Week of 2/13/26

What's Happening at HPA This Week?

Message from the Head of School

Aloha HPA ʻohana,

Here in Waimea, we live close to powerful forces. We know that beauty does not always come from ease — it most often comes from pressure, turbulence, time, and persistence.

An oyster does not choose comfort. Its process begins with a grain of sand that irritates it, disrupts it, and refuses to go away. Layer by layer, it responds — not by rejecting the discomfort, but by working through it. What begins as irritation becomes a magnificent pearl.

We saw that truth this week. A major storm rolled in. Winds howled. Rains poured. Temperatures dropped. We made calls, sent messages, and prioritized the safety of our community. And when the clouds moved on, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa stood before us capped in white. Snow on a volcano is rare, fleeting, breathtaking. It appears only because opposing forces collide. The storm does not diminish the mountain — it reveals another kind of beauty.

The same pattern shows up in the lives of our students every day.

Academic rigor can feel uncomfortable — late nights, hard problems, help sessions, real-time feedback, the need for both short- and long-term growth. Some days, especially in the winter months, that pressure lands hard. Yet it is through sustained effort that confidence and mastery emerge. Struggle is not a sign of failure; it is evidence that something meaningful is forming.

Our performers and athletes know this well. Fresh off the winter play and deep into winter sports seasons, there have been missed lines, missed shots, injuries, and losses. What most people don’t see are the early mornings, the repetition, the sweat, the grind. But by the end — on the stage, on the field, on the court, in the pool — you see something refined. Something earned. A beauty forged through effort.

We see it on the world stage as well. As the Winter Olympics unfold in Italy, each athlete’s story reminds us what it means to push through setbacks and doubt — not because it’s easy, but because the challenge itself is the point.

One of my old Dean of Student’s go-tos during parent orientations was to share a video of an exuberant curling team — pushing the stone, sweeping frantically, celebrating wildly when it landed. I joked that sometimes, as adults parenting our kids, we often choose the destination, sweep every obstacle from the path (bulldoze if we must!), and then celebrate the predetermined outcome. We all can laugh and nod at this — heck the best of us have done it. But, then the nod of our head becomes a shake, because we know our sweeping or dozing is not best for our kids.

We know that growth does not come from a perfectly swept path. It comes from learning to navigate the ice yourself. From missing the target. From adjusting, recalibrating, and trying again. It can be hard to watch. It can be hard to experience. But it is worth the patience and the discipline.

So here is the message: Pressure is not the enemy.

When met with support, discipline, and belief, pressure produces beauty — pearls, snow-capped mountains, resilient scholars, courageous competitors, and ultimately, confident navigators of their own lives. Like our beloved ʻohiʻa tree leaning and stretched from ka makani whipping through the Kohala hills above campus, our students learn to bend, push, reach and grow through the elements. They are rooted in place and connections and challenged to branch out even when the winds are strong and the easy path is not an option. That is at the heart of our Ka Makani.

Re-enrollment is upon us. Thank you for choosing HPA and walking alongside us on this amazing journey. I am grateful I get to see your students on campus, growing with a positive pressure and abundant promise each day. It is a beautiful thing.

Have a wonder-filled weekend!

Gratefully,

Fred Wawner
Head of School

School Bulletins for the Week of 2/13/26

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.

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News & notes

Aloha Lower School ʻOhana!

The third quarter is one of the most active and energized stretches of our school year. Classrooms are in full stride, routines are solid, and students are deeply engaged in meaningful learning across disciplines. It’s a season where growth becomes visible — in skills, confidence, and collaboration.

Across our Lower School, students are showing sophistication as readers and thinkers — crafting thoughtful written responses, participating in lively book talks, and recommending titles to one another with increasing clarity and purpose. In P.E., the soccer unit continues to be a student favorite, building teamwork, spatial awareness, and joy in movement. Our classrooms and library are also honoring and studying Black History Month through stories, biographies, discussions, and activities that expand understanding and perspective. Digital Citizenship lessons are in full swing, helping students practice safe, ethical, and balanced technology use, while our young authors are using Book Creator to draft, design, and publish their own writing pieces.

Adding to our learning, some classes have attended our newest wood show at Isaacs Art Center, led by Mrs. Hustace. Students learned about sculpting, turning, and joining. (The Hawaii Wood Guild Invitational Masters Show is on display at the gallery until February 29th!) This past weekʻs assembly celebrated the culmination of units of study, such as 3rd grades Physics of Flight, along with our 4th-5th-grade Robotics teams sharing about their journey to States since the fall, and Mrs. Tarnas shared about voting opportunities for The Nēnē Award, a prestigious, student-choice book award in Hawaiʻi for grades 4–6. We are excited for our students to share even more with you during their student-led conference on March 5 and 6.

Capstone project announcement, 5th grader, Mateo M.
“Aloha, I am a 5th grader at HPA and for my capstone project I am hosting a sustainable swap meet for youth. This event will take place on the Village Campus, Kohala Field, on Thursday, February 19th from 3:00-4:00pm. My mission is to create an opportunity for students to donate functioning items they no longer want or need and trade it for a gently used item that is new to them. Please don’t buy something to swap because it’s our kuleana to encourage sustainability within the community. If students have nothing to swap, they can wait until the end and take anything that’s left over. Students can bring clothes they have outgrown, shoes, socks (clean,) board games, toys, sports/workout equipment, etc. Also note that we won’t accept fragile items that break easily. See you soon at our Sustainable Swap Meet!”

Lower School Transition Announcement
It is with heartfelt aloha and appreciation that we share that Mrs. Vanessa Kalama will step away from her second-grade teaching role at the end of this school year and return to her prior role as a Lower School Educational Assistant.

We are filled with gratitude for Vanessa’s leadership, dedication, and service this year. At the start of the school year, she graciously stepped into the second-grade classroom. Her steady presence, care for children, and strong relationships across our community made a meaningful difference for our second graders and families.

Vanessa’s roots at HPA run deep. A member of the Class of ’92, she has served our school and the Waimea community in multiple capacities over the years. Many know her as a dedicated Lower School Educational Assistant supporting several grade levels, most recently in fourth grade, and as a trusted partner to our teaching teams. She is also an HPA parent of both a graduate and a current senior, further highlighting her long-standing commitment to our school.

This transition reflects Vanessaʻs desire to return to her EA role, where she has long been a valued member of our team. We are sincerely appreciative of Vanessa’s stepping forward this year and for the professionalism and heart she brought to the role. We are equally glad that our students will continue to benefit from her presence and experience when she returns to her Educational Assistant position.

Our hiring committee is poised and ready to begin the search for a second-grade teacher for next year, and we will keep the community informed as that process moves forward.

Please join me in thanking Vanessa for her generous service and continued commitment to our students and school.

Have a beautiful weekend, Lower School ʻOhana!

Me ka mahalo nui,
Dora Kwong
Lower School Principal

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4.21.26 Lower School Isaac Art Gallery Wa Pilina Exhibit

Schedule

Our K-5 classes continue with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Tuesday, February 17.

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

• February 1-15: HPA Re-Enrollment

• Monday, February 16: K-12 Faculty Work Day, no classes

• Friday, February 27: Village Campus Plant Sale

• Wednesday, March 4: 5th Grade Capstone Presentations

• Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6: LS/MS Student-Led Conferences

HPA Testimonials

One of the most meaningful ways you can support our school is by sharing your experience through a review on FindingSchool and Niche. Your perspective helps prospective families better understand what makes our community special.

These reviews allow us to tell our story through the voices that matter most, highlight the experiences of our students and families, and ensure families who are searching for the right fit can truly see what learning here looks and feels like.

Re-enrollment

Re-enrollment for current students is now open through February 15.

You should have received an email on January 31 that will give you access to the enrollment forms to secure your child’s space for the next academic year.

World Cubing Association

We’re excited to announce that the World Cubing Association (WCA) official competition is coming to HPA on Saturday, February 28! Whether you’re a seasoned speedcuber or just getting started, this is your chance to compete, connect, and celebrate the cubing community.

Location: HPA Village Campus: Hale ʻĪnana
Date: Saturday, February 28
Time: 8 am – 4 pm

Competitors will test their skills across a variety of WCA-recognized events. Spectators are welcome, come cheer on your friends and watch some of the fastest solves in Hawaiʻi.

Highlights

• Officially sanctioned WCA competition
• Multiple speedcubing events
• Community fun and excitement
• Open to cubers of all ages and levels

Let’s make this an unforgettable day of cubing, community, and fun!

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.

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News & notes

Aloha Middle School Families,

There is so much positive momentum on our campus right now, and it continues to be a joy to see our students engaged across academics, arts, athletics, and community life.

We are eagerly anticipating our Middle School Lip Sync Competition and Dance on Friday, February 20. This cherished tradition brings each advisory together to rehearse, collaborate, and ultimately take the stage with confidence and enthusiasm. Parents are warmly invited to attend and cheer on our students as they showcase their creativity and teamwork. We are still welcoming support with food, decorations, and clean-up. Your partnership helps make this night unforgettable for our students.

You can sign up to support the dance here.

The following week, please join us for the 5th Annual Village Campus Plant Sale on Friday, February 27 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the Ulumau Garden. This event celebrates our connection to the ʻāina and reflects the collaborative efforts of both Lower and Middle School students.

On Saturday, February 28, HPA will host an official World Cubing Association competition in Hale ʻĪnana from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Students from across Hawaiʻi will compete in a variety of speedcubing events. Spectators are welcome, and it promises to be an exciting and energetic day on campus.

Please also mark your calendars for Student Led Conferences on Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6. These conferences are an essential and required part of our Middle School program. Students will reflect on their learning, share evidence of growth, and set goals for the remainder of the year. A sign-up email will be shared next week.

Rehearsals for Annie Jr. are well underway, and our cast is making tremendous progress. A heartfelt thank you to Ms. Wadlegger and Ms. Di Bartolo for their leadership and dedication. At today’s assembly, Ms. Wadlegger’s acting class performed a growth mindset skit that reinforced perseverance and positive self-talk, and Ms. Di Bartolo’s ukulele ensemble added joyful music to our morning gathering.

It has also been a blast hosting the Student Council Kickball Tournament on Fridays. The camaraderie and laughter on the field remind us that belonging and fun are essential parts of middle school life.

Yearbook orders are now open. If you would like to purchase a yearbook for $60, please email Aunty Lynn at lkakugawa@hpa.edu or call (808) 885-2501.

Thank you for your continued partnership. There is a lot happening at the Middle School, and it is a privilege to see our students rise to each opportunity.

Aloha,
Michael Cservenak
Middle School Principal

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