Week of 12/12/25
What's Happening at HPA This Week?
Message from the Head of School
Aloha HPA ʻohana,
What a week!?! What a semester!?!
Waimea parade, holiday chapel, diaper drive, middle school performing arts, community meal, handbell exhibitions, fun and festivities galore. And we took exams, day after day, after day. As we enter a well-deserved Winter Break, I want to step back from the usual school updates and focus on something more elemental: family, community, and the power of the traditions that anchor us during this season.
Many of us were raised with winter rituals shaped by our families, faiths, or cultures. Hanukkah, Christmas, the Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa, Diwali, and Boxing Day all carry their own histories, yet they share familiar themes—gathering with loved ones, good food, music, reflection, kindness, and gratitude. They remind us of the light and our connection to something larger than ourselves.
I treasure the traditions I grew up with, especially those passed down through my grandparents and parents. One of my favorites is preparing the “seven fish” meal—an annual exercise in nostalgia, chaos, and overusing every pot and pan in the house. These days, my kids watch it all unfold with amused commentary, echoing the same mix of curiosity and side-eye I once had as a child. These rituals matter because they tether us to one another across generations, reminding us who we are and why gathering—messy, loud, and imperfect—still matters.
This week I also had the chance to share one of my own family dishes with our English Language Learning class during a dinner at my home. The students and teacher brought stories and flavors from their own families as well. It was a simple meal, but a meaningful one. The exchange reminded me of how traditions—whether familiar or new to us—help bridge differences and build a sense of belonging.
That idea sits at the heart of a line I return to every so often, from poet Maya Angelou: “In diversity there is beauty and there is strength.” It calls us to stay curious—to wonder. When we ask, listen, and share, we discover how much richness lives inside our varied experiences.
Wherever, and however, your winter celebrations take place—around your table, in a place of worship, outdoors, or somewhere in between—I hope you find time to acknowledge the meaning they hold for you and those you love. These storied traditions strengthen us as a community. Connecting us to our past, and shaping future generations. They are threads in the HPA mosaic, vibrant and interwoven.
I am grateful for each of you, and for the way we continue to grow and serve together with humility, grace, and joy. Let’s welcome the returning light.
Have a safe and wonder-filled Winter Break. Spread joy—and enjoy.
Gratefully,
Fred Wawner
Head of School
HPA Fund Update
We’re excited to share a major milestone in our HPA Fund participation drive: every class in the Lower School (K-5) has now reached at least 80% participation and unlocked their $25,000 challenge gift — totaling an incredible $150,000 for the HPA Fund! Mahalo to our Lower School families for leading the way with such inspiring momentum.
Many other classes are close behind, just a few gifts away from unlocking their own $25,000. If you haven’t had a moment to give yet, we warmly invite you to join in today with a gift of $10 or more. We have less than three weeks to bring it home and make our match! Join in!
Every contribution — at any level — moves your child’s class forward and strengthens our community as a whole. Your gift supports the wonderful work happening today, and shapes the experiences our students will carry with them for a lifetime.
Mahalo nui for your engagement, generosity, and belief in our mission. We are deeply grateful.
School Bulletins for the Week of 12/12/25
Lower School
Each week, K–5 families receive updates highlighting joyful moments, meaningful lessons, and a glimpse into what students and parents can look forward to in the weeks ahead.
News & notes
Aloha Lower School ʻOhana!
As we close this semester, let us celebrate the joyful, rigorous, and meaningful learning that has taken place across our campus these past months. From final writing pieces that showcase growing voice and craft, to Makahiki games that strengthened skill, teamwork, and cultural understanding, our scholars have been pursuing excellence every step of the way. Students explored endemic species, ventured into the forest on field trips that deepened their connection to place, and wrapped up units with project presentations, final assessments, and thoughtful reflections. These last two weeks, in particular, have been filled with culminating moments that highlight just how far our students have come. Our classroom newsletters are filled with talking points to help connect you with your keiki about their learning and experiences, and I hope you find them useful in your conversations at home.
Our comprehensive Lower School academic reports will be released next week, on Thursday. I encourage you to review them with your child—celebrating their progress, acknowledging their hard work, and setting intentions together for the semester ahead.
Mahalo to all the families who were able to join us on Wednesday for our Lower School Holiday Chapel. Davies Chapel reverberated with the beautiful voices of our K-5 students and the sounds of bells, chimes, and ʻukulele. Our guest performers were magnificent, and it was a true pleasure to gather as a community in such a meaningful space!
We look forward to welcoming everyone back for a new semester on Tuesday, January 6. Until then, may your holiday season be restful, joyful, and filled with pilina, wonder, and warmth. Enjoy this time together as an ʻohana, making memories throughout this special and beautifully evolving period of childhood.
Me ka mahalo nui,
Dora Kwong
Lower School Principal
Schedule
Our K-5 classes continue with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Tuesday, January 6.
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
• Tuesday, January 6: Classes resume
• Monday, February 16: K-12 Faculty Work Day
• Wednesday, March 4: 5th Grade Capstone Presentations
• Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6: LS/MS Student-Led Conferences
Academic Survey
We encourage all Lower School families to complete the Academic Survey that was recently sent out. Your feedback plays a valuable role in shaping our academic programs.
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, 2025-2026.
myHPA
In addition to Seesaw, many important resources can be located on our community portal, myHPA. Check the Lower School Family Resources tile for the most up-to-date information.
Middle School
Each week, 6–8 families receive updates reflecting on recent activities and accomplishments, along with a preview of what students and parents can look forward to in the coming days.
News & notes
Aloha Middle School Families,
As we enter the holiday season, I hope this time offers space to rest, reconnect, and appreciate the gifts that cannot be wrapped. I also recognize that for many families this season brings added responsibilities, and I want you to know how grateful I am to have your child as part of our Middle School ʻohana.
The close of the semester brings both academic challenge and meaningful celebration. Just yesterday, our Acting, Musical Theater, Technical Theater, and Handbells students presented a joyful and moving Performing Arts Showcase. Moments like this reflect our yearlong theme, ʻAʻohe Hana Nui Ke Alu ʻIa, reminding us that excellence is achieved together. Mahalo to Ms. Wadlegger and Ms. Di Bartolo for guiding students to find both their skills and their confidence as performers.
Looking ahead, auditions for the Middle School production of Annie Junior will take place at the start of Semester 2.
- Tuesday, January 6, open auditions from 3:30 to 4:45 pm in the Village Campus Drama Hall for students in grades 5 through 8.
- Wednesday, January 7, auditions from 2:15 to 3:45 pm.
- First read-through on Thursday, January 8.
- Students should come prepared to sing, dance, and read from the script. Performance dates are Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4.
Middle School grades and advisor comments will be available on Thursday, January 18. A detailed email explaining how to access reports will be shared at that time.
As I continue my second year as Middle School Principal, I remain inspired by the collaboration, creativity, and pursuit of excellence our students demonstrate every day. I look forward to all that Semester 2 will bring.
Happy New Year to you and your families. Students return to school on Tuesday, January 6. Please also save the following dates:
- Middle School Lip Sync Dance on Friday, February 20
- Village Campus Plant Sale on Friday, February 27
- Student Led Conferences on Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6
With gratitude and excitement,
Michael Cservenak
Middle School Principal
Schedule
Our Middle School 2025-2026 Daily Schedule continues with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Tuesday, January 6.
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
• Tuesday, January 6: Classes resume
• Monday, February 16: K-12 Faculty Work Day
• Friday, February 20: Middle School Lip Sync Dance
• Friday, February 27: Village Campus Plant Sale
• Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6: LS/MS Student-Led Conferences
Academic Survey
We encourage all Middle School families to complete the Academic Survey that was recently sent out. Your feedback plays a valuable role in shaping our academic programs.
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, 2025-2026’.
myHPA
myHPA is where you can find all the resources related to your child’s learning. Two key resource boards that we would like to draw your attention to are the ‘Middle School Family Resources’ and the ‘Middle School Student Resources’.
Upper School
Each week, our Upper School leadership team provides valuable insight about campus culture while sharing updates with 9-12 students and parents on academics, athletics, and arts, and what day and residential families can expect throughout the semester.
News & notes
Aloha Upper School ʻohana,
Season Greetings,
As we finish up the first semester, we wish to celebrate some of our many accomplishments from this semester, highlighting some recent events.
PAAC Conference
Under the leadership of Ms. White and Ms. Horgan, seven current HPA students attended the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council Global Vision Summit 2025: AI in the Pacific at UH Manoa. This simulation brought together over 120 students from 24 schools across the state to consider issues related to the adoption of AI and other digital projects by the Pacific region, including data sovereignty, environmental safeguards, indigenous knowledge rights, economic benefits, and local capacity-building.
Proud of our HPA delegates:
Will S. ʻ27
Leia B. ʻ27
Morgan K. ʻ27
Liliana N. ʻ27
Dylan H. ʻ28
Tasi S. ʻ28
Tegan C. ʻ29
Senior Capstone
Ms. Laura Jim, Interim Capstone Coordinator, led her team of Capstone Faculty, Mr. Flores, Mr. Piercy, Ms. Scarth, Ms. Swarz-Burt, Ms. Craven, Mr. Lustik, Mr. Quayle, and Dr. Anton throughout the semester. The semester concluded with the first production iteration and were presented by students during early December. Each presentation was recorded on video and feedback was given to each student. We appreciate the efforts of the faculty, many, who go above and beyond to assist students as they work through the process. The final capstone project presentations will be here soon enough, and presented at the showcase, April 16 and 17, 2026.
Waimea Holiday Parade
A big thank you to the ʻOhana Association and Mr. Cservenak, Middle School Principal, for leading the efforts with representing HPA at the Waimea Community Association parade.
Semester One Grade Reports
As we wrap up the first semester, we’re excited to share that final exam and semester grades for your Upper School student(s) will be available for download on myHPA starting Thursday, December 18, by 5:00 pm. You’ll receive an email that day confirming the reports are ready, along with simple instructions for viewing and downloading them.
Junior Class College Counseling Program
Most of our Juniors have had their first college counseling meeting. We hope to meet everyone by the end of the semester. In the second semester we welcome our parents to schedule phone or in-person appointments to discuss college goals. Please feel free to email college@hpa.edu to schedule a meeting.
Junior Parent Night
January 15, 2026 – 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Zoom Link
We pride ourselves on the work we do with our students, both in the classroom, in the community, on stage, the playing fields, courts, and pool. I’m proud of the work that our faculty do with the students and we will continue into the second half of the school year to work with our students to continue to develop their strengths, improve on things that challenge them, to learn to work with others better and to problem solve. Thank you for the opportunity to work with your child(ren).
We look forward to seeing the students back in the dorms on January 3, and in the classrooms on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
All the best,
Mark Noetzel
Assistant Head of School for Upper School
Schedule
Our Upper School 2025-2026 Daily Schedule will resume with in-person instruction on our Upper Campus on Tuesday, January 6.
We encourage all students and families to access the School Calendar in myHPA for the most up-to-date information. In addition, a list of Key Dates (school openings and closures) can also be located on the Upper School Family Resources tile located in myHPA.
Coming Up
• Tuesday, January 6: Classes resume
Student Support
Should your child need additional learning or counseling support, we encourage you to reach out to:
- US Learning Specialist: Spencer Williams at swilliams@hpa.edu
- US Counselor: Tiffany Freitas at tfreitas@hpa.edu or 808-881-4038
- US Counselor: Steve Furchner at sfurchner@hpa.edu or 808-881-4038
Academic Surveys
We encourage all Upper School families to complete the Academic Survey that was recently sent out. Your feedback plays a valuable role in shaping our academic programs.
Ka Makani Post
Looking for something to read during winter break? The Ka Makani Post is excited to share our second official issue, filled with student-produced stories, features, and creative work from across campus.
As we look ahead to our winter issue, we’re also inviting new contributors to get involved. If you’re interested in writing, editing, photography, or design, please reach out to tkasumovich@hpa.edu or tbromberg@hpa.edu to learn more.
Congratulations on completing finals week — and thank you for supporting student journalism at HPA. We hope you enjoy the read and have a restful, joyful winter break.
Happy Holidays,
Tanner B. ʻ26 & Téa K. ʻ27
The Ka Makani Post Editors
Ka Makani Athletics
Winter season is here! Check out the latest Winter Sports Athletics calendar here. You can also access the athletics schedule on the myHPA calendar. Go KA MAKANI!
Basketball
BOYS: Saturday, December 13, at Kohala, 6:30 pm
Soccer
GIRLS: Saturday, December 13, at Waiakea, 2:00 pm
BOYS: Saturday, December 13, at Waiakea, 4:00 pm
Swimming & Diving
Saturday, December 13, at HPA, Swimming ONLY, 11:00 am
Wrestling
Saturday, December 13, at Konawaena, 10:00 am
Paddling
Saturday, December 13, Kailua-Kona, Distance, 9:00 am
Catch the action
Watch the Ka Makani action as it happens! Watch HPA sports live on Hudl and never miss a play.
Residential Life
Every semester in boarding communities has its ups and downs, challenges and successes, growth, and lasting memories. All of our programs and experiences on and off campus may help give structure to each student’s experience, but in the end, it is the people that they get to share those experiences with that make cherished moments to be remembered for a lifetime. Each of our students is an integral part of the fabric that makes up our campus, and this semester would not have been the same without each and every one of them. We are grateful for the many ways that each of them contributes to, and defines, our community. We know that our students are looking forward to this break, and hope that you are as well! We wish each of our students safe travels home and a restful winter break, and look forward to welcoming our community back to campus in January!
College Counseling
Important Winter Break Reminders to our Seniors
Happy Winter Break to our seniors! Congratulations on your hard work and thoughtful contributions this fall. We have truly enjoyed working with you. As you prepare to head into Winter Break, please review these important reminders for submitting your applications over the break.
College Horizons Summer 2026 at Dartmouth and UC Berkeley
College Horizons is a free 5-day pre-college residential program designed specifically for Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian high school sophomores and juniors. Students connect with 70+ partner colleges and universities, meet admission representatives and college counselors, and learn more about the college application process in a supportive, community-centered environment. Need-based travel stipends are available.
The 2026 program will be hosted by Dartmouth College and UC Berkeley from June 26 to July 1. Students may choose one of the two host sites. For more information and the application link, visit the College Horizons website.
Junior College Counseling Program
Most of our Juniors have had their first college counseling meeting. We hope to meet everyone by the end of the semester. In the second semester we welcome our parents to schedule phone or in-person appointments to discuss college goals. Please feel free to email college@hpa.edu to schedule a meeting.
Junior Parent Night
January 15th, 2026 – 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Zoom Link
FAFSA Completion Webinars
To help families complete the FAFSA for college financial aid, the Pacific Financial Aid Association is offering several Free FAFSA Completion webinars. In addition, Free scholarship webinars are also available on scheduled dates throughout the fall.
Virtual ACT/SAT Weekend Boot Camp
HPA is partnering with Tutors Across America to provide a 3-Day Virtual ACT/SAT Weekend Boot Camp on February 13 – 15, 2026. Students who attend the bootcamps average 3-7 point improvements on the ACT and 100-200 point improvements on the SAT.
Schedule
Friday, February 13: 4 to 8:30 pm
Saturday, February 14: 9 am to 6 pm (break from 1 to 2 pm)
Sunday, February 15: 9 am to 6 pm (break from 1 to 2 pm)
Cost
Discounted Cost: $199 for HPA students (Regular Cost is $399)
Use coupon code HAWAIIPREP at checkout.
Registration
• Go to: http://TutorsAcrossAmerica.com/ACTcourse
• Scroll down to find the camp you’re looking for
• Enroll as directed (You may enroll in any camp that works for you)
• Use coupon code HAWAIIPREP at checkout to get the 50% discount.
• Reach out to us with any questions. We’re happy to help.
Ka Makani Travel
Spring Semester proposed overnight trips, 2026
- Volcano & Hilo, January Long Weekend, January 17-19
- Maui or Oahu, February Long Weekend, February 14-16
- Merrie Monarch Hula Festival, Hilo, April 10-11
Spring Break March, 2027
- Japan: Land of the Rising Sun with EF Tours led by Mrs. Inaba
- New Zealand led by Ms. White, Ms. Kight, Mr. Ford & Mr. Moltz
Please contact Ka Makani Travel Coordinator Adrienne White (awhite@hpa.edu) for information regarding registration, eligibility and travel grants.
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, 2025-2026.
Whom to Contact at HPA
If you are unsure whom to contact regarding a specific question or issue, please refer to our Whom to Contact guide.
As a reminder, HPA is a closed campus, so if a parent or guardian wishes to come to campus during the academic day, they will need an appointment.
myHPA
myHPA is where you can find all the resources related to your child’s learning. Two key resource boards that we would like to draw your attention to are the ‘Upper School Family Resources’, and the ‘Upper School Student Resources’.
All-School
Need to know information for our entire Ka Makani ʻohana.
Summer at HPA Enrollment is Now Open!
We’re excited to announce that Summer at HPA is officially open for enrollment! Families can now sign up for our Academy Program, Ka Makani Keiki Camp, and Enrichment Swimming sessions.
Check out our current program listings on the Summer at HPA page on the school website, or enroll directly through our CampSite Enrollment form.
If you have any questions, please email summer@hpa.edu
We look forward to another amazing summer!
Admissions
The new application for the 2026-2027 academic year is now available. If you have a sibling of your current student who is planning to apply next year, please let us know, and we will review their application ASAP. Please contact our office at admissions@hpa.edu if you have any questions. We will expedite your completion of the process and are here to support your ʻohana. Additionally, please visit our website for information on upcoming winter events where you and/or your friends can connect with HPA and the admissions team.
Re-enrollment for current students will take place from February 1-15, 2026.
Scholarship Opportunities
In addition to Financial Aid, HPA is able to offer limited scholarship opportunities for students in grades 9-12: The Kūlia Scholarship, The HPA Faculty Big Island Scholarship, and The Ho‘omau Scholarship. We encourage students who are not already receiving supplemental merit scholarships to apply.
Deadlines are as follows:
The Kūlia Scholarship: January 5, 2026
The Ho‘omau Scholarship: January 5, 2026
Eligibility requirements, details, and deadlines are available on the HPA website. Please reach out to scholarships@hpa.edu with any questions.
Isaacs Art Center
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 am to noon. 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
Campus access is limited to current students, employees, essential contractors, and approved guests. Guests to campus will have had their hosting faculty or staff member fill out the appropriate form and will have received permission from their supervisor.
If a family member of a student needs to meet with a faculty, staff, or administrative team member, please contact them to arrange a meeting on campus. From that point, security team members will be alerted to your appointment date and time and let you onto campus.
At the Upper School, please do not park and walk onto campus without an appointment. Similarly, at the Village Campus, kindly call or email for an appointment so that arrangements can be made. Mahalo, for your understanding and respect for this process.
If you See Something, Say Something
We ask all families to join HPA in keeping our campus safe. While on the HPA campus, if you see anything out of the ordinary, we ask that you please report it to the school or local authorities immediately. This will help us maintain the safest campus for our students.
- Imminent threat to life or property: call 911 immediately. Follow up with your supervisor ASAP.
- Anything out of the ordinary: email Dan Wilkinson, HPA Security Supervisor at dwilkinson@hpa.edu
CrisisGo for Parents
It is important that all families are set up with CrisisGo, HPA’s school emergency communication tool. To set up CrisisGo SMS/Email subscription, please click on this invitation link and complete the form by adding your name, email, and cell number (this is an important step if you would like to receive an SMS message), and click on the Subscribe button. Should an emergency occur, you will be alerted by email and SMS messaging. You can also locate these instructions by logging into myHPA, clicking on the resource tab, and selecting the CrisisGo Safe2SpeakUp tile.
Safe2SpeakUp for Middle and Upper Students
Similarly, Middle and Upper School students received instructions during orientation on how to upload the Safe2SpeakUp app. This is a companion app to CrisisGo. It will allow the school to alert students of emergencies that happen on or off campus and enable students to communicate with us about their safety status. They can also use the app to alert the school about any behaviors they are concerned about. Students can also locate instructions on setting up Safe2SpeakUp in myHPA, and they were also emailed the video shown at orientation which walks them through the process of uploading the app and registering, step-by-step.
All students can also submit an Online Bully/Harassment report by clicking on this link, which can also be located on the CrisisGo Safe2SpeakUp tile on myHPA.