on their devices. It will allow the school to alert students of emergencies that happen on or off campus and enable students to communicate with us about their safety status. They can also use the app to alert the school anonymously about any behaviors they are concerned about.
All students can also submit an Online Bully/Harassment report by clicking on this link, which can also be located on the CrisisGo Safe2SpeakUp tile on myHPA.
All students can also submit an Online Bully/Harassment report by clicking on this link, which can also be located on the CrisisGo Safe2SpeakUp tile on myHPA.