Week of 5/8/26

What's Happening at HPA This Week?

Message from the Head of School

Aloha HPA ʻohana,

I loved our Upper School advisory curriculum this week, which took advantage of the moment with the 2026 Kentucky Derby still fresh in everyone’s minds. Did you see that?! If not, it’s worth the look. I get chills writing about it—and I’m no horse person (don’t tell my grandfather, Snookie, who had me on a horse before I could walk).

Golden Tempo’s victory offered more than a thrilling finish—it offered a lesson. The Derby is a 1.25-mile race, but it is won in the final stretch. Golden Tempo didn’t just hold pace—he found another gear when others began to fade. From well back at the start to the front at the finish.

That lesson feels especially relevant this week at HPA.

We are in one of those uniquely full stretches of the school year—what sometimes feels like the “100 days of May.” Across campuses, our students are in motion. Milestone moments, such as Fridayʻs K-5 May Day celebration and Rainbow Day today, our Middle School Performing Arts Showcase, and a weekend that holds our 8th graders celebrating their annual dinner dance—an important marker of both where they are and where they are headed.

Upper School students are deep in AP exams, drawing on months of preparation. Our athletes are competing on the biggest stages of the season, representing HPA in BIIF and state competitions with pride and intention.

Let me pause to celebrate a few special moments from the week. On Tuesday, our 10th grade BIIF Champion golfer, Khloe Nakagawa, delivered a hole-in-one on the 18th at the state championships—an extraordinary finish. And just as inspiring, our girls flag football team completed an undefeated regular season with a BIIF Championship. In just its second official year in Hawaiʻi, this program has become something truly special—built on strong coaching, a positive culture, and a level of athleticism, competitiveness, and teamwork that is exciting to watch. We look forward to cheering them on at the HHSAA State Tournament next week.

And then, down two runs with one out left, and 3-2 pitch count in the last inning against the No. 1 seed in the state tournament, our baseball team scratches out five runs to secure a 9-6 victory to advance to the semifinals. I can’t make this up. Golden Tempo!!

This time of year carries a distinct rhythm: preparation, performance, and reflection—all happening at once. It is exciting, and it can be demanding. Like the Derby, the final stretch asks something more of us—focus, resilience, and the ability to stay present and trust the work already done.

What stands out most, though, is how our community shows up for one another. Teammates supporting teammates. Classmates encouraging each other through exams. Advisors, teachers, coaches, and families quietly holding things together so our students can do their best.

Because, in so many ways, this is what heroes look like. Not always in the spotlight, but present every day. Preparing, supporting, and showing up—again and again—so others can shine.

This week, we recognize and celebrate our teachers and nurses (thank you ʻohana association) —and this weekend, our mothers. Each brings a steady, selfless care that makes all of this possible.

As we move through these final weeks, the path forward is clear: trust your preparation, support one another, and when the moment calls for it, find that extra gear. Because this is where it matters most.

Happy Motherʻs Day weekend!

Gratefully,

Fred Wawner
Head of School

School Bulletins for the Week of 5/8/26

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.

Click to expand

News & notes

Aloha Lower School ʻOhana!

We are so proud of all our keiki and their performance during last weekʻs May Day hōʻike. This year’s theme, He Wai He Mana, He Wai e Ola, came alive through chant, mele, hula, art, and storytelling in ways that were deeply meaningful and inspiring. Mahalo to Kumu Kūwalu, Mallory Di Bartolo, Keliko Hurley, and all of our K–5 teachers whose heart, creativity, and dedication made this event so special. Their countless hours of preparation, coordination, and care helped create a beautiful experience for our students and community. Our students were so respectful as we honored Ari Bernstein and Mellon Monello, as well as Kumu Kūwaluʻs transition to teach 6th-8th grade ōlelo Hawaii (alongside her current 8th grade social studies classes) in the new school year. What an honor for us to be together for this hōʻike!

A special shoutout as well to our Lower School Art Teacher, Alexa Hustace, for guiding students in creating artwork inspired by our May Day theme to grace the cover of our programs. Our wonderful Marketing and Communications team compiled the many submissions into a sweet slideshow showcasing our students’ creativity. Take a look!

My heartfelt gratitude goes to all of you, our families. Whether you helped with practicing at home, harvesting greenery, lei-making, stagecrafting, stage breakdown, chain-sawing (yes!), or cheering on our keiki, your support made all the difference.

Indeed, our HPA ʻOhana Association never ceases to amaze. This weekʻs Faculty Appreciation Week, you truly outdid yourselves with a thoughtful and generous celebration for our K–8 faculty and staff, including a wonderful stretch and release session from Body Alchemy, heartfelt gifts, and delicious treats all week long. We are incredibly grateful for your kindness and unwavering support of our educators! This yearʻs representatives, Angelina Forrest, P ʻ25 & ʻ35 for Lower School, and Emily Hoover, P ʻ27 & ʻ30 for Middle School, have been exemplary.

We closed this week with a joyous Rainbow Day, a day to honor the beauty and strength of our diverse community. Our Lower School Student Council led a variety of fun activities including a sidewalk chalk mural, thoughtful gratitude card making, a math bowling game, and kindness rock painting. And of course, our annual human rainbow tradition once again brought smiles, laughter, and connection to campus. It was a celebration of how our individuality comes together to create an amazing community under the symbolism of the rainbow.

As we head into the final days of the school year, please note the following:

Dismissal
Arrival to campus for pickup is limited to only 15 minutes prior to dismissal time, unless otherwise communicated to the office:

2:45 p.m. for regular 3:00 p.m. dismissal
1:45 p.m. for Wednesday 2:00 p.m. early release dismissal

Thank you for helping us keep our campus safe and focused on our classroom learning and routines.

After School Updates
During the final week of school, May 18-20:

Monday, 5/18 – Regular After School Care, 3-5pm
Tuesday, 5/19 – Regular After School Care, 3-5pm
Wednesday, 5/20 – Last day of school, 2:00 p.m. dismissal, no After School Care

Next week marks our final full week of classes, and in true HPA Lower School fashion, our learning continues without pause. Across campus, students are completing projects, publishing writing pieces, sharing computational strategies, engaging in book talks, and reflecting on the tremendous growth they have made throughout the year. Core academic assessments in reading and math are also underway, alongside our specialist studies wrapping up for the school year.

Please continue to support our learners by reminding them that each day matters. Their pursuit of excellence, effort, and engagement remains essential as we bring this incredible school year to a close together. Academic reports will be distributed by the end of the month, and you will be notified via email when they are posted and ready for viewing on myHPA.

Me ka mahalo nui,

Dora Kwong
Lower School Principal

Click through to view the entire gallery

Schedule

Our K-5 classes continue with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, May 11.

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

• Tuesday, May 19: Last Day of After-School Program

• Wednesday, May 20: Last Day of School

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.

Click to expand

News & notes

Aloha Middle School Families,

I’ve had a wonderful week connecting with our rising 6th grade families as they prepare to join our Middle School next year. A school is a living thing, and what brings it to life are the students. With each new class, a unique personality begins to emerge, keeping all of us curious and energized about the year ahead.

I want to express my gratitude to our faculty and our school nurse this week during Faculty and Nurse’s Appreciation days. Our educators and health care professionals are some of the most important connections outside core family relationships for our children – and at many points – can be the most influential and sacred of relationships for young people. At HPA Middle School we have the very best teachers and care professionals you could ask for – they are brilliant, caring, hardworking and genuinely enjoy teaching students aged 11 – 14 years old (sometimes a tall order)! My authentic love and appreciation goes out to each of our teachers and to our school Nurse, Crissy Kuehn. Mahalo to our ʻOhana Association who organized a rejuvenating Stretch and Release session coupled with a delicious meal Wednesday afternoon. Our faculty felt truly appreciated.

This week, our 6th through 8th grade performing arts and music students wowed our community with exceptional demonstrations of their learning. From Argentinian tango to Japanese folktales to our ukulele ensemble playing hits from the Weekend and others, our students showcased both their talent and their commitment to their craft. Keep an eye our for photos and video of the event.

This weekend, our 8th graders celebrate their time at HPA Middle School with the 8th grade Dinner Dance at Anna’s Ranch from 6 – 8:30 p.m. and the theme is Vibrant Colors! 8th grade parents – you can sign up here to help with set up, decorating, food donations and clean up/take down. Itʻs a magical evening for our 8th graders!

As we move into the final days of the school year, please help your child prioritize academic focus and consistent attendance. Every moment matters. With 8th grade transition approaching on May 20, each class meeting becomes increasingly important. Most classes have only four remaining sessions before the year concludes. Let’s make them count.

Your child’s advisors have done a great job communicating important deadlines and information and some of those items are communicated below as well.

Thank you for your continued support as we help our students finish the year strong.

Aloha,

Michael Cservenak
Middle School Principal

Click through to view the entire gallery