Week of 1/31/25
What's Happening at HPA This Week?
Message from the Head of School
Aloha HPA ʻohana,
When the planets align…
And they did! I can’t even count the number of times I’ve said “when the planets align” or “if the planets all align.” Wishful thinking and sentiment for all things to fall into place — fall into flow and line-up just right. Then it happened, literally! There was planetary alignment on January 25, making my use of the common phrase a little less far-reaching and a little more tactical. For the astronomers in the crowd (and there are quite a few of you!) please forgive me, as it sounds like this universal phenomenon happens a little more than I thought. Regardless of frequency, however, what we could see was absolutely magnificent and felt like one of those special reminders about how interconnected we all are.
A week at HPA brings with it so many different moments, like dots on a map or stars in the sky, that are at times difficult to connect at first glance, but ultimately do present a path forward or a beautiful constellation.
Let’s start with Monday’s Senior Speaker Series. The messages of taking risks and embracing wonder were shared eloquently and with a passion and wisdom of two young people who truly wanted the best for their peers for the remainder of the year and for the underclassmen for the remainder of their careers. Using examples from their times in high school held our attention in a way that has lasting potential for growth. These messages were strong and sweet and wonderful, speaking to the layers of our community and the ecosystem of friendships over the ages, and giving us an inspiring start to a Monday.
But we weren’t done. Not even close! What came next has me smiling as I type. Longtime HPA educator and Senior Speaker Series creator, Patrick O’Leary, had a surprise for us. Grabbing the mic and reading off the accomplishments of a popular reggae band, Iration, you could start to feel a slight stir in the crowd. This group, now well known in the music community, has deep roots on Hawaiʻi Island, as four current members of Iration are HPA alumni including Micah Pueschel ’00, Joe Dickens ’01, Adam Taylor ’99, and Cayson Peterson ’05. The next thing you know, Micah Pueschel is at the front of Davies Memorial Chapel with bandmate Micah Brown and their acoustic guitars introducing themselves and telling funny HPA stories. Pueschel, a gifted storyteller between songs, spoke with detail and animation about his 13 years at HPA. His vivid memory of appreciation for all of his teachers was on display as he shared an anecdote about how his football coach and English teacher Mr. Bryson found out he could sing, forcing him to join the choir! Sure looks like that introduction into music and performance has worked out pretty well for him.
I’m not sure how long they played, but we could have stayed all day. With our curious kids tentative at first about whether to stand and dance or sit in awkward silence — we pushed through with a mix of both and overwhelming feelings of appreciation,joy, and connection. So cool. I didn’t get to stay for an autograph, but will humbly brag that Micah did admit to reading an ASB or two over the last few years. Star stuck and a little pep in my step, I was off to a great week!
Keeping things celestial, Wednesday marked the beginning of the Lunar New Year. This is a special time for so many of our students, families, and alumni here and around the world. We are a global community celebrating our differences, discovering our commonalities, curious about cultures, and honoring traditions. We have alumni and families circling and zigzagging over the seas, enriching our story and continuing to uplift our mission. The year of the snake is considered a time for reflection, deep thought, and personal growth — an opportunity to shed all that no longer serves us and transform into the latest, greatest version of ourselves. I’m down for every bit of that!
Lastly, thank you for your continued commitment to HPA and our community. As we go into this year and embrace the characteristics of the snake, it is the reflection on where we are and who we are spending time with that feels very important. We are so grateful you choose Ka Makani for your child(ren). You will be receiving your re-enrollment offers tomorrow — we feel very proud to have you in our school ʻohana. The deeper our roots grow, the higher and stronger our trees become. This is our commitment to each other and to our exciting journeys ahead.
From a drenched and cool Waimea, I wish everyone a safe and wonder-filled Aloha Friday.
Gratefully,
Fred Wawner
Head of School
School Bulletins for the Week of 1/31/25
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!
A New Season of Leadership: Lower School Student Council Begins!
Last week, we proudly welcomed our new Lower School Student Council representatives, marking the beginning of an exciting new term filled with leadership, service, and community spirit.
Congratulations to all our new representatives!
We also celebrate every student who courageously stepped forward in the election process. It takes wonder, courage, and a pursuit of excellence to share ideas, advocate for positive change, and take on the responsibility of leadership. In the days leading up to the elections, the energy in classrooms is both inspiring and heartwarming — students thoughtfully express their hopes, goals, and reasons for representing their classmates. Former Student Council leaders generously share insights from their experiences, fostering a sense of mentorship and support.
While each 1st through 5th-grade class conducts elections in its own unique way, every classroom models Mālama Kaiāulu — caring for our school community — by encouraging one another and celebrating the exchange of ideas. This sense of respect and encouragement strengthens the bonds of our school ʻohana and reinforces the value of servant leadership.
As we forge ahead, we look forward to everyone’s participation — whether as elected representatives or engaged classmates sharing ideas. Each week, our meetings serve as a space for student voices to be heard and for meaningful initiatives to take shape. Student-driven plans are already underway to support our Los Angeles brethren in support of those affected by the devastating wildfires. It is truly a joy to witness the growth and enthusiasm of our young leaders.
Mahalo to all who make this experience possible. Here’s to a fantastic term ahead!
Capstone Season: Learning, Leadership, and Lasting Impact
As many of you know, capstone season is upon us, and our 5th graders are deeply engaged in their research and project development — demonstrating perseverance, curiosity, and a commitment to excellence. At the same time, our learning community is enriched by pilina (meaningful connections) with our 8th and 12th-grade capstone students, who generously share their passion projects with us, inspiring younger learners to think critically and creatively about their own impact.
Some of you may have noticed groundwork happening along the border of Kohala Field — an exciting 8th-grade capstone initiative aimed at restoring and enhancing native plant life on our Village Campus. Guided by their Capstone teachers, K-8 Garden Educator Mrs. Prutow-McKenna, and our dedicated maintenance team, this student carefully developed a plan that reflects their commitment to Mālama Kaiāulu — caring for and giving back to our community. This project serves as a powerful example of student-driven leadership, showing our learners firsthand that their ideas and actions can create lasting change.
By supporting all our capstone experiences, we foster a culture of responsibility, collaboration, and stewardship, empowering students to see themselves as agents of positive transformation—both in our school and beyond. Mahalo to all who contribute to making these opportunities possible!
Thank you for joining me in marking the start of the Lunar New Year this week. How wonderful to be in a diverse community, honoring and celebrating all perspectives and experiences!
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, February 3.
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
• 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,
Over the past month, Hawaiʻi Island has once again been a site of immense energy and transformation, with Kīlauea actively erupting at the summit in Halemaʻumaʻu Crater. According to the USGS, this intermittent eruption has released 15 million cubic meters — approximately 4 billion gallons — of lava, covering 673 acres as of January 2. In response to this powerful display of nature, and with a sustained ocean swell shaping our coastlines, I invited Kumu Kūwalu and Uncle Badger to share their wisdom with our Middle School students about what this energy means for our ʻāina and our community.
As always, Kumu Kūwalu’s lesson was both captivating and deeply meaningful. One key takeaway was the idea that volcanic events — massive surges of lava —should prompt us to mark the moment. While dates come and go on a calendar, we often remember significant periods through natural events, storms, and moments of great activity in our environment. They also shared that it is a time to recognize the power of destruction and creation. In the case of Kīlauea, the first step towards creation is often destruction. Lava allows us to clear the slate and begin again. Personally, I will always recall this most recent eruption and swell because I pushed myself a little too hard over the break — and ended up with four broken ribs! Injuries, too, can serve as teachers and markers of time. What did I learn? Read the energy!
Unfortunately, this period of intensity has also been one of immense loss, particularly due to the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, which have caused nearly $300 billion in damage. Recognizing the deep connections between our small community in Waimea and the greater Los Angeles area, our Middle School Student Council has taken action. In collaboration with the Lower School Student Council, they will be raising funds to support the LA Region Workers Fund, which provides assistance to those who have lost wages due to the fires. Taking a moment of respect for those impacted, we hope our collective efforts will offer some relief to those facing hardship. To connect with the sentiments shared about destruction and creation earlier, in times of distress, we can find hope in each other.
In an afternoon filled with camaraderie and purpose, our entire K-8 faculty came together for what many fondly call their favorite meeting of the year — our Faculty Garden Work Afternoon in the Ulumau Garden, led by Ms. Prutow-McKenna. This dedicated time allows our faculty to embrace kuleana (responsibility) for our shared spaces while strengthening pilina (connections) with one another.
Adding to the meaningful afternoon, 8th grader Maya Sullivan had the opportunity to present a preview of her sustainability-focused capstone project, which will introduce native plants along our Kohala Field fenceline. Moments like these highlight the essential practices of Mālama Kaiāulu, which are embedded in our daily experiences, but this gathering was an exceptional example of those values in action.
And yes — after some gentle reminders — I made sure to limit my own contributions to protect the healing process of my ribs!
This past week also marked the beginning of the observance of Lunar New Year or Chinese New Year. With great joy, our Mandarin students shared red envelopes with faculty and performed traditional songs to commemorate a holiday celebrated by billions around the world.
Mahalo for your continued support as we encourage our students to engage with the world around them — both through their studies and through acts of service. Below this message are important reminders regarding ordering yearbooks and also links to view two Hiki NŌ documentaries from our middle schoolers that were aired on PBS Hawaiʻi this past week – congratulations to Hayden Betts, Kili Correa, and their production teams on this accomplishment.
Aloha always,
Michael Cservenak
Middle School Principal
Yearbook ordered? If you would like to order a Village Campus Yearbook, please email Aunty Lynn Kakugawa: lkakugawa@hpa.edu or, if you do not remember if you ordered one, please also inquire with Lynn.
HIKI NŌ episode 1610: Magical Moments and Paniolo Pride
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, February 3.
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
• 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,
Aloha mai kākou e nā ihe a ka makani!
The start of the spring sports term is near, and students have begun selecting their after-school program activities. As a reminder, all Upper School HPA students must participate in an after-school activity. The after-school program includes Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) league-sanctioned sports and various co-curricular, non-league activities that broaden student options. The spring sports term begins on Monday, February 10 — just around the corner!
The BIIF sports options for the spring include Baseball, Boys & Girls Golf, Boys & Girls Tennis, Boys & Girls Track and Field, Boys Volleyball, Girls Flag Football, and Girls Water Polo.
There is a lot of excitement surrounding the latest addition to the Hawaii sports offerings: girls’ flag football! Many students have expressed interest in trying out for the team, and it promises to be a fun experience for players and spectators!
Non-BIIF after-school activities include Beach Workouts, Community Service (Mahele Program), Yoga, Fitness Center Workouts, Art, Open Elab, Beginning & Advanced Music Ensemble, Marathon Training, Lacrosse, and Walking, Stretching & Meditation. Additionally, students can choose paid options such as Advanced Scuba, Equestrian, and CrossFit.
Participation in HPA’s after-school program is a key component in the development of the whole student. In addition to the competitive in-class curriculum that students participate in, the co-curricular activities mentioned above are structured in a way that enhances development in a variety of other ways that bring tremendous value to social and kinesthetic human nature. When students graduate from HPA and continue on their life’s journey, they often reflect on the memories that were made during the social moments of their participation on a team or group. These experiences shape lifelong friendships and cherished memories, and we are committed to fostering that journey for our students.
Attention students, if you haven’t selected your after-school activity, now is the time! Please contact Coach Kaʻai or Coach Perry if you have any questions or need guidance. Your advisor can also be very helpful. The selections to choose from are filling quickly, so be sure to reserve your spot before it’s too late!
Ke aloha nō,
Kaʻai Spencer
Upper School Student Life and Co-curricular 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 an ʻUla day with in-person instruction on our Upper Campus on Monday, February 3.
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 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, 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.
- Friday, February 7 to Sunday, February 9: Ka Makani Players presents Little Women at GPAC
- Friday, February 21: Lava Lounge – All students are invited to share their artistic talents on the Perry-Fiske lānai, from 7:00 to 9:30 pm
- 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)
Residential Life
As we wrap up January 2025, the next month is full of fun and exciting events and opportunities in our boarding community to look forward to! This weekend, our annual Dorm Wars competition continues with a Karaoke Competition at dinner on Friday. This Sunday, many of our international students will be working in the kitchen doing prep work for their International Day dishes. They will return to the kitchen throughout the week in shifts to finalize preparations for the day itself on Friday, February 7! We have over 15 countries participating in the International Day Lunch, and are excited to sample all of their wonderful culinary traditions from home! In the weeks following that, we have our Carter Hall Open Dorm event on February 10, Formal Dinner on February 17, our annual Horseback Overnight camping trip on the slopes of Mauna Kea on February 21-22, and then of course the 47th Annual HPA Olympics to close out the month on February 26, 27, and 28! It’s a busy time here at school, with many opportunities for our students to be engaged, try new things, and make lasting memories!
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
Next up in our Wā Pilina ʻOhana Series is a special workday in Waipiʻo Valley with Kumu Lanakila Mangauil on Saturday, February 22. The property he stewards in Waipio is located at the point of Mokuwai. Please carefully read through the sign-up details for specifics, as there are many logistics associated with this event. 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
Hawaiʻi ʻUkulele Ensemble
On Saturday, February 15, 2025, Isaacs Art Center will host the Hawaiʻi ʻUkulele Ensemble to perform from 10:00 to 11:30 am. Join us for the remarkable repertoire by these talented musicians while enjoying the ongoing Wood Show!
The Hawai’i Ukulele Ensemble was founded in 2018 by Tom Russell and Shirley Pratt. All are welcome to attend and hear the richly layered sounds of these performers as they play “multiple parts in precise harmony.” Their arrangements range from classical compositions to classic rock!
39th Invitational Masters Wood Show
The 39th Invitational Masters Wood 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.