Week of 12/9/22
What's Happening at HPA This Week?
Message from the Head of School
Message from the Head of School
Aloha HPA ʻohana,
Here we go. Final exams, projects, papers, and class parties are nigh. It’s time to trust our work and to trust our practice. At the center of this work are HPA’s Core Skills of Creativity, Communication, Collaboration, and Critical Thinking, and HPA’s Core Learning Characteristics of Awareness, Inquisitiveness, Initiative, Perseverance, and Responsibility. One skill we don’t often discuss, but I do believe is an actual skill, is bringing things to completion in a healthy way.
Finishing things. So many times in our lives we either walk away with things undone, let things fade away, or simply don’t push through the final stage of a process. Hear me out — if we don’t do this well, it is a skill that needs to be developed and worked on. While mid-December represents the middle of our year, it is important to finish the semester strong. This is for all of us. Finishing strong takes supreme focus, tapping into our mental and physical reserves to persevere when we can see the end or a long break just ahead. This is a skill we need to practice. A muscle our students, and maybe us adults, need to build. As we narrow our focus to the final days of classes, exams, class parties, and some “goodbyes” and “see you laters”, we want these experiences to be positive for everyone involved.
Our final preparations are important, as is the visualization of succeeding. We can feel good about the process, and good about the work put in this semester. We are working with our students to understand and realize the journey to success, the pursuit of excellence. Finishing things in the right way, to the best of our ability, even when we are tired or distracted is a major lesson in our journey. Let’s support our students and each other in finishing the semester strong. It will feel good to take a break knowing we reached a moment of contentment, a moment of healthy closure, for now.
This upcoming week will fly by and we will be going our separate ways for a time. I am so proud of our community effort this semester, building safe, inspiring learning environments for our students, faculty, and families. One element of our core value of Wonder is being content. While we want to live in the verb form of striving for excellence, finding contentment for a time is extremely healthy. Allow yourself this, knowing we have worked hard to serve our students, and by doing so have served the mission of HPA.
We are grateful for you and so happy to be on this learning journey with you.
Have a wonder-filled weekend and a winter break brimming with fun, family, friends, and joy.
Gratefully,
Fred Wawner
Head of School
School Bulletins for the Week of 12/9/22
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,
We had an amazing turnout at the Waimea Holiday Parade last weekend. I want to mahalo our dedicated ʻOhana Association and the families who helped design and build the spectacular floats, provide pupus, purchase and distribute festive accessories (such as hats and light-up candy canes), and even walk alongside us the entire route. The preparation and thoughtfulness that went into pulling off this event was no simple task. It was a very festive occasion, full of pilina, aloha, and good cheer. It certainly got us into the holiday spirit!
Continuing with this season of festivities, please be reminded that all Lower School families are invited to our Lower School Holiday Chapel event, which will take place this coming Wednesday, December 14, at 5:30 pm at Davies Chapel, Upper Campus. We are excited to bring this event back to our Lower School ʻohana and look forward to singing along to an inclusive assortment of holiday songs hosted by the Lower School Student Council, as well as 4th and 5th grade students, who will accompany through their chime and bell choirs. Children in grades K-3 will sit with their families, and programs with song lyrics will be provided. The Student Council is also using this opportunity to host a coin drive for the two local organizations we have been supporting this term — The Food Basket and the Annunciation Food Pantry. So please bring your singing voices, your extra change, and of course, your holiday cheer as we close off this semester and ring in the new year! Please do invite your entire ʻohana and join us for this beautiful non-denominational event.
As we bring our semester to a close, lower school learners continue to delve deeply into their class experiences, holding culminating events, and completing units of study. Publishing writing pieces, reflecting on progress made, concluding hypotheses, it is a bustling time. Last week, our 5th graders connected with all students in grades K-4, inviting them to their Native American museum, allowing younger learners to visit exhibits showcasing the 5th gradersʻ research. Students used a “passport” to document the displays visited and interacted with their “guides” by asking questions, viewing videos, reading findings, and looking at artifacts. It was an excellent example of one way we can showcase learning journeys, celebrate knowledge acquired, and inspire wonder in all our students. Mahalo to our 5th grade historians for their pursuit of excellence and for teaching us about Native Americans!
At the end of next week, please be on the lookout for a message from me letting you know when student progress reports will be live, as well as detailed information regarding our rubrics used. Core Learning Skills and Core Learning Characteristics are assessed, with individualized narratives to round out the reports. I hope you find these reports to a be a useful insight into the learning progress of your child(ren) at HPA. Please do not hesitate to reach out to teachers with any questions or wonderings you may have. We are always happy to connect about your child(ren)ʻs academic progress and goals.
As always, mahalo for choosing HPA as the school for your keiki. We are honored to be in collaboration with you. We look forward to reconnecting again in the new year, Lower School ʻohana!
Warmly,
Dora Kwong
Lower School Principal
Schedule
Our K-5 classes continue with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, December 12.
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
• Wednesday, December 14, 5:30 to 6:15 pm: Holiday Chapel, Upper Campus, Davies Chapel
• Thursday, December 15: last day of term, Winter Break begins
• Thursday, December 15: items in the lost and found will be donated
• Monday, January 9: First day of second semester
• Monday, January 16: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, no classes
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.
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, 2022-2023.
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,
I hope you had a chance to check out the Waimea Holiday Parade last weekend and see the beautiful float created by the ʻohana association with the help of Upper School students. We had a good crew of Middle School students joining the parade alongside Lower and Upper School students, parents, faculty, and administration. Before the parade, the ʻohana association got us all fueled up with hot cocoa and snacks, candy canes, hats, and candy to pass out to the children along the way. A big mahalo for all who helped make it all this happen and for all that joined us for the lovely evening walk through the family-filled streets of Waimea. Ka Makani strong!
As we head into the last week of school for the first semester, we are staying busy as we prepare to wrap up our classes with final projects and assessments. Remember that you always have a window to your child’s progress in their classes by going to myHPA, clicking on your child’s name, and then ‘Progress.’
For some healthy brain breaks during these last days of the semester, we are in the midst of our Advisory Flag Football tournament during recess. Ms. He’s advisory emerged as the semi-finalist from the grade 6 and 7 sides of the bracket after beating Ms. Tali’s advisory in a quadruple overtime thriller and then topping the Boswell advisory, winner of the grade 6 bracket. They’ll have a few days off awaiting their semi-final opponent as grade 8 sorts out their semi-final representative. We will crown a champion next week with pizza and braddah pops.
As wind down the first semester and look ahead, Brooke H. ‘27, an 8th-grade student, would like to share her Capstone project to enlist your help in getting more fresh produce to our school when we get the second semester started. Please see this flyer for more information on how you can support.
Speaking of looking forward to the second semester, please mark your calendars for Monday, January 9, at 5:00 pm HST for a virtual sessions with the author, Dr. Michael Thompson. Dr. Thompson is a clinical psychologist, school consultant, and author of numerous books, including ‘Raising Cain’ and ‘Best Friends/Worst Enemies.’ Dr. Thompson will share his insights into helping children navigate adolescence and all the changes and social challenges that come with it. He will also be doing a session with our faculty and should give us all plenty of tools to best partner to help our children grow into the best versions of themselves.
Thanks again for all your continued support through a busy first semester filled with adventure. Always great to partner with this ʻohana!
Have a great winter break!
Mahalo,
Glenn Chickering
Middle School Principal
Digital Citizenship Resources for Parents
Parenting in the Digital Age: Resources for Parents
Schedule
Our Middle School 2022-2023 Daily Schedule continues with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, December 12.
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
• Thursday, December 15: last day of term, Winter Break begins
• Monday, January 9: First day of second semester
• Monday, January 16: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, no classes
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.
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.
Upper School
From the desk of your Poʻo Kumu (Division Principal), Kaʻai Spencer
Aloha e nā ʻohana o ka makani!
We are nearing the end of the semester, preparing for semester exams, and looking forward to a restful winter break. Semester exams, which account for 20 percent of the semester grade, will begin on Monday, December 12.
Upper School Final Exam Schedule
Monday, December 12
8:30 – 10:30 am Exam A
11:05 am – 12:25 pm Lunch
12:30 – 2:30 pm Exam B
Tuesday, December 13
8:30 – 10:30 am Exam C
11:05 am – 12:25 pm Lunch
12:30 – 2:30 pm Exam D
Wednesday, December 14
8:30 – 10:30 am Exam E
11:05 am – 12:25 pm Lunch
12:30 – 2:30 pm Exam F
Thursday, December 15
8:30 – 10:30 am Exam G
11:05 am – 12:25 pm Lunch
12:30 – 2:30 pm Conflict exams
Friday, December 16 – No school, winter break begins.
Exam Policies and Procedures
Day students are expected to check in at the Student Life Center when arriving on campus for their first exam of each day.
Students will not be allowed to leave campus between exams that are administered on the same day. Once a student arrives on campus, they should plan to remain on campus until their last exam is done for the day. If a student has only one exam for the day, they should plan to leave immediately following their exam. If a student does not have a morning exam, they do not need to report to school until their scheduled afternoon exam. If a student has an appointment between exams, they may sign out with parent permission and turn in a note to the Student Life Office when they return.
Boarding students who do not have an exam in a given period are permitted to be in their dormitory during the academic day.
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.
In the event of a medical emergency, students may reschedule exams with prior approval from the Principal or Assistant Head of the School for Academics.
Changes to Spring Calendar and Upcoming Events
As we look to our Spring calendar, we’ve made some changes in an attempt to better meet the needs of our students and families.
First, Olympics had originally been scheduled for February 22-24, but there had been some discussion about the need to move it due to conflicts with athletics. This change would have conflicted with our scheduled Spring Play. We are relieved to learn that the switch is not necessary, and we can maintain the planned dates for both without conflicts. The school play will be hosted February Thursday, 16 to Saturday, February 18, and Upper School Olympics will begin with Opening Ceremonies on the evening of Wednesday, February 22, and continue through Thursday and Friday, February 23-24, 2023.
Second, we have made some changes to our planned parent conferences, which were initially scheduled March 2-3. We are returning on Thursday, March 2 and Friday, March 3, to student days with regularly scheduled classes and moving parent conferences to Friday, April 21, which was already set aside as a faculty day/non student day. On Friday, April 21 parents will have the opportunity to meet with their student’s advisor. The shift in dates is in recognition that students in grades 9-11 will be signing up for courses that week and the potential it provides for parents and advisors to discuss the student’s course choices. Senior advisors look forward to meeting with their advisee parents as a last opportunity to connect with their advisees’ parents, maybe talk about the upcoming capstone showcase, commencement events, and post-secondary plans.
Summary of Calendar Changes:
February 16-18: Spring Play
February 22-24: Upper School Olympics.
March 2 and 3: Return to student (class) days
April 21: Parent-advisor conferences
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we adapt to try to meet the needs of all of our students and families. We will make all of these changes available to view on myHPA Calendar and further details and reminders about this change will be communicated throughout the Spring.
Please take the time to rest and spend time with family and friends over Winter Break and we will see you back on campus for the start of Semester II on Monday January 9.
Ke aloha nō,
Kaʻai Spencer
Upper School Poʻo Kumu
Schedule
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, December 9: Last day of classes
• Monday, December 12: Final Exams
• Thursday, December 15: last day of term, Winter Break begins
• Monday, January 9: First day of second semester
• Monday, January 16: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, no classes
Student Support
Should your child need additional learning support, we encourage you to reach out to JoAn Canning, our Upper School Learning Support Center Director, by emailing jcanning@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.
Ka Makani Athletics
Our winter athletic schedule has been updated. You can also access the athletics schedule on the myHPA calendar.
Student Life
Class of 2023 — Graduation products available directly from Herff Jones
Seniors and families interested in ordering additional graduation announcements, other printed materials, or class rings may place an order directly with Herff Jones, the school’s official provider of graduation products. The deadline for ordering announcements is Sunday, December 18, 2022. For more information, please contact Kaky Purdy at (808) 881-4001 or kpurdy@hpa.edu
- http://highschool.herffjones.com (announcements, printed materials, and standard class rings & jewelry)
- hjhawaii.com (HPA classic signet rings)
Conduct Points
Please remember that the deadline for clearing off any excessive conduct points before the end of the semester is Friday, December 9. Failing Citizenship is considered as having four (4) or more conduct points on the record. Students who are failing Citizenship at the end of the semester will be placed on academic probation for the following semester, will not be eligible for student awards such as the Dean’s List, etc., and will still be required to work their remaining points off down to zero (0). If there are any errors on the record, students must contact the attendance office at attendance@hpa.edu.
Class Absences — Leave Request Form
If an Upper School student is going to be missing more than one day of classes for a non-medical reason, that student must pick up a Leave Request Form from the Student Life Office and have their teachers sign the form acknowledging their extended absence. All signed forms must be submitted to the Student Life Office before they miss any classes.
Standardized Testing
Revolution Prep- Test Prep Services
Revolution Prep is a leading online test preparation and tutoring company that offers small group test prep, small group tutoring, and private tutoring sessions. Click here to view their flyer and here to learn about their $200 promotional offer that can be used towards private tutoring or test prep services.
Practice ACT/SAT
Revolution Prep is also offering students the opportunity to take SAT and ACT practice exams this January. The exams are free and proctored online. Each family will also receive a free Score Review from a representative from Revolution Prep.
Free SAT Practice Exam – Saturday, January 14th, 2023 For more details and to register, visit: https://www.revolutionprep.com/partners/15478/
Free ACT Practice Exam – Saturday, January 28th, 2023 For more details and to register, visit: https://www.revolutionprep.com/partners/15478/
Residential Life
Winter Break departures
As Winter Break draws near, we are working to gather the flight and travel information for our residential students. Please review the information shared with you in an email sent to you on Thursday, December 1, which is summarized again below. If your child requires their passport to travel, they can stop by the Student Life Office on Tuesday, December 13 through Thursday, December 15, to collect it, along with their travel information.
If you have not done so already, please share your child’s flight information with travel@hpa.edu as soon as possible. All airline itineraries were due on Thursday, December 1, 2022. If your child will either not be traveling over the break or spending time with friends before departure, they only need to submit an Orah Leave Request for the break, which is due by Monday, December 5, 2022. please refer to our Travel Dates which you can find on the myHPA calendar and in the email titled HPA Travel Dates 2022-2023, sent on October 26, 2022.
The last exams will end at 3 pm on Thursday, December 15, 2022. Our dormitories will close at noon on Saturday, December 17, 2022. HPA will offer transportation to the Kona International Airport beginning at 3 pm on Thursday through noon on Saturday. Flight plans that dictate leaving campus either before 3 pm on Thursday or afternoon on Saturday will be arranged at the family’s expense.
Return in January
Spring Semester will begin on Monday, January 9, 2022. Our dormitories will be open as of Saturday, January 7, 2022, and boarding students are expected to arrive throughout the weekend of January 7 and 8. HPA will offer transportation for students arriving on either of those days.
Please note that we will require all residential students to submit a negative result for a COVID-19 test taken within 24 hours of their return to campus. If they do not submit one prior to arrival, they will have to stay in quarantine housing until we can have them tested here. At home, Rapid Antigen tests are acceptable, and we have plenty available for your student to take with them for the break. Please remind your child to collect a test kit from the infirmary before departing campus.
Additionally, we would like to remind everyone that students may not sign out to their own care, either in a hotel, Airbnb, or other accommodation. Students must sign out to the care of a present, supervising adult, which HPA defines as someone who is 25 years of age or older.
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.
Ka Makani Keiki Camp
Create wonderful memories of summer 2023!
Summer at HPA invites rising kindergarteners through fifth-graders to explore the gifts of Hawaiʻi Island. From mauka to makai, students participate in the creative arts, science, swimming lessons, games, gardening, hiking along our majestic hills and mountains, and discovering the wonders of the sea. Attend single or multiple weeks:
June 5 – 9
June 12 – 16
June 19 – 23
June 26 – 30
July 3 – 7 (including July 4)
July 10 – 14
July 17 – 21
Admissions and Financial Aid
Re-enrollment to HPA for 2023-24 Academic Year
In order to secure your child’s space for the next academic year, the re-enrollment period will be February 1-15, 2023. The process includes an offer to all eligible students by way of an enrollment agreement which will need to be returned with signature(s) and deposit. 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 deadline of November 1, please submit ASAP in order to be considered. The deadline to apply for scholarships is Sunday, January 15, 2023.
The admission application for the 2023-24 school year is now open! 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
Have you made your gift in support of the HPA Fund yet? If not, there is still time! Make your gift before the end of the year to help us ring in the new year!
Give your HIGH FIVE FOR THE FUND and for HPA today!!
COVID-19 Policies & Information
While masks continue to be optional indoors and outdoors, there will be times when we will require everyone — students, families, guests, and employees — to wear masks. You will be notified in these instances. Everyone, regardless of age or vaccination status, must have a clean mask with them at all times should HPA officials determine they are necessary.
- HPA COVID-19 Vaccination Policy, 2022-2023
- HPA Community Safety Pledge, 2022-2023
- HPA COVID-19 Positive Cases Policy
- HPA COVID-19 Decision Tree
For a complete directory of all our health and safety protocols, please review our COVID-19 Policies & Information Resource Board on myHPA.
Health & Wellness
Medical preparation for change in air quality reminder:
If your child has a preexisting respiratory condition or is sensitive to air quality changes and has an inhaler, please check the expiration date and doses remaining. If necessary, have prescriptions renewed and filled now. Please do not wait until the winds change.
Mask use is an option to filter out unwanted particles in the air and should be considered— particularly for those with sensitive airways.
Middle and Upper Schools (Grades 6-12): Students with prescription inhalers should carry them at all times–whether they are for everyday use or as a rescue medication. Please be sure Magnus Health has an updated Asthma Action Plan on hand for your child.
Lower School (Grades K-5): Our infirmary should have your child(ren)’s prescription inhalers on campus at all times, whether they are for everyday use or as a rescue medication. Please check in with vcinfirmary@hpa.edu to be sure we have an updated inhaler. Please also be sure Magnus Health has an updated Asthma Action Plan on hand for your child.
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 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.