Week of 5/16/25
What's Happening at HPA This Week?
Message from the Head of School
Aloha HPA ʻohana,
ASBee. Gotta bee-lieve!
This week, I feel compelled to discuss the importance of bees. It seems our growth and progress is all about the bee. I mean, I love honey as much as the next guy, but other than this, I haven’t done much homework, nor have I tried my hand at bee-keeping. I mean, I was once the co-star of a 5th-grade capstone film production on pollination (humble bumble brag!), but that was a good while ago, and the royalties have slowed down quite considerably. True story: in the last few weeks, in very different spaces, with very different people, the topic of bees and their importance captured our conversations. Bees have been on people’s minds. In fact, one kind parent, before meeting to discuss an issue, handed me a homegrown jar of the best dang honey harvested right from her garden, as a pre-meeting peace offering.
Bees: they are our small but mighty allies, the little engines that improve and sustain our well-being. As pollinators, bees play a critical role in global food security and nutrition. Here at HPA, we get to see their work in both campus gardens, as well as on our fields and across our fruit orchard. When bee populations are healthy, ecosystems thrive. Biodiversity is protected, soil health is enriched, and food systems become more resilient — all thanks to our buzz-worthy friends. The ripple effect of their pollination extends to clean water, air quality, and carbon capture! Even the honey and wax they produce offer natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties used in medicine and healing. Simply put, when bees thrive, we thrive. Supporting bees, then, is a direct investment in our own health, just as supporting our kids and students is an investment in our own future as well as theirs. Their health mirrors the health of our environment, and our shared future depends on ensuring they have what they need to survive and succeed.
Coming off the heels of Mother’s Day, celebrating the remarkable work of our Queen Bees, whose steady presence and leadership sustain the life and rhythm of the hive, let’s give mothers and bees an extra shout-out. Like the Queen Bee, many of the caregivers and mentors in our students’ lives — especially mothers and mother figures — lead with wisdom, nurture growth, and anchor the hive. I know this is the case in the Wawner nest…thank you, Dina! As we celebrate the progress of our students at the end of the year, let us also honor those who have guided and sustained them along the way.
Just like bees, our students are in the midst of vital transitions and intentional motion — moving from grade to grade, division to division, and, in only a few days for a hive of 100, from the known nest of HPA out into the world. Each learner, whether moving independently like a solitary bee or growing within a larger hive of peers, carries with them experiences, values, and aspirations that will shape not only their own futures, but the future of the communities they join.
The many programs across our divisions, from advisories to classes, clubs to teams, dorms to dinner crews — each of these unique spaces is intentionally designed for intellectual, cultural, and social cross-pollination. By May, systems are well established, bonds are forged, and friendships are built to last.
However we got here, each of my recent bee conversations has shed light on how deeply interconnected we are with the health of our planet — and with the lessons we hope to pass on to our children. The work of the bee, no matter the species, speaks to endurance, purpose, and community. Together, like a thriving colony, we build something greater than ourselves — one student, one lesson, one season at a time. Our campuses are abuzz as we head into our final week of the school year.
You better bee-lieve it will be a wonder-filled week ahead.
Gratefully,
Fred Wawner
Head of School
School Bulletins for the Week of 5/16/25
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!
Our students have been amazing us with their creativity, care, and curiosity — and this final full week was no exception!
At Monday’s Assembly, we had the pleasure of hearing a delightful Student Spotlight by Evelyn B., who sang “Sunshine” by One Republic. Her rendition was joyful and peppy —a perfect way to start the week! We were also joined by special guests from an educational outreach program who spoke about an important topic unique to our island: UXO (Unexploded Ordnance). As we head into summer adventures, this safety reminder is especially timely. Be sure to ask your child about the “Three Rs” they learned during the presentation, as well as our visit from a friendly mascot! Every student also received a 3 Rs emblazoned small notebook, travel bottle of sunscreen, and magnetic clip to take home.
Our 4th graders (rising 5th graders!) have been working diligently on their place-based, integrated learning projects — and this week, they proudly shared their culminating work. Their enthusiasm and pursuit of excellence were on full display as they presented historical dioramas, interactive poster boards, and creative displays inspired by their research into Hawaiʻi Island’s rich culture, ecosystem, and history. All Lower School students were invited to visit and learn from the 4th graders’ exhibits, creating a vibrant cross-grade celebration of learning. Mahalo to Ms. Doi and Mrs. Kalama for leading this powerful learning journey, and to our 4th-grade families who came to witness the magic!
A heartfelt mahalo goes to our incredible ʻOhana Association, and especially to our amazing reps, ʻIolani Fredericks and Michele Sullivan. From our Pinch Pot Harvest Fete to Teacher Appreciation Week to our unforgettable May Day celebration — you have helped make it all possible. We’re so grateful for your energy and heart. If you’re looking for a way to get involved, please consider signing up to be a Lower or Middle School representative in the fall. It’s a wonderful way to help make magic for our keiki and kaiāulu!
Yearbooks are here! As mentioned last week, students will receive their yearbooks on Monday, May 19, to bring home and preview with families. We’ll have dedicated signing times during the school day on the following Tuesday. Mahalo to our fabulous Yearbook Team, led by Mrs. Mellon Monello, for capturing so many precious moments of our year together. We are proud of our 5th graders who elected to join our yearbook staff along with middle schoolers!
Final semester reports will be released soon after the school year ends. You can expect a letter from me when the reports are live and ready to view on myHPA. In my early review of final assessments and narrative reflections, I can confidently say that our students have pursued excellence at every turn. They continue to grow, lead, and inspire — Go Ka Makani!
Finally, thank you for helping your keiki round up and return all of their library books. Every book counts, and we’re so grateful for your support in keeping our collection strong.
Me ke aloha pumehana,
Dora Kwong
Lower School Principal
We are proudly marking 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, May 19.
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, May 21: Last day of school, 2:00 pm dismissal; no After School Program
Food Feedback Survey
Please help us by completing this FLIK feedback survey about this year’s food service.
Student Support
Ms. Baydo (K-8 School Counselor) rbaydo@hpa.edu and Mr. Ludes (K-8 Learning Specialist) jludes@hpa.edu are available to discuss and support social-emotional and academic concerns for your child(ren). Please connect with them via email.
Past Email Communications
All past email communications can be accessed by visiting the Lower School Family Resources tile on myHPA and scrolling down to Past Parent Email Communications, 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.
Summer at HPA
Ka Makani Keiki Camp
Lock in your summer plans! Open to grades K-5 — limited spots available!
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,
As we wrap up our final full week of the school year, I’m filled with gratitude — for this vibrant community, for our incredible students, and for the journey we’ve shared together.
Our 8th graders are finishing strong, showing both leadership and grace as they prepare for their Transition Ceremony this coming Wednesday. I’ve especially enjoyed seeing them out on the field at recess, playing with such joy and heart — fully aware that these moments are some of their last at the Village Campus. Equally touching is watching our 7th graders, already stepping into a posture of readiness, quietly preparing to take on new roles as next year’s leaders.
On a personal note, I want to express my sincere appreciation for the warm welcome you’ve extended to me and my family in my first year as Middle School Principal. This campus truly is a place to learn like nowhere else, and it’s been a privilege to partner with you in shaping such a joyful, purposeful, and connected learning experience for our students.
Mahalo for your continued support, and here’s to a meaningful final stretch of the year. 8th-grade families received a separate email with an invite to our 8th-grade Transition Ceremony at GPAC. Please see details below on how to view the ceremony and also pick up directions for 6th and 7th-grade students.
ʻOhana Association is looking for further support in the set up, supplying and take down of decor, etc. for the 8th grade Transition. Please access the sign up here to help!
Below are kind reminders and invitations to our end-of-year events day-by-day:
Monday, May 19:
- 8th grade Huakaʻi and Celebration at Hāpuna Beach preceded by hula practice in the morning; please check the email from your child’s advisor.
- All Classes Day for 6th and 7th graders: an essential day to complete work for the year.
Tuesday, May 20:
- 8th grade drop off at GPAC at 8:00 am for Transition Ceremony practice; afternoon locker clean out
- 6th-grade Retreat – hike from Hāpuna to Kaunaʻoa (Mauna Kea) Beach
- 7th-grade Retreat – Makalawena Hike, Volleyball
- 2:30 pm: Entire Middle School yearbook signing on Kohala Field
- 12 to 6:00 pm: ʻOhana Association Stage Decoration at GPAC: Sign up here to volunteer
Wednesday, May 21:
- 8th grade drop off at GPAC at 8:00 am
- 10 to 11:30 am: 8th Grade Transition Ceremony at GPAC: Stream the ceremony live here
- All students dismissed from GPAC (parent pick up at Upper Campus, not Village Campus)
Aloha always,
Michael Cservenak
Middle School Principal
Calling all budding designers! A free 4-H Fashion Camp will be held from June 2 to 6, 2025, at Honoka‘a High School for students ages 12-17. In this one-week 4-H fashion camp, students will learn about the business of fashion design and practice basic sewing skills to create clothing. This program will teach how to use a sewing machine and introduce topics like styling, fabric & fibers, branding, and entrepreneurship with guest speakers from the community and UH Mānoa’s Fashion Design and Merchandising Program.
Students can register for the camp at https://go.hawaii.edu/8kQ or scan the QR code on the flyer. For more information, please contact hamptonm@hawaii.edu.
The camp is free to attend, but participants need to bring their own lunch.
We are proudly marking 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, May 19.
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, May 21: 8th-grade Transition Ceremony & the last day of classes
Food Feedback Survey
Please help us by completing this FLIK feedback survey about this year’s food service.
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.
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.
Summer at HPA
Summer Academies at HPA
Do you have a passion you want to pursue this summer? Our specialized four-week academies are designed for day and boarding middle and high school students.
Upper School
Each week, our Upper School leadership team provides valuable insight about campus culture while sharing updates with 9-12 students and parents on academics, athletics, and arts, and what day and residential families can expect throughout the semester.
From the desk of your Upper School leadership team
Aloha Upper School families,
Celebrating Excellence at HPA
This past Monday, the Upper School community came together for a powerful and uplifting event that celebrated the remarkable achievements of our students in grades 9 through 12. It was a day to recognize and honor those who exemplify the very best of who we are as a school — students who lead with heart, strive with purpose, and live out HPA’s core values: wonder, pursuit of excellence, integrity, and respect.
Awards were presented across a wide range of areas including academics, athletics, citizenship, advocacy, environmental stewardship, and school culture. Each student recognized has not only excelled in their pursuits, but has also inspired others through their dedication, character, and commitment.
To all of our award recipients: your efforts do not go unnoticed. You are role models and trailblazers, reminding us all that excellence comes in many forms and that true success is built on kindness, curiosity, and courage. Thank you for setting a shining example for our community! Congratulations!
For a complete list of recipients for the Upper School Awards, 2024-2025 academic year, click here.
Final Exams
Friday, May 16 – Wednesday, May 21, 2025
The exam schedule is listed below:
Monday, May 19
| 8:30 to 10:30 am | Exam D |
| 11:00 to 12:25 pm | Lunch |
| 12:30 to 2:30 pm | Exam C |
Tuesday, May 20
| 8:30 to 10:30 am | Exam B |
| 11:00 am to 12:25 pm | Lunch |
| 12:30 to 2:30 pm | Exam A |
Wednesday, May 21
| 8:30 to 10:30 am | Exam E |
| 11:00 am to 12:25 pm | Lunch |
| 12:30 to 2:30 pm | Conflict Exams |
Lockers
All Lockers must be cleaned out by Tuesday, May 20, at 4:00 pm, with locks returned to the Academic Office located in the Science building between classrooms 41 and 42. All items left in lockers after May 21 will be donated to charity. Students who do not return their locks to the Academic Office will be charged $15.00.
End-of-Year Student Commitments
It is HPA’s tradition to have our younger Upper School students assist with our graduation celebrations after classes have ended.
All students are required to participate in the end-of-year student commitments. Class Deans and Leaders are in charge of the events. If travel has already been booked or students have an appointment, please contact your child’s Class Dean (below) and the Attendance Office at attendance@hpa.edu.
- Freshmen Dean, Class of 2028, Crystal Sebastian, csebastian@hpa.edu
- Sophomore Dean, Class of 2027, Robyn Brewer, rbrewer@hpa.edu
- Junior Dean, Class of 2026, Cindy Montgomery, cmontgomery@hpa.edu
Students excused from end-of-year student commitments will be assigned responsibilities for the 2025-2026 class retreats.
Freshmen
Wednesday, May 21: Campus Beautification
The freshmen class is vital in beautifying the HPA campus in preparation for visitors and families coming for Commencement. Freshmen report to Castle Lecture Hall at Noon on May 21 to gather into advisor groups. Each advisory group will clean a specific campus area in preparation for welcoming guests to celebrate the Baccalaureate and Commencement.
Students excused from end-of-year commitments can arrange to do campus clean-up before departing. Students should let their advisor, class leader, and Mrs. Sebastian know, and alternative work will be assigned.
9th-grade day students can be picked up from the Tennis Center parking lot after 2:30 p.m. This is the final requirement for our freshmen this academic year.
Sophomores
Assisting with the Baccalaureate Celebration Brunch on Thursday, May 22
The sophomore class will serve the Baccalaureate Celebration Brunch to seniors and their families on Thursday and help clean up afterward. Sophomores will be assigned shifts for one of these two service activities. Students who sign up to help with the Baccalaureate Celebration Brunch must wear long pants (navy or black preferred), their HPA Olympics class t-shirts, and closed-toe shoes.
10th-grade day students can be picked up after 2:00 pm from the Tennis Center parking lot.
Juniors
Decorating Castle Gymnasium for Commencement on Thursday, May 22
Who better to prepare the gym for the graduation event than our new school leaders? Therefore, the junior class will take on the yearly tradition of decorating Castle Gymnasium for Commencement. There will be TWO shifts for Juniors, and students will be assigned to one of the two shifts.
Mahalo,
Mark Noetzel
Assistant Head of School for Upper School
Calling all budding designers! A free 4-H Fashion Camp will be held from June 2 to 6, 2025, at Honoka‘a High School for students ages 12-17. In this one-week 4-H fashion camp, students will learn about the business of fashion design and practice basic sewing skills to create clothing. This program will teach how to use a sewing machine and introduce topics like styling, fabric & fibers, branding, and entrepreneurship with guest speakers from the community and UH Mānoa’s Fashion Design and Merchandising Program.
Students can register for the camp at https://go.hawaii.edu/8kQ or scan the QR code on the flyer. For more information, please contact hamptonm@hawaii.edu.
The camp is free to attend, but participants need to bring their own lunch.
Mahalo to Makana L. ’28 for submitting her favorite photos of the year for this week’s ASB.
Makana, a talented freshman, has been making a strong impact this year with her powerful visual storytelling. She sees photography as a way to capture fleeting moments and express emotion without words.
“Photography lets me see the world differently,” she says. “It challenges me creatively and helps me notice the details and emotions in everyday life.”
One of her favorite shoots this year was the freshman pool party, where she captured candid moments of classmates connecting and having fun.
Looking ahead, Makana hopes to turn her passion into a career — possibly in sports photography with the NFL or capturing the natural world for National Geographic.
We are proudly marking 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 with final exams at our Upper Campus on Monday, May 19.
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, May 19 – Wednesday, May 21: Upper School Final Exams
• Thursday, May 22: Class of 2025 Baccalaureate Service; Davies Memorial Chapel (ticketed event)
• Friday, May 23: Class of 2025 Commencement Ceremony; Castle Gymnasium (ticketed event)
Food Feedback Survey
Please help us by completing this FLIK feedback form about this year’s food service.
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.
Residential Life
The final weekend of the year is here! Our dormitories are a hive of studying, packing, and hopefully some cleaning(!) as students prepare for Final Exams and departure next week. As you communicate with your students over the next week, please encourage them to make time to pack and clean a little each day, so that they are not rushing at the end!
End of Year Orah Passes
Students have been asked this week to submit their final Orah Pass for the year, telling us what day and time they expect to leave campus. These will be approved on Monday morning, so as not to overcrowd the system this weekend.
Seniors
Many seniors will have family in town in advance of Graduation, and will want to stay with them off campus, which is great! However, seniors wishing to start staying off campus are required to completely clean and pack their rooms before spending the night off campus, starting the weekend of May 16, 2025.
Summer Storage
For students returning to HPA next year, you are allowed three (3) items in storage- suitcases, boxes, a rolling office chair- the items do not matter, but you are limited to 3 items in storage, as our storage rooms are not unlimited! Please think carefully about what you need to store, want to take home, or would like to donate.
Shipping Home
Students who wish to ship items home must make arrangements online, including ordering a label, packing the box, and preparing it for shipping. Packages that are packed, sealed, and labeled can be dropped off at the Student Life Office to be put in the outgoing mail.
Donations
Many students are growing! And their clothes no longer fit, or they have items that they no longer use. For the next two weeks, we will be running donation collections in each dormitory for any items that are in good condition and can be donated to local communities in need! This can be a good way to get rid of items you no longer want or need, and do some good! Please do not place useless junk, dirty or damaged clothes, or other unusable items in the donation bins!
Planning ahead and starting early can go a long way! Ideally, many of our students will begin packing up and preparing for summer move-out already, so that they can focus on Final Exams in the last week of school. Thank you for your support in getting them started early!
Student Life
Student Council Elections
Student Council elections are over! Please join us in congratulating the 2025-2026 Student Council. We had a spirited election season with many students showing their dedication and care for HPA and wanting to make it an even better place for their peers.
President: Carlyle Collinson
Vice President: Charlie Chang
Secretary: Chloe Jung
Treasurer: Kelan Kennedy
Executive Dorm Representative: Maggie Lu
Class Representatives:
Class of 2026 – Nina Cipriano, Christian Hunt, and Pemma Norbu
Class of 2027 – Jasmine Larson, Avery Lit, and Liliana Negulescu
Class of 2028 – Letsie Khabele, Iliana Mandaloniz, and Khloe Nakagawa
*Class of 2029 (incoming freshmen) election will take place in October 2025
Senior Privileges
If you are a senior parent and you have not already completed the senior privileges permission form in myHPA, please log into myHPA, and if it has not been completed, you will see a yellow bar at the top of the screen with blue writing, please click on that to complete the form – only one signature needed.
Ka Makani Athletics
What an exceptional year it has been! Congratulations to all our athletes! Go KA MAKANI!
Ka Makani Travel
Ka Makani Travel, HPA’s student travel program, is offering the following 2025-26:
Spring Break 2026 – The Alps and the Mediterranean Coast with EF Tours: March 2026, with a $200 early booking discount. Scholarships are available from EF’s Global Citizen Scholarship Fund. The deadline to apply for a scholarship with EF is August 12, 2025. You must be enrolled in an EF Tour to apply.
Spring Break 2026 – Galapagos Islands Ecology with Ecology Project International: March 2026, with a $200 early enrollment discount. Ecology Project International offers need-based student financial aid. Awards typically range from $300-600, so it won’t cover the full cost of the program, but it can help offset it. The student financial aid application opens on August 1, 2025, and can be found here.
The HPA Ka Makani Travel Grant application is open. The deadline to apply is May 5 at 10:00 pm. Students received an invitation to apply via email on April 22nd. Please contact Ka Makani Travel Coordinator Adrienne White (awhite@hpa.edu) for more information.
Hele-On Bus Passengers – Shuttle from Village Campus to 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 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.
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.
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)
Class of 2025 – Seniors and families
Aloha e nā ʻohana 2025!
Seniors and senior families, please be sure to review this very important and thorough email regarding the schedule for the final week as HPA seniors!
Class of 2025 seniors and families, we are so excited to celebrate your upcoming graduation from Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy. The Class of 2025 Commencement Ceremony is scheduled for Friday, May 23, 2025, at 10:00 am in Castle Gymnasium, and there are many other end-of-year milestones to celebrate before then, as well.
We have recorded a presentation covering the important end-of-year events HPA has planned for the Class of 2025.
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 2025, including their culminating event — graduation!! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at graduation@hpa.edu.
E hoʻomaikaʻi kākou!
Links:
Class of 2025 Commencement & End-of-Year Events presentation
Upper School End-of-Year Events Resource Board
College Counseling
College Horizons – College Fair at HPA: Saturday, June 7
As part of the College Horizons Program being hosted at HPA this summer, there will be a public College Fair at HPA on Saturday, June 7, from 9:00 to 10:00 am. This fair will have representatives from the most selective colleges and universities in the U.S., including six colleges from the Ivy League, Stanford, MIT, Williams, Vanderbilt, and other highly selective institutions that rarely visit Hawaiʻi Island. Click here for additional details, including a full list of colleges and registration details.
Immediately following the College Fair, there will be breakout sessions from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm on the following topics:
- College Essay
- College Admissions
- Standardized testing tips and tools
- Financial aid (for students & parents)
- Letter of recommendation (for teachers)
We hope to see you there! Please reach out to college@hpa.edu with any questions.
Juniors – Class of 2026
Free Upcoming Essay Writing Program offered for all Juniors!
HPA College Counseling has partnered with Ethan Sawyer, aka “The College Essay Guy,” to provide three virtual college essay boot camps this summer for our Juniors. These comprehensive bootcamps focus on three distinct topics
- Writing the Personal Statement: June 2, 4, 6 or June 16, 18, 20
- The University of California Personal Insight Questions – July 14 & 16
- The College Application and Supplemental Essays – September 21
Students can choose to log in live to attend these live boot camps or watch recordings of the programs. All Juniors will be registered by College Counseling to take part in the program and the course fees have been covered by HPA. Click on this link to learn more: College Essay Guy’s Essay 2025 Bootcamps.
Schedule Your Third Individual Meeting
Mr. Kelsey and Mrs. Montgomery are available for individual meetings. Please click below to select a 30-minute time slot for an individual appointment with your assigned counselor. All meetings should be scheduled during free periods and will be in the College Counseling Center.
If you need any help with scheduling appointments, please contact us directly at college@hpa.edu.
Complete Self-Input and Parent/Guardian-Input Forms
Juniors and their Parents/Guardians are requested to complete these two forms by the end of the Spring Semester. These input forms are used by our college counselors to assist in writing the counselor letter for college applications in the senior year. The specific details and insights shared in these input forms are always very helpful.
Driver Education
Students who are 15½ through 17 years old must meet stringent requirements to obtain a driver’s license in the state of Hawaiʻi. One of the major requirements is completing a state-certified driver education course and road time with both a certified driving instructor and parents before getting a license.
This course is offered to students with a valid (current) Hawaiʻi learner permit. The course includes 6 hours of “behind-the-wheel” practice driving sessions with the instructor, to be scheduled outside of class time. There is a mandatory Parent & Student Orientation on Saturday before the class begins, June 1, 9:00 to 10:30 am. 50 hours of driving time with a parent/guardian (including 10 hours of night driving) will be required before a minor (under 18) may apply for a Hawaiʻi Driver’s License. After 50 hours, the parent/guardian must submit a notarized statement to the teacher to receive the final certificate for this course. Certificates cannot be issued until 6 weeks after the beginning of the course, July 15.
Dates: June 2-13
Ages: 15 1/2 – 17
Times: 9:00 am to 12:30 pm
Cost: $550
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’.
HPA Today
Summer Academies at HPA
Do you have a passion you want to pursue this summer? Our specialized four-week academies are designed for day and boarding middle and high school students.
All-School
Need to know information for our entire Ka Makani ʻohana.
Admissions
In the event that you have family or friends who are still looking for placement at HPA for the 2025-2026 academic year, we have limited spaces in Lower, Middle, and Upper School (9th-11th grade for boarding). Please let them know to reach out to the admissions office at admissions@hpa.edu so the team can support their interest.
Advancement
May Day Challenge 2025
The 2025 May Day Challenge has been met! You, our ʻohana, contributed a total of $103,235 to help deliver the extraordinary programs that define HPA. Because you carried us successfully across the finish line, a generous donor has made a special contribution of $25,000 to our results for a grand total of $128,235. Mahalo nui!!
On behalf of all Ka Makani who learn and grow here, who carry HPA into the future… please accept our warmest aloha and gratitude! Eō Ka Makani!
If you intended to make a gift, no worries! It’s never too late to make a difference! Join the challenge!
Internship Opportunity: HPA Sustainable Agriculture and Community Outreach
The school is seeking applications for two interns for the Sustainable Agriculture and Community Outreach program. Successful candidates will apprentice at Ulu Mālama Terrace Farm and the Ulumau Garden at the HPA Upper Campus and Village Campus respectively. Interns will serve as our community food outreach coordinator; connecting the school gardens to our Waimea community.
Summer at HPA
Summer at HPA registration is open. Visit the Summer at HPA New Enrollment form to register for summer enrichment camps, swimming lessons, Ka Makani Keiki Camp, or Summer Academies.
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 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
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.