Week of 10/2/26
What's Happening at HPA This Week?
School Bulletins for the Week of 10/2/26
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.
News & notes
Aloha Lower School ʻOhana!
One of the gifts of growing up and learning on Hawaiʻi Island is the tremendous opportunity our keiki have to explore the world around them. With that opportunity also comes kuleana to learn how to move through our community safely, thoughtfully, and with awareness.
During last Monday’s Lower School Assembly, we welcomed representatives who spoke with our students about unexploded ordnance (UXO) and taught us the 3Rs: Recognize, Retreat, Report. This is important learning for our keiki. In fact, following the last time we hosted this presentation, one of our second graders was exploring in the Nature Park when they came across a suspected UXO and knew exactly what to do. Mahalo to our presenters (including mascot Elio!) for helping our students build the knowledge and confidence to make safe choices and look out for themselves and one another.
Mahalo for joining Village Campus ʻOhana Day!
Mahalo to all of our families who were able to join us for last weekʻs Village Campus ʻOhana Day! It was wonderful to welcome you into our learning spaces, connect with one another, and give our keiki the opportunity to share a little of their school world with you.
We will have another opportunity to strengthen that home-school pilina very soon during Parent-Teacher Conferences on October 22 and 23. Please look for a message from the Village Campus Office with information about how to sign up for your preferred conference time.
K–5 Keiki Triathlon
After our weather-related postponement, we are excited that the K–5 Keiki Triathlon has been rescheduled for this weekend!
We are looking forward to gathering for this much-anticipated event at the Upper Campus. The Keiki Triathlon is an opportunity for our students to challenge themselves, demonstrate perseverance, cheer on their classmates, and experience the satisfaction that comes from taking on something difficult and giving it their best. All heat times remain the same. Mahalo to our many ʻOhana Association volunteers for your generous support on this day. We look forward to cheering on our young athletes!
Grades 3–5 Musical: The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt
We are excited to share our first musical program of the year!
Our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders will present songs surrounding themes from Riel Nason’s picture book The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt, a story about a little ghost who discovers that the very qualities that make him different also give him a special purpose.
Our students have been working hard to prepare an entertaining performance that celebrates creativity, teamwork, and musical exploration. We look forward to seeing their pursuit of excellence come to life on the stage!
Save the Date — Friday, October 16
Location: Gates Performing Arts Center (GPAC), HPA Upper Campus
Doors Open: 2:00 p.m.
Curtain: 2:15 p.m.
Performance Ends: 3:00 p.m.
On performance day, students should arrive at the Village Campus as usual between 7:40–8:00 a.m. and will have lunch at their regular time. We will bus students to GPAC in the afternoon for the performance.
Our Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade students will also join the audience to support their upper elementary schoolmates and enjoy the show!
All K–5 students should be picked up at GPAC following the performance. Students attending our after-school program will be transported back to the Village Campus by our staff. (Pre-K students will begin and end their day as usual at the Village Campus.)
Grades 3–5 Rehearsals — October 14 & 15
On Wednesday and Thursday, October 14 and 15, students in grades 3–5 should be dropped off at GPAC between 7:40–8:00 a.m. for rehearsals. Students will then be transported by bus back to the Village Campus at 9:30am to finish their school day.
All other students (PK-2nd grades) should arrive to Village Campus at their usual times.
Ka Makani Baseball Camp
Calling all young baseball players! Ka Makani Baseball Camp will take place on Wednesday, October 14, at the Upper Campus for students ages 8–14.
The camp will be led by Coach Jeremy Lustik and is a great opportunity for young athletes to develop their skills and spend time on the field with our Ka Makani baseball program.
Mahalo, as always, for your partnership and for the many ways you help make our Village Campus such a connected and vibrant place for our keiki. From learning to mālama ourselves and our environment to challenging ourselves physically and finding our voices on the stage, these learning opportunities help our children discover who they are and how they contribute to the community around them.
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 5.
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
• October 4: Keiki Triathlon, Upper Campus, 9:00 – 11:00 am
• October 9: K-5 Faculty Work Day, no classes; Pre-K in session as usual
• October 16: 3rd – 5th Grade Musical, GPAC, 2:00 pm; all K-5 dismissed from GPAC at 3:00 pm
• October 22 & 23: Pre-K – 8th Grade Parent Teacher Conferences
• October 26 – 30: HPA Spirit Week! All Divisions
FLIK Food Service Survey
We’d love to hear from you! Please take a few minutes to complete our FLIK Food Service Survey and share your thoughts and feedback about the food service at HPA.
Your feedback is important to us and will help us better understand what students and families are enjoying, where there may be opportunities for improvement, and how we can continue to enhance the dining experience for our students and families.
The survey should only take a few minutes to complete, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.
Please click the link below to take the survey:
http://spark.e15group.com/u/
Mahalo for your time and for helping us make the HPA dining experience the best it can be.
Upcoming Flu Clinics
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, 2026-2027.
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.
News & notes
Aloha Middle School Families,
When I was in 4th grade at Franklin Elementary in Griffith, Indiana, the closest I came to place-based learning was a trip to Camp Tecumseh. Beyond that, I grew up with very little authentic knowledge of the Indigenous history or environmental ecosystems of my own community. While I have tremendous appreciation for the teachers I had growing up, it makes me even more impressed by the experiences our HPA teachers curate for our students, guided by our Strategic Plan and Mālama Kaiāulu framework. HPA truly is a place to learn like no other.
Place-based learning the HPA way is special. Our 2030 Strategic Plan: Rooted in Place sets a clear goal around Learning from Hawaiʻi Island: “HPA will deepen its place-based approach to education, ensuring that every student engages in sustained inquiry and experiential learning throughout the K-12 journey, including engagement with Hawaiʻi Island’s diverse landscape and indigenous knowledge systems.”
We see that commitment come alive every week. Just yesterday during our Experiential Block, students had their hands in the soil in both our Ulumau Garden and Kohala Watershed Native Plant Garden, while our 7th graders met with the Hawaiʻi Wildlife Fund in preparation for their beach cleanup at Pololū next week. Each year, our students encounter new and increasingly deep ways of learning from Waimea and Hawaiʻi Island.
Next week is our annual ʻIke Kaiāulu Theme Week, when our teachers will lead students in learning, exploration, and service throughout the island. Please pay close attention to your child’s advisory emails for daily agendas, packing lists, and other essential information. This is especially important for our 8th grade families, as students will spend two nights away at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. I cannot compliment our teachers enough for the meticulous planning that goes into making this week such a meaningful experience for our students.
This past week, students in grades 6–12 also had the opportunity to learn from Ian Groves of Atom Theory Prevention. His message about delaying alcohol and drug use, presented through a research-based and age-appropriate approach, is an important part of helping safeguard our keiki as they enter their teenage years. Thinking back again to the prevention education I experienced in Middle and High School, I especially appreciate the more nuanced approach our students receive today, one that gives them practical skills and knowledge to navigate the choices ahead of them.
I wish you and your ʻohana a lovely weekend. Please see below for information about an upcoming Ka Makani Baseball Camp and our Village Campus Middle School Art Contest, where students have the opportunity to design the next HPA T-shirt! Register for the Ka Makani Baseball Camp.

Aloha,

Michael Cservenak
Middle School Principal
Schedule
Our Middle School daily schedule will continue with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, October 5.
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
• October 5 – 8: Middle School Theme Week
• October 9: K-5 Faculty Work Day, no classes; Pre-K in session as usual
• October 22 & 23: Pre-K – 8th Grade Parent Teacher Conferences
• October 26 – 30: HPA Spirit Week! All Divisions
FLIK Food Service Survey
We’d love to hear from you! Please take a few minutes to complete our FLIK Food Service Survey and share your thoughts and feedback about the food service at HPA.
Your feedback is important to us and will help us better understand what students and families are enjoying, where there may be opportunities for improvement, and how we can continue to enhance the dining experience for our students and families.
The survey should only take a few minutes to complete, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.
Please click the link below to take the survey:
http://spark.e15group.com/u/
Mahalo for your time and for helping us make the HPA dining experience the best it can be.
Upcoming Flu Clinics
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, 2026-2027’.
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.
News & notes
Aloha Upper School Families,
As we conclude our ʻOhana Days, I want to extend a sincere thank you to all of our families — those who were able to join us on campus and those who were with us from afar.
It was wonderful to begin the week by seeing so many of you at Wednesday evening’s parent meet-and-greet at Isaacs Art Gallery. Yesterday, we especially enjoyed welcoming families into our classrooms to observe your children learning alongside their teachers and classmates. We know that many of our families travel considerable distances to be here, while others—particularly those living across the continental U.S., Europe, Asia, and elsewhere — simply cannot make the trip. Whether you were here in person or not, we are grateful for your partnership and the trust you place in HPA.

These days also provided a wonderful snapshot of the many experiences that make up life at HPA. Our College Counseling Office welcomed the directors of admission from Tufts University and Boston University, and Ian Groves offered his “Keeping Teens Healthy” presentation for families in Dyer Library. Around campus, our students were also busy representing Ka Makani through girls volleyball, Friday’s home cross country meet, and Saturday’s home football game.
What I hope families experienced — or can take from these few days — is that an HPA education extends well beyond any single classroom. It is found in the relationships between students and teachers, the opportunities to explore what comes next, the lessons learned through competition and teamwork, and the strength of a community that cares deeply about its young people.
Thank you for being part of our HPA ʻohana and for the many ways you support your children and our school. For those who joined us on campus, we hope you enjoyed your time with us. For those who could not, please know that you remain an important part of our community, regardless of the miles between us.
With appreciation,

Mark Noetzel
Assistant Head of School for Upper School
Schedule
Our Upper School Daily Schedule will resume with in-person instruction on our Upper Campus on Tuesday, October 6.
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
• September 30 – October 3: ʻOhana Days, Upper Campus
• October 5: No School Grades 9 – 12
• October 12–16: Upper School Homecoming – Spirit Week
• October 16: Fall Ball, Taylor Commons, 6:00 pm
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
STARLIT GARDEN — FALL BALL 2026
This year’s theme, Starlit Garden, will bring a fresh look and feel to Fall Ball as we transform Taylor Commons for the evening. We’re excited about what is planned and think it will be a great night for our Upper School community.
Friday, October 16
6:00–9:00 p.m.
Taylor Commons Dining Room
Semi-Formal Attire
Here are a few things to look forward to:
- A transformed Taylor Commons: The Junior Class is leading the decorating effort, with additional support from the HPA ʻOhana Parents Association, to create an entirely different atmosphere for the evening.
- A larger dance floor: We’ll have significantly more room for dancing this year.
- Your preferred DJ: We’ve secured the same DJ company that provided the music for last year’s Prom.
- Everything in one space: Dinner and dancing will both take place inside Taylor Commons.
- Professional photo booth: A professional photo booth will be available throughout the evening. Junior Class representatives will distribute photos the following week.
- A full catered dinner, featuring:
- BBQ Brisket
- Butternut Squash Ravioli
- Fresh Green Salad
- Buttered Corn
- Sweet Rolls
- Dessert Duo
We know Fall Ball will look a little different this year, and we’ve put a great deal of thought into creating an evening that feels special, festive, and worthy of the occasion.
Residential Life
Welcome to all of our families visiting this weekend, whether coming from the other side of Hawai’i Island or from far away, we are delighted to see you around campus! We hope that you are able to spend lots of time with your child, and get an opportunity to learn more about their classes, sports, activities, and friends! We know many of you will generously offer to sign out your child’s friends for a meal or stay with you over the long weekend, and know that it is appreciated! We also appreciate your understanding as we follow our protocols to ensure that everyone is properly accounted for and safe.
Ka Makani Athletics
Fall Sports Calendar
Check out the latest Fall Sports Athletics calendar here. You can also access the athletics schedule on the myHPA calendar. Be sure to follow Ka Makani Athletics on Instagram for the latest updates and all the exciting action.
Ka Makani Athletics Team Shops
Our Ka Makani Athletics Team Shops are officially open, featuring apparel and gear for Football, Girls Volleyball, and Cross Country. Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines, an active student-athlete, or just looking to represent HPA around town, there’s something for everyone.
All Team Shops close October 1, so don’t wait too long to grab your favorite gear.
Upcoming Schedule
Volleyball
October 6 | Away vs Laupahoehoe | Varsity at 5:00 pm
October 7 | Home vs Pahoa | JV at 5:00, Varsity at 5:00 pm | SENIOR NIGHT
Cross Country
October 2 | All Schools at HPA | 3:30 pm
Football
October 3 | Home vs Waiākea | 2:00 pm
Catch the Action Live
Watch the Ka Makani action as it happens! Watch HPA sports live on Hudl and never miss a play.
Ka Makani Travel
Thanksgiving Break November, 2026
Southern California Itinerary & Enrollment Form led by Ms. White & Ms. Scarth, WAITLIST
Oahu Thanksgiving Itinerary & Enrollment Form led by Ms. Kight & Ms. Power
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park & Hilo Itinerary & Enrollment Form led by Mr. Ford & Ms. Tadaki
Baja Mexico with HPA Outdoor Program led by Ms. Paulekas & Ms. Jim
January Long Weekend, 2027
Oahu Itinerary & Enrollment Form led by Ms. White & Mrs. Sebastian
February Long Weekend, 2027
Glamping on Maui & Enrollment Form led by Ms. White & Ms. Atoa
Spring Break March, 2027
Japan: Land of the Rising Sun with EF Tours led by Mrs. Inaba & Mr. Piercy, 3 Space Available
New Zealand Itinerary & NZ Enrollment Form led by Ms. White, Ms. Kight Mr. Ford & Mr. Moltz, WAITLIST
Spring Break March, 2028
Europe at Leisure with Sorrento Extension with EF Tours led by Ms. White
Thailand led by Ms. Jim & Ms. Scarth
Please reach out if you have any questions awhite@hpa.edu
College Counseling
HPA is partnering with Ivy Prep to offer their nationally recognized SAT exam preparation program The deadline to enroll is October 8. Details and registration information.
Upcoming College Admissions Visits to Campus (College Counseling Center 11:45 – 12:15)
- October 12: Lehigh University
- October 13: New York University (NYU)
- October 14: Gonzaga University
- October 15: University of Hawai’i (Hilo)
Seniors Schedule an Individual College Check-in Meeting
Seniors are encouraged to make an individual check-in meeting with their assigned college counselor as soon as possible. Meetings can be made by clicking on the calendar links below.
Register for SAT/ACT & Test Prep (if appropriate)
Seniors who plan to include standardized test scores in their college applications, and wish to retake the test prior to applying, should ensure they are registered for the appropriate tests. Students are responsible for registering and paying for their tests directly through their College Board (SAT) or ACT accounts.
SAT Test Dates at HPA and Registration Deadlines
- Saturday, November 7 (deadline October 23)
- Saturday, December 5 (deadline November 20)
ACT Dates at HPA and Registration Deadlines
- Saturday, October 17 (registration closed)
- Saturday, December 12 (deadline November 6)
We look forward to working with you this year. See you soon!
Juniors
Junior appointments will be held daily during lunch from 11:30 – 11:45 am August 24 – November 25.
Juniors, sophomores and freshmen take the PSAT at HPA Friday, October 16.
Free Resources for preparing for the PSAT can be found at Khan Academy Test Prep
FLIK Food Service Survey
We’d love to hear from you! Please take a few minutes to complete our FLIK Food Service Survey and share your thoughts and feedback about the food service at HPA.
Your feedback is important to us and will help us better understand what students and families are enjoying, where there may be opportunities for improvement, and how we can continue to enhance the dining experience for our students and families.
The survey should only take a few minutes to complete, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.
Please click the link below to take the survey:
http://spark.e15group.com/u/
Mahalo for your time and for helping us make the HPA dining experience the best it can be.
Upcoming Flu Clinics
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, 2026-2027.
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.
Admissions
Financial Aid Re-Application Deadline: November 1
Returning families currently receiving financial aid must re-apply for the 2027–28 academic year by November 1. We encourage families to begin the process early to ensure all required information is submitted on time.
Apply for Financial Aid through Clarity
2027–28 Admission Applications Are Open!
Have a younger child or sibling ready to begin their HPA journey? Applications for the 2027–28 school year are now open! Our Admission Team is here to support your ʻohana throughout the application process.
Know a Family Interested in HPA?
Help us spread the word! Our Admission Team will be traveling throughout the admission season and hosting Open Houses, campus tours, virtual information sessions, and other opportunities for prospective families to experience HPA.
Explore Upcoming Admission Events & Travel
Questions? Contact the Admission Office at admissions@hpa.edu. Mahalo for helping us welcome future members of the HPA ʻohana!
Isaacs Art Center
Come and Join us for a Sip and Savor event on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 from 5:00 – 7:00pm.
We want everyone to have the opportunity to enjoy our Mana Wahine exhibition before it leaves. Come for a fun evening filled with beautiful art, light pūpū by Hawaii Picnic and Provisions, and hosted beverages.
Isaacs Art Center is free and open to the public, Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 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.
Advancement & Alumni
Preview: The Artists of Alu Mai 2026
Thursday, October 29
4:00-6:00 pm
Isaacs Art Center
Join us for an exclusive reception and get a sneak peek of the special auction offerings featured at this year’s Alu Mai Gala

Contractor’s Cup
Join the HPA ʻohana for the Waikiʻi Polo Club Contractor’s Cup on Sunday, October 25, at the Waikiʻi Polo Field and Clubhouse. Gates open at 11 a.m., with polo beginning at noon. Bring your family and friends to celebrate the proud polo tradition of Hawaiʻi Island and HPA while enjoying food, drinks, and fieldside hospitality.
Mahalo nui to our Ka Makani polo ʻohana, including Roberts Construction and Phillips Contracting, for their generous support!
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!
Wā Pilina – presented by the 'Ohana Association
The purpose of the Wā Pilina series is to connect HPA families to the culture, history, language and community of Waimea and Hawaiʻi.

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.

