Week of 12/1/23
What's Happening at HPA This Week?
Message from the Head of School
Aloha HPA ʻohana,
It is wonderful to have everyone back on our campuses after a well-deserved break. These next few weeks are fast-moving and action-packed as we begin to focus on closing out the semester. We also seem to always work in a little fun, some winter athletic competitions, a performance or two, even a robotics competition to keep things exciting. Did I say fun? I mean exuberant, exclamatory, and exceptional! Dang, November really is impressive! But, our critical focus is on finishing our academic semester by striving for the best result. Pursuit of excellence, one might cite. ‘Tis the season!
As the cold moon rises and stays in the sky a bit longer, greeting the sun each morning, it reminds us that winter in Hawai’i is a bit different, a bit unique, and truly special. Our waves come a little more often and a whole lot bigger. The cool evening air gets a little cooler, and the larger, tumultuous rain storms often leave peaceful pearls of snow on the top of Maunakea. Makahiki season is an important time of rest and reflection and the welcomed rejuvenation that it brings. It also marks an important milestone in Hawaiʻi’s history, Lā Kūʻokoʻa, which we recognize with a full day of special programming at our Upper School designed to inform and inspire our community.
We are hunkering down here at HPA as students and teachers are busy preparing for the end of the semester. This is when students are diligently focused on their learning and are preparing to demonstrate their learning through final exams and other forms of assessments. It is at this moment when students really challenge themselves and are able to apply all of the learning they’ve accumulated over the semester and prior years. This is a critical point in the learning process. A time where preparation meets opportunity. The gathering of class notes, organizing all the past quizzes and tests, the formation of study packets and practice tests, making review flashcards, attending help sessions and early morning study groups, and the late night cram sessions complete with munchies— all while continuing to navigate challenging coursework and still engaging with co-curriculars, athletics, and school clubs. There is a wonderful sense of urgency in bringing closure to the semester and the act of pushing to demonstrate mastery of certain materials stays with us through our future endeavors. Rigor is good in this context. We are learners and strivers and building these habits while maintaining our health is what it is all about. Our students are better for enduring through this process and more often than not are well prepared to rise to the occasion. And on the last day of exams, the entire school takes a deep sigh that reflects a collective sense of pride and achievement for our students who successfully worked their way through this process.
I am wishing everyone a shared clarity and focus in these last days of our semester – and full hearts and hopes for these awesome young people who work hard each day at HPA. We are proud of our students and thankful for everyone who supports their paths.
Have a great weekend and aloha Friday,
Fred Wawner
Head of School
School Bulletins for the Week of 12/1/23
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,
Last week’s Wā Pilina Makahiki games with 8th graders hosting K-5 was a fun-filled day of culture and connection to remember! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday weekend following. I am glad to see the students get back into our schedules and reconnect upon our return to school this week.
Monday kicked us off with our Lower School Assembly continuing the theme of pilina (connectedness). Head of School, Mr. Wawner, joined us and brought along some very special guests, HPA juniors Eli H., ‘25, and Matty I., ‘25. Some of you may recall from several weeks back that 2nd-grader, Paxton G., shared his love and passion for ʻukelele by playing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, while 4th-grader, Alex S., showcased his solid speedcubing abilities. Connecting to Paxton’s performance, Eli further inspired us with his mesmerizing ʻukelele skills, his fingers moving seemingly effortlessly across the fretboard, showing a deep connection with, and strong dedication to, his instrument. The beautiful melodies he played were joyful to hear and gentle to the ears, exhibiting strong musicianship and expressiveness. After Eli, connecting to Alex’s showcase, Matty solved five cubes in about 30 seconds certainly proving he has earned his title as the number one speedcuber in North America and #6 in the world (!). Lower Schoolers watched in awe, witnessing Mattyʻs dexterity and precision as he transitioned seamlessly solving one cube after another. What wonder! What pursuit of excellence! What inspiration for all of us. The collective appreciation in the room for both Upper Schoolers was palpable with thunderous applause and cheering. Mahalo to Mr. Wawner and our special guests for reminding us of so many important lessons — of the many different journeys we may be so fortunate to travel, that there are reflections of ourselves all around us, that the pursuit of excellence starts with wonder, that hard work and dedication reaps its own rewards, and that there is pilina in our community everywhere we may turn.
Our K-8 Garden Educator, Ms. Lauren Prutow-McKenna, also shared with us about pilina – specifically our pilina with our wider island community. She gave us important updates on the learning and work our K-8 students have been doing, and continue to do, in our productive Village Campus Ulumau garden to grow fruits and vegetables to share with our community. Through their efforts, our school gardens (both Ulumau and Ulu Mālama) have shared over 900 pounds of fresh produce with our many community partners this year alone! Regular donations, such as giving to weekly community meals, in addition to special events, such as our Pinch Pot Harvest Fête, are opportunities we hold on to as learning and giving moments when we show our love and aloha to our community. Mahalo to Mrs. Prutow-McKenna and all our garden growers!
Coming up, on Wednesday, December 13, at Davies Memorial Chapel at the Upper Campus, the Lower School will be holding our annual Holiday Chapel event. A beloved tradition that goes back decades, Holiday Chapel is a time when we gather as a Lower School ʻohana to celebrate the season. Our 4th and 5th-grade students will be featured performers in the ensemble chime and bell choirs, sharing music from Hanukkah, Christmas, and winter carols from around the world with our entire Lower School community. This will also be a time for us to gather donations in support of the work of Hawaii Diaper Bank, an organization helping families on Hawaiʻi Island and Maui. If you are so inclined, please bring new diapers and unwrapped toys for babies and children 5 and under for our collection and donation. We hope to see you at this event!
More closely, tomorrow Saturday, December 2, K-8 EdTech Specialist, Mrs. Mellon Monello, will be leading two Village Campus Robotics teams to Oʻahu to compete in the First Lego League Challenge State Championship. If you are interested in checking out the live stream, here is the schedule and QR codes to watch and keep up with the scores. Our fifth-grade team is the Frog 5 (61762) and our 6th-grade team is the Pickle Dawgs (53300). You can also check out a mini-documentary from the qualifying tournament featuring our very own 4th grader, India A.!
Join all the action on Saturday, December 2: Match schedule; Match scores; Live match video
This weekend, there will also be ample opportunities to engage in pilina in person together as December and the holiday season is upon us. Perhaps you may join us at the Parker Ranch Tree Lighting, where the Village Campus handbell choir will be one of the featured performers. Or will we see you at the Waimea Holiday Parade where Lower Schoolers are invited to ride the float? We hope so! (Remember to meet at the Village Campus at 4:30 pm first!)
Have a beautiful weekend, Lower School ‘ohana.
Mālama pono,
Dora Kwong
Lower School Principal
Schedule
Our K-5 classes continue with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Tuesday, December 5.
As a reminder, Monday, December 4, is a Faculty Work Day and there are no classes for grades K-8.
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
• Monday, December 4: Faculty Work Day, no classes for grades K-8
• Wednesday, December 13, from 5:30 pm to 6:15 pm: Holiday Chapel Concert, Davies Memorial Chapel
• Thursday, December 14: Last day of classes, all divisions•
• Friday, December 15: First day of Winter Break, all divisions
• Monday, January 8: First day of semester two classes, all divisions
• Monday, January 16: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, no classes
Helpful Lower School Contacts & Links
Student Support
- Ms. Rachel Baydo, K-8 School Counselor, rbaydo@hpa.edu
- Mr. Joe Ludes, K-8 Learning Specialist, jludes@hpa.edu
After School Program, K-5
Mrs. Mele DeMille, Director of After School Programs, mdemille@hpa.edu
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, 2023-2024.
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.
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,
I hope you had a great Thanksgiving Break! It was nice to take a few deep breaths before the last push before the Winter Break. I hope you were able to catch our Middle School Performing Arts Showcase this afternoon at GPAC. Our students put in a great effort to prepare for these performances and it showed. A big mahalo to all of them for such a fun performance. And a big mahalo to Ms. Wadlegger and Ms. DiBartolo for all of their work to get the students ready for such a great performance.
Speaking of performances, casting for our second semester Middle School Musical, Suessical Jr., is coming up on Wednesday, December 6, and Thursday, December 7, after school in the Drama Hall. Ms. Wadlegger and Ms. DiBartolo will be running the rehearsals after school from January through February for a March performance. Casting is open to everybody!
Our Fly on the Wall this week buzzes into the Middle School Assembly where we welcomed some very special guests. Our kindergarten students graced us with their presence and stole our hearts when they presented the Middle School students in our Garden Leadership elective class with lei they made. After a semester of working together, promoting our Wā Pilina program intended to make connections between students of all ages – our kindergartners wanted to thank our Middle School students for all the guidance and friendship they showed them working together in the garden. Great stuff!
We also heard from grade 12 capstone student, Annika E. ‘24 who is working to bring a Turtle Tagging Club for our grade 7 and 8 students when we return in January. And speaking of grade 12 Capstone projects, check out Ekela L. ‘24, a project to supply Christmas gift cards for keiki in Lahaina. Thank you for your support.
If you are in the holiday mood this weekend, check out the Parker Ranch Tree Lighting Friday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Our Middle School Handbell Choir will be sharing their beautiful melodies as part of the festivities. Then there is the Waimea Holiday Parade on Saturday. Some of our Middle School students will be joining the HPA float. A reminder for those who registered to join the parade — we’ll meet at the Village Campus at 4:30 pm on Saturday.
To top off the weekend, tomorrow Saturday, December 2, K-8 EdTech Specialist, Mrs. Mellon Monello, will be leading two Village Campus Robotics teams to Oʻahu to compete in the First Lego League Challenge State Championship. If you are interested in checking out the live stream, here is the schedule and QR codes to watch and keep up with the scores. Our fifth-grade team is the Frog 5 (61762) and our 6th-grade team is the Pickle Dawgs (53300). You can also check out a mini-documentary from the qualifying tournament featuring our very own 4th grader, India A.!
Join all the action on Saturday, December 2: Match schedule; Match scores; Live match video
Have a great weekend!
Mahalo,
Glenn Chickering
Middle School Principal
Schedule
Our Middle School 2023-2024 Daily Schedule continues with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Tuesday, December 5.
As a reminder, Monday, December 4, is a Faculty Work Day and there are no classes for grades K-8.
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
• Monday, December 4: Faculty Work Day, no classes for grades K-8
• Thursday, December 14: Last day of classes, all divisions•
• Friday, December 15: First day of Winter Break, all divisions
• Monday, January 8: First day of semester two classes, all divisions
• Monday, January 16: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, no classes
Helpful Middle School Contacts & Links
Student Support
- Ms. Rachel Baydo, K-8 School Counselor, rbaydo@hpa.edu
- Mr. Joe Ludes, K-8 Learning Specialist, jludes@hpa.edu
After School Program, Grades 6-8
Mrs. Mele DeMille, Director of After School Programs, mdemille@hpa.edu
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’.
myHPA Tutorials
myHPA is your window to your child’s progress in school. Here you will find their schedules, their assignments, their grade books and so much more. Ms. Monello and our IT team have put together a number of tutorials to help you navigate the myHPA parent portal.
Please note this myHPA Middle School Parent Tutorial, which gives you an overview of using myHPA as a window to your child’s learning in real time.
Upper School
From the desk of your Poʻo Kumu (Division Principal), Kaʻai Spencer
Aloha e nā maka o ka ʻupena a ka makani!
I hope everyone had a restful Thanksgiving break as well as a festive celebration on Tuesday’s Lā Kūʻokoʻa, Hawaiian Independence Day. If you have not yet gotten a chance to hear about the day’s festivities, please ask your child about their experiences along with their most memorable activity of the day. It was a fun-filled day, and it was amazing to see all the students enjoying themselves in a truly experiential learning environment rooted in academia and Hawaiian practices.
The morning portion of the day focused on educating our school community about the history of Lā Kūʻokoa. There were reenactments in full character, Hawaiian songs of national pride, and letter readings of Timoteo Haʻalilio’s travel experiences. This was all orchestrated by our very talented Performing Arts team, including our Performing Arts Director, Delaney Ross, our Upper School kumu ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, Roy McGrath, our Musical Director, Mario Flores, and sound and tech support from our GPAC Theatre Director, Tim Daly. Following the informative morning portion, we were treated to an amazing lunch prepared by our FLIK dining hall team with the support of our Maintenance crew and Hawaiian Studies classes who prepares an imu with food harvested from our Ulu Mālama Terrace Garden. It is tough to match the distinct taste of puaʻa kālua and other food items that are cooked in this traditional way.
The latter half of the day was all about celebration. We could not have done it without the many hands that have contributed to the festivities. Mahalo nui to all our incredible community partners for their collaboration. This day was possible because of your generosity and support! Our community partners are listed below.
- Education and guidance: Kauʻi Sai-Dudoit, Programs Director; Awaiaulu, Inc.
- Mega Lab indigenous science demonstration: Professor Haunani Kane; University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
- Kuʻi ʻai workshop: Ka‘iana Runnels, Mahi‘āina Supervisor; The Kohala Center
- Lupe making: Keali’i Maielua, Makali’i Captain & Vessel Maintenance Manager; Nā Kalai Wa’a Moku o Keawe
- Lei making: Lahela Spencer, Mōhalu Hawaiʻi
- Lomilomi workshop: Keola Kawai’ula’iliahi Chan; Ka Pā O Lonopūhā Academy of Native Hawaiian Healing Traditions
- Live entertainment: Kala’e & Kalenakū Parish; Kamakoa Productions
- Makahiki games: K-8 Hawaiian Studies instructor Kumu Kūwalu
- Lauhala weaving: HPA Advancement Department’s Chelsey Dickson
- Shave ice: HPA Upper School’s George White, Daena Craven, and Rika Inaba
- Screen printing: HPA Upper School’s Mary Todd, Robyn Brewer, and Līhau Wengler-Ioane
- Art workshop: HPA Upper School’s Sally Lundberg & Keith Tallett
- Mea kanu workshop: HPA Mālama Ulu Terrace Garden manager, Willie Quayle
Ke aloha nō,
Kaʻai Spencer
Upper School Poʻo Kumu
Schedule
Our Upper School 2023-2024 Daily Schedule will resume as a ‘Ula day with in-person instruction on our Upper Campus on Monday, December 4.
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
• Friday, December 1 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm: Upper School Holiday Campus Gathering, Gates Performing Arts Center
• Friday, December 1 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm: Upper School Holiday
• Wednesday, December 6: Hoʻonanea, Upper School Fall Arts Showcase
• Thursday, December 7, from 3:30 to 4:40 pm: ʻOhana Association Wā Pilina Series, Moʻolelo of Parker Ranch, Parker Ranch Headquarters
• Monday, December 11- Thursday, December 14: Upper School Final Exams
• Thursday, December 14: Last day of classes, all divisions
• Friday, December 15: First day of Winter Break, all divisions
• Saturday, January 6: Dormitories open; all residential students return to campus
• Monday, January 8: First day of semester two classes, all divisions
• Monday, January 16: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, no classes
Hoʻonanea, HPA Upper School Fall Arts Showcase
HPA’s Upper School Art Department proudly presents Hoʻonanea, our fall arts showcase on Wednesday, December 6, 2023! This day-long celebration of art begins with an Open Studio Exhibition in the Gerry Clark Art Center showcasing works from Ceramics, Drawing, Mixed Media, Painting, and Photography. Please join us at the morning art reception where refreshments will be served from 8:00 to 9:00 am! Then, join us in the Davies Memorial Chapel at 11:45 am for a lunchtime performance of classical, pop, and film music by our String Quintet and Instrumental Ensemble class. In the afternoon, a performing arts showcase will be held at Gates Performing Arts Center at 4:00 pm featuring works from Acting Through Song, Instrumental Ensemble, and Musicianship. Hoʻonanea encompasses everything art does for humanity and means to enjoy, to satisfy, to entertain, to absorb, to pleasure, and to be content. We hope you can attend, enjoy HPA student art, and hoʻonanea pū mai me mākou!
Parking for Off-Campus Guests:
For guests joining us for the 8:00 am Open Studio Exhibition in the Gerry Clark Art Center (GCAC) AND the 11:45 am Davies Memorial Chapel performance, please enter via the Kohala Gate (2nd gate). The gate will open 15 minutes before the start of the events.
For guests joining us for the 4:00 pm Performing Arts Showcase at Gates Performing Arts Center (GPAC), please enter via the Waimea gate (first gate). The gate will open 15 minutes prior to the start of the event.
Student Support
Should your child need additional learning support, we encourage you to reach out to Amanda Aragon, our Upper School Learning Center Coordinator, by emailing aaragon@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.
Class of 2024 – Seniors and Families
Save the Date for our upcoming Senior Family Information Zoom!
We are so excited to celebrate your child’s upcoming graduation from Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy. The 73rd Annual Commencement Ceremony is scheduled for Friday, May 24, 2024, at 10:00 am in Castle Gymnasium, but there are many other end-of-year milestones to celebrate before then, as well.
Please mark your calendars to join us on Zoom, on Thursday, December 7, 2023, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm (HST), for an information session that will cover the important end-of-year events HPA has planned for the Class of 2024. We will share the link for the virtual meeting the week of.
We will also be recording this session and sharing it with all seniors and their families afterward, so if you are not able to attend, don’t worry — we will be sure everyone receives a copy of the presentation and an end-of-year event calendar.
We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2024. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at graduation@hpa.edu.
Student Life
Upcoming Student Life Events:
The Holiday Campus Gathering, sponsored by the ʻOhana Association, will be held today, Friday, December 1, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at GPAC, weather pending. If it is raining, we will move it to Ko Kākou Hale. This event kicks off the holiday season and is a way for students to enjoy some fun before exams begin. Upper School students can join in the holiday treats, decorate the HPA float for the Waimea Christmas parade, and stay cozy and warm with hot chocolate!
Saturday, December 2, over 60 HPA students will be riding or walking in the annual Waimea holiday parade. We are no longer accepting students to participate due to transportation limitations. Parents, please note that portions of Kawaihae Road, Lindsey Road, Mamalahoa Highway, and Ala ʻŌhiaʻ will be completely closed due to the parade. To learn more, please visit the 63rd Waimea Annual Christmas Twilight Parade website.
Ka Makani Travel
The Thanksgiving Break trips to New York City and Kauaʻi were a great success. We’re currently finalizing destinations for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. Students were sent a survey earlier this week to gather their preferences. Please encourage them to complete it if they would like to be part of the trip-planning process.
A reminder that HPA’s dormitories are closed for Spring Break, from March 9 to March 24 and all students are required to depart campus for the break. The deadline to enroll in the Spring Break trip, Journey Down Under with EF Tours, has passed. Students may enroll on a waitlist status and EF will inform them quickly if there is space available.
- Summer – Splendors of the Mediterranean: Italy & Greece with EF Tours: Enrollment deadline is Monday, February 5, 2024
- Spring Break 2025 Japan: Land of the Rising Sun with EF Tours: Open for enrollment
EF’s Global Citizen Scholarship Fund offers $1000 scholarships.
Please contact Ka Makani Travel Coordinator Adrienne White (awhite@hpa.edu) for information on registration and eligibility.
Residential Life
We hope that the many of you who were able to gather with your child for the Thanksgiving holiday enjoyed the appetizer to Winter Break and that everyone is looking forward to having their children home again soon! Over the next two weeks, we still have a number of opportunities for students to find rest and relaxation to combat the stress of final exams, as well as make sure that everyone is prepared for their travels home!
We wish you all a happy holiday season!
Ka Makani Athletics
Here’s the updated winter athletics schedule and weekly schedule for our winter sports season. GO KA MAKANI! You can also access the athletics schedule on the myHPA calendar.
College Counseling
Important Reminders for Seniors Who Have Submitted College Applications
Congratulations to the many seniors who have submitted their first college applications! It has been a pleasure working with you and seeing your high-quality applications and the thoughtful essays you have created. Moving forward, here are a few important reminders:
- Check your email regularly. Applicants usually receive an email from each college to which they have applied with the status of their application or instructions for setting up an online application portal. If you have not received an email from a college within two weeks of applying, please follow up with the college or reach out to us for assistance.
- If applicable, send your official test scores (ACT, SAT, TOEFL, and/or DuoLingo) to all of the colleges for which you’d like test scores to be part of your application.
- If you would like to be considered for need-based financial aid, please make sure your family has submitted the CSS Profile if it is required by any of the colleges to which you have applied. The FAFSA, which is required for all U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens applying for need-based financial aid, will be available in early December.
Keep up the great work! Stop by anytime or contact us at college@hpa.edu with questions.
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.
All-School
Need to know information for our entire Ka Makani ʻohana.
HPA TODAY
HPA honors Lā Kūʻokoʻa with a day of special programming
Experiential learning on display with inspiring, informative workshops and demonstrations
Admissions
As we approach Winter Break, the admissions team is busy offering campus tours, and virtual sessions and assisting new student applicants with the process of applying to HPA. The new day student priority deadline is Monday, January 15, and boarding is Saturday, February 10, 2024. For returning families, your opportunity to re-enroll for the 2024-25 academic year will be starting Thursday, February 1, through Thursday, February 15, 2024. More information to follow in the coming weeks.
As a reminder, the 2024-2025 application is available online to apply any HPA siblings and share with your friends and family. Mahalo for your partnership and enthusiasm for HPA!
Advancement & Alumni
Alu Mai 2023
HPA’s Alu Mai gala in support of Financial Aid took place on Saturday night, November 18, 2023, and it was AMAZING! Current families, alumni, and friends, joined in and raised their paddles high to help provide our students with access to an HPA education. We extend a very special thank you to our generous table sponsors who served as the foundation for this evening of celebration in support of our school community. Collectively, we raised $377,000 for Financial Aid at HPA. A record for our Alu Mai gala and a wonderful way to kick off this special season of gratitude!
Thank you to all who joined in to make the evening such a success and to those who were there in spirit. We invite you to enjoy these photos from the evening and we look forward to seeing you all next year. Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 23, 2024!
We look forward to seeing you next year, so mark your calendars and save the date for Saturday, November 23, 2024! E Alu Mai!
With gratitude and warm wishes for the season,
Your HPA Advancement Team
Health & Wellness
Cold and flu season is here. We are seeing positive influenza A and B as well as COVID-19 cases in our community. After any illness, students must be fever-free, without the use of fever-reducing medications, for at least 24 hours before they can return to school. They also should feel well enough to return and their symptoms must be resolving. Students who are absent for more than five days are required to bring a note from their health care provider clearing them for return. Please refer to your respective division’s handbook for more information on our illness policy.
Lower School Handbook
Upper School Handbook
*Please reach out for specific return instructions if you’re positive for COVID-19.
COVID-19 Policies & Information
HPA COVID-19 Policy, 2023-2024
COVID-19 Decision Tree.
Ulumau & Ulu Mālama Gardens of HPA
Join us in the garden! We have planned several upcoming community workdays to learn and grow together. All are welcome, please use this link to sign up or email wquayle@hpa.edu or lprutrow@hpa.edu with any questions.
ʻOhana Association
Wā Pilina ʻOhana Series
Moʻolelo of Parker Ranch
The ʻOhana Association invites you to attend the next event in our Wā Pilina Series, Moʻolelo of Parker Ranch, a talk story session hosted by Parker Ranch at its headquarters on Thursday, December 7, from 3:30 to 4:30 pm. This will be an opportunity to learn about the history of Parker Ranch and its impact on Waimea and the world. Staff members will be on-hand as we explore Mana Hale, the two-story “saltbox” koa-wood house that John Palmer Parker built. The structure is almost ship-like with its small rooms, narrow staircase, and low ceilings. It was moved from its original location to sit side-by-side with the more elaborate Puʻuopelu. Purchased by John Parker II in 1879, the “Hawaiian Victorian” manor house served as the family home through sixth-generation heir Richard Smart — who surrounded it with flower gardens and filled it with his extensive art collection, family portraits, antiques, and treasures from world travels.
Date: Thursday, December 7
Time: 3:30 to 4:30 pm
Location: Parker Ranch Headquarters; 66-1304 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea, HI 96743
This is a unique opportunity for all HPA ‘ohana. Sign-up here to attend!
What is Wā Pilina and why is that the name of this series?
The word pilina means association, relationship, and connection. Wā refers to a period of time. HPA started the Lower School Wā Pilina program two years ago in order to have intentional time and space for Lower Schoolers to connect with others under the umbrella of, and in connection to, Mālama Kaiāulu. Lower School students meet across grade levels to connect with and learn from one another. From Enrichment Day to art shows and Makahiki games to reading times — Wā Pilina opportunities have expanded through the three divisions, as well as across specialty areas.
Our new Wā Pilina ʻOhana Series aligns school and ʻOhana Association practices with intentionality. We hope you will join us!
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 a 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
Similarly, Middle and Upper School students received instructions during orientation on how to upload the Safe2SpeakUp app. This is a companion app to CrisisGo. 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 about any behaviors they are concerned about. Students can also locate instructions on setting up Safe2SpeakUp in myHPA, and they were also emailed the video shown at orientation which walks them through the process of uploading the app and registering, step-by-step.
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.
myHPA Resource Boards
Past HPA communications and other important information can be found on myHPA. We are continuing to make updates to our student and parent resource boards, so please be sure to visit them regularly.