Week of 8/23/24
What's Happening at HPA This Week?
Message from the Head of School
Aloha HPA ʻohana,
A full week is under our belts, signified by the annual tradition of our senior class traversing up our epic backdrop, Puʻu Laʻeʻlaʻe, that gently holds our Upper Campus. In order to connect with each other and this beautiful place, their climb ends under a special tree. This tree serves as a striking visual of the powerful force of Ka Makani. Each year, the trek up to this spot for the senior class photo provides an opportunity to show our soon-to-be graduates a living example of perseverance and adaptability. The relationship between the tree and the wind is nuanced and unique. While it may bend and twist, it never breaks. It endures even the harshest conditions because its roots are strong and run deep.
As we embark on another school year, I have pointed our students to another special tree, the majestic ʻōhiʻa lehua. It’s one of the first plants to find a home in the barren lava fields, paving the way for an entire ecosystem to flourish. Just as this resilient tree begins its life in the most unlikely of places, our school year begins with the promise of growth and transformation.
The ʻōhiʻa lehua doesn’t grow in haste; it takes its time, firmly rooting itself in the earth, spreading its branches, and eventually bursting forth with vibrant blossoms. Similarly, our students are somewhere along the continuum of their education, from seed to sapling, and with each day, they will root themselves deeper in knowledge, character, and the core values that we hold dear — Respect, Integrity, Pursuit of Excellence, and Wonder.
The ʻōhiʻa lehua tree exemplifies strength, resilience, beauty, and service. As I referenced in a talk to our recent graduates, I only sometimes understood or appreciated the immense power and gifts this tree holds. Its wood is strong enough to serve as posts and beams to hold structures like our chapel… its leaves are used for medicine to heal… its flowers are used not only for beautiful ceremonial gifts of lei and adornment but also to sustain large populations of native birds… and its roots are powerful enough to break lava rock and play a key role in watershed protection and water conservation. These trees are subtle and strong, both reflective characteristics of this incredible place.
The start of this academic year is our fertile ground. The experiences and challenges we encounter will be like the lava fields—sometimes daunting, yet essential for fostering resilience and strength. Like the ʻōhiʻa, our students will draw from these experiences, learning to adapt, thrive, and eventually bloom.
Let’s encourage our students to embrace the journey of growth this year, understanding that each moment is a step toward becoming their best selves. As the ʻōhiʻa lehua thrives in the diverse and unique conditions of Hawaiʻi, so too will our students thrive in the rich, nurturing environment we create together at HPA. And just like these trees, which grow both down and up through gravitropism and phototropism, so too will our students. As teachers, administrators, and parents, we are also on this journey, growing in both directions.
Let’s make this year one of deep roots, strong growth, and brilliant blossoms, leaning in and dancing with Ka Makani.
Gratefully,
Fred Wawner
Head of School
School Bulletins for the Week of 8/23/24
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!
The first few weeks of school are a crucial time for building a strong community and establishing routines that set the stage for a successful year. In our elementary school, these early days are filled with intentional efforts and activities to create a safe and supportive environment where every student feels respected, valued, and ready to engage. Our Lower School teachers approach this time with deep commitment and care, fostering communities where children are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and take risks. This dedication to the Pursuit of Excellence is reflected in how our educators respond to the unique needs of each child, making thoughtful choices based on individual capacities, skills, and motivations. Our restorative practices and circle times further reinforce this approach, supporting a sense of Wonder as students come together to learn, collaborate, and play.
This week, we held our very first Lower School Assembly of the school year, where students were introduced to (or reminded of) the structure and purpose of our biweekly gatherings. A time to celebrate our community members, share special talents or new learnings, and align ourselves under our Core Values and Mālama Kaiāulu, we look forward to these full K-5 events. This week, our Lower Schoolers were formally introduced to our new Middle School Principal, Mr. Michael Cservenak. He shared about his work and life in Pueblo, Colorado, his past experiences and connection to Hawaiʻi island, and his love for dogs and cats alike! We are excited to know Mr. Cservenak as another one of the many dedicated adults who are here to support us at the Village Campus. Likewise, for the benefit of both our new students as well as our returning students, we invited all Lower School teachers to say their name, their role, and their favorite activities outside of school. Understanding expectations and knowing who will be there to support them allows our students to bring their best selves to the classroom, fully present and engaged in their learning journey. While some children may not remember every adult’s name just yet, they might remember the teacher who loves to bake sourdough or the adult who likes to sing in the local choir. Ask them and see!
As your children settle into their routines these early weeks, here are some notes to continue to strengthen our home-school partnership:
- If your child and family have experienced or will experience a significant transition, please send a brief note to your grade level teacher who will be glad to keep an extra eye or take extra care. You might include our K-8 Counselor, Ms. Rachel Baydo (rbaydo@hpa.edu).
- During morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up, please remain in your vehicles. This supports our safety procedures, helps students start and end their day smoothly, and contributes to positive traffic flow in our local Waimea community.
- Engage your child(ren) with open-ended questions about their daily learning. Encouraging them to share their thoughts helps with communication, idea retention, and relationship building.
- Encourage emotional expression by asking, “How did you feel about that?” or “Was there anything that made you really happy today?”
- Keep the conversation light and avoid pressing for details if they seem reluctant. Refrain from interrogation. Sometimes, giving children space can lead to more natural sharing later (especially at bedtime!)
- Approach questioning from a positive or neutral perspective. You might start with a positive assumption, such as, “Tell me something fun that happened today.” Asking questions with a negative lens can cause children to look for concerns that might not otherwise be an issue.
- Rather than “How was your day?” which may only yield a one word response (“Good.”), ask about specific activities or interactions, like “What did you enjoy most during recess?” or “Who did you have lunch with today?” or “What did you see in the garden?” or “What books did you check out from the library?”
- Some students may feel more open to share, while others may need practice. Be open to the current communication style of your child, while supporting them to grow.
Mahalo for your continued partnership and for helping us uphold the values that make our school community so special.
Have a wonderful weekend, Lower School ʻohana!
Me ke aloha pumehana,
Dora Kwong
Lower School Principal
Kīpona Scholarships
Kīpona Scholarships for the 2025-26 school year are open now through December 1. Offered through Kamehameha Schools, eligible applicants must be entering grade 6 or 9 (current 5th and 8th graders), and be a Hawai‘i resident. (Lived continuously in Hawai‘i for at least 12 months of application date.) More details and the application are available here. Current Kīpona Scholarship recipients must reapply by December 1.
It is with great pride that we officially announce the beginning of a truly momentous occasion — our 75th anniversary! Throughout this school year, we will celebrate together and invite you to join us in remembering that we are all — alumni, students, parents, faculty and friends — Ka Makani. Take a stroll through our historical timeline, meet just a few of the many Ka Makani who make us proud, and read about our vision for the future in the 75th Anniversary feature just launched on our website. There, you will also find information about planned gatherings for the year ahead, and have a chance to pre-order our very special 75th anniversary aloha wear collection. Make sure to follow us on Instagram @HawaiiPrep to stay in the loop about all of the festivities.
Schedule
Our K-5 classes continue with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, August 26.
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
• Wednesday, August 28 at 2:00 pm: Early Release Wednesday
• Friday, August 30: Lower School Enrichment Day
• Monday, September 2: Labor Day holiday, no classes K-12, school closed
• Wednesday, September 11: School Picture Day
• Friday, September 20: Faculty Work Day, all divisions, no classes K-12
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.
After School Program, K-5
Please email our Director of After School Programs, Mrs. Mele DeMille (mdemille@hpa.edu), if you would like your child to attend. You may refer to this email for our Lower School families with more information.
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, 2024-2025.
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 Michael Cservenak 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, Michael Cservenak
Aloha Middle School families,
The first full week of instruction continued to build the groundwork for a productive and positive school year. The teachers of HPA Middle School shared in our Wins of the Week discussion that students brought a high degree of joy to the beginning of the school year and returning Middle School students were carrying over essential knowledge and cultural routines to our campus. The Middle School team presented options for the daytime clubs block in an assembly and students were given an opportunity to sign up for a high-interest club that will start the next week. Concurrently, our After School Program started this week and our students are engaged in robotics, arts, athletics, and more after hours most every day.
In anticipation of upcoming Experiential Learning activities on Thursday afternoons, Mr. Clemson Lam, architect and lead organizer for the Ke Ala Kahawai O Waimea initiative, addressed our student body during Friday afternoon’s Middle School Assembly to emphasize the mission and vision of the organization and how student partnerships support the trails and greenways of Waimea. Students were also presented with the process for indicating interest in serving on the Student Council this school year.
This coming week, families are reminded that each grade level will go on an off-campus retreat on Friday, August 30:
- 6th-grade students will go to ‘Ōhai ‘Ula Spencer Beach Park and Pu’ukohala Heiau
- 7th-grade students will go to Kiholo Bay
- 8th-grade students will be hosted by Ulu Mau Puanui
Since students will be off campus on Friday, we will follow our Four Day Week Schedule. On a purely logistical note, all Middle School students are dismissed at 3:10 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays and need to be picked up no later than 3:20 p.m. On Wednesdays, students are dismissed at 2:05 p.m. and need to be picked up no later than 2:15 p.m. if they are not enrolled in the After School Program. Students on campus after the pick up time will be escorted to after-school supervision.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Mahalo nui loa,
Michael Cservenak
Middle School Principal
Kīpona Scholarships
Kīpona Scholarships for the 2025-26 school year are open now through December 1. Offered through Kamehameha Schools, eligible applicants must be entering grade 6 or 9 (current 5th and 8th graders), and be a Hawai‘i resident. (Lived continuously in Hawai‘i for at least 12 months of application date.) More details and the application are available here. Current Kīpona Scholarship recipients must reapply by December 1.
It is with great pride that we officially announce the beginning of a truly momentous occasion — our 75th anniversary! Throughout this school year, we will celebrate together and invite you to join us in remembering that we are all — alumni, students, parents, faculty and friends — Ka Makani. Take a stroll through our historical timeline, meet just a few of the many Ka Makani who make us proud, and read about our vision for the future in the 75th Anniversary feature just launched on our website. There, you will also find information about planned gatherings for the year ahead, and have a chance to pre-order our very special 75th anniversary aloha wear collection. Make sure to follow us on Instagram @HawaiiPrep to stay in the loop about all of the festivities.
Schedule
Our Middle School 2024-2025 Daily Schedule continues with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, August 26.
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
• Wednesday, August 28 at 2:00 pm: Early Release Wednesday
• Friday, August 30: Lower School Enrichment Day
• Monday, September 2: Labor Day holiday, no classes K-12, school closed
• Wednesday, September 11: School Picture Day
• Friday, September 20: Faculty Work Day, all divisions, no classes K-12
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.
After School Program, Grades 6-8
Please email our Director of After School Programs, Mrs. Mele DeMille (mdemille@hpa.edu) if you would like your child to attend. You may refer to this email for our Middle School families for more information.
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, 2024-2025’.
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
Each week, our Upper School leadership team provides valuable insight into campus culture while sharing updates with 9-12 day and Residential Life students and parents on everything taking place, from academics to athletics and the arts.
From the desk of your Upper School leadership team
Aloha Upper School families,
Aloha kākou e nā ihe a ka makani!
Kani ka pola o ka malo! This opening phrase is a boast of an athlete who is so swift in movement that the flap of the malo (loincloth) snaps in the wind as a result of great speed. Hawaiian tradition has placed great emphasis on physical fitness and ability, which is proven by well-known sayings and stories. One such story talks about a speedy runner by the name of Makoa, who was celebrated for fetching an ʻamaʻama fish from Waiākea and delivering the fish to Kawaihae while still alive. In today’s world, that’s about a 90-minute drive of over 70 miles. Imagine the speed required to run that distance with a fish in hand and keep it alive for a famed delivery. Wowzers!
This story is shared because we have officially begun our after-school programs, which include our Varsity athletics and Co-curricular programs. Our school does not have a traditional physical education (P.E.) program fitting within the academic day, instead, all of our students are required to participate in an after-school offering that largely consists of options rooted in physical activity. HPA’s transcript includes this phrase at the bottom of the page: “Student met the requirement of 120 hours of P.E. per year. No grades or credits are awarded for athletics.” For this reason, many of our after-school programs are physical in nature. However, we also recognize the importance of Co-curricular offerings that include the performing arts, sustainability, community service, and other passion-driven activities.
Students are highly encouraged to pursue their passions and discover new interests. Now that we have a couple of afterschool activity rotations behind us, there has been a good amount of shuffling as students refine their choices, and group rosters should start to level off.
On that note, we’re calling all supporters of athletic activities and fall musical performances! Please be sure to mark your calendars with our home game and performance dates. It is always very enjoyable to see our students in performance mode. Engaging in our Co-curricular programs often stretches comfort zones while building and revealing character. The more support we can show during performances, the more enjoyable the experience becomes for the student-athletes.
Mahalo,
Kaʻai Spencer
Co-curricular Activities and Student Life Program Coordinator
It is with great pride that we officially announce the beginning of a truly momentous occasion — our 75th anniversary! Throughout this school year, we will celebrate together and invite you to join us in remembering that we are all — alumni, students, parents, faculty and friends — Ka Makani. Take a stroll through our historical timeline, meet just a few of the many Ka Makani who make us proud, and read about our vision for the future in the 75th Anniversary feature just launched on our website. There, you will also find information about planned gatherings for the year ahead, and have a chance to pre-order our very special 75th anniversary aloha wear collection. Make sure to follow us on Instagram @HawaiiPrep to stay in the loop about all of the festivities.
Schedule
Our Upper School 2024-2025 Daily Schedule will resume as a Mamo day with in-person instruction on our Upper Campus on Monday, August 26.
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
• Monday, August 26 at 8:30 am: Upper School Convocation in Davis Memorial Chapel
• Wednesday, August 28, from 8:30 to 10:00 am: School Picture Day; Taylor Commons conference room
• Monday, September 2: Labor Day holiday, no classes K-12, school closed
• Friday, September 20: Faculty Work Day, all divisions, no classes K-12
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.
Student Life
Ka Makani Athletics
Another fall season is ready to roll. Let the games begin! Here’s the updated fall athletic schedule and the weekly schedule. GO KA MAKANI! You can also access the athletics schedule on the myHPA calendar.
School Photo Day
Our Upper School Photo Day is scheduled for Wednesday, August 28, from 8:30 to 10:00 am in the Taylor Commons conference room, located in the dining hall.
If paying by cash or check have your child bring payment to the photographer on the day of their photo session. Photo Order forms will be available at the Student Life Center. You can also access the photo order form on the Upper School Family Resources and the Upper School Student Resources tile in myHPA. Students will not be allowed to charge school photo’s to their Kamakani cash card. Students can place a pre-order online by using the photo order form.
All students must take a photo for the yearbook and receive a School ID. Students do not need to order a photo package to have their photos taken.
If a student is unable to take their photo on their assigned day, they should reach out to Mrs. Wengler-Ioane at lihau@hpa.edu as soon as possible.
Hele-On Bus Passengers – Shuttle from Village Campus to Upper Campus
For students who ride the Hele-On Bus to school each day, HPA will offer a shuttle from the Village Campus to the Upper Campus. Route 76 Green Line arrives at the Village Campus at approximately 7:45 am. The HPA Shuttle will wait for students behind Isaacs Art Center. Students need to get off the bus at Longs Drugs and walk across the street to board the shuttle to the Upper Campus. For students who take the late bus, the shuttle will be parked at the bus stop just past the Waiaka Bridge on Kawaihae Road by 8:20 am. For questions or more information, you can contact Auxiliary Services at 808-881-4041 or email auxiliary@hpa.edu.
Day Student Check-in and Check-out
All day students must check in at the Student Life Office before attending their first commitment of the day, even if they are running late to class. Students must sign out at the Student Life Center if they are leaving campus before their last commitment of the day, including athletics and co-curriculars. If a student is returning to campus during the academic day, they must sign in at the Student Life Center before heading to class along with a note from their appointment.
As a reminder, HPA is a closed campus, so if a parent or guardian wishes to come to campus during the academic day, they will need an appointment with one or more of the following:
- Upper School Office (upperschool@hpa.edu)
- US Administrative Assistant, Līhau Wengler-Ioane (lihau@hpa.edu)
- Assistant Head of School for Upper School, Mark Noetzel (hpaus@hpa.edu)
- Curriculum & Instruction Coordinator: Dr. Amanda Aragon, aaragon@hpa.edu
- Capstone Program Coordinator: Pualani Lincoln Maielua ‘01, plincolnmaielua@hpa.edu
- Athletics: Steve Perry (sperry@hpa.edu)
- Extra-curricular programs: Kaʻai Spencer (jspencer@hpa.edu)
- Student’s Advisor
- Student Life Center (studentlife@hpa.edu)
- Health Services (infirmary@hpa.edu)
Day Student Attendance Protocols
A parent or guardian must email attendance@hpa.edu before 9:00 am if they need to excuse their child for that day. Please note that students will only be excused for appointments or family or medical reasons. Unexcused absences will result in conduct points which can result in the student being restricted to campus for boarding and/or ineligible for academic awards, i.e. the Dean’s List. Students are responsible for checking their conduct points and attendance records and should reach out as soon as possible if there are any errors.
For long-term absences, please also reach out to the Upper School Office and the student’s advisor to coordinate a plan for the missing classes.
If a day student is ill, please do not send them to school, but email attendance@hpa.edu and include Health Services (infirmary@hpa.edu), and a nurse will follow up with the proper return-to-class procedure. If a student already on campus begins to feel ill, they must report to the infirmary, where the nurses will take care of them. If a student fails to do so and is absent to a class, the absence will be unexcused.
Ka Makani Travel
Ka Makani Travel, HPA’s student travel program, is offering four trips for the 2024-25 school year:
- Thanksgiving 2024 – New York City: An Urban Adventure (tentative itinerary & cost); the deadline to enroll is September 3, 2024 → 3 spaces remaining
- Spring Break 2025 – Japan: Land of the Rising Sun with EF Tours, the deadline to enroll is November 8, 2024 → limited space available
- Spring Break 2025 – The Alps and the Mediterranean Coast with EF Tours; the deadline to enroll is November 8, 2024 → available
- Spring Break 2025 – Heights of Peru with EF Tours; the deadline to enroll is November 8, 2024 → available
A limited number of Ka Makani Travel grants are available. The deadline to submit an application to be considered for an HPA travel grant is 10:00 pm on Monday, August 26, 2024. EF Tours offers scholarships for their trips, the application can be found here: EF’s Global Citizen Scholarship Fund. The deadline to apply is August 13, 2024. To apply, you must be enrolled in an EF Tour.
Please contact Ka Makani Travel Coordinator Adrienne White (awhite@hpa.edu) for information on registration, eligibility, and travel grants.
Whom to Contact at HPA
If you are unsure who to contact regarding a specific question or issue, please refer to our Whom to Contact guide.
Residential Life
The semester is truly off and running now, with almost two weeks of school behind us, students are starting to settle into their routines. On the horizon, we have several opportunities for engagement coming up, including our intramural Tuesday night wiffle ball league, elections for Dorm Representatives to the Student Council, and our first home football game of the season!
This weekend we have a variety of different activities happening on and off campus, including a trip to the beach, an Outdoor Program hike, a shopping trip to Kona, Varsity athletics, and a community service project just to name a few. While every student has homework each weekend and should take ample time to rest, we hope that they all take the opportunity to enjoy activities with their friends!
College Counseling
Senior and Junior Parent Nights Scheduled!
Senior Parent Night: Tuesday, August 27, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm (HST)
Join our College Counseling team, Andrew Kelsey, Cindy Montgomery, and Jane Quayle, for an informative and interactive Zoom discussion with an overview of our senior fall college counseling program and useful tips for having a fun and exciting journey with minimal stress this year with your family. Click here to join this Zoom meeting.
Junior Parent Night: Tuesday, September 10, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm (HST)
College Counseling will provide families with an overview of their junior year at HPA. Topics we will discuss include important dates, standardized testing, individual counseling sessions, key assignments, and how to use our online college planning resources. Click here to join the Zoom meeting.
Important: All new seniors and any seniors planning on applying Early Action, Restrictive Early Action, or Early Decision are required to schedule their first appointments with Mr. Kelsey and Ms. Montgomery by the end of the August. Before your appointment, please review our list of tasks below that you should try to complete in advance of your first senior meeting.
TASK 1: Work on your College Counseling TO DO list
Below is a list of tasks to work on in the weeks ahead. You may have already completed many of these tasks. If so, keep up the great work! If not, please work towards completing these assignments before your first senior individual meeting:
- Please ensure that both you and your parents/guardians can successfully log in to Scoir, and reach out to us if you have any trouble.
- Complete and submit the Self-Input Form
- Complete and submi the Parent/Guardian Input Form.
- List all of the colleges you are thinking about in your Scoir account in either the “Following” or “Applying” column in the “My Colleges” section.
- Request two letters of recommendations for your college applications and then officially request the letters in your Scoir account (Colleges and Applications → Manage Applications).
- Complete or edit the “Overview” sections with your personal information.
- Revise and update your Common Application.
- Spend time on the “Activities” section of the Common App to truly highlight your extracurriculars.
- Draft your main college essay and send it to your college counselor for feedback.
- Add all of your Common Application colleges to your Common Application.
- Organize and draft the supplemental essay prompts for colleges on your list that require supplemental essays.
- Register for ACT and/or SAT for the senior fall (if applicable).
TASK 2: Schedule an Individual Check-in Meeting
Beginning on Wednesday, August 14, Mr. Kelsey and Mrs. Montgomery will be available for individual check-in meetings. Please click below to select a 30-minute time slot for an individual appointment with your assigned counselor. All meetings will be in the College Counseling Center.
If you are a new senior, or are unsure of your assigned counselor, please contact us directly at college@hpa.edu.
TASK 3: Register for the SAT and/or ACT and Test Prep (if appropriate)
We will offer the following SAT and ACT tests at HPA. Seniors register and pay for these tests by logging on to their College Board or ACT accounts and paying with a credit card. Listed below are the fall test dates that will be offered on the HPA Upper Campus this fall.
SAT Dates – Fall 2024
- Saturday, August 24
- Saturday, October 5 (registration deadline September 20)
- Saturday, November 2 (registration deadline October 18)
- Saturday, December 7 (registration deadline November 22)
ACT Dates – Fall 2024
- Saturday, September 14 (late registration deadline is August 25)
- Saturday, October 26 (registration deadline September 20)
- Saturday, December 14 (registration deadline November 18)
ACT/SAT Test Prep Boot Camp–Register Now!
HPA will once again partner with Tutors Across America to provide an Online ACT/SAT Test Prep Boot Camp from Friday, September 6 through Sunday, September 8. The online Boot Camp has been designed with a focus on 11th and 12th graders, but all grade levels are welcome to participate. For underclassmen, this course will serve as early preparation for the PSAT in October and any future SAT/ACT testing.
ACT/SAT Test Prep Virtual Boot Camp
Friday, September 6: 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Saturday, September 7: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (break for lunch from 1:00 to 2:00 pm)
Sunday, September 8: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (break for lunch from 1:00 to 2:00 pm)
Students who have attended the Boot Camp have averaged 3 to 7-point improvements on the ACT and 150-200 points on the SAT, representing a 30-40 percentile point increase. The program includes two practice exams for each test — using actual past ACT and SAT exams.
While the cost to attend the camp is typically $399, HPA students qualify for a discounted price of $199 using the coupon code HAWAIIPREP at checkout.
How To Enroll in the ACT/SAT Class
- Go to: http://TutorsAcrossAmerica.com/ACTcourse
- Scroll down to find your course.
- Enroll as directed.
- Use coupon code HAWAIIPREP at checkout to get the 50% discount.
If you have questions about the program, you may contact Wendi Whitteker at wendi@tutorsacrossamerica.com, or feel free to reach out to testing@hpa.edu. This course is offered in a virtual format only. There is no in-person option.
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, 2024-2025’.
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.
Community Focus
Run Like Ka Makani
Join us and “run like Ka Makani” at the 17th Annual Run for the Dry Forest at Pu’uwa’awa’a
on Saturday, October 19. There is a race length for everyone, so bring the whole family! Register for the run by September 1 for an early bird discount.
We have special HPA Ka Makani swag for the whole family — just be sure to let us know ahead of time who will be participating by registering here. We’ll bring your goodies to you on race day! See you there!
Admissions
We have loved seeing all of our new and returning students and families on campus. On behalf of the entire Admissions team, we want to wish you all a wonderful 2024-2025 academic year!
We are also excited to welcome the new season of admissions as we prepare for the launch of the 2025-2026 academic year application on September 1. Be sure to apply for a sibling and share it with your friends and family. The admissions team will also be out on the road in a variety of locations locally and around the world to meet up with prospective students, parents, alumni and more! We look forward to many good times together as we dive into the new school year. Mahalo for your partnership and enthusiasm for HPA!
Advancement & Alumni
As we kick off the new school year, we are filled with gratitude for your incredible generosity in support of our outstanding students and programs.
Looking ahead, we are excited to work together with our HPA community of families, alumni, and friends to carry last year’s extraordinary momentum forward with purpose and aloha for HPA.
Auxiliary Services
For students who ride the Hele-On Bus to school each day, HPA will offer a shuttle from the Village Campus to the Upper Campus. Route 76 Green Line arrives at the Village Campus at approximately 7:45 am. The HPA Shuttle will wait for students behind Isaacs Art Center. Students need to get off the bus at Longs Drugs and walk across the street to board the shuttle to the Upper Campus. For students who take the late bus, the shuttle will be parked at the bus stop just past the Waiaka Bridge on Kawaihae Road by 8:20 am. For questions or more information, you can contact Auxiliary Services at 808-881-4041 or email auxiliary@hpa.edu.
Health and Wellness
Magnus Health forms are now overdue. Please log into your child’s Magnus Health portal, via your myHPA parent account, to complete outstanding items. Students will not be allowed to attend classes if these items are not completed. If you have any issues logging in, reach out to infirmary@hpa.edu for assistance, as soon as possible so we can help.
We are asking that everyone routinely assess themselves for symptoms of illness — which can be mild, so please pay close attention. If you or your child(ren) develop any symptoms of illness, contact your healthcare provider and HPA Health Services at vcinfirmary@hpa.edu (Village Campus) or infirmary@hpa.edu (Upper Campus). Please keep your child(ren) home until they are no longer sick.
ʻOhana Association
Our ʻOhana Association hosts a variety of events and activities for our school community throughout the year. As parents of HPA, you are automatically part of the ʻOhana Association. There are many ways to participate, and we encourage everyone to get involved. It is a great way to meet your fellow parents and support our amazing Ka Makani community. Mark your calendar for these upcoming events, and be sure to email ohana@hpa.edu with any questions, or to find out what volunteer opportunities are available!
Save the date for our first ‘Ohana Association General Meeting and Parent Mixer on Thursday, September 19. All are welcome to attend! Come meet your fellow Ka Makani parents, and learn more about what the ‘Ohana Association is all about! The event will be held at the Isaacs Art Center adjacent to the Village Campus. More details to follow.
Isaacs Art Center
With the start of a new school year, there’s a vibrant energy on our campuses. From kindergarten to Upper School, students are reconnecting with old friends, making new ones, and embracing the excitement of fresh beginnings. Our teachers are eager to build positive learning communities, enriched by new curricula and the camaraderie of their students.
At the Isaacs Art Center, we share in this enthusiasm. Our connection to the Waimea and broader island community is at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to sharing Hawaiʻi’s rich artistic heritage with ʻohana across the island and supporting HPA’s financial aid and educational programs. This is our kuleana — our responsibility and privilege.
About Isaacs Art Center
Located next to HPA’s Village Campus, the Isaacs Art Center offers a unique glimpse into two centuries of Hawaiian art. Here, contemporary works by living local artists stand alongside masterpieces by Hawaiʻi’s legendary artists. The gallery is a celebration of the beauty, strength, and resilience of Hawaiʻi, as seen through the eyes of those who have drawn inspiration from these islands.
Our collection includes the world’s largest gathering of paintings, drawings, and watercolors by Madge Tennent, one of Hawaiʻi’s most esteemed artists. These pieces are displayed alongside works by other renowned artists such as Herb Kane, Martha Greenwell, Lionel Walden, Lloyd Sexton, D. Howard Hitchcock, and Jean Charlot, making our gallery a truly remarkable destination.
The Isaacs Art Center also plays a vital role in the education of HPA students. Under the leadership of our Center Director, Mollie Hustace, students explore art history with the option to prepare for the AP Art History exam. Beyond the exam, the course offers inspiration and critical context for our aspiring studio artists, designers, architects, and historians. The gallery also offers the Community Arts Program, directed by Alexa Hustace which invites students and teachers from area schools to learn about historic art and create original works.
Become a Docent at the Isaacs Art Center
As we continue to grow and expand our outreach, we are looking for passionate individuals to join our team of volunteer docents. We are particularly in need of docents on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you or someone you know has a love for art and education and would like to contribute to our mission, we would be thrilled to have you on board.
This is a unique opportunity to engage with the art and culture of Hawai‘i, connect with our community, and make a meaningful impact.
If you’re interested or know someone who might be, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We would love to discuss how you can be a part of this special endeavor.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to support the Isaacs Art Center and the Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy community.
Isaacs Art Center is free and open to the public, Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. 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 family member of a student 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
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.