Week of 10/4/24
What's Happening at HPA This Week?
Message from the Head of School
Aloha HPA ʻohana,
Connection is critical. We all need the feeling of connection. Connection to our own thoughts and feelings, to one another, to our work, to our place. When we have it, we have a good chance of finding the inspiration and joy of being at our best. When we lack it, it is sometimes difficult to find our footing. It doesn’t come instantly, and it isn’t guaranteed. It takes some commitment, reciprocation, and welcoming delayed gratification.
Sixteen years ago, I vividly remember my first family trip to Costco in Kona. My wife and I, with our four little kids, two carts, and our brand new membership card, set out on our big shopping trip to get the basics covered before the school year started. Other than our tried-n-true minivan, with the broken struts on the back hatch and a failing air conditioner, every bit of this errand was unfamiliar – the makai road, heat waves off of the lava fields, the triathlete riding the shoulder – all new!! But, nothing could prepare us for COSTCO!
It was in the sugar aisle that I first realized, and immediately struggled with, the dilemma of commitment. At that time in my life, when sleep was minimal and coffee was imperative, I was using a sweetener to get through multiple cups a day. So there I was, staring at this large box of sweetener containing 900 individual packs. I began to ponder and then nervously sweat. It wasn’t the math problem that had me ruminating, it was a commitment question. Was I really going to commit to nearly three years of sweetener right then, right there? My wife noticed the pause, shook her head, and urged me to keep our two-cart circus moving.
My mind still raced – three years? New job, small kids, HERE? Costco?
Well, I’m happy to report that our stay has long outlived the box of sweetener that I walked away from. It is because we committed to finding our way, finding connection to people, to one another, and to this place. It wasn’t instant, and definitely not always easy, but like everything else I’m coming to find out, the commitment to the work and the journey is what ultimately allows the time and space for deep, meaningful connection.
Our approach to sustaining our 75-year-old teaching and learning community uses the Hawaiian concept of mālama kaiāulu as our way forward. There are four essential practices involved in our approach. The one that rises to the top this week is pilina (relationship or connection). This practice beautifully aligns with our work as a school. The tradition of this month’s ʻOhana Days where parents visit classrooms and campuses to support their children’s educational journeys, highlights this essential practice. Pilina emphasizes the importance of fostering deep connections, not only within families — but also between students, teachers, and the broader school community. When school’s actively communicate and parents engage in their child’s learning environment, connections are strengthened, trust and understanding are shared. Pilina allows for better communication and support between everyone involved, which, in turn, directly benefits students, making them feel supported both academically and emotionally from all sides.
In the spirit of Ka Makani — our ʻOhana Days connect, whether in person, virtually, or through these notes, and breathe fresh energy into our school community. Together, through the shared experiences of classroom visits, conferences, attendance at sporting events, or casual conversations — everyone works in harmony to inspire growth, resilience, and learning in a way that honors both the individual and the collective.
I look forward to many more cups of unsweetened coffee, as well as days, months, and years of connection with you as we remain committed to this place and this school in this special time.
Happy Aloha Friday!
Gratefully,
Fred Wawner
Head of School
Links:
Lower School Student-Parent Handbook, 2024-2025
Middle School Student-Parent Handbook, 2024-2025
Upper School Student-Parent Handbook, 2024-2025
Upper School Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy
Upper School Honor Code & Pledge
HPA is committed to providing an accessible education to as many students as possible. To continue to best serve our community of families with scholarships and financial aid, please help completing the HPA Demographic Data Survey. Your responses will allow us to better understand and quantify diversity within the HPA community, and to ensure that we are serving the needs of all students. Participation in this survey is required to ensure we have accurate and comprehensive data.
Please note that your responses will be completely anonymous. The information you provide will only be used in aggregate, meaning no individual will be identified. Our goal is to use this data to create a more supportive and responsive environment for everyone.
Mahalo for your assistance with this very important effort to better understand diversity at HPA as we continuously strive to serve our community to the best of our ability.
School Bulletins for the Week of 10/4/24
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!
I hope this message finds you well as we close another wondrous week of learning in the Lower School! I am proud to share that our Lower School Student Council has been demonstrating outstanding leadership and embodying our core values of Respect, Integrity, Wonder, and Pursuit of Excellence. Our 1st-5th-grade elected leaders have brought forth a wealth of creative ideas to support and enhance our community, with a special focus on community service. While plans continue to be in development, we are thrilled to announce that our leaders have finalized one exciting event: Lower School Spirit Week!
Lower School Spirit Week will kick off on Thursday, October 24, and run through Wednesday, October 30. More details on each day’s theme are below; please note that participation in any Spirit Week day is completely optional. An information sheet will be sent home with details and guidelines next week. Let’s get ready for a fun and spirited celebration of our school community!
Kindergarten – 5th-grade pickup at GPAC on Friday, October 18
In other exciting news, all families should plan to pick up their child from GPAC on Friday, October 18, at our usual dismissal time, 3:00 to 3:15 pm. Our kindergarten through 2nd graders will be in the audience, cheering on their 3rd through 5th-grade schoolmates who will be taking the stage for their musical production, “If You Come to Earth.” It’s a wonderful opportunity for our younger students to support their peers in the arts, and we’re looking forward to a fantastic show! Students signed up for and attending the After School Program on this day will be bussed back to the Village Campus directly.
School Day Attire
There are still some Lower School children who do not have the appropriate gear daily. Please ensure your child is wearing or bringing appropriate footwear for running and playing at school, particularly on PE days. Slippers, Crocs, and similar footwear have caused falls and injuries, so we ask for your support in keeping our keiki safe. With the variety in Waimea weather, please be sure your child is bringing (or leaving at school) a rain jacket and a warm layer every day. We are outdoors rain or shine, unless conditions are dangerous, and having the proper gear will keep everyone safe and comfortable while they learn and play. If your child is in need of an extra sweatshirt, we have some in the office that can be provided. Email lowerschool@hpa.edu and we are glad to help.
Lower School Student-Parent Handbook
A final reminder to parents to please review and submit the Lower School Student-Parent Handbook acknowledgment form for the 2024-2025 academic year. This is due Friday, October 11, 2024. 5th-grade students are also assigned this form to complete via myHPA (K-4th grade students do not have access), and have had class time to do so.
Have a beautiful weekend, Lower School ʻohana!
Me ke aloha pumehana,
Dora Kwong
Lower School Principal
Schedule
Our K-5 classes continue with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, October 7.
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, October 9, at 2:00 pm: Early Release Wednesday
• Friday, October 11: Lower and Middle Schools Faculty Work Day, no classes K-8
• Wednesday, October 16, at 7:40 am: Grades 3-5 morning drop-off at Upper School GPAC
• Wednesday, October 16, at 2:00 pm: Early Release Wednesday
• Thursday, October 17, at 7:40 am: Grades 3-5 morning drop-off at Upper School GPAC
• Friday, October 18, at 2:15 pm: Grades 3-5 Musical, “If You Come to Earth”
• Friday, October 18, at 3:00 to 3:15 pm: Grades K-5 afternoon pick-up at Upper School GPAC
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.
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,
We are excited to remind you that Theme Week will take place next week, Monday, October 7, through Thursday, October 10. This special week is rooted in the Mālama Kaiāulu sustainability framework, allowing students to engage in service, joyful activities, and relevant learning about the unique natural ecosystems and traditions of Hawaiʻi Island. The 6th graders will enjoy a variety of experiences, from exploring traditional Hawaiian agriculture to learning about the cosmos at the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center. The 7th grade will focus on our island’s coastline, with water safety training at Mauna Lani, a visit to Māhukona, and service at Pololū Valley. The 8th graders will spend three days at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, where they’ll learn about our island’s volcanic origins alongside its cultural significance. Through these immersive experiences, all students will gain a deeper understanding of sustainability and Hawaiian traditions.
At this time of year, I also like to reaffirm our school’s key policies. Last week, I led a refresher on our Harassment Policy, and our advisors reviewed the policy with students in smaller groups. I was especially grateful to work with Mr. Brown in leading a discussion with our 6th-grade boys, giving them the chance to ask questions and clarify important terms. This dialogue ensures that we all share a common understanding of what harassment is and how we can foster a greater sense of belonging at HPA Middle School. You will see below that you have also received an online acknowledgement form of the Middle School Student-Parent Handbook. Mahalo to you in advance for thoughtfully reading and acknowledging the essential policies that support HPA’s Core Values.
Finally, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the parent volunteers who made our Glow Under the Stars dance a huge success last Friday. The students had an incredible time, and we couldn’t have done it without your support. Thank you!
Middle School Student-Parent Handbook
You may have already noticed that when you log into myHPA you will be prompted to review and submit the Middle School Student-Parent Handbook acknowledgment form for the 2024-2025 academic year. Mahalo for completing this by Friday, October 11, 2024.
As a reminder, all 6th-grade through 8th-grade students are also assigned this form to complete via myHPA by Friday, October 11, 2024.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Mahalo nui loa,
Michael Cservenak
Middle School Principal
Schedule
Our Middle School 2024-2025 Daily Schedule continues with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, October 7.
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, October 7 – Thursday, October 10: Theme Week
• Friday, October 11: Lower and Middle Schools Faculty Work Day, no classes K-8
• Wednesday, October 16, at 2:00 pm: Early Release Wednesday
Capstone Update from K-8 Capstone Coordinator, Dagan Bernstein ‘97
Over the past month, our 8th-grade capstone students have transitioned from identifying community needs to designing project proposals aimed at addressing these needs. They will synthesize their research and clarify the purpose of their capstone projects through a formal proposal submitted to their capstone advisor. This process begins with crafting a clear mission statement that will serve as their project’s north star throughout the capstone journey.
Students will have opportunities to refine their proposals based on feedback from peers and advisors while learning to present their ideas clearly and effectively. The process emphasizes reflection and iterative development, ensuring their projects not only address community needs but also align with their personal skills and interests. By continuously gathering feedback and refining their proposals, students are building toward a final proposal that outlines clear objectives and actionable plans for project implementation.
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.
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,
Mahalo to everyone who could join us on campus for ʻOhana Days. Whether you attended Experience HPA! or Parent-teacher Conferences, a special presentation, or one of the several athletic events, it was a pleasure to spend time with you in support of and celebration of all that we do here!
If you were unable to attend, we look forward to connecting with you in the near future! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at hpaus@hpa.edu with any questions.
Course Overviews are now available on myHPA
Course Overviews for your Upper School child(ren) are now available for review and download by logging into your myHPA account. We are sharing these course overviews with parents and students as our first checkpoint for communicating with families. They are intended to give families an insight into the content focus of each class.
You can always see the most up-to-date grades by logging on to your myHPA page, selecting your ‘Child’s name,’ and clicking on the grade detail option for the class you would like to see.
Please remember to download a PDF copy of the course overview for your records.
To access the course overview, please log on to myHPA, select your ‘Child’s name’, and then click the ‘Progress’ tab. You can also find a detailed tutorial on the Resource board in myHPA under the ‘Tutorial and Guides’ icon.
NOTE: If you are still having difficulties due to your web browser’s pop-up blocker, you can also right-click or CTRL+Click on the link “US/MS Progress Report” and then click “Save Link As…” to download the PDF file.
If you have questions regarding a course, please contact your child’s teacher for that particular course. School email addresses for faculty and staff can be found in the ‘Directories’ tab and then by selecting ‘Faculty and Staff’. You can also send messages directly to faculty and staff within myHPA. After locating the name of the person you wish to message, you can select the ‘Options’ button and then select ‘Message’.
If you have any problems accessing your myHPA account, please email help@hpa.edu and provide a short description of the problem.
Upper School Student-Parent Handbook and Harassment & Sexual Misconduct Policy
You may have already noticed that when you log into myHPA you will be prompted to review and submit the Upper School Student-Parent Handbook, and the Harassment & Sexual Misconduct Policy, and Honor Code & Pledge acknowledgement forms for the 2024-2025 academic year. Mahalo for completing this by Thursday, October 17, 2024.
As a reminder, all 9th-grade through 12th-grade students are also assigned these forms to complete via myHPA by Thursday, October 17.
Mahalo,
Mark Noetzel
Assistant Head of School for Upper School
HPA student photographers Kelan K ’26, Makana L ’28, Kate S ’27, Willow M. ’27 contributed to this week’s gallery images.
Schedule
Our Upper School 2024-2025 Daily Schedule will resume as an ʻUla day with in-person instruction on our Upper Campus on Tuesday, October 8.
As a reminder, Monday, October 7, is a Faculty Work Day and there are no classes for grades 9-12.
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
• Monday, October 7: Upper School Faculty Work Day, no classes grades 9-12
• Wednesday, October 9, from 8:30 to 9:30 am: Picture Retake Day, Taylor Commons Conference Room
PSAT: All Sophomores and Juniors on Friday, October 25
- All Sophomores and Juniors will be taking the PSAT on Friday, October 25, from 8:30 to 11:30 am.
- Check in for students will be from 8:00 to 8:30 am.
- Sophomores will check-in and test in the gym.
- Juniors will check-in and test with their advsiors in their advisor rooms.
- There is no makeup day for the PSAT.
- Students will be dismissed after testing, but they may have lunch on campus.
- There will be JV/Varisty sports in the afternoon at 3:30 pm.
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.
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.
Fall Ball
Our semi-formal dance, Fall Ball, will take place off-campus, on Saturday, October 19, at the Kahilu Theater Town Hall, in Waimea, from 6:30 to 9:00 pm. The junior Class Leaders, Mrs. Laura Swarz-Burt, Mrs. Scarth, and Mrs. Montgomery, as well as our junior Class Reps, Charlie Chen, Nina Cipriano, and Pemma Norbu, have worked very hard to make this special event a fun and memorable evening for all.
Fall Ball Tickets
Tickets are $50.00 and will go on sale in front of Ko Kākou Hale, the student union, during lunch (11:15 am to 12:10 pm) for:
- Juniors and seniors: Wednesday, October 9
- All grade levels: Thursday, October 10, and Thursday, October 11
Students may pay with cash or with their KaMakaniCash account (if funds have already been deposited). The ticket cost covers a sit-down catered meal, dessert, photos, and the rental of the town hall.
Citizenship Requirements
To be eligible to attend the dance, students must be passing Citizenship, with three or fewer conduct points. If a student has four or more conduct points, they will need to be brought down to three or lower conduct points by Wednesday, October 16, by 5:00 pm, or they will not be able to attend the Fall Ball. To make arrangements to work off conduct points or if you have questions or concerns related to Citizenship, you should be directed to Mr. Moltz by Tuesday, October 15.
Non-HPA Student Guests
This dance is for currently enrolled HPA Upper School students only.
Event Logistics
The doors will open at 6:30 pm. Students must arrive by 7:00 pm and stay for the duration of the dance or until 8:30 pm. If a student needs to leave the dance early for any reason, they must check out with the chaperone in charge of attendance, Mrs Montgomery. She or Ms. Watson will contact parents by phone before dismissing the student from the dance. Once a student leaves the dance, they will not be permitted to return.
Large purses or bags will not be allowed into the dance. Students will be asked to leave all bags with chaperones. A small clutch is acceptable.
Menu
This dinner will be a catered sit-down menu with vegetarian/vegan and gluten-free options; including smoked brisket, mac and cheese, vegan ravioli, sweet rolls with butter, Caesar salad, beverages, and desserts.
Dress Code
The dress code for this dance is unisex and semi-formal. Students may wear nice trousers, a dress shirt, and dress shoes. Clean casual shoes are also acceptable. Shirts must be tucked in. Ties are encouraged. Students may also choose to wear pantsuits. Nice informal dresses or formal dresses can also be worn, but all dresses should be in good taste with no cutouts below the elbow, no high slits, no low necklines, no overly exposed midriff or bustline, and no low backs.
Please refer to our Fall Ball 2024 Dress-Code Policy and abide by it.
Student Conduct and Dress Code Contract
Students must sign a Student Conduct and Dress Code Contract. The Student Conduct and Dress Code Contract will be sent to them in myHPA after they have purchased their ticket. This form is due no later than Thursday, October 17, at noon.
Failure to complete this form will result in not being admitted to the Fall Ball and we are unable to give refunds.
In this form, students acknowledge the dress code policy and the school’s behavior expectations and promise to abide by them. Any student found violating the dress code will work a pre-assigned meal duty for ten consecutive days.
Parking and Transportation
Bus transportation will be provided for all residential students. All residential students taking the HPA bus to and from the dance must complete an Orah Fall Ball pass by Wednesday, October16, at 12:30 pm.
If residential students are not taking an HPA bus to and from campus (i.e. they are getting a ride from someone else), they must complete a normal weekend Orah pass.
All residential students, regardless of transportation, must be back in the dormitories by 10:00 pm unless they have signed out for the weekend.
If day students wish to drive themselves to and from the dance, parking is adjacent to the town hall.
Waimea Police Presence
As this is an off-campus dance, we have asked the Waimea Police Department to have two uniformed officers present throughout the dance.
Emergency Contacts
In the event of an emergency, parents may contact Ms. Liz Watson, Director of Student Affairs, at 808-936-8314.
Student Safety
There are no pre- or post-dance parties sanctioned by the school. Student safety is our top priority, and we want to ensure our students are not placing themselves in situations that can put them at risk. The Department of Land and Natural Resources and the Hawaiʻi County Police Department reports a higher occurrence of teen parties along the Kona-Kohala coast and an increase in motor vehicle fatalities involving alcohol. If your child asks to attend a party, we strongly encourage you to contact the adult host to verify that adult supervision will be provided. We want to ensure that students enjoy each other’s company in a healthy environment.
If you have questions about Fall Ball, please get in touch with Ms. Watson at lwatson@hpa.edu.
Need to Meet with a Teacher or Administrator?
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)
Ka Makani Travel
Ka Makani Travel, HPA’s student travel program, is offering four trips for the 2024-25 school year:
- 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 → date changed to Spring Break 2026
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
We hope all of our families were able to connect over this week’s ‘Ohana Days, either in-person here on campus, or through virtual conferences! The campus is alive this weekend with at-home athletics, campus activities, and excursions around the island. We wish everyone safe travels back home after your visit, and safe travels back to school for those students who traveled this weekend. We look forward to the rest of this semester and school year!
College Counseling
PSAT: All Sophomores and Juniors on Friday, October 25
- All Sophomores and Juniors will be taking the PSAT on Friday, October 25, from 8:30 to 11:30 am.
- Check in for students will be from 8:00 to 8:30 am.
- Sophomores will check-in and test in the gym.
- Juniors will check-in and test with their advsiors in their advisor rooms.
- There is no makeup day for the PSAT.
- Students will be dismissed after testing, but they may have lunch on campus.
- There will be JV/Varisty sports in the afternoon at 3:30 pm.
Schedule an Individual Check-in Meeting
Mr. Kelsey and Mrs. Montgomery are 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.
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, October 5 (registration deadline has passed)
- Saturday, November 2 (registration deadline October 18)
- Saturday, December 7 (registration deadline November 22)
ACT Dates – Fall 2024
- Saturday, October 26 (registration deadline September 20)
- Saturday, December 14 (registration deadline November 18)
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.
E Alu Mai!
Saturday, November 23
at 5:00 pm
You're invited to join us for an evening of dinner, dancing, and dedicating support to make the Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy dream possible through our Financial Aid program. Tickets and tables are available now!
Admissions
The financial aid application for the 2025-2026 school year is now available. Returning students are our priority, and we encourage families with demonstrated financial need to apply. We’re excited to continue partnering with Clarity, a quick and user-friendly platform. The application process can take as little as 20 minutes and includes automatic IRS document transfers.
The deadline is Friday, November 1, 2024. Start your application here and review our “How to Apply” guide for a smooth experience. For any questions, please contact Sarah Edwards at sedwards_fa@hpa.edu.
We are accepting applications for the 2025-2026 academic year! We are excited to welcome the new season of admissions! Be sure to apply for a sibling and share it with your friends and family. Returning students and families will receive information about re-enrollment early next year.
Our admissions team is 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
E Alu Mai! Alu Mai 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of HPA and more than 50 years of our annual gala to support Financial Aid. Established by founding trustee Anna Lindsey Perry-Fiske, legendary Waimea rancher, pāʻū rider, hostess extraordinaire, the gala and auction is a proud tradition and fabulous party. We honor her legacy for the students of Hawaiʻi, yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
You’re invited to join us for an evening of dinner, dancing, and dedicating support to make the Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy dream possible through our Financial Aid program. Tickets and tables are available now!
Auxiliary Services
For students who ride the Hele-On Bus to school each day, HPA will offer a shuttle for the Route 76 Green Line bus that arrives at approximately 8:20 am. The shuttle will be parked at the bus stop just past the Waiaka Bridge on Kawaihae Road. For questions or more information, you can contact Auxiliary Services at 808-881-4041 or email auxiliary@hpa.edu.
Health and Wellness
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 Wā Pilina ʻOhana Series kicks off on October 17! The purpose of the Wā Pilina series is to connect HPA families to the culture, history, language and community of Waimea and Hawaiʻi. It is an invitation for HPA ʻohana to learn and connect through moʻolelo, immersive experiences, and stewardship opportunities guided by Kumu Kūwalu and Waimea kūpuna. Join Kumu Kūwalu on Thursday, October 17, from 5:00 to 6:30 pm at the Village Campus Library as she presents on the Malana Mai Kaʻū chant and geography. Sign-up here. Read more about this semester’s events here.
The Haunted Walk for our Upper School students is coming up on Saturday, October 26 and we need your help! This beloved event cannot happen without amazing volunteers! Please sign-up to assist in making this year’s Haunted Walk the best ever. There are many ways to participate – from pizza and candy donations to volunteering the night of the event. Join in and prepare to be spooked!
The Village Campus Halloween Trick-or-Treat March is on Wednesday, October 30, from 1:30 to 2:00 pm. Our K-5 students will be invited to put their costumes on and trick-or-treat in the 6th-8th grade classrooms. Middle School students will have their own costume contest and also enjoy some treats! We need your help to make this event a success — please sign-up to volunteer! Don’t forget to send a Halloween costume to school with your keiki on Wednesday, October 30. Lower School and Middle School dismissal will be at its regularly scheduled time that day.
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!
Isaacs Art Center
Experience Art with Terry Field
Join us on Friday, November 1, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm for a unique event that offers the opportunity to create your own painting under the expert instruction of Hawai’i Island artist Terry Field, all while enjoying wine and pūpū. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, you’ll be guided every step of the way in this exclusive class, limited to just 12 participants. RSVP today!
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.