Week of 2/8/24
What's Happening at HPA This Week?
Message from the Head of School
Aloha HPA ʻohana,
The thrill of victory, the agony of defeat, and the bigger whys.
As you may already know, much of my upbringing, background, and career has been rooted in sports. As a school administrator, I try to balance my comparisons, metaphors, and connections to athletics, as it may not always resonate with the intended audience. But, today is not that day!
Last night, something happened that will take a few paragraphs to share, but hang in there with me — you will be moved as much as I was.
Our boy’s basketball team was playing in the BIIF semifinals last night in front of a loud and boisterous crowd at Kohala High School. Kohala is the defending Hawaiʻi State champs in our division with a rich basketball history and is currently ranked number one in the state again this year. Over the last 15 years, we have developed a healthy rivalry within our league, each winning our share of spirited competitions. Our relationship has been forged through competitive fire, the pursuit of excellence, and ultimately, RESPECT. I have become good friends with their coaches as we have now watched each other’s kids grow up and be a part of this rivalry.
Last night, with 90 seconds left in the game, Kohala had secured the victory and a berth to this year’s state tournament. Kohala’s coach Kihei called over to me and asked if our injured senior captain had a jersey. At first, I couldnʻt quite figure out what he was asking. I turned to HPA assistant coach Sefa who confirmed that we did have his jersey with us, and we could get him in the game. Here is the context. In an August football game against this very same school, this same young man suffered a severe knee injury that was very public and of high concern for everyone in attendance that day. Coach Kihei knew his kids and his community were fully aware of what had happened that day and how this event had impacted our young man’s year.
So, not fully knowing how this would work, I asked the young man if he wanted to enter the game for a brief moment. Unsure at first, his teammates and coaches encouraged him. Me being a little protective and a huge control monster when it comes to basketball games, I still didn’t quite see a path forward. And right then, this potentially special moment became magical.
Coach Kihei called a timeout. Our senior captain, in a full knee brace, khaki shorts, and his jersey entered the game. Both teams stood, as did the opponent’s yellow and black adorned crowd. The officials called play to resume and the Kohala team handed the ball to our young man, who calmly and confidently made a layup. His only two points of the season. A potential all-league performer, this is not what he envisioned for his senior year. But he will remember this exact moment for far longer than any of the other points he scored in his career. And I will too. As the teams both stood and clapped, the crowd cheered, and I gave coach Kihei the biggest bear hug I could.
Why do we do the things we do at schools? There are so many reasons. Not one, but many, and they overlay and interconnect. This is a story about a sports competition. But more importantly, it is a tale of great respect, of strong relationships, of exceptional learning opportunities, of caring communities, and of deep aloha. Through teary eyes I type this, knowing there is a greater purpose to our daily work.
When the game ended, I let coach Kihei, his staff, and his kids know how much I respected them and appreciated their gesture. And I humbly also let them know we would be back next year, and would be taking their title from them. 🙂 This is how this relationship works.
This appreciation of stories and language is a nice connection to another special aspect of this month which I mentioned last week. Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi: celebrating the Hawaiian language. The first word of the day on Hawaiʻi Public Radio to launch us into February was kāpena, meaning captain. I thought, oh how fitting! With our paddling, soccer, basketball, and swimming championship athletic events this week, our captains and leaders are carrying our torch and competing with Ka Makani pride and spirits.
Thank you for supporting our young leaders and captains — I am forever moved and inspired.
Have a great long weekend!
With aloha
Fred Wawner
Head of School
School Bulletins for the Week of 2/8/24
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,
Celebrations, learnings, and experiences abound for the Lower School here at the Village Campus. Tuesday marked 100 days of learning for students, with Kindergarten through 2nd-grade classes celebrating this important milestone with activities and collaborations throughout the day. This year, children engaged in a Wā Pilina of sorts, having stations in multiple rooms, with a variety of teachers and K-2nd grades mixing and interacting throughout. Edible necklaces, sakura water coloring, hula hoop jumping, block building, a tea party with centenarians — you would be hard-pressed to find a wider variety of activities to explore the significance of 100! An acknowledgment of being “100 days smarter,” this day celebrates Kindergarten through 2nd graders’ increasingly complex understanding of number sense and place value from their regular participation in a variety of daily and weekly routines. These classroom routines include counting; exploring number patterns and groupings; studying calendars, clocks, and elapsed time; observing weather; measuring temperature; practicing graphing skills; and more. Our 100 days milestone is a synthesizing of these routines and deeper learnings, allowing for an energetic, experiential, and counting-filled day! Mahalo to our K-2nd grade teachers, as well as Ms. Hustace, Ms. Monello, Coach T, Ms. Prutow-McKenna, and so many more for contributing and supporting fun-filled experiences for our learners.
Wednesday was yet another bustling day for all our learners K-5. In addition to our regular classes, we took the time to honor World Read Aloud Day, with Mrs. Tarnas, K-8 Librarian, organizing special guests for our students across all grade levels. Having guest readers such as the Head of School, Mr. Wawner, Middle School Science Teacher, Mrs. Kawakami, and even our very own Nurse Crissy (who read The School Nurse from the Black Lagoon!), signified a special day indeed. Our 4th and 5th graders even participated in a virtual author visit from Malia Maunakea, author of Lei and the Fire Goddess in our Lynn Taylor Library. If you would like to participate in listening to a read-aloud with your child(ren), here are some great virtual ones from LitWorld, the founders of World Read Aloud Day (spurred from an idea from keiki!). As always, should you like any recommendations for your family read-alouds, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s teachers and Mrs. Tarnas!
In addition to the above, as noted in prior ASBs, February marks two significant observances: Black History Month and Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. Black History Month is a time to honor the achievements, contributions, and struggles of Black Americans throughout history. It is an opportunity for us to reflect on the rich cultural heritage of African Americans and Black Americans, and our ongoing fight for equality and justice. Throughout the month, books, lessons, and activities that highlight the accomplishments of African Americans and promote understanding and appreciation for the American experience are featured across our classrooms and Lynn Taylor Library in a variety of ways.
Similarly, Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Month celebrates the Hawaiian language and beautiful culture. This month provides us with reminders and opportunities to further learn about the history and significance of the Hawaiian language, as well as the importance of preserving and revitalizing it. Our very own Kumu Kūwalu Anakalea, K-8 Hawaiian Studies Teacher, led our Kindergarten through 8th-grade faculty in an inspiring professional development workshop this Wednesday as we continue to grow and develop our shared efforts to incorporate Hawaiian language, activities, and discussions into our curriculum to honor and respect the indigenous culture of Hawaiʻi that we hold so dear. Alongside our regular Hawaiian Studies classes, we strive to support all our learners to honor and celebrate the rich and important traditions of Hawai’i.
As a school community, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment where every student feels valued, respected, and empowered to embrace their identity and heritage. By honoring events like Black History Month, and Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, we aim to promote cultural awareness, empathy, inclusion, and understanding among our students, rooted in our Core Values, and the tenets of Mālama Kaiāulu. We encourage you to take part in these celebrations with your child(ren) at home and to engage in conversations about the significance of these themes. Together, we can create a more inclusive and culturally enriched learning experience for our students.
With the busyness of second-semester learnings and expectations firmly upon us, I would like to remind all families about our family trip and vacation policy. As stated on page 19 in our Lower School Student-Parent Handbook under the heading, “Family Trips and Vacations/Planned Absences”:
The school’s academic calendar includes three weeks for winter break, two weeks for spring break, and twelve weeks for summer vacation. HPA strongly encourages families to plan trips and vacations during these scheduled breaks. Early departures and/or late arrivals of students due to family trips and/or vacations that occur during designated instructional days are disruptive to the overall education program. If a child is absent due to a family trip or vacation, the child and family must assume responsibility for any school work. A teacher will not prepare special instructional materials for the child or correct missed work.
In the event a student is not in school due to a family trip and/or vacation the following guidelines are to be followed:
- The parent must submit a letter in writing to the teacher with a copy sent to the Principal and office staff that informs the school of the dates during which the student will be absent.
- This letter should be delivered to the teacher two weeks prior to the student’s departure so the teacher has adequate time to help the student and family plan what work the student can do.
We thank you for adhering to this stated policy to prioritize learning and support effectively for all our students.
In closing, the Year of the Dragon officially begins on the lunar calendar this Saturday, February 10. Believed to usher in wisdom, good fortune, and prosperity, our Lower Schoolers have certainly established a foundation to begin the Year of the Dragon auspiciously. We are grateful to continue to be in partnership together to support our keiki to have their best year yet.
Me ka mahalo nui,
Dora Kwong
Lower School Principal
HPA Today
Marking a Milestone
Lower School celebrates 100th day of school with fantastic celebration
Schedule
Our K-5 classes continue with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, February 12.
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
• Friday, February 9: Faculty work day (all divisions), no classes
• Saturday, February 10, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm: World Cubing Association Competition, Hale ʻĪnana
• Friday, February 23: K-2 Musical, all students to be dismissed directly from GPAC
• Friday, March 1 from 12:00 to 3:00 pm: 5th Grade Capstone Presentations
• Friday, March 1 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm: Village Campus Plant Sale Event
• Wednesday, March 6 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm: Suessical, feat. 5th-8th grade actors, Gates Performing Arts Center
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 have been enjoying this beautiful weather. While we are still getting out and enjoying it during our lunch times, things have calmed down a bit after last week’s Advisory Flag Football Tournament. It was a well-played tournament, with Ms. Honda’s advisory taking the Grade 6 crown, Ms. Dewey taking the Grade 8 crown (and second overall) and Ms. M’s advisory winning the 7th Grade crown and first place overall in the tournament.
At our assembly on Tuesday, we noted that February is both Black History Month and Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. We found a nice convergence of these celebrations in a story about how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a number of his followers came to wear lei on their historic march from Selma to Birmingham in 1965: You can see the story on Hawai’i News Now. Dr. King had visited Hawaiʻi before the march and befriended the Reverend Abraham Akaka, who along with members of his congregation, made lei that was brought to Alabama by Charles Campbell, who also joined the march. Mr. Campbell would go on the chair Hawaiʻi’s Civil Rights Conference. Rev. Akaka would remain a champion for civil rights and brought more lei to Washington on a trip to campaign for the passage of the civil rights bill.
On Wednesday, Kumu Kūwalu hosted an ʻŌlelo Hawaii workshop to share teaching tools and lesson ideas in honor of Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawai’i. At the assembly, we also heard from Eli and Pohu about their Turtle Tagging trip last week. Mr. Rice created this post with information about the work they were able to accomplish on that trip.
We are excited for our Grade 7 Podcast Showcase that is now set up in the Lynn Taylor Library. Advisories will have opportunities to bring their students to listen to the stories created by Grade 7 students honoring black Americans who made a difference. We are still working on a schedule for parents to stop in and listen and will share it with you next week.
Speaking of Middle School student work, our HIKI NŌ films are still being released on PBS. This past week, Koen Walker and Liana Doppmann — two of our Grade 8 students — hosted episodes on PBS that aired three of our students’ films, as well as a teacher spotlight on Kumu Kūwalu and Ms. Monello.
Mahalo,
Glenn Chickering
Middle School Principal
Schedule
Our Middle School 2023-2024 Daily Schedule continues with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, February 12.
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
• Friday, February 9: Faculty work day (all divisions), no classes
• Saturday, February 10, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm: World Cubing Association Competition, Hale ʻĪnana
• Friday, February 23: Middle School Spring Dance, Hale ʻInana
• Wednesday, March 6 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm: Suessical, feat. 5th-8th grade actors, Gates Performing Arts Center
• Thursday and Friday, March 8 and 9: Student-Led Conferences
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!
This week, our faculty members are fully engaged in composing various reports that enhance our student’s educational experience while increasing engagement for our families. As part of our faculty work day, teachers are diligently crafting course overviews for the third quarter. These overviews will provide families with insight into learning objectives and curriculum highlights. These course overviews can be used as insightful conversation starters that parents can use when asking students about what they are learning at school.
In addition to course overviews, advisors are writing reports to support the transition of new students into the HPA community. These personalized reports will offer guidance and mentorship to ensure that every student feels welcomed and supported as they navigate their journey at HPA. Furthermore, our faculty is committed to addressing student performance concerns by drafting comprehensive reports that bring awareness about students needing extra encouragement. By closely monitoring progress and initiating interventions where necessary, we strive to support each student’s academic and personal development.
I would like to take this opportunity to send a big mahalo to our Learning Specialists, Dr. Amanda Aragon and Jon Bamba. The two of them worked together to create a tiered approach to supporting students who may benefit from extra assistance. This system is being called the Student ʻUpena Program. The concept of an ʻupena, or a net, is an inspiration taken from a chant that is known as Hana Waimea, which refers to a net of wind that encapsulates all of Waimea. Just as a net is meticulously woven to catch and support those within its reach, the Student ʻUpena Program symbolizes our commitment to creating a safety net around our students, ensuring that no one slips through the cracks as we interlace layers of support in our process, casting a wide and sturdy web of care and guidance.
Looking ahead, we have the excitement of the HPA Olympics that is creeping ever so close at the end of the month and the anticipation of Spring break soon afterward. While we eagerly anticipate these major events, I urge all students to maintain focus and dedication in their studies. Consistent attendance and engagement in classes are essential to academic success and will help avoid unnecessary challenges upon returning from Spring break. One of the key tenets of success is showing up and being present. Let’s all do our best to focus on the days we have classes so that we can be fully immersed in the fun time. Work hard, play hard. Play is always more enjoyable when it is earned, and our minds are free from a to-do list resulting from skipping days.
Ke aloha nō,
Kaʻai Spencer
Upper School Poʻo Kumu
Schedule
Our Upper School 2023-2024 Daily Schedule will resume as an ʻUla day with in-person instruction on our Upper Campus on Monday, February 12.
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, February 9: Faculty work day (all divisions), no classes
• Thursday, February 15 through Saturday, February 17 at 7:00 pm: Upper School play, Alice in Wonderland, Gates Performing Arts Center
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
Mahalo to those of you who were able to join us on Zoom on December 7, for our Commencement and End-of-Year Celebrations informational meeting. For those of you who missed it, here is a recording of all the information that was shared. Please also be sure to visit the “Upper School End-of-Year Events” Resource Board on myHPA, which will be updated over the next several months with new details.
We are thrilled to celebrate all of the achievements of the Class of 2024, including their culminating event — the 73rd Annual Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 24, 2024, at 10:00 am in Castle Gymnasium. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at graduation@hpa.edu.
Student Life
Upcoming Student Life Events
- Monday and Tuesday, February 12 and 13 – Student Council will be selling Valentine’s Day treats and will distribute them on February 14. Cash or KaMakaniCash only.
- Wednesday, February 28 – Friday, March 1: HPA Olympics!
- Plans are underway and our Class Reps are busy at work to produce the 46th Annual HPA Olympic games. These games are aimed at bringing classes together in a spirit of positive sportsmanship and fun. More information to on an Olympics Resource Board and an email to all parents.
Ka Makani Travel
The enrollment deadline for Splendors of the Mediterranean: Italy & Greece with EF Tours, the last travel opportunity for the 2023-2024 school year, is fast approaching.
- Summer: Splendors of the Mediterranean: Italy & Greece with EF Tours: Enrollment deadline is Saturday, February 10, 2024.
We are in the final stages of confirming itineraries for Spring Break 2025. Japan is open for enrollment. Options to Peru and a combination tour that includes Switzerland, Italy, France & Spain will open for enrollment in the coming weeks.
- 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.
Ka Makani Players
The Ka Makani Players are proud to present Lewis Carrol’s “Alice In Wonderland” on February 15, 16, and 17 at 7:00 pm in Gates Performing Arts Center at the Upper Campus. In this adaptation by Anne Coulter Martens, Alice encounters all the familiar faces of Wonderland—the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit, and more—all while trying to get back home.
This wacky and wonderful production is appropriate for all ages and run time is approximately 90 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission. Admission is free to all and donations are generously accepted.
If you cannot join us at GPAC, we will be live-streaming Friday’s performance here.
Residential Life
After a busy couple of weeks and an exciting start to the Spring Semester, students and faculty alike are looking forward to a 3-day weekend to catch up on some work, finish out the Winter Athletic season, and recharge for the second half of the 3rd quarter! Coming up, there are a bunch of different events and traditions for students to look forward to, including Carter Hall’s Open Dorm event next Monday, February 12! Open Dorm events are an opportunity for the residents of that dorm to host a social event in their dormitory for the whole residential community. There is a special study hall schedule that night, followed by Carter Hall opening its doors to the other dorms, providing snacks, games, and opportunities for students to explore their neighbor’s dormitory!
The week after that, on Monday, February 19, we will hold our first Formal Dinner of the Spring Semester, and celebrate Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi- a month dedicated to the preservation and use of the Hawaiian Language. Students and faculty alike will dress semi-formally for a sit-down special dinner in the dining hall, with translated menus and placards helping to share the Hawaiian Language. We are grateful to Kumu Roy McGrath and his Hawaiian Language students for assisting us with this special opportunity!
Ka Makani Athletics
Here’s the updated weekly schedule for our end-of-winter sports and the beginning of spring sports season. GO KA MAKANI! You can also access the athletics schedule on the myHPA calendar.
College Counseling
Paying for College: Financial Aid & Scholarships
FAFSA
All U.S. families wishing to be considered for federal need-based financial aid must submit the 2024-2025 FAFSA, which was released on December 31, 2023. Both student and parent must register and receive a FAFSA ID. Please reach out to us at college@hpa.edu with any questions.
CSS PROFILE
Many private colleges and universities also require the CSS Profile as part of the financial aid application process. A complete list of colleges that require the CSS Profile is available at CSS Participating Institutions.
TAKITANI SCHOLARSHIP
Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation Scholarship, which awards $3000 to one HPA senior. Students can visit the Takitani Scholarship Application for details and eligibility requirements. The deadline for students to submit the online application, as well as the printed application and supporting documents to College Counseling is February 8, 2024.
Hawaiʻi Community Foundation Scholarships
HPA students with US citizenship can become eligible for hundreds of regional scholarships by completing the scholarship application at the Hawai’i Community Foundation. The application deadline is on Wednesday, February 29, 2024, at 4 pm. Families must complete the FAFSA to be eligible for scholarships through the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation.
Hawaiʻi Community Federal Credit Union Scholarships
The Hawaiʻi Community Federal Credit Union also offers a number of scholarships for Hawaiʻi Island students. The HCFCU scholarship application is due Monday, March 4, 2023.
Other College Scholarships
Seniors can find information regarding several other college scholarships by looking in their “Drive” folder in their Scoir accounts, where College Counseling regularly uploads scholarship opportunities. Students can also search for national college scholarships using one of the many online search engines available such as Fastweb.
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 on December 31, 2023.
- Please remember that the deadline for requesting your college counselor to review any additional essays is December 15.
- It is very important that you update your “applying” and “applied” columns in Scoir as you add colleges and submit your applications. This will ensure that all of your school materials are submitted by college counseling in a timely fashion.
Keep up the great work! Stop by anytime or contact us at college@hpa.edu with questions.
Online Test Prep
HPA will again partner with Tutors Across America to provide a Virtual ACT/SAT Test Prep Boot Camp from Friday, February 16, through Sunday, February 18, 2024. This course is online only.
The Boot Camp has been designed with a focus on 11th graders, although 10th graders are welcome to participate. For 10th graders, this course will serve as early preparation for the PSAT in October and any future SAT/ACT testing.
Please see this link for detailed information regarding dates and times and how to enroll.
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, 2023-2024’.
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.
Admissions
Admissions and Re-enrollment for the 2024-2025 academic year
Only one week left to secure your child’s enrollment at HPA for the 2024-2025 academic year. You should have received an email from HPA alerting you that your child’s re-enrollment agreement is available in myHPA to complete. At your earliest convenience, please log into myHPA and complete the agreement by Thursday, February 15. We have prepared step-by-step instructions to assist you in completing the agreement contract.
To be considered fully re-enrolled at HPA, we ask that you submit your child’s completed enrollment agreement, and pay the tuition deposit by Thursday, February 15. This secures your child’s enrollment for the 2024-2025 academic year.
If you have not yet, please be sure to review this important email from our Head of School with additional information about the re-enrollment process and other important details.
We look forward to this time of the academic year and welcome any questions at admissions@hpa.edu
Advancement & Alumni
Mahalo for being our Valentine at Tiare Rose! It was such a lovely event for the Fund! Thank you to all who joined us for an afternoon of shopping, champagne, and fun!
A special thank you to Kim Castellano P ‘34 for so graciously hosting this special event in support of the HPA Fund at her shop, Tiare Rose.
If you have not had time to make your gift to the HPA Fund here is a link to give. Every gift makes a difference. To learn more about the impact of philanthropy at HPA, we invite you to read our most recent annual report.
Performing Arts at HPA
The following performances will be taking place on the Upper Campus at Gates Performing Arts Center. Our entire school community is invited to attend.
Upper School
Alice in Wonderland
Thursday, February 15 through Saturday, February 17 at 7:00 pm
Middle School
Seussical Musical
Wednesday, March 6 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm
Health & Wellness
In addition to February being Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Month and Black History Month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion has declared it National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. 1 in 3 U.S. teens will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they’re in a relationship with before becoming adults.
Check out the love is respect project on Instagram @loveisrespectofficial, Twitter @loveisrespect, and TikTok @loveisrespectofficial.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call (800) 799-7233SMS: Text ‘START’ to 88788
Kapiʻolani Sex Abuse Treatment Center
Call (808) 524-7273
Webchat
Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm (Excluding Holidays)
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 lprutow@hpa.edu with any questions.
ʻOhana Association
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.