Week of 2/9/23
What's Happening at HPA This Week?
Message from the Head of School
Message from the Head of School
Aloha HPA ʻohana,
We have officially hit a major Lower School milestone: the first 100 days of school! While kindergarten through 2nd grade celebrates this achievement in a number of ways, no one does it quite like Mrs. Teri Chong’s 1st grade class — who lean into this special day with a gusto that belies the centenarians they come to school dressed as.
Greeting them as they arrived Wednesday morning was such a treat. From gray wigs to stick-on mustaches and an array of makeshift canes, pocket watches, and hats, the first graders rolled — or more accurately, shuffled — in on the 100th day of school to find their classroom had been transformed into a tea party celebration of all they have achieved over the last several months.
Complaining of imaginary ailments we older folks know all too well to be true, the students cheered with hot cocoa and tall tales of how difficult it was to get out of bed before each had the chance to share a “100 day” project of their own design. From cutting out and pasting a hundred tennis balls onto a poster board to display their new found interest in the sport to building a TikTok template for a photo op with friends — the first graders showcased their understanding of the value of 100 through concepts of quantity and the passing of time.
How appropriate that our 100th day of school would come on the heels of the Pō Mōhalu moon phase — which I’ve recently learned from my colleague is known for flowering, blossoming, or unfolding. Native Hawaiian practice acknowledges this as a beneficial moon for planting.
One of the ways students in all divisions are learning to connect to our place is through this acknowledgment of our moon cycles. They are encouraged to take time to kilo (to notice, feel, and take in what is around them), and to plant using the moon as their guide. Last Wednesday, during Pō Mōhalu, the moon known for flowering and blossoming, students prepared for our upcoming Valentine’s Day community sharing by planting and harvesting flowers. What a beautiful way to give back.
Ka makani is strong today. With powerful gusts that move the clouds, chill the air, and create a buzz that unpredictably changes in rhythm and sequence — it feels as though it will be here for a while and has us looking for blankets to curl up in. Soon it will slow down and leave us warm, clear days. Until then, hold onto your hats, and enjoy a safe and joyful weekend (and Go Birds this Sunday!)
Have a joyful weekend!
Gratefully,
Fred Wawner
Head of School
School Bulletins for the Week of 2/9/23
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,
A widespread tradition throughout many lower schools across the country and around the world, celebrating one hundred days of school is a milestone marker to highlight knowledge attained and growth achieved in our K-2nd grades. This year, our 100th day of school fell on Wednesday, and it was a fun-filled day of block building, puzzle solving, die rolling, water dropping, story reading, and bead stringing. More than simply a day of dressing up (as 1st grade centenarians!) or making our own trail mix (10 pieces of 10 kinds of treats!), the 100th-day marker celebrates our students in grades K-2 developing increasingly complex understandings of number sense and place value through a variety of daily and weekly routines. These routines include counting; studying number patterns and groupings; understanding calendars, clocks, and time; observing weather; measuring temperature; practicing graphing skills; and more. Mahalo to our teachers and families for celebrating this special day with our learners!
And now, what experiences are taking place in our upper elementary grades? Well, ask any third grader and they can tell you all about their interdisciplinary study, How Big is Big? in which they have been studying the largest trees on earth (ppssst…Coast Redwoods and Giant Sequoias!), creating digital “Largest Living” animal presentations, and working on chapter outlines for their informational writing pieces. In 4th grade, students have deeply and wholeheartedly delved into their bat study, while also embracing their full selves as artists learning about woodworking and what it means to turn or join a piece. Mahalo to Mrs. Hustace and Isaacs Art Center for hosting our young artists during their Hawaiʻi Wood Guild 37th Invitational Masters Show this week! Our students have also been working hard on their conflict resolution skills in their Peacemaker trainings, learnings they bring to our playground in support of all our playmates in all grade levels. And of course our 5th graders are deeply entrenched in their capstone journey, with podcasts being finalized, as they connect to UN Sustainable Development Goals and make applications to their own lives and experiences. More on that below from Dagan Bernstein, our K-8 Capstone Coordinator. Students in grades 3 through 5 have also been delving into the Black American experience as a part of Black History Month with readings and discussions with Mrs. Tarnas in library class. You can see more about their takeaways in their Seesaw for Schools app where students featured books they have read. While you are there, be sure to check out their PE journals as they share growth and learnings in physical education. Their self assessments in technique and form are helpful reflections as they grow into their physical skills.
Coming up next week, our K-2nd grade students are learning and living mālama kaiāulu by engaging in pilina with local kūpuna with a Valentine’s Day visit to HoʻoNani Place (an adult care home adjacent to the Village Campus) to gift student-created bouquets, sing songs, and share beautiful cards with messages of aloha. They will also be visiting with our Upper Campus to sing during their Upper School assembly, sharing aloha and connecting with our 9 -12th grade students.
Ka makani has been especially strong this week (both our metaphorical school spirit and the physical winds themselves!) and we continue to feel grateful to be in this vibrant community of learners. Be warm and have a beautiful weekend, Lower School ʻohana.
With gratitude,
Dora Kwong
Lower School Principal
Capstone Update from K-8 Capstone Coordinator, Dagan Bernstein
Aloha mai kākou. During the past four weeks, students have focused on researching sustainability to identify an area of interest based on the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals and the six Aloha+ Challenge priority goals. We have used a variety of tools to accomplish this including a “Community Stroll,” the “Question Formulation Technique,” and the “Gifts to Goals” activity.
Over the next two weeks, they will publish their podcasts in which they were tasked with speaking about sustainability and pitching a project idea. This is part of an important milestone in which they will submit a project proposal that is tied to one of the sustainable development goals we have been learning about.
Schedule
Our K-5 classes continue with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, February 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, February 10: Faculty work day, all divisions, no K-12 classes. Please let Mrs. DeMille know if you wish to sign up for childcare (mdemille@hpa.edu).
• Wednesday, February 22 at 1:15 pm: K-2 Musical, GPAC; Grades 3-5 will be in the audience. Students will be dismissed following the performance.
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.
Ka Makani Keiki Camp
Arts, sports, hiking, and enrichment on campus and around our island to fill the summer days. Runs weekly from June 5 to July 28. Registration is now open, so reserve your spot today!
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,
As we reach the halfway point of this third quarter, we want to ensure we are in close communication with you about how your children are engaging at school and where they may need more support. Our student support team meets regularly and has been meeting with all teachers these past few weeks to discuss student progress and highlight any extra support needed. Teachers will be reaching out with reports for any students who are currently struggling in a particular class and we will share these the week of February 20.
On Friday, our Middle School faculty will welcome the Project Wayfinder team for a deeper dive into that program and all it has to offer our students to support community, belonging, purpose and social emotional health. We will look at social emotional learning as a bridge to students’ academic success, best practices for increasing student engagement, and using Project Wayfinders program to guage our community’s social emotional health through the course of week, semester and school year.
This week’s Fly on the Wall shares a fun project from the Grade 8 Science Chemistry unit. The students put togther an ‘Element Yearbook’ to give each element their due, highlighting the elements’ family, friends, properties and life style. It was a great project that was able to build collaboration and creativity skills along with the content knowledge.
We received a very exciting update on our students’ Hiki Nō films when one of the show’s producers reached out to let us know that the CEO of Hiki Nō films was so impressed with one of the films that he wanted to offer to some final editing advice, saying he was blown away by the story and that he was amazed at how strongly the narration made the shots of the lava feel. He also noted that the narration of the film puts the viewer right into the story so they feel like they’re there. We are all excited to see the final project and we’ll let you know when it is available for viewing.
A big thank you to the ʻOhana Association and their work to help us get ready for the Middle School Masquarade Ball on Friday, February 24. They are looking for some more volunteers for set-up, food, chaperones and clean-up. If you can help, please sign up here:
Masquerade Ball Parent Help Sign-up Sheet. Many thanks in advance!
We hope you have a great weekend!
Mahalo!
Glenn Chickering
Middle School Principal
Capstone Update from K-8 Capstone Coordinator, Dagan Bernstein
Aloha mai kākou. Since the start of this semester, students have been hard at work completing tasks from their project plan. With each completed deliverable they get closer to the goal they set out to accomplish in December. During this week, students met in small groups to share out the current state of their project and provide visual evidence of their successes. In these sessions, students were also required to identify areas of improvement and solicit feedback on how they can move their project forward. This is a critical check-in as they implement any final changes over the next four weeks in developing their final product.
VC Office Reminders
As much as we love our furry family members, dogs need to be secured inside your vehicle if you are coming onto the Village Campus.
Also, please slow down and use caution while entering and exiting the Village Campus, especially by the crosswalk area where our security guard is posted. Students and adults may be crossing during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up.
Schedule
Our Middle School 2022-2023 Daily Schedule continues with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, February 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, February 10: Faculty work day, all divisions, no classes
• Friday, February 24 at 6:00 pm: Masquerade Ball Middle School Dance at Hale ʻĪnana
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.
Digital Citizenship Resources for Parents
Parenting in the Digital Age: Resources for Parents
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.
Summer at HPA
Summer Academies
Do you have a passion you want to pursue? Our specialized four-week academies are designed for day and boarding middle and high school students ages 11-17. Runs from June 26 to July 21.
Upper School
From the desk of your Poʻo Kumu (Division Principal), Kaʻai Spencer
Aloha e nā ʻohana o ka makani!
Hana Waimea i ka ʻupena a ka makani. Waimea creates a net of the Kīpuʻupuʻu wind of Waimea. This opening line is taken from an oli that highlights Waimea’s natural surroundings and elemental forces, among other historical references to battles that took place during the era of Kamehameha I. The Kipuʻupuʻu winds have been out in full force over the past week, which brought back my memory of this oli. This is a fitting time to use a reference to a net that Ka Makani, the wind, creates.
Teachers have been meeting all week to discuss ways to support students that have begun to fall behind in classes. These meetings consist of all teachers who work with a particular student, along with faculty representatives from our wellness and learning centers to find ways to cast a net of support for a student in need. I am hopeful that our network of support will also extend into each household. Teachers are being encouraged to reach out to parents as a student begins to fall behind to express an inquiry of concern and perhaps gain more information that can aid with increased assistance. Similarly, parents are also encouraged to reach out to teachers if there are any questions or concerns.
One way that parents can easily help is by looking at myHPA to view grades and grade comments. Viewing grades and comments can provide helpful discussion points to inquire further with your child(ren) about missing grades, grade comments, or opportunities for praise. The more we work together to embrace Ka Makani and create an ʻupena (net) of support, the better our students will be. Let’s continue to lean on the inspiration of those that have come before us and created beautiful and poetic lines of imagery in a number of oli that we can follow here at HPA.
Ke aloha nō,
Kaʻai Spencer
Upper School Poʻo Kumu
Schedule
Our Upper School 2022-2023 Daily Schedule will resume as an ʻUla day with in-person instruction on our Upper Campus on Monday, February 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, February 10: Faculty work day, all divisions, no K-12 classes
• Thursday, February 16 – Saturday, February 18: Upper School play, GPAC
• Monday, February 20 – Wednesday, February 22: Upper School Olympics (Updated dates)
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 spring athletic schedule has been updated, and be sure to check out the weekly schedule as well. You can also access the athletics schedule on the myHPA calendar.
College Counseling
Tutors Across America’s Online ACT/SAT Boot Camp
HPA has partnered with Tutors Across America to provide a discounted Online ACT/SAT Boot Camp from Friday, February 17, to Sunday, February 19.
Schedule for the Weekend Boot Camp
• Friday, February 17, from 4:00 to 8:30 pm
• Saturday, February 18, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (with a lunch break from 1:00 to 2:00 pm)
• Sunday, February 19, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (with a lunch break from 1:00 to 2:00 pm)
The regular cost of the camp is $399; however, HPA students qualify for a discounted rate of $199 using the coupon code HAWAIIPREP at checkout. The camp includes two practice exams of each type of test — utilizing actual past ACT and SAT exams. Click here to enroll in the ACT/SAT Bootcamp, and scroll down to find your course. Don’t forget to use the coupon code HAWAIIPREP at checkout to get the 50% discount.
Class of 2023
Mahalo nui to the senior families who attended our Zoom presentation on Tuesday evening. For those of you who were unable to join us live, you can view a recording of our discussion here. In addition, here are links to our End-of-Year Events calendar and the “Upper School End-of-Year Events” tile on the Upper School Resource Board on myHPA, which includes our Google slides presentation from Tuesday night. Be sure to check back often, as we will be continuously updating that Resource Board with new information as it becomes available.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if we can be of assistance at graduation@hpa.edu. For those of you who would like to volunteer to participate with Grad Night 2023, please email gradnight@hpa.edu.
Links:
• Class of 2023 End-of-Year Events – ʻOhana meeting – January 31, 2023
• Class of 2023 End-of-Year Events – Resource Board & Slides
• Class of 2023 End-of-Year Events – Calendar
Residential Life
Our students will be enjoying a three-day weekend this week after the hustle and bustle of International Day and a busy Winter athletics schedule. After a busy first five weeks of the semester, we are starting to look ahead to Spring Break and beyond. You will soon be receiving a reminder to submit your child’s Spring Break travel plans and flight reservations to travel@hpa.edu so that we can prepare our shuttle bus schedule. Before then, there are some great things to look forward to, like the Carter Open Dorm on Monday, February 13, the 45th Annual HPA Olympics from Monday, February 20 – Wednesday, February 22, and the return of Formal Dinner on March 6, after a three-year pandemic hiatus!
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.
Summer at HPA
Summer Academies
Do you have a passion you want to pursue? Our specialized four-week academies are designed for day and boarding middle and high school students ages 11-17. Runs from June 26 to July 21.
All-School
Need to know information for our entire Ka Makani ʻohana.
Admissions
Visit campus virtually
Wherever you are in the world, you’re now able to experience a virtual tour of our Upper Campus through the lens of one of our Ka Makani, William S. ‘23.
Re-enrollment to HPA for the 2023-24 Academic Year
Only one week left to secure your child’s enrollment at HPA for the 2023-2024 academic year. You should have received an email from HPA alerting you that your child’s re-enrollment agreement is available in myHPA to complete. At your earliest convenience, please log into myHPA and complete the agreement by Wednesday, February 15. We have prepared step-by-step instructions to assist you in completing the agreement contract.
If your child is not planning to return to HPA for the 2023-2024 academic year, please email admissions@hpa.edu at your earliest convenience to let us know.
To be considered fully re-enrolled at HPA, we ask that you submit your child’s completed enrollment agreement and pay the tuition deposit ($1,000 for day students and $2,500 for boarding students) by Wednesday, February 15. This secures your child’s enrollment for the 2023-2024 academic year.
The admission application for the 2023-24 school year is now open for new students! Spread the word and help us grow our Ka Makani ʻohana. You can also visit and share the link to our in-person and virtual Admission events page. We are excited to work with siblings of current students and prospective families new to HPA!
Advancement & Alumni
We are excited to share the digital version of our Fall/Winter Ma Ke Kula — a hard copy should arrive in your mailbox shortly!
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
With the reawakening of Kīlauea volcano, vog has affected the air quality on Hawaiʻi Island. 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.
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
The Isaacs Art Center and the Hawaiʻi Wood Guild announce the opening of the 37th Invitational Masters Show on Friday, January 13, through Friday, February 24, 2023. The exhibit is free and open to the public, Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, including on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Presidents’ Day.
Isaacs Art Center has hosted the Hawaiʻi Wood Guild’s annual Invitational Masters Show since 2009. This year’s exhibition will feature furniture, sculptures, and wood art by noted island artisans — Marcus Castaing, Kelly Dunn, Mike Felig, Mats Fogelvik, David Gomes, Nicole Gomes, Scott Hare, Cliff Johns, Jeffrey Kurash, Noah Lake, Tai Lake, Duane Millers, John Mydock, Tom O’Connor, Gregory Paul, Les Pedersen, David Reisland, Paul Schuerch, Timothy Shafto, Michael Patrick Smith, John Strohbehn, Robert Woodward, David Young, and Scott Zuziak — that reflect innovative materials and techniques. All items in the show are available for purchase.
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
Families, it is extremely important that the school is able to communicate not only with parents/guardians, but also with each student, via their mobile device. We are asking all students in grades 6-12, who bring a phone to school, to download theSafe2SpeakUp app.
Safe2SpeakUp allows us to inform students of emergency events when immediate action is needed. Teachers and administrators would also receive the information so that our community is on the same page. Please review the instructions below and assist your child with downloading the Safe2SpeakUp app.
This is a companion app to CrisisGo, an app that teachers and administrators use on their devices. 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 anonymously about any behaviors they are concerned about.
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.
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.