Week of 1/26/24
What's Happening at HPA This Week?
Message from the Head of School
Aloha HPA ʻohana,
Enrollment is upon us and we are embarking in several important areas!
In a week that has included wise words from senior speakers, caring and informative conversations with parents, and critical and heartfelt meetings with peers, I find continued strength and motivation to grow, learn, and lead right here, right now. Our next chapters will involve stretching and embracing intentional shifts for a sustainable future.
Thank you for choosing HPA and for sharing our story with the world. It has been inspiring to meet prospective families visiting campus and humbling to feel how special this community is. Sometimes it takes hearing about HPA through the perspective of a new witness or visitor, to bring fresh colors and aspects into focus, and to remind us of what we do so very well.
A valuable fresh perspective was also shared this week by a new partner in our master planning work, G70, a Hawaiʻi-based architectural and design firm specializing in project oversight and conceptualization. They spent a day this week touring our campuses and learning about our school culture and hopes and aspirations for our future. G70’s “process occurs as a dialogue to go beyond solving problems to finding solutions that unlock promise. They imagine futures, envisioning the strategies that empower people to create them. They engage in active listening, which helps to ensure that each of their employees, clients, and communities are heard.” This process, this active listening and imagination, has been quite invigorating. It has given pause to the business of the day to day, and allowed us to see the exceptional aspects of HPA and think about our future, and define our role as a leader in Waimea and across Hawaiʻi Island.
With this gift of time to reflect and speak about this place we love, comes a deep intention and conviction to lead. I have been moved by the depth of our HPA story shared this week – the rich history of areas and spaces across our campuses, the student experience and the ideas of learning for the future, the genuine aloha that our people share, and the excellence that underlines our programs and plans for tomorrow. I have both led and listened to presentations this week, and I am left grateful. We get to do this work for HPA and our Waimea community, and it is a gift.
With the fresh and foundational perspective of friends and partners and a steadfast commitment to HPA and our future, I wish you a great weekend. Connect with this place and appreciate the things we see and do each day.
Aloha always,
Fred Wawner
Head of School
School Bulletins for the Week of 1/26/24
Lower School
Each week, Lower School Principal Dora Kwong writes a message to K-5 families highlighting joyful moments and meaningful lessons and offering a glimpse into what students and parents can plan for in the weeks ahead.
From the desk of your Division Principal, Dora Kwong
Aloha Lower School families,
A huge mahalo for our many community members who have come to join us during our HPA Garden Work Days! These beautiful mornings spent in our school gardens have been full of connection, joyful work, and aloha ʻaina! If you have not yet had the opportunity to join us, please mark your calendars to enjoy these special moments of garden appreciation, leisurely conversation, and working the land. Anytime I am in our gardens, I find satisfaction in contributing to our shared space, inevitably learning something new, and enjoying good company in the fresh air. Special thanks to our HPA Garden Educators, Lauren Prutow McKenna and Willie Quayle for organizing these dates for us and allowing us to mālama kaiāulu as a community.
It has been a bustling week here on campus! Our Lower School assembly kicked us off with 3rd graders sharing about their experiential interdisciplinary unit of study called, “How Big is Big?” by bringing along models they created (mini, to-scale models of themselves and an animal!), and gathering in small mixed grade level groupings to tell about their creation process, a few fun facts about their animal, and answering the studentsʻ questions. Thank you for sharing with us and teaching us, 3rd graders! Also sharing at our assembly was HPA senior, Jasmine Baker, to talk about her inspiration for her Kokua for Keiki capstone project to collect donations in support of foster children on our island home. Thank you for the many generous donations that have come in this week! If you did not get the chance to drop off clothing, the drive-through drop off event will be taking place this Sunday, January 28 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Spread the word!
Speaking of HPA students who inspire, HPA senior (and former Lower School student) Brooke Samura took time to give back to our youngest learners this week, making a surprise appearance at our 3rd and 4th grade PE classes, thanks to our dear Coach T. Samura is the leading scorer in all of Hawaiʻi in girls basketball and breaking state records that have stood for 30 years. On Thursday, she added role model to her impressive resume, teaching students various basketball skills, answering questions, and even signing autographs. Way to go, Brooke!
As January winds down, we head into February with excitement for celebrating ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Month, Black History Month, Valentineʻs Day, the 100th Day of School, World Read Aloud Day, and so much more. As one Lower Schooler pointed out during Mondayʻs assembly, February is the shortest month, but it does seem chock full of fun and learning opportunities!
Have a wonderful weekend,
Dora Kwong
Lower School Principal
Pau Hana at Atherton House
Head of School Fred Wawner and his wife, Dina, will host an informal pau hana for our Village Campus families (grades K-8) on Tuesday, February 6, from 3:30 to 5:30 pm at Atherton House on the Upper Campus. This is a great opportunity for our HPA community to mix and mingle, talk story, and spend some time together. Sweet treats and coffee will be served.
Please RSVP by Friday, February 2. For those families needing childcare, the After School Program is available for current students for a drop-in rate of $18 (there is no charge if you are already signed up for After School). If you do need childcare for the event, please email Mele DeMille ahead of time to reserve your spot.
Schedule
Our K-5 classes continue with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, January 29.
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
• Sunday, January 28 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm: Kokua Our Keiki Drive by event, Village Campus roundabout
• Sunday, February 4, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm: Be our Valentine! Support the HPA Fund, Tiare Rose Shop, Shops at Mauna Lani
• Tuesday, February 6 from 3:30 to 5:30 pm: Pau Hana at Atherton House, Upper Campus
• Friday, February 9: Faculty work day (all divisions), no classes
• Saturday, February 10, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm: World Cubing Association Competition, Hale ʻĪnana
• Friday, February 23: K-2 Musical
• Wednesday, March 6 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm: Suessical, feat. 5th-8th grade actors, Gates Performing Arts Center
Helpful Lower School Contacts & Links
Student Support
- Ms. Rachel Baydo, K-8 School Counselor, rbaydo@hpa.edu
- Mr. Joe Ludes, K-8 Learning Specialist, jludes@hpa.edu
After School Program, K-5
Mrs. Mele DeMille, Director of After School Programs, mdemille@hpa.edu
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, 2023-2024.
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 Glenn Chickering 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, Glenn Chickering
Aloha Middle School families,
It has been an exciting week here in middle school. Headline the news is Ms. Mitchell and her husband welcoming their new baby boy, Finley into their family. Finley was born early Monday morning and all are doing great!
We are thrilled to welcome Miexia Ah Loy, who is filling in for Ms. Mitchell as she loves up on her new baby, to our team. After a career in the Air Force and with the Hawaiʻi Police Department, Miexia has been interested in getting back into education and saw this as a wonderful opportunity for him to start that journey. Miexia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s degree in Education and has brought lots of Aloha with him as he begins his stint in 6th and 7th-grade science.
And our Hiki NŌ news continues to impress. The first of our students’ films; How I Went From a Landlocked State to Becoming a Surfer, is now available to watch from HIKI NŌ on PBS HAWAIʻI. A big congratulations to Reece, Max F., and Naue for their great work on this film.
As we get ready for the calendar to turn to February, we are working on honoring Black History Month. Leading the way is a collaborative project between Grade 7 English, Educational Technology, and the Library. Students will be researching people who have made great contributions to society but may have flown a little under the radar and are not widely known. They will then create a podcast that shares a biography of their chosen person to highlight their accomplishments. We look forward to sharing the finished products.
We will also be using afternoon advisory times to dig deeper into Black History Month with lessons and stories. Ms. Tarnas will have a wonderful selection of books spotlighted in the library, including a book highlighting African Americans in Hawaiʻi.
Meanwhile, many of our 8th grade students’ Capstone projects are coming to fruition in these coming weeks. Please see this note from Lexi about how you can enjoy her Capstone project:
“Aloha, my name is Lexi Collins and for my 8th Grade Capstone I will be having a Game night on Friday, February 2 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Village Campus Library and Capstone Lab. We will play board games, build connections, and provide a fun thing for middle school students to do in the evening. There will be lots of snacks and you can bring a snack to share if you like. All HPA Middle School students and their families are invited to come. Parking and drop-off will be in the Village Campus office lot.”
Friday, February 23 is an evening to get on your radar, as we will be hosting our Middle School Spring Dance. The Theme is Big City Nights, but dress for the dance is open to the students’ preference – ie; disco, black and white, or a casual night out on the town. The dance will be at Hale ʻInana and run from 6:00 to 8:00 pm with pizza and assorted snacks available.
I hope you have a great weekend.
Mahalo,
Glenn Chickering
Middle School Principal
Pau Hana at Atherton House
Head of School Fred Wawner and his wife, Dina, will host an informal pau hana for our Village Campus families (grades K-8) on Tuesday, February 6, from 3:30 to 5:30 pm at Atherton House on the Upper Campus. This is a great opportunity for our HPA community to mix and mingle, talk story, and spend some time together. Sweet treats and coffee will be served.
Please RSVP by Friday, February 2. For those families needing childcare, the After School Program is available for current students for a drop-in rate of $18 (there is no charge if you are already signed up for After School). If you do need childcare for the event, please email Mele DeMille ahead of time to reserve your spot.
Schedule
Our Middle School 2023-2024 Daily Schedule continues with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, January 29.
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
• Sunday, January 28 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm: Kokua Our Keiki Drive by event, Village Campus roundabout
• Sunday, February 4, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm: Be our Valentine! Support the HPA Fund, Tiare Rose Shop, Shops at Mauna Lani
• Tuesday, February 6 from 3:30 to 5:30 pm: Pau Hana at Atherton House, Upper Campus
• Friday, February 9: Faculty work day (all divisions), no classes
• Saturday, February 10, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm: World Cubing Association Competition, Hale ʻĪnana
• Friday, February 23: Middle School Spring Dance, Hale ʻInana
• Wednesday, March 6 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm: Suessical, feat. 5th-8th grade actors, Gates Performing Arts Center
Helpful Middle School Contacts & Links
Student Support
- Ms. Rachel Baydo, K-8 School Counselor, rbaydo@hpa.edu
- Mr. Joe Ludes, K-8 Learning Specialist, jludes@hpa.edu
After School Program, Grades 6-8
Mrs. Mele DeMille, Director of After School Programs, mdemille@hpa.edu
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, 2022-2023’.
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
From the desk of your Poʻo Kumu (Division Principal), Kaʻai Spencer
Aloha e nā maka o ka ʻupena a ka makani!
Once upon a time not long ago, I had the pleasure of meeting a new student from Vietnam who went by the name of Cedric. Cedric was a very gentle, kind, and curious young man. His fluency with English was still developing, and I could tell that he had a lot of questions in his head and was likely confused by a lot that was taking place around him. Cedric made friendships in his classes, the dorms, and all areas of campus. After the first few weeks of the school year had passed and Cedric had begun to develop a good rhythm for the flow of the school schedule, Cedric quietly called me aside for a conversation in the dorm’s common area while I was on duty. After finding a quiet place to talk, he asked, “Why is everyone calling me Cedric?”
This question caught me by surprise. I responded by letting him know that people were using that name because it was the name provided for the school. “But that’s not my name,” he replied. This private conversation helped me to understand that this boy, who we had been calling Cedric for nearly three weeks, was hidden behind the mystery of a foreign name due to a simple misunderstanding and a language barrier. His gentle nature made it extremely difficult for him to say anything to correct the error. When filling out an information form during the application process, the space that asked for a preferred name was a concept that was foreign to him and clearly misunderstood, which somehow led to using Cedric as the first name that came to mind. I think it came from a movie or some other TV show.
Khai is the name that he wanted people to use, which is his given name. Khai also explained that in Vietnam, like other countries across Asia, the family name comes first. Following this conversation, efforts were made in all areas of the school to ensure everyone’s awareness of the misunderstanding and to stop using the name Cedric and replace it with his given name, Khai. This story comes as a result of a misunderstanding. However, there are many students who use a different name as a way to be more Americanized. Unfortunately, American names are also used to help those who struggle to pronounce their real names. It can be draining to have the inner conflict of hearing your name consistently mispronounced, yet not having the language base or agency to speak up for yourself.
The story about Khai, who began as Cedric, was shared with the high school students at the start of the new semester. We often have a handful of new students who join us in January, and the hope was to instill a sense of pride in them while it is still early enough to create a foundation for the name they are using. In Hawaiian, the way to ask for someone’s name is “ʻO wai kou inoa,” which can be translated as “who is your name.” Translation from one language to the next is often tricky, and this translation shows that one’s name is not just a label but a major descriptor of who we are. Parents think long and hard about the name to give their child, and it should be honored. What is in a name, you might ask? Well, how much time do you have?
Let’s be proud of our names. The HPA community is blessed with students who come from far-reaching parts of the world, and the diversity of names is one way to learn more about each other. We are able to see the thought process, the meaning, the history, the genealogical tie, and many other stories through names. When meeting someone new that has a unique name, genuinely try to learn how to say their name and ask for help with it. Lean into the challenge and embrace the fact that it is new to you but may be perfectly common in another area of the world. Taking steps to pronounce new and challenging names correctly shows respect and creates an early foundation of trust and cultural sensitivity. The next time you get a chance to watch a hula performance, you will likely hear the performers end a presentation by proclaiming, “He inoa nō Hiʻiakaikapoliopele.” That phrase ends with the name of the person or deity to be honored through the performance. This example shows Hiʻiakaikapoliopele as the deity who is being honored.
He inoa nō…
Ke aloha nō,
Kaʻai Spencer
Upper School Poʻo Kumu
Schedule
Our Upper School 2023-2024 Daily Schedule will resume as an ʻUla day with in-person instruction on our Upper Campus on Monday, January 29.
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
• Friday, February 2: International Day, Upper School
• Sunday, February 4, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm: Be our Valentine! Support the HPA Fund, Tiare Rose Shop, Shops at Mauna Lani
• Friday, February 9: Faculty work day (all divisions), no classes
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.
Class of 2024 – Seniors and Families
Mahalo to those of you who were able to join us on Zoom on December 7, for our Commencement and End-of-Year Celebrations informational meeting. For those of you who missed it, here is a recording of all the information that was shared. Please also be sure to visit the “Upper School End-of-Year Events” Resource Board on myHPA, which will be updated over the next several months with new details.
We are thrilled to celebrate all of the achievements of the Class of 2024, including their culminating event — the 73rd Annual Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 24, 2024, at 10:00 am in Castle Gymnasium. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at graduation@hpa.edu.
Student Life
Upcoming Student Life Events
- Friday, February 2: International Day
- Each year our school pauses for a day to recognize and celebrate our student diversity with our annual International Day! Students host 26 workshops about their country, perform dances or songs, and cook food from the country they represent. We will send out more detailed information soon, but we will be asking every student to sign up for two workshops to learn more about the diverse cultures that make up the HPA student population.
- International Day schedule:
8:30 to 9:15 am: Check-in for International Day assembly, GPAC
9:30 to 10:15 am: Workshop I
10:30 to 11:15 am: Workshop II
11:30 am to 1:00 pm: International Day lunch, Taylor Commons Dining Hall
1:15 to 3:00 pm: International Day performances, GPAC
3:30 pm: Co-curriculars and AthleticsPlease note that participation in the day’s events is mandatory for all students. Attendance will be taken, and to avoid receiving conduct points, students must attend the workshops that they have been assigned and check in with their advisor at the GPAC events.
- Wednesday, February 28 – Friday, March 1: HPA Olympics!
- Plans are underway and our Class Reps are busy at work to produce the 46th Annual HPA Olympic games. These games are aimed at bringing classes together in a spirit of positive sportsmanship and fun.
Ka Makani Travel
The enrollment deadline for Splendors of the Mediterranean: Italy & Greece with EF Tours, the last travel opportunity for the 2023-2024 school year, is fast approaching.
- Summer: Splendors of the Mediterranean: Italy & Greece with EF Tours: Enrollment deadline is Saturday, February 10, 2024.
We are in the final stages of confirming itineraries for Spring Break 2025. Japan is open for enrollment. Options to Peru and a combination tour that includes Switzerland, Italy, France & Spain will open for enrollment in the coming weeks.
- Spring Break 2025: Japan: Land of the Rising Sun with EF Tours: Open for enrollment
EF’s Global Citizen Scholarship Fund offers $1000 scholarships.
Please contact Ka Makani Travel Coordinator Adrienne White (awhite@hpa.edu) for information on registration and eligibility.
Residential Life
It has been a busy and exciting week here on campus, with numerous senior games for our winter varsity athletic teams, and more to come! Coming up, all eyes are on International Day next week Friday, February 2. International Day is a cherished HPA tradition where our international students, and any students who wish to assist, put on workshops about their home country, cook lunch for the whole school, and end the day with an International Talent Show! We look forward to celebrating the homes of so many of our students next week, and enjoying the best meal of the year!
Ka Makani Athletics
Here’s the updated winter athletics schedule and weekly schedule for our winter sports season. GO KA MAKANI! You can also access the athletics schedule on the myHPA calendar.
Upcoming Live Stream Events
The following games will be live-streamed, and available via YouTube. Tune in!
College Counseling
Paying for College: Financial Aid & Scholarships
FAFSA
All U.S. families wishing to be considered for federal need-based financial aid must submit the 2024-2025 FAFSA, which was released on December 31, 2023. Both student and parent must register and receive a FAFSA ID. Please reach out to us at college@hpa.edu with any questions.
CSS PROFILE
Many private colleges and universities also require the CSS Profile as part of the financial aid application process. A complete list of colleges that require the CSS Profile is available at CSS Participating Institutions.
TAKITANI SCHOLARSHIP
Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation Scholarship, which awards $3000 to one HPA senior. Students can visit the Takitani Scholarship Application for details and eligibility requirements. The deadline for students to submit the online application, as well as the printed application and supporting documents to College Counseling is February 8, 2024.
Hawaiʻi Community Foundation Scholarships
HPA students with US citizenship can become eligible for hundreds of regional scholarships by completing the scholarship application at the Hawai’i Community Foundation. The application deadline is on Wednesday, February 29, 2024, at 4 pm. Families must complete the FAFSA to be eligible for scholarships through the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation.
Hawaiʻi Community Federal Credit Union Scholarships
The Hawaiʻi Community Federal Credit Union also offers a number of scholarships for Hawaiʻi Island students. The HCFCU scholarship application is due Monday, March 4, 2023.
Other College Scholarships
Seniors can find information regarding several other college scholarships by looking in their “Drive” folder in their Scoir accounts, where College Counseling regularly uploads scholarship opportunities. Students can also search for national college scholarships using one of the many online search engines available such as Fastweb.
Important Reminders for Seniors Who Have Submitted College Applications
Congratulations to the many seniors who have submitted their first college applications! It has been a pleasure working with you and seeing your high-quality applications and the thoughtful essays you have created. Moving forward, here are a few important reminders:
- Check your email regularly. Applicants usually receive an email from each college to which they have applied with the status of their application or instructions for setting up an online application portal. If you have not received an email from a college within two weeks of applying, please follow up with the college or reach out to us for assistance.
- If applicable, send your official test scores (ACT, SAT, TOEFL, and/or DuoLingo) to all of the colleges for which you’d like test scores to be part of your application.
- If you would like to be considered for need-based financial aid, please make sure your family has submitted the CSS Profile if it is required by any of the colleges to which you have applied. The FAFSA, which is required for all U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens applying for need-based financial aid, will be available on December 31, 2023.
- Please remember that the deadline for requesting your college counselor to review any additional essays is December 15.
- It is very important that you update your “applying” and “applied” columns in Scoir as you add colleges and submit your applications. This will ensure that all of your school materials are submitted by college counseling in a timely fashion.
Keep up the great work! Stop by anytime or contact us at college@hpa.edu with questions.
Online Test Prep
HPA will again partner with Tutors Across America to provide a Virtual ACT/SAT Test Prep Boot Camp from Friday, February 16, through Sunday, February 18, 2024. This course is online only.
The Boot Camp has been designed with a focus on 11th graders, although 10th graders are welcome to participate. For 10th graders, this course will serve as early preparation for the PSAT in October and any future SAT/ACT testing.
Please see this link for detailed information regarding dates and times and how to enroll.
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, 2022-2023’.
myHPA
myHPA is where you can find all the resources related to your child’s learning. Two key resource boards that we would like to draw your attention to are the ‘Upper School Family Resources and the ‘Upper School Student Resources.
HPA Today
Taking Their Show on the Road
HPA Performing Arts students attend Hawai’i Thespian Festival on O‘ahu
All-School
Need to know information for our entire Ka Makani ʻohana.
Admissions
Re-enrollment to HPA for the 2024-25 Academic Year is soon underway!
As a reminder, it’s almost time for re-enrollment! All eligible students will receive notice of a re-enrollment agreement through myHPA on Thursday, February 1.
This is a time when all eligible students and families will be offered the opportunity to re-enroll for the next academic year. This will secure your child’s space in the class that they will be rising into before we accept and admit new students to complete the class roster which takes place soon after re-enrollment.
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 2024-2025 academic year.
Please reach out directly to the admissions office at admissions@hpa.edu or 808-881-4321 if you have any special circumstances or questions to discuss regarding enrollment for next year.
Advancement & Alumni
Be our Valentine!
Join us for an afternoon of shopping, champagne, and fun, in support of the HPA Fund! Tiare Rose – located at the Shops at Mauna Lani – is hosting our HPA ʻohana for a private shopping event on Sunday, February 4, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. Treat yourself (or someone you love) to something special — clothing, accessories, jewelry, and more!
Mahalo nui to Kim Castellano P ‘34 for generously opening up her store for this special event. Fifty percent of all full-price purchases will be donated to the HPA Fund. Come sip and shop for the Fund!
Please RSVP by Thursday, February 1 — we hope to see you there!
Health & Wellness
Magnus Health Reminders:
We have seen multiple cases of flu-like and gastrointestinal illness’ circulate in our community. Keep your student(s) home when ill, encourage proper nutrition and hydration, adequate sleep, and good hand hygiene. Mahalo for your partnership in keeping our keiki healthy! Please refer to your respective division’s handbook for more information on our illness policy.
Lower School Handbook
Upper School Handbook
Please review Magnus Health to ensure student requirements are current and there are no outstanding tasks. If you have any issues logging in to Magnus Health, via your myHPA Parent Portal, please reach out to the infirmary on your student’s campus for support.
VC Infirmary: (808) 885-2551
UC Infirmary: (808) 881-4022
COVID-19 Policies & Information
COVID-19 Decision Tree
HPA COVID-19 Policy, 2023-2024
*Reach out for specific return instructions if you’re positive for COVID-19.
Ulumau & Ulu Mālama Gardens of HPA
Join us in the garden! We have planned several upcoming community workdays to learn and grow together. All are welcome, please use this link to sign up or email wquayle@hpa.edu or lprutow@hpa.edu with any questions.
ʻOhana Association
Wā Pilina ʻOhana Series
What is Wā Pilina and why is that the name of this series?
The word pilina means association, relationship, and connection. Wā refers to a period of time. HPA started the Lower School Wā Pilina program two years ago in order to have intentional time and space for Lower Schoolers to connect with others under the umbrella of, and in connection to, Mālama Kaiāulu. Lower School students meet across grade levels to connect with and learn from one another. From Enrichment Day to art shows and Makahiki games to reading times — Wā Pilina opportunities have expanded through the three divisions, as well as across specialty areas.
Our new Wā Pilina ʻOhana Series aligns school and ʻOhana Association practices with intentionality. We hope you will join us!
Isaacs Art Center
Isaacs Art Center is free and open to the public, Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and on Saturdays by appointment. 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 student’s family member 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 a 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.