Week of 1/24/25
What's Happening at HPA This Week?
Message from the Head of School
Aloha HPA ʻohana,
Friend or foe, both help us grow.
Morning darkness presents a quiet, calming time for me. I found this a decade or two ago trying to fit a moment of solitude in with a family of six, and as life and responsibilities have continued to change, I still try to stick to this habit on most days. A quick coffee, a little stretch (not pretty), and an abnormally slow jog is the norm. For the last few years my morning routine has occasionally intersected with another’s morning workout experience. And on Thursday last week, things got real. As I started my second loop around campus, an exercise compadre was walking up the hill in front of me. I kept my pace as I started to pass them, and then I felt them join me — a silent presence at my side keeping with me step after step. Safe to say, not a predator, my reflexes were aware but hair wasn’t raised. Initially annoyed, I accept that my run will not be in solitude. That’s cool, maybe we’ll talk shop, share a story, or maybe we’ll just move at the same pace keeping thoughts in our heads. Either way this morning will be different than the day before.
After a full lap running together, I am noticing the pace is a little quicker than my norm. I adjust, knowing this is good for me, but also feeling a little aggravated in the change. Why do I need to keep pace? Is this the norm for my new running partner? It feels a little quicker. There is something inside that rises to the challenge. With this comes some thoughts of negativity, even a touch of rage. Hold up, I think I’m in a race. We are flying!
Still moving in silence (other than my panting and slight wheeze), we approach the final hill.
To put this in perspective, if there were any witnesses from the residence halls, it probably resembled two lost goats hobbling up the hill looking for fresh water. Grateful for the cloak of darkness — if any students were awake to see this they would have either called security or simply gone back to bed comforted that the process of natural selection was going to run its course before dawn.
With the finish in sight, I can admit in this space, I am running uphill as fast as I can. We finish close to one another and peel off in separate directions. Once out of sight, I stop, bend over and try to slow my breathing. Chuckling as I type, as I am now admitting that I was giving all I had. Seeing my morning workout foe later in the day at work, there has yet to be an admission that any sort of competition existed, making it even better.
Simon Sinek, in his work The Infinite Game, suggests that a worthy rival makes us better. I believe this. Whether it is the co-worker next to you, the team in your division, the school to the north, or the company just like yours — challenging ourselves to see the strengths and weaknesses in ourselves and others can be helpful.
We all have our internal drive that moves us as professionals, so to acknowledge with humility, that embracing competition can be healthy is an important step in our development as individuals and members of a community. There is the natural tendency to make this rivalry negative or find disdain in ways of the other, but when kept in check, the ability to grow and improve during this time multiplies. Ultimately, Sinek suggests there are no winners or losers in these rivalries we create as the rules and goals are often unstated or unknown to the other. This does not take away from the gains made by those who are involved. Also formed naturally is a level of respect and admiration for the other.
I’m not sure my running foe is reading this, but if so – thank you. Know that when our paths cross again, I’ll be ready.
In closing, on Tuesday I got to speak with our Upper School students in Assembly. It was such an honor to share my feelings on the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and to highlight his role as one of the most positive leaders for change in the history of the world. I also shared his connection to and admiration for Hawaiʻi and Hawaiian culture, represented by the lei gifted to him by Reverend Abraham Akaka, which he proudly wore while leading his third march from Selma. My message was to let us each not wait for the next Dr. King, but honor his work in doing our own individual parts to live and serve others with kindness, humility, and love.
Have a wonderful weekend. Happy Aloha Friday!
Gratefully,
Fred Wawner
Head of School
School Bulletins for the Week of 1/24/25
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
Welcome back, Lower School families!
One of the many things I appreciate about reuniting here with you in this space nearly every week is to share about our exceptional learning opportunities. A balance of traditional and progressive teaching and learning to support our mission, Core Values, and Mālama Kaiāulu — I am amazed by, and grateful for, the thoughtfulness, depth, and creativity our teachers consistently bring to the Lower School. I recently met with a parent who asked a thoughtful question, “If a teacher brings a new curriculum idea to you, how long does it take to get it implemented?” I answered, “If the learning objectives, standards, and essential questions support our mission, educational goals, and values, we run with it.” Indeed, the Lower School enjoys a plethora of ingenuity, educational expertise, inspiration, and connection to culture that enhance our learning on a regular basis. As important as our writing journals, math facts, and spelling lists, opportunities to apply learning to real-life scenarios so students can engage HPA’s Core Skills (Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking, Creativity), delve into wonder, and pursue excellence, are paramount in our programming. How grateful I am to support our dedicated teachers!
This week, we highlight two special interdisciplinary events that support our mission to provide exceptional learning opportunities and foster a deep connection to our Core Values and Mālama Kaiāulu, bringing them to life in a tangible way for all our learners.
K, 1st, & 7th-grade Wā Pilina: Fairy and Menehune Houses in Ulumau Garden
Started in 2021 in our Lower School, our Wā Pilina program is a dedicated time for students to connect across grade levels and learn from one another. Through both formal and informal opportunities, we cultivate an environment where relationships, collaboration, and shared learning are at the forefront. One of our exciting Wā Pilina sessions this week provided for connection between our 7th-grade students alongside our Kindergarten and 1st-grade classes, with the ultimate project of building fairy and menehune homes in our garden!
Using the HPA Backward Design format, a planning framework our teachers use to create and build cross-curricular learnings, yesterdayʻs activity combined creativity, collaboration, Hawaiian storytelling, and environmental stewardship in an imaginative and inspiring way. While it may seem like simply an opportunity to build fairy houses, this project experience was a powerful exemplar of several learning objectives:
- Collaboration: Work together to visualize and create beautiful structures using natural materials; persevere toward a common goal.
- Storytelling: Imagine and share folklore and stories about the world around us, emblematic of various cultures, in particular, Hawaiian culture and the symbolism of the menehune.
- Respect for Nature: Honor and use natural materials responsibly.
- Leadership Development: Seventh graders mentor younger students in creative, collaborative tasks, responsively and responsibly.
- Environmental Connection: Cultivate appreciation for natural systems and sustainability through hands-on exploration and engineering.
Through this engaging experience, students not only learned of Hawaiian moʻolelo, ecosystems, and engineering and design, but also deepened their connection to each other and our environment. Our classroom teachers set up (and will continue) our learning through read-alouds, writing, and reflection. Deep gratitude goes to Middle School teacher, Mrs. Ali Marchildon, K-8 Garden Educator, Mrs. Lauren Prutow-McKenna, and our wonderful Kindergarten and 1st grade teachers for this collaborative, cross-curricular effort! While our fairy and menehune homes are temporary, the memories will be long-lasting.
Mauloa: The Canoe of Tradition and Legacy
In honor of Hawaiʻi’s rich traditions of migration and voyaging, we are thrilled to host a special event featuring Mauloa, Hawaiʻi Island’s first traditionally built canoe. Crafted entirely through ancient protocols, methods, and practices, Mauloa’s story represents a profound connection to culture and legacy and will be brought to life at the Lower School right on the Village Campus.
At this event, K-5 students will:
- Explore the cultural significance and history of Mauloa.
- Engage with her crew to learn about traditional methods, practices, and protocols.
- Connect with the Core Principles of Kuleana, Pilina, Lōkahi, and Ha‘ina as students deepen their understanding of the significance of Mālama Kaiāulu.
Lā Mauloa will take place on Friday, January 31, during which time students will spend part of their school day schedule rotating through various stations to engage in learning and activities. It is a regular school day, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, and students should don their HPA gear. Established for all grades K-5, our Lower School students will participate in this meaningful opportunity to connect with Hawaiʻi’s history, culture, and traditions, led by Kumu Kūwalu alongside special guests, and leaders from our local community.
These opportunities embody the heart of our mission and offer unique ways for our students to grow, connect, and learn. Mahalo for your continued support as we nurture our students’ creativity, collaboration, and respect for our ʻāina and culture.
As we look ahead to next week, I look forward to celebrating the Lunar New Year and welcoming the Year of the Snake on Wednesday, January 29. In Chinese culture, the Snake year promises wisdom and adaptability, as well as a reminder to reflect on renewal, growth, and the connections we share as a community. Join me in embracing the auspicious energy of the new year by wearing red, a color symbolizing good fortune and joy. Together, we create a vibrant and harmonious start to the lunar year. Mahalo for being a part of our HPA ʻohana as we continue to inspire, learn, and support one another. Mahalo for choosing HPA as the school for your child!
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, January 27.
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
• Saturday, January 25: Wā Pilina ʻOhana Series – Maunakea trip; space is limited, sign up in advance
• Friday, February 7, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm: First Friday Game Night; Village Campus Taylor Library
• Friday, February 7, from 5:00 to 6:30 pm: Pizza and a play with the Head of School
• Friday, February 7, at 7:00 pm: Opening Night of Ka Makani Players presents Little Women; GPAC, Upper Campus
• Friday, February 14: Faculty Work Day, no classes K-12
• Friday, February 21, from 2:15 to 3:00 pm: “Strictly No Elephants” musical performance grades K-2; GPAC, Upper Campus
• Saturday, February 22: Wā Pilina ʻOhana Series – Waipiʻo Valley work day; space is limited, sign up in advance
• Friday, February 28, from 3:15 to 5:00 pm: Village Campus Plant Sale; Ulumau Garden
• Saturday, March 1 & Sunday, March 2: Middle School musical production of The Wizard of Oz; GPAC, Upper Campus
• Thursday, March 6 & Friday, March 7: Lower and Middle School Student-led Conferences
• Monday, March 10 – Monday, March 24: Spring Break, no classes K-12
• Tuesday, March 25: Classes resume K-12
• Thursday, April 10, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm: ʻOhana Association Parent Social and General Meeting; Isaacs Art Center, Village Campus
Student Support
Ms. Baydo (K-8 School Counselor) rbaydo@hpa.edu and Mr. Ludes (K-8 Learning Specialist) jludes@hpa.edu are available to discuss and support social-emotional and academic concerns for your child(ren). Please connect with them via email.
After School Program, K-5: Spring term, February 10 – May 16, 2025
Please email our Director of After School Programs, Mrs. Mele DeMille (mdemille@hpa.edu), if you would like your child to attend. You may refer to this email for our Lower School families with more information.
Past Email Communications
All past email communications can be accessed by visiting the Lower School Family Resources tile on myHPA and scrolling down to Past Parent Email Communications, 2024-2025.
myHPA
In addition to Seesaw, many important resources can be located on our community portal, myHPA. Check the Lower School Family Resources tile for the most up-to-date information.
Middle School
Each week, Middle School Principal Michael Cservenak pens a note to 6-8 families reflecting on the activities and accomplishments of the week and previewing what students and parents can look forward to in the coming days.
From the desk of your Division Principal, Michael Cservenak
Aloha Middle School families,
The Village Campus is bustling with energy and productivity during these winter months. From performing arts showcases and capstone projects transitioning into their execution phase to after-school sports, project-based learning in classes, and experiential learning blocks — our students are diving deeper into meaningful learning and performance. Through the lens of sustainability and Mālama Kaiāulu, our campus strives to embody the values of pilina (relationships), kuleana (responsibility), and lōkahi (harmony) as we weave together the diverse learning experiences taking place in Middle School.
In the weeks leading up to Student-led Conferences, we are placing a special focus on celebrating and reflecting upon student demonstrations of the 4 C’s: Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Creative Thinking. These key skills are highlighted during our weekly Middle School assemblies to strengthen and enrich our culture of learning.
As we progress through the quarter, please continue to monitor student grades, teacher comments, and the development of their Google Sites portfolios. These portfolios will serve as a platform for students to showcase their growth and achievements when presenting their learning at the end of the quarter.
Mahalo for your partnership and support as we continue to guide our students through this enriching phase of their educational journey.
Mahalo,
Michael Cservenak
Middle School Principal
Register now for February’s Cubing Competition
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, January 27.
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
• Saturday, January 25: Wā Pilina ʻOhana Series – Maunakea trip; space is limited, sign up in advance
• Friday, February 7, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm: First Friday Game Night; Village Campus Taylor Library
• Friday, February 7, from 5:00 to 6:30 pm: Pizza and a play with the Head of School
• Friday, February 7, at 7:00 pm: Opening Night of Ka Makani Players presents Little Women; GPAC, Upper Campus
• Friday, February 14: Faculty Work Day, no classes K-12
• Friday, February 21: Lip Sync competition
• Saturday, February 22: Wā Pilina ʻOhana Series – Waipiʻo Valley work day; space is limited, sign up in advance
• Friday, February 28: Village Campus Plant Sale; Ulumau Garden
• Saturday, March 1 & Sunday, March 2: Middle School musical production of The Wizard of Oz; GPAC, Upper Campus
• Thursday, March 6 & Friday, March 7: Lower and Middle School Student-led Conferences
• Monday, March 10 – Monday, March 24: Spring Break, no classes K-12
• Tuesday, March 25: Classes resume K-12
• Thursday, April 10, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm: ʻOhana Association Parent Social and General Meeting; Isaacs Art Center, Village Campus
Student Support
Please remember that we will be outside as much as possible during lunch and recess, so a rain jacket for light rains and a pareo or small beach towel for picnicking will be great to have at school. Students should also bring a water bottle to school each day.
Ms. Baydo (K-8 School Counselor) rbaydo@hpa.edu and Mr. Ludes (K-8 Learning Specialist) jludes@hpa.edu are available to discuss and support social-emotional and academic concerns for your child(ren). Please connect with them via email.
After School Program, Grades 6-8: Spring term, February 10 – May 16, 2025
Please email our Director of After School Programs, Mrs. Mele DeMille (mdemille@hpa.edu) if you would like your child to attend. You may refer to this email for our Middle School families for more information.
Past Email Communications
All past email communications can be accessed by visiting the Middle School Family Resource tile on myHPA and scrolling down to ‘Past Email Communications, 2024-2025’.
myHPA
myHPA is where you can find all the resources related to your child’s learning. Two key resource boards that we would like to draw your attention to are the ‘Middle School Family Resources’ and the ‘Middle School Student Resources’.
myHPA Tutorials
myHPA is your window to your child’s progress in school. Here you will find their schedules, their assignments, their grade books and so much more. Ms. Monello and our IT team have put together a number of tutorials to help you navigate the myHPA parent portal.
Please note this myHPA Middle School Parent Tutorial, which gives you an overview of using myHPA as a window to your child’s learning in real time.
Upper School
Each week, our Upper School leadership team provides valuable insight 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,
This week, as we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we are reminded of the profound lessons his life offers. During our weekly assembly, Mr. Wawner and Mr. Noetzel shared powerful insights about Dr. King’s connection to Hawaiʻi and his unwavering commitment to dignity, even in the face of immense challenges. They spoke about how Dr. King’s courage and steadfast commitment were more than just strengths; they were his way of embracing resilience. These qualities resonated deeply in his pursuit of equality and justice, driving him to confront and overcome adversities.
Dr. King’s journey was far from easy. It demanded a strength that only comes from deep reflection and an unwavering belief in his cause. Learning from both successes and failures, he continually adapted and persevered. By always taking time to reflect, Dr. King kept his resolve strong, steering through the stormy waters of social change. His legacy inspires us today, reminding us of the strength of coupling courage with thoughtful resilience.
A fun fact about Dr. King: he was also a talented pool shark. He used this game not just for recreation but as a way to connect with others, build relationships, and spread his message of non-violence. Additionally, this became a medium of communication, where conversations sparked change and understanding. While the game may seem like a simple pastime, it is a perfect metaphor for his strategic mindset. Pool requires focus, patience, and the ability to adjust to the presented angles and challenges–skills that parallel Dr. King’s thoughtful and purposeful approach to his mission. Just as he used the opportunity to share his vision and inspire others, we, too, can embrace connecting with others by reflecting on our own experiences, sharing our stories, and using our voices to make a difference.
As we reflect on Dr. King’s life and legacy, let us remember the power of resilience, reflection, and meaningful communication. His ability to connect with others, adapt to challenges, and stay rooted in his values offers us a timeless example of how to create lasting change. As Ka Makani, we have the unique opportunity to carry forward his lessons by embracing Mālama Kaiāulu, nurturing our community, and using our voices to uplift and inspire. Together, let us honor his vision by striving to build a future filled with dignity, unity, and hope.
Mahalo,
Dr. Amanda Aragon
Upper School Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator
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 as a Mamo day with in-person instruction on our Upper Campus on Monday, January 27.
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
• Saturday, January 25: Wā Pilina ʻOhana Series – Maunakea trip; space is limited, sign up in advance
• Friday, February 7, from 5:00 to 6:30 pm: Pizza and a play with the Head of School
• Friday, February 7, at 7:00 pm: Opening Night of Ka Makani Players presents Little Women; GPAC, Upper Campus
• Friday, February 14: Faculty Work Day, no classes K-12
• Saturday, February 22: Wā Pilina ʻOhana Series – Waipiʻo Valley work day; space is limited, sign up in advance
• Monday, March 10 – Monday, March 24: Spring Break, no classes K-12
• Tuesday, March 25: Classes resume K-12
• Thursday, April 10, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm: ʻOhana Association Parent Social and General Meeting; Isaacs Art Center, Village Campus
Student Support
Should your child need additional learning support, we encourage you to reach out to Amanda Aragon, our Upper School Learning Center Coordinator, by emailing aaragon@hpa.edu. In addition, our counselors are ready to assist any student who needs additional support to navigate these unusual and unprecedented times. Please feel free to reach out to the Upper Campus counseling team of Tiffany Freitas at 808-881-4038 or tfreitas@hpa.edu and Steve Furchner at 808-640-4441 or sfurchner@hpa.edu.
Student Life
Upcoming Student Life Events
- Friday, January 24 – Upper School students are invited to attend our Winter Wonderland Dance. This dance is free of charge! More information will be sent to parents and students next week.
- Monday, January 27, at 8:30 am – Assembly will be held in Davies Chapel as a Senior Speaker Series.
- Friday, February 7: International Day – This is a day filled with fun and interactive ways for our students to share their culture formally through special workshops in the morning and a showcase of talented performances in the afternoon. With the supervision of FLIK, students will also serve a delicious variety of ethnic foods for lunch for the whole school community.
- February 26 to 28: HPA Olympics – We are in the process of planning one of the biggest events of the year. This annual event is one of our school’s most productive interpersonal activities, where classes compete against one another in fun-filled games and events to become crowned the winner! This has been a beloved tradition since the 1970s.
Ka Makani Athletics
Another winter season is ready to roll. Let the games begin! Here’s the latest winter athletic schedule and our updated weekly schedule. GO KA MAKANI! You can also access the athletics schedule on the myHPA calendar.
Ka Makani Travel
Ka Makani Travel, HPA’s student travel program, is offering
- Spring Break 2026 – The Alps and the Mediterranean Coast with EF Tours: March 2026, $200 early booking discount applied, available for enrollments before February 2025.
Please contact Ka Makani Travel Coordinator Adrienne White (awhite@hpa.edu) for information on registration, eligibility, and travel grants.
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)
College Counseling
ACT/SAT Test Prep Boot Camp–Register Now!
For students who would like help preparing for the ACT and SAT, we will once again be partnering with Tutors Across America to provide a discounted Online ACT/SAT Prep Boot Camp on Friday, February 14 through Sunday, February 16, 2025. All Upper School students are welcome to attend. Please review this email from Thursday, January 9, for more information.
Schedule an Individual Check-in Meeting
Mr. Kelsey and Mrs. Montgomery are available for individual check-in meetings. Please click below to select a 30-minute time slot for an individual appointment with your assigned counselor. All meetings will be in the College Counseling Center.
If you need any help with scheduling appointments, please contact us directly at college@hpa.edu.
Past Email Communications
All past email communications can be accessed by visiting the Upper School Family Resources tile on myHPA and scrolling down to ‘Past Email Communications, 2024-2025’.
myHPA
myHPA is where you can find all the resources related to your child’s learning. Two key resource boards that we would like to draw your attention to are the ‘Upper School Family Resources’, and the ‘Upper School Student Resources’.
All-School
Need to know information for our entire Ka Makani ʻohana.
Athletics
Catch the action LIVE!
Can’t make it to the game? Experience the Ka Makani action as it happens! Watch HPA sports live on Hudl and never miss a play.
Admissions
Re-enrollment to HPA for the 2025-26 Academic Year is soon underway!
As a reminder, it’s almost time for re-enrollment! Secure your child’s space for the 2025-2026 academic year before the February 15 deadline. All eligible students will receive notice of a re-enrollment agreement through myHPA on Saturday, February 1. For those HPA families who would like to apply for financial aid, scholarships, and grants, our financial aid application is available on the HPA website for your convenience. If you have missed the initial financial aid deadline of November 1, please submit it as soon as possible in order to be considered.
Please be sure to review this important email from our Head of School with additional information about the re-enrollment process and a change in tuition for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year.
Admissions application is still open!
The admission application for the 2025-26 school year is open for new students! Spread the word and help us grow our Ka Makani ʻohana. You can also visit and share the link to our in-person and virtual Admission events page. We are excited to work with siblings of current students and prospective families new to HPA!
Advancement & Alumni
Calling all Ka Makani alumni! Be sure to check out the latest edition of Kūpaʻa that was delivered to your inboxes this week. It’s got details on our upcoming 75th anniversary Alumni Reunion celebration!
Auxiliary Services
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
We have several amazing events planned for this Spring semester. Please be sure to review the latest email from our ʻOhana Association president, Annette Hodges, that went out earlier this week.
Our Wā Pilina ʻOhana Series continues on Saturday, January 25, with a trip to Maunakea, the tallest mountain in the world from seafloor to peak. This wahi pana (sacred site) holds a special place in Hawaiian culture, and we are honored to visit the area with the esteemed Kumu Pua Case, a local educator and longtime advocate of protecting Hawaiian sacred spaces, as our guide. Sign up here to participate and please read through all the details to ensure you are properly prepared. Space is limited.
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
The 39th Invitational Masters Show is now underway through Friday, February 28, 2025, with extended viewing possible through March. All items in the show are available for purchase. The exhibit 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 with appointments welcomed.
Isaacs Art Center has hosted the Hawaiʻi Wood Guild’s annual Invitational Masters Show since 2009. This year’s exhibition includes pieces by noted island artisans Tai Lake, Michael Felig, David Gomes, Michael Patrick Smith, Greg Pontius, David and Doni Reisland, Scott Hare, Paul Schürch, Mats Fogelvik, Alex Franceschini, Nicole Gomes, Scott Zuziak, Duane Millers, Jr., Marcus Castaing, Tom O’Connor, John Mydock, Robert Woodward, Kelly Dunn, Piergiorgio (Peter) Barbarich, Jimmy Wray, Llosh Winne, and Leslie Pedersen. The exhibition features turned and carved bowls, platters, demi-lune tables, and furniture accented with intricate designs in marquetry, pyrography, and careful bookmatching of beautiful wood. Locally sourced curly koa, mango, milo, and pheasant wood, along with old-growth fir, western red cedar, mahogany, Norfolk, and Cook pines are among the woods highlighted.
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.