Week of 10/17/25
What's Happening at HPA This Week?
Message from the Head of School
Aloha HPA ʻohana,
October always has its own feel — something about the light, the pace, the energy on campus. The buzz of August and the excitement of September have shifted into a comfortable rhythm. Students are settled into routines, friendships are solidifying, and classes are diving deeper. It’s that time of year when the work gets real — and so does the growth.
I’ve been on the road this week, doing a bit of my own professional learning across many different industries and educational platforms (I can’t wait to share more in later editions) and reconnecting with friends, families, and partners of HPA who continue to support and shape our school’s journey. It’s inspiring to see how HPA values resonate far beyond Waimea. And, I’ll admit, I even made a (family expected) quick stop at a Trader Joe’s—where the “pumpkin spice” season was in full sensory overload. It made me smile thinking about the warmth and comfort that come with this time of year, whether in my urban adventures of the Bay Area or back home waiting in the Country Grounds line for some magically pumpkin-spiced treat.
Back on campus, October often marks a turning point. The initial rush of the new year has eased, replaced by a steady rhythm of work, play, and purpose. Students are finding their stride and, at times, feeling the challenge of sustaining it. It’s a moment when growth becomes quieter but more meaningful—shown in their independence, curiosity, and willingness to take on new challenges. The familiarity of daily life brings comfort, but it can also invite a bit of complacency, which makes this a good time to check in and help them refocus for the weeks ahead.
Just this week, we’ve enjoyed stories by campfire at the Lower School Fall play, The Evening Roundup Radio Hour, and the Open Art Studio on the Upper Campus. This weekend is chock full of events on the Upper Campus, from playoff volleyball and football to ACT testing, swim meets, and even a visit from the American Institute of Architects, Honolulu Chapter, who will be leading community tours of our Vladimir Ossipoff-designed campus buildings. This is a perfect snapshot of HPA—excellence and rigor on the field and in the classroom, combined with a sense of wonder and celebration of beauty—all grounded firmly in community.
As I make my way back to campus today, I’m reminded that growth—whether for students or adults—always comes from that blend of curiosity, connection, and a willingness to stretch a little further. Here’s to a season of settling in, staying curious, and savoring both the challenge and the sweetness of the journey.
Have a wonder-filled weekend!
Gratefully,
Fred Wawner
Head of School
HPA FUND UPDATE
Glowing from their enchanted corner of the Village Campus, 2nd Grade has conjured up a frighteningly impressive 90% class participation! They remain top of the chart, keeping the magic alive and the competition on edge. Hot on their broomsticks, with wands in tow: Kindergarten with 89%, 4th Grade at 86%, and 1st Grade floating close behind with 85%. The Middle School is making moves too—could a surprise finish be in the cards?
As for our Upper School, there’s still time to rise from the shadows. Every gift counts, no matter the size—remember, participation is the most powerful potion!
School Bulletins for the Week of 10/17/25
Lower School
Each week, K–5 families receive updates highlighting joyful moments, meaningful lessons, and a glimpse into what students and parents can look forward to in the weeks ahead.
Pilina: Weekly Highlights Connecting Us on Campus
Bringing together highlights, stories, and connections from across our Lower School community this week.
Aloha Lower School ʻOhana!
Thank you to all our families for supporting our 3rd-5th grade musical performers this past Wednesday. Their show, The Evening Roundup Radio Hour, was an inspired original musical program with a vintage radio twist. Our K-2nd grade students were attentive and enthusiastic audience members, and we are so grateful for everyoneʻs support. Here is the link to the show if you were unable to make it in person. Please feel free to enjoy with your ʻohana and friends.
Professional Learning and Conferences
Professional learning and development for all our teachers continues to be a priority here at HPA. This week, our Village Campus is well represented at the Schools of the Future Conference on Oʻahu, with a strong cohort of teachers focusing on project-based learning, early childhood education, and technology in schools, among other topics. With eight HPA teachers spanning K-12 in attendance, we are excited for the insights and inspiration they will bring back to our classrooms. Of special note, our 3rd-5th grade lead teachers are part of this cohort (alongside Ms. Walker, Ms. Monello, and Ms. Wadlegger from the Village Campus) and look forward to enriching their PLC work and instructional practice.
All of our Village Campus teachers have now launched into their individual and small group professional growth goals — working together in learning partnerships to stay accountable, encourage one another, and strengthen our collective impact as educators committed to HPA’s mission and values.
Parent Teacher Conferences: October 23-24
We look forward to seeing you next week at Parent-Teacher Conferences! Please remember to sign up with Specialist teachers as well, and take advantage of our complimentary childcare area. For everyone’s safety and smooth scheduling, please drop your child(ren) off at least five minutes before your scheduled conference, and pick them up no later than ten minutes after it ends. Childcare is available only for currently enrolled HPA students. Note that there are no classes during our Parent Teacher Conference days, so we will have school from October 20-22 only next week.
Spirit Week: October 27-31
Next week is Spirit Week! Your child brought home a flyer outlining each day’s theme and our costume guidelines. Please note that any child not adhering to the guidelines will be asked to remove their costume. As always, participation in Spirit Week activities is completely optional—but we hope everyone enjoys the fun and community spirit.
Have a beautiful weekend, Lower School ʻOhana!
Me ka mahalo nui,
Dora Kwong
Lower School Principal
Schedule
Our K-5 classes continue with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, October 20.
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
• Thursday, October 23 – Friday, October 24: Parent-Teacher Conferences
• Monday, October 27 – Friday, October 31: Spirit Week
• Monday, November 3: Winter After School Term Begins
• Wednesday, November 26 – Friday, November 28: Thanksgiving Holiday, no classes
• Monday, December 1: K-8 Faculty Work Day, no classes
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, 2025-2026.
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, 6–8 families receive updates reflecting on recent activities and accomplishments, along with a preview of what students and parents can look forward to in the coming days.
Pilina: Weekly Highlights Connecting Us on Campus
Bringing together highlights, stories, and connections from across our Middle School community this week.
Aloha Middle School Families,
I am so thrilled to share highlights of our academic and cultural programs here. This is truly a place to learn like nowhere else:
• 7th Grade History: Based on an inquiry model from the Stanford History Education Group, Ms. Honda’s 7th-grade History classes have been rigorously engaged in a thorough examination and trial of the Columbus expedition this past week and next week. I was able to observe our 7th graders using historical texts, analyzing their veracity and then pushing themselves to take on diverse perspectives during this project.
• All-Middle School Choir: Ms. Di Bartolo engaged the entire Middle School in our All-Middle-School Choir initiative for our fourth session. Each student has been challenged to connect with each other via song, explore rhythm and perform choral singing of: Dona Nobis Pacem, Bring Me a Little Water Sylvie and Hawai’i Aloha.
• Professional Learning: The Village Campus Faculty took the next step in our Professional Learning Communities initiative via our Growth Goal Partnership meetings last Wednesday. This year, our faculties have committed to structured academic learning communities that focus on student learning and use best practices to pursue excellence based on authentic student data.
Parent Teacher Conferences
Next week is a shortened week for students in order to hold Parent-Teacher Conferences on Thursday, October 23, and Friday, October 24. Please refer to this communication from Ms. Kakugawa on how to schedule your conferences with Middle School teachers.
Spirit Week
Spirit Week is coming! Monday, October 27 – Friday, October 31 is an All-School Spirit Week. Our Middle School Student Council contributed meaningfully to the decision-making process this year in collaboration with our Lower School and Upper School Student Councils. Please review this thorough Middle School Spirit Week Days and Guidelines document for all information.
Monday, October 27: Pajama Day*
Tuesday, October 28: Dream Job Day
Wednesday, October 29: Wacky Wednesday
Thursday, October 30: Advisory Match Day
Friday, October 31: Halloween Costume Day*
* K-12 days
With gratitude and excitement,
Michael Cservenak
Middle School Principal
Schedule
Our Middle School 2025-2026 Daily Schedule continues with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, October 20.
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
• Thursday, October 23 – Friday, October 24: Parent-Teacher Conferences
• Monday, October 27 – Friday, October 31: Spirit Week
• Monday, November 3: Winter After School Term Begins
• Wednesday, November 26 – Friday, November 28: Thanksgiving Holiday, no classes
• Monday, December 1: K-8 Faculty Work Day, no classes
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, 2025-2026’.
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’.
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.
Pilina: Weekly Highlights Connecting Us on Campus
Bringing together highlights, stories, and connections from across our Upper School community this week.
Professional Learning and Conferences
Professional learning and development for all our teachers continues to be a priority here at HPA. This week, our Upper Campus was represented at the Schools of the Future Conference on Oʻahu, with Crystal Sebastian there to bring back ideas that focus on project-based learning and technology in schools, among other topics. With eight HPA teachers spanning K-12 in attendance, we are excited for the insights and inspiration they will bring back to our classrooms.
Feedback from Ohana Days
Many thanks to the families who gave us valuable feedback on their ‘Ohana Days experience. As always, there is a lot to do in a short amount of time. However, we do our best to give you time with your child(ren)’s teachers and to give you a look at a day in the life of an HPA student. We appreciate your feedback and will continue to improve.
Next Sport Season: November 3
Students received notifications and invitations to sign up for their next after-school activity. The current offerings continue through October 30, and the new activity term begins on November 3. Please ask your child(ren) if they have signed up using the invitation from Ms. Dowd.
College Applications and Notifications
We applaud the students who have completed all or a portion of their list of colleges for which they are applying. October 24 will be a day when the College Counseling Office can lend more guidance. We also commend the faculty who spend a fair amount of time during this time of year writing recommendations for our seniors. We wish our seniors the very best in this process of applying. Lastly, many thanks to our College Counseling Office, Mr. Kelsey, Ms. Montgomery, and Ms. Quayle, for their enduring support of our students throughout their careers at HPA.
Student Spotlight
Tiffany R. ʻ26, competed this past week in the World Junior Triathlon Championships Wollongong (Australia) and finished with a very strong performance, No. 7 in the 18-19 year old division. Congratulations, Tiffany!
PSAT/Senior Sunrise
Please see the section below for information about the important PSAT test for our 9, 10, and 11th graders. In addition to the senior sunrise event and college essay workshops.
All the best,
Mark Noetzel
Assistant Head of School for Upper School
Schedule
Our Upper School 2025-2026 Daily Schedule will resume as a Mamo day with in-person instruction on our Upper Campus on Monday, October 20
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 openings and closures) can also be located on the Upper School Family Resources tile located in myHPA.
Coming Up
• Friday, October 24: Senior Sunrise (6 am) followed by breakfast, and college essay writing (school day ends at 11:30 am, following lunch).
• Friday, October 24: PSAT, Grades 9-11
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- Optional Pool Party
- JV and Varsity athletes, check with your coaches for practice times.
• Wednesday, November 26 – Friday, November 28: Thanksgiving Holiday, no classes
Student Support
Should your child need additional learning or counseling support, we encourage you to reach out to:
- US Learning Specialist: Spencer Williams at swilliams@hpa.edu
- US Counselor: Tiffany Freitas at tfreitas@hpa.edu or 808-881-4038
- US Counselor: Steve Furchner at sfurchner@hpa.edu or 808-881-4038
Senior Parents
Celebrate your senior’s achievement in style! It’s time to order your graduation announcements, class rings, and accessories from our official provider, Herf Jones.
Please place your order by December 1 to ensure everything arrives before spring break. For more details or assistance, please see the attached flyer.
Testing
Our students in grades 9-11 will be taking the PSAT on Friday, October 24. Please refer to the email that was sent out on September 23 for details.
Following the testing, a Post-PSAT Pool Party will be hosted at Dowsett Pool from 12:30 to 2:30 pm. All Upper School students are welcome to attend.
Ka Makani Athletics
Fall season is here! Check out the latest Fall Sports Athletics calendar here. You can also access the athletics schedule on the myHPA calendar. Go KA MAKANI!
Volleyball
BIIF PLAYOFFS
Friday, October 17 vs Connections, 6:00 pm
Saturday, October 18, BIIF Quarterfinal, 6:00 pm (Opponent TBD)
Cross Country
Saturday, October 18, All Schools, at Honoka’a, 9:00 am
Football
Saturday, October 18, vs Kohala, 11:00 am
Catch the action
Watch the Ka Makani action as it happens! Watch HPA sports live on Hudl and never miss a play.
Residential Life
Please enjoy this special look at our Boarding Community in the Boarding Report!
Additionally, we are excited to announce the launch of Ka Makani Rides. A new service to assist families needing transportation for their child outside of the school’s specified Travel Dates. You can read more about this service here.
College Counseling
Below are the college visits currently scheduled from October 20 – 24. New colleges are added on a regular basis, so please check the myHPA or Scoir calendars for an up-to-date list. All visits take place in the College Counseling Center unless otherwise noted.
College Visits, October 20 – 24
Monday, October 20: Colorado School of Mines (Golden, CO) 9:00 am- 9:45 am
Monday, October 20: Colorado Mesa University (Grand Junction, CO) 9:00 am- 9:45 am
Monday, October 20: Willamette University (Salem, OR) 11:45 am – 12:15 pm
Monday, October 20: Connecticut College (New London, CT) 1:45 pm – 2:15 pm
Thursday, October 23: University of Oregon (Eugene, OR) 9:00 am – 9:30 am
Friday, October 24: The New School (New York, NY) 11:45 – 12:15 pm
Upcoming Event:
Wednesday, October 29: University of California Application Workshop 1:45 pm – 2:45 pm
Join UC Berkeley admissions representative, Isabella Collas, for detailed advice on how to complete the University of California application and a breakdown of the Personal Insight Questions.
Ka Makani Travel
Spring Break March, 2026
- The Alps and the Mediterranean Coast with EF Tours Led by Ms. White & Mrs. Piercy, application deadline Monday, October 27th.
Additionally, we have one of our trips confirmed for the 2026-27 School year.
Spring Break 2027
- Japan: Land of the Rising Sun with EF Tours led by Mrs. Inaba
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, 2025-2026.
Whom to Contact at HPA
If you are unsure whom 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.
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.
ʻOhana Association
Mark your calendars for one of the most anticipated Upper School traditions—our Haunted Walk and Trunk or Treat is just around the corner! On Friday, October 24 students in grades 9–12 will enjoy a night full of spooky surprises, community spirit, and Halloween fun. We need your help to make the magic happen. From decorating trunks to guiding students through the Haunted Walk, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Sign up to volunteer here.
Thank you for helping us create a safe and memorable event for our students.
Spooky season has arrived at the Village Campus, and we have a full lineup of festive fun planned throughout October! From classroom activities to our much-loved Halloween Parade, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Click here to sign up for event volunteering, and to contribute treats from the wishlist before the parade.
Thank you for helping make Halloween special for our Village Campus students!
Our first Community Garden Work Day of the year will take place on Tuesday, October 28, from 8:00 to 10:30 am at the Ulu Mālama Terrace Farm on the Upper Campus. This is a great opportunity to get your hands dirty and support our school garden! Please enter through the Waimea gate, and email Willie Quayle or Lauren Prutow Mckenna to RSVP or with any questions.
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.
Wā Pilina
The ʻOhana Association is excited to present their Wā Pilina ʻOhana Series for the 2025-26 school year. These events are an invitation for our HPA ʻohana to learn and connect through moʻolelo, immersive experiences and stewardship opportunities, guided by Kumu Kūwalu and Waimea cultural practitioners and stewards.
Join us for a lau niu basket weaving workshop on Tuesday, November 4, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm in rooms 202 and 203 at the Village Campus. We are honored to welcome Umi Cabrera-Zuke as our kumu for this event. Umi is a Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner and respected waterman with deep roots in Waipiʻo Valley, as well as an HPA parent and father of five. He will guide us through the cultural practice of basket weaving using traditional methods and materials, which will be provided. This event is designed for adults, but children may attend with a parent if they are able to participate appropriately. Space is limited, so be sure to sign up here to reserve your spot.
Our Wā Pilina series continues with a hands-on ʻawa workshop, guided garden tour, and thoughtful discussion on Saturday, November 15 from 9:00 to 11:30 am. Together, we’ll learn how to identify the ʻawa plant and explore its deep cultural and historical significance in Hawaiʻi. The morning concludes with a group reflection and an optional ʻawa tasting. Sign-up here to attend this special event.
Admissions
November 1 is the deadline for returning families receiving financial aid to re-apply for financial aid for the 2026-2027 academic year. Please visit the Clarity financial aid link and get that started today.
The new application for the 2026-2027 academic year is now available. If you have a sibling of your current student who is planning to apply next year, please let us know, and we will review their application ASAP. Please contact our office at admissions@hpa.edu if you have any questions. We will expedite your completion of the process and are here to support your ʻohana. Additionally, please visit our website for information on upcoming fall events where you and/or your friends can connect with HPA and the admissions team.
Scholarship Opportunities
In addition to Financial Aid, HPA is able to offer limited scholarship opportunities for students in grades 9-12: The Kūlia Scholarship, The HPA Faculty Big Island Scholarship, and The Ho‘omau Scholarship. We encourage students who are not already receiving supplemental merit scholarships to apply.
Deadlines are as follows:
The Kūlia Scholarship: January 5, 2026
The HPA Faculty Big Island Scholarship: December 1, 2025
The Ho‘omau Scholarship: January 5, 2026
Eligibility requirements, details, and deadlines are available on the HPA website. Please reach out to scholarships@hpa.edu with any questions.
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 am to noon. 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
Campus access is limited to current students, employees, essential contractors, and approved guests. 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.
If a family member of a student needs to meet with a faculty, staff, or administrative team member, please contact them to arrange a meeting on 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. Follow up with your supervisor ASAP.
- Anything out of the ordinary: email Dan Wilkinson, HPA Security Supervisor at dwilkinson@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.