Week of 11/10/23
What's Happening at HPA This Week?
Message from the Head of School
Aloha HPA ʻohana,
I want to start and end this week’s message by sharing my gratitude for those veteranʻs who served in the military around the world. This act of service is like no other, and securing the safety and freedoms for communities is a gift that deserves thanks, every day.
In education, we hold sacred the ability to speak freely, to express our thinking, to debate, and to explore beyond what we currently know. We are afforded this space by those who serve our communities in very important and different ways. For this, I am grateful.
As one of the few, maybe only, people who live in Hawaiʻi and vacation in the state of New Jersey, I may be presenting a vision that is hard to at first understand. For those of you who have been to “the shore,” you might get it, but it’s still pretty funny. It’s our family place and I find myself there a few weeks in July each summer. In the day to day, I like to exercise most mornings before the sun has completely risen. It helps to settle in and focus in a quiet contemplative space – there is intention and connection to the elements and my own thoughts that feel crisp, and clear. Vacation is no different — in fact, as many parents experience, vacation sometimes deserves or even requires a longer run or other mindful moment much more than other times of the year. One habit I have developed over the last twenty-some summers is to extend at least one run just a little longer from my normal route to a memorial that stands a good deal further down the boardwalk and into Atlantic City. This memorial pays tribute to the brave individuals from this particular region who tragically lost their lives during the terrorist attacks of 9/11.
When I make it to this space, I first catch my breath, then take a minute to touch the melted iron beam of one of the twin towers and the plaque now bolted to it. This plaque holds the names of many individuals who were originally from this area of southern New Jersey and were later killed in this event in New York City. I take the time to read the names, making up in my head what they did and who they left behind. I imagine some were working in the World Trade Center or nearby, while others were police, firemen, and emergency personnel running toward the danger instead of away from it. I take a long pause. While I know the vividness of the day, the weeks, and months after, and the changes that came from this event, I won’t ever know the sacrifice many of these folks made to help other humans in this tragic event. This is heavy. It highlights to me the gifts we have in our communities related to the service our first responders and military provide.
Across campus we have alumni memorials dappled through spaces thoughtfully and with significance. There is one that moves me daily in my passing and speaks to the depth of service for the country. This sculpture, Bird In Flight, by artist Leonardo Nierman stands between Wishard Administration Building and Dyer Memorial Library. It was given to HPA in memory of Captain Naval Aviator John Robert “Robbie” Peacock II ’64 by his mother. He was much beloved at HPA, and his friends remember him dearly still. He volunteered to serve. Radio contact was lost while he was flying a combat mission over North Vietnam. He remains missing in action. Over half of the 1964 HPA class served in Vietnam and many continue to visit this meaningful memorial every year.
Service to community, to country, to people, to land, takes special amounts of selflessness. In a Nā Loea: The Masters series shared with me by a friend, discussing the protection and stewardship of critical farmland and traditional ways of living, US Military veteran Kyle Nākānelua poignantly states that time in military service “instills a sense of discipline, a sense of teamwork, and a sense of dependency, which puts you in a position of having to learn how to be courageous… and then understanding that courage is not a lack of fear but the development of the ability to face it and walk through it regardless of the circumstances or outcomes.” This notion of service and selfless interdependence inspires me, and I am grateful to be able to pause and acknowledge it together with you all in this space.
Today we honor our veterans. Mahalo for your service!
Gratefully,
Fred Wawner
Head of School
School Bulletins for the Week of 11/10/23
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,
The Makahiki season is upon us, and, with the culmination of Spirit Week and Halloween festivities, the Lower School Student Council is excited to put their efforts into gratitude and giving. With today’s Harvest Fête bringing us together once again as a community, the Lower School Art and Garden collaboration allowed us to gather donations for communities in need. We are thankful for all those who were able to give to our selected organization, Common Ground Collective, a nonprofit organization focused on increasing food security and economic opportunities on Maui. In the month of August alone, Common Ground Collective has helped to provide over 128,000 meals and 3,000 produce boxes directly to those affected by the recent Maui Wildfires. We are thankful to be able to contribute to that effort and support families who continue to experience challenges due to this summerʻs tragedy. Mahalo to our ʻOhana Association parents who supported Ms. Alexa Hustace, LS Art Teacher, and Mrs. Lauren Prutow McKenna, K-8 Garden Educator, in pulling off this event, a component of our Art and Garden curricular programming in connection with Mālama Kaiāulu and Wā Pilina efforts. Featuring our student’s thoughtfully crafted pinch pots, the Ulumau Garden harvest, our faculty band, fun lawn games, our Middle School handbell choir (and even Ms. Walker on drums!), we are reminded of just some of the things we are grateful for in our HPA community.
The Lower Schoolʻs Makahiki Games are upon us! Taking place on Monday, November 20th, K-5 students will be participating in this Wā Pilina event led by our 8th graders. A collaboration between our PE and Hawaiian Studies program, Kumu Kūwalu teaches students to participate in an immersive learning opportunity to learn about the traditions of Hawaiʻi and play the Makahiki Games. Coach Tʻs support in skill-building and practicing the qualities of good sportsmanship, along with your collaboration at home, help our students to be their best selves during all our competitive sports opportunities. It is a fun-filled day full of connection and aloha. Students should come in their HPA red, with comfortable running shoes on. It will be a regular school day with regular school hours, 8 am to 3 pm.
Speaking of the season of gratitude, our Lower School Student Council is also excited to announce they have decided on their next community service project – a Thanksgiving Food Drive to benefit our local Annunciation Food Pantry! The pantry donates food bags directly to families twice a month with support from donations from our HPA school gardens and your generosity. If you would like to participate in our food drive, please bring nonperishable food items for donation to the Village Campus from Nov 14-21. We can collect it from you when you drop off at the roundabout in the morning, or you may drop it directly at the VC office. Mahalo for your generosity to support local families in need!
Congratulations to our 4th – 8th grade Robotics team who have been working hard to collaborate and innovate together. Led by K-8 EdTech Specialist, Ms. Mellon Monello, our Village Campus Robotics program has grown from one team last year, to four teams this year! Just this past weekend, our teams competed in the First Lego League Robotics tournament, with two out of four of our HPA teams qualifying to move on to the States competition. We look forward to hearing the results of our other two teams in the next few weeks. Along with the fun of imagining, programming, and building robots, the robotics program supports our STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics) goals in connection with HPA’s core learning skills and characteristics. With two major components to the competition, the Robot Game (building and programming), and the Innovative Project (solving a problem around a chosen interest using the Engineering Design Process), our young engineers spent the past weeks immersed in preparations for the competition, practiced collaboration skills, and celebrated each other’s hard work. Mahalo to all our faculty and parent volunteers who supported our students and Ms. Monello!
With kindergartenʻs immersive pumpkin study, 1st-graders deep in their writing workshops, 2nd graders “traveling” around the world (first stop, Italy!), 3rd graders celebrating their published works (ahem, Publishing Picnic!), 4th-grade scientists exploring ice and root wedges, and 5th graders preparing to present their Native American study at Mondayʻs assembly, Lower Schoolers have been deep in the flow of school life and studies at the Village Campus. Thank you for all your collaboration and support of our learners!
Have a wonderful weekend, Lower School ʻohana.
Mālama pono,
Dora Kwong
Lower School Principal
Schedule
Our K-5 classes continue with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, November 13.
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, November 10, from 3:15 to 5:00 pm: Pinch Pot Harvest Fête; Village Campus
• Monday, November 20: LS Makahiki Games, normal school hours
• Wednesday, November 22 to Friday, November 24: Thanksgiving Break; no classes, school offices closed (11/23 and 11/24)
• Monday, November 27: Classes resume; all divisions, grades K-12
Dining Feedback Survey
Our dining service provider – Flik – is excited to receive feedback as they continue to develop menus and improve their service at both campuses. Please use this link to share your thoughts, ideas, and areas for improvement with the Flik team. Mahalo!
The link to the survey here and it’s live until Friday, November 17.
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 is hard to believe that we are moving into our last few weeks before the Thanksgiving Break. We have packed so much in that August feels like just a moment ago and a year ago all at the same time. With so much action packed into these past 3 + months, it is easy for everybody to be feeling a bit fatigued and with fatigue can come edginess. At last week’s assembly, we talked about Integrity and a way of looking at Integrity as doing your best, even when you’re not at your best. We may not always be the best versions of ourselves, but it is important to remember to do your best in each moment. Sometimes that looks like taking a a long pause before we comment. Sometimes it means taking some quiet time to yourself. Sometimes it may mean asking for help when you need it.
This week we looked at The Pursuit of Excellence and used that to talk about how every little action we take has ripple effects. That snarky comment has its particular ripple effects. Kindness has its particular ripple effects. Those kindness ripples help us all feel a bit more at ease, a bit more comfortable asking for help when we need it, and better positioned to give help where needed. When we do our best in each moment, we are helping our community to ride a beautiful wave.
This week’s Fly on the Wall cruises into 6th Grade English, where students have just finished up the always popular, Westing Game novel and beginning their unit on Out of the Dust. This Newberry Award-winning novel is set in 1930s Oklahoma and takes the perspective of a young lady learning the power of the human spirit to endure and transcend the pain that accompanies adversity and tragedy. To open the unit, they read the opening passages of the novel as a class and learned to identify personification, simile, and metaphor.
Congratulations to our 4th – 8th grade Robotics team who have been working hard to collaborate and innovate together. Led by K-8 EdTech Specialist, Ms. Mellon Monello, our Village Campus Robotics program has grown from one team last year, to four teams this year! Just this past weekend, our teams competed in the First Lego League Robotics tournament, with two out of four of our HPA teams qualifying to move on to the States competition. We look forward to hearing the results of our other two teams in the next few weeks. Along with the fun of imagining, programming, and building robots, the robotics program supports our STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics) goals in connection with HPA’s core learning skills and characteristics. With two major components to the competition, the Robot Game (building and programming), and the Innovative Project (solving a problem around a chosen interest using the Engineering Design Process), our young engineers spent the past weeks immersed in preparations for the competition, practiced collaboration skills, and celebrated each other’s hard work. Mahalo to all our faculty and parent volunteers who supported our students and Ms. Monello!
We are looking forward to the Hiki NŌ Film Festival on Thursday, November 16 from 1:45 to 2:50 pm at Gates Performing Arts Center on the Upper Campus. This semester, in a collaboration between Hawaiian Studies, Educational Technology, and English, our 8th graders responded to the prompt, ‘O Wai ‘Oe? Who Are You? What Waters do you belong to? We are excited to share our films with you on the big screen! 8th-grade parents are invited to attend this screening. Please enter the Upper Campus through the gates closest to the Tennis Center.
Students will be bused back to the Village Campus for a 3:10 pm pick-up. Parents attending are welcome to take their children home from there. And parents of students who live on or near the Upper Campus are welcome to approve them walking home from GPAC. Please reach out to villagcampusoffice@hpa.edu to confirm if your child can be dismissed from GPAC following the screening at 3:00 pm.
Looking a bit further ahead, all Middle School students have been preparing for our Middle School Makahiki Games on Tuesday, November 21. 8th-grade students will also be supporting the lower school Makahiki Games on Monday, November 20.
I hope you all have a great weekend enjoying this beautiful island!
Mahalo,
Glenn Chickering
Middle School Principal
Capstone Update from K-8 Capstone Coordinator, Dagan Bernstein
Aloha mai kākou. Over the past month, our 8th-grade capstone students transitioned from the “community need” milestone to the “project proposal” phase. They completed an exploration of community needs related to their chosen topics and honed their research skills using tools such as the “Question Tree Map.”
As the weeks went on, students identified gaps in information, aligned their findings with specific community needs, and prepared for peer presentations. This led them to craft the core of their project proposals, highlighting clear problem identification, proposed solutions, and a central mission statement.
The process culminated in a thorough review phase. Students analyzed feedback from a variety of sources and participated in a final review session with their capstone advisor to ensure a holistic refinement of their projects. As we transition to conferences, they are equipped with a solid direction and foundation for their discussions.
Schedule
Our Middle School 2023-2024 Daily Schedule continues with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, November 13.
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, November 10, from 3:15 to 5:00 pm: Pinch Pot Harvest Fête; Village Campus
• Thursday, November 16, from 1:45 to 2:50 pm: Hiki NŌ Filmfest at Gates Performing Arts Center (GPAC); open to grade 8 parents
• Tuesday, November 21: Middle School Makahiki Games
• Wednesday, November 22 to Friday, November 24: Thanksgiving Break; no classes, school offices closed (11/23 and 11/24)
• Monday, November 27: Classes resume; all divisions, grades K-12
• Friday, December 1, at 1:30 pm: Middle School Performing Arts Showcase at GPAC; all parents invited
Dining Feedback Survey
Our dining service provider – Flik – is excited to receive feedback as they continue to develop menus and improve their service at both campuses. Please use this link to share your thoughts, ideas, and areas for improvement with the Flik team. Mahalo!
The link to the survey here and it’s live until Friday, November 17.
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!
I hope all the students enjoyed a leisurely day off on Monday, November 6th. A lot has been happening on campus, and I am sure it was a nice step back. While the students were away, our Upper School teachers hosted a group from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s office for Native Hawaiian Student Services (NHSS). At the start of the year, the K-12 faculty got a chance to learn about aspects of Hawaiian history from Dr. Willy Kauai, the director of the NHSS, and Nālani Balutski. They highlighted the inclusive makeup of the Hawaiian Kingdom to shed light on the diverse ethnic nature of Hawaiian Citizenry during the Kingdom era, as well as the well-coordinated study abroad program that allowed Hawaiian students to learn skills, diplomacy, and training that would eventually return home to Hawaiʻi. This recent visit brought along members of the NHSS to share information about many of the programs they offer at UH Mānoa, along with a focus on Lā Kūʻokoʻa and the re-education of Hawaii’s holidays through the creation of children’s books and community celebrations.
On November 28, 2022, HPA’s Upper Campus will be celebrating Lā Kūʻokoʻa. The day will include reenactments, music, food, games, and crafts. Before celebrating this day, it is very important to clarify our purpose, which is why the teachers participated in this training with UH Mānoa’s NHSS team members. I am very excited to celebrate this day, and I look forward to sharing one of Hawaii’s most impactful holidays with students from around the world. Many of them come from countries that have treaties with the Hawaiian Kingdom. To learn more about Lā Kūʻokoʻa and the events that led to Hawaiʻi achieving international recognition, please visit awaiaulu.org to register for free for information taken from primary resources. This day will surely be a day that our students will remember, and I am very excited about it. Hopefully, our students will feel the same and talk about it for years.
Since we are talking about events in the near future, here are a few more things to keep on the radar. Next Friday, November 17, will feature the next Upper School gathering in the Davies Memorial Chapel where our theme continues to be gratitude where a long-time faculty member and new senior students will share their life stories. It will begin at 8:30 am, and all students are asked to dress in Aloha attire. There is no school starting on Wednesday, November 22, in recognition of the Thanksgiving break. Monday, November 27, will be our return to classes after the Thanksgiving break, then we will celebrate Lā Kūʻokoʻa on Tuesday, November 28, as mentioned earlier. From there, final exams will arrive in a flash.
As winter plans start to take shape, please take a moment to review this excerpt from our student/parent handbook regarding semester exams and scheduling.
Semester exams are given at the end of each semester, accounting for 20 percent of the semester grade. Students must have permission from the Principal to reschedule any exam they are unable to take at the scheduled time. Students may reschedule exams only in the event of a medical emergency. A doctor’s note must accompany the request to reschedule. It is the family’s responsibility to schedule travel following the last school commitment each semester. No exam may be taken early or late unless there is a school-related function that is the cause of a scheduling conflict.
Ke aloha nō,
Kaʻai Spencer
Upper School Poʻo Kumu
Schedule
Our Upper School 2023-2024 Daily Schedule will resume as a Mamo day with in-person instruction on our Upper Campus on Monday, November 13.
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, November 17, at 8:30 am: Upper School Gathering, Davies Memorial Chapel
• Wednesday, November 22 to Friday, November 24: Thanksgiving Break; no classes, school offices closed (11/23 and 11/24)
• Monday, November 27: Classes resume; all divisions, grades K-12
• Tuesday, November 28: Lā Kūʻokoʻa, Hawaiian Independence Day
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:
Ka Makani Players
The Ka Makani players return to the theater with their upcoming fall musical. Based on the 2001 novel by Amanda Brown and MGM’s 2001 Hollywood film (starring Reese Witherspoon), “Legally Blonde, The Musical” takes us on a comedic and romantic journey as Elle Woods (a UCLA sorority valley girl) follows Warner Huffington III (her ex-boyfriend) to Harvard Law School in hopes of winning him back. While Elle’s initial goal is to win Warner back, she ultimately discovers and highlights the value of integrity, strength, independence, and being true to yourself!
Please note just like the movie, “Legally Blonde, The Musical” is rated PG-13, and may contain content that is not suitable for young audience members. As we are a K-12 school, parental discretion is advised for attendance. Mahalo for your understanding.
Legally Blonde, The Musical comes to HPA this fall at the Gates Performing Arts Center (GPAC) on HPA’s Upper Campus. Admission is free to all students around the island and free for all HPA faculty and staff. General admission for adults is $5. Click here to purchase tickets online via Eventbrite.
Join us TONIGHT, Friday, November 10, and Saturday, November 11, at 7:00 pm or Sunday, November 12 at 2:00 pm. We look forward to seeing you!
Ka Makani Travel
Ka Makani Travel, HPA’s student travel program, has two travel opportunities with space available for the 2023-2024 school year and recently announced the first of several trips for the 2024-2025 school year. A reminder, HPA’s dormitories are closed during Spring Break.
- Spring Break – Journey Down Under with EF Tours: Enrollment deadline is Friday, November 17
- Summer – Splendors of the Mediterranean: Italy & Greece with EF Tours: Enrollment deadline is Monday, February 5, 2024
- Spring Break 2025 Japan: Land of the Rising Sun with EF Tours: Open for enrollment
EF’s Global Citizen Scholarship Fund offers $1000 scholarships. The next deadline to apply is November 15‚ 2023.
Please contact Ka Makani Travel Coordinator Adrienne White (awhite@hpa.edu) for information on registration and eligibility.
Dining Feedback Survey
Our dining service provider – Flik – is excited to receive feedback as they continue to develop menus and improve their service at both campuses. Please use this link to share your thoughts, ideas, and areas for improvement with the Flik team. Mahalo!
The link to the survey here and it’s live until Friday, November 17.
Residential Life
Life on campus continues to bustle along as students begin the Winter season co-curriculars, the Fall Musical, Legally Blonde premieres this weekend, and Thanksgiving Break is right around the corner! Before then, we will have our first Formal Dinner of the year on Monday, November 20. Formal Dinner is a tradition as old as HPA itself, and although it is not as frequent as it was at the founding of the school, the traditions of dressing up and sitting down for a family-style dinner with a faculty member and group of students remains strong as ever!
As a reminder, shortly after Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break travels are due to travel@hpa.edu, so please send those as soon as they are available! Final exams end at 3 pm on Thursday, December 14, which is the start of our Travel Dates. The dormitories will close at noon on Saturday, December 16. HPA provides free transportation if the student travels on our travel dates. If they do not we will assist in booking a taxi at the family’s expense.
Ka Makani Athletics
Here’s the updated winter athletics schedule and weekly schedule for the last week of our fall sports season and the start of our winter season. GO KA MAKANI! You can also access the athletics schedule on the myHPA calendar.
College Counseling
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 2 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 in early December.
Keep up the great work! Stop by anytime or contact us at college@hpa.edu with questions.
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.
All-School
Need to know information for our entire Ka Makani ʻohana.
Admissions
Mahalo to those of you who promoted and attended our recent Open Houses! They were a complete success with several new families having a great time and engaging with our school. We are still offering ongoing virtual information sessions and in-person campus tours for the general public as well, so please let your friends know.
As a reminder, the 2024-2025 application is now available online to apply any HPA siblings and share with your friends and family. The admissions team will also be out “on the road” in a variety of locations locally and around the world to meet up with prospective students, parents, alumni, and more! We look forward to many good times together as we dive into the new school year. Mahalo for your partnership and enthusiasm for HPA!
Advancement & Alumni
Alu Mai 2023
Thanks to your outstanding generosity in support of Financial Aid and your aloha for HPA, Alu Mai 2023 is SOLD OUT! We are over the rainbow!
Financial Aid at HPA is a proud tradition. We are humbled and grateful to continue to honor Anna Lindsey Perry-Fiske’s legacy by helping to make HPA accessible to keiki throughout our community. Your generous hearts make it possible every day.
We look forward to seeing many of you on Saturday, November 18, for this festive evening for Financial Aid!
Me ke aloha,
The HPA Advancement Office
P.S. For those of you who won’t make it this year, you will be missed! We hope to see you next year, and in the meantime — you can join in by making a gift in support of Financial Aid during this season of giving and gratitude. E Alu Mai!
Health & Wellness
After any illness, students must be fever-free, without the use of fever-reducing medications, for at least 24 hours before they can return to school. Their symptoms also must be resolved before returning to school. Students who are absent for more than five days are required to bring a note from their health care provider clearing them for return. Please refer to your respective division’s handbook for more information on our illness policy.
Lower School Handbook
Upper School Handbook
*Please reach out for specific return instructions if you’re positive for COVID-19.
COVID-19 Policies & Information
HPA COVID-19 Policy, 2023-2024
COVID-19 Decision Tree.
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 lprutrow@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.