Week of 2/7/25
What's Happening at HPA This Week?
Message from the Head of School
Aloha HPA ʻohana,
Walk with me. See what I get to see. It is simply wonderful.
Riffing from last week’s celestial edition, the many stars of campus activities over the past few days create a magnificent constellation that represents a week in the life of Ka Makani. Guiding lights and inspiring reminders of time passing, wishing and promise, and endless wonder. These shining and sensational student events are all framed in a month where we highlight Black History and lift up ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi. It is an important time to focus on and celebrate aspects of human life, accomplishments, traditions, creations, and cultures.
The Village Campus got a lot of us out of our shells with National Read Aloud Day, where I got to share two of my favorite books (yes, I mean of all time!) with our kindergarten class. As if I had planned it, my two selections, Cowboy Bunnies, and Heroes, Heroes, Heroes, connected seamlessly to Ms. Walker’s areas of curricular focus for the week: compound words, and heroes in our community. Attentive, joyful, and welcoming, the kinder class sent me off with a beautiful personalized shaka lei, adding to an already stretching smile and a bubbling silliness. This floated me down the lānai, jumping a few grades to Ms. White’s 3rd-grade readers. This group is ready for college! Quick, contemplative, and worldly they matched my intent and I got to rise to the occasion. I did my best to keep their attention with a special Ms. Tarnas pick, Little People, Big Dreams: Stevie Wonder. You want to feel good about things, just share the story of Stevie Wonder to a bunch of curious and receptive learners, and then have “Isn’t She Lovely” playing as you head out the door. Simply magic.
While our youngest were taken away in story… during Thursday’s Middle School Experiential Block, 8th-grade students engaged in an important capstone phase — Highlight & Fix, a mid-project check-in designed to help them assess their progress and refine their next steps. Students created presentation slides showcasing their project accomplishments, key artifacts, and areas needing improvement. Through peer feedback sessions, they identified strengths, received constructive input, and outlined specific tasks to complete before the final submission before the end of the semester.
Meanwhile, the West Hawaiʻi Science Fair was in full motion on our Upper Campus. I got to be a supportive fan in the room of presenters and judges. Looking for inspiration? Take in a STEM presentation from one of our high schoolers. The research, wisdom, and passion for the subject calms my uncertainty and nerves and plants a fresh hope for our future leaders and problem solvers of tomorrow. They are wicked smart, their hearts are in it, and they are tireless in their solution-seeking. They are not shy to share and they will not be ignored — they know their subjects cannot be ignored. Yes, what they are discovering is terrifying and confirming our fears — however, they do not seem defeated — quite the contrary. And I breathe into this energy. I learned a little more about microplastics and the impacts on our island shores. I also learned the word nurdle, which sounds more fun than the scientific meaning of “a plastic pellet (see pellet entry 1 sense 1a) that is usually less than 0.2 inch (0.5 centimeter) in diameter or length, that is the raw material from which plastic products are manufactured, and that is a common pollutant of global waters and beaches.” These presentations were every 15 minutes all morning long. Our students were representing our Core Values of Wonder and the Pursuit of Excellence to the fullest. I am grateful.
After an unbelievable International Day (read the Upper School note below for more!), this evening I will be with many of you for pizza and visiting at Ko Kākou Hale (student union) before we walk under the Waimea sky over to Gates Performing Arts Center to enjoy HPA’s Spring production of Little Women with our Upper School stars lighting up the stage.
Can someone say “drop the mic!” Woah! What a week! What a month! What a 100 days of school! What a time!
I am thankful that we have history to look to and learn from. That we have our stories to tell and the tales of others to appreciate and respect. That we have a melting pot of cultures and traditions and futures stretching across our campuses and out into the world through our families and alumni. I am thankful for you.
A special Aquarius shout out, a happy Aloha Friday, and Go Birds!
Gratefully,
Fred Wawner
Head of School
In honor of Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Language Month) and Black History Month, we are excited to highlight the inspirational impact of educators whose dedication has left a lasting legacy. This week, we celebrate Mary Kawena Pukui and Booker T. Washington.
Mary Kawena Pukui’s legacy is a testament to the power of dedication, knowledge, and cultural pride. Through her unwavering commitment to preserving the Hawaiian language, she became a guiding light for generations. As a scholar, writer, and storyteller, she ensured that the wisdom of kūpuna (elders) would not fade but thrive. Her co-authorship of the Hawaiian Dictionary provided a foundation for language learners, while her extensive work in recording Hawaiian proverbs, chants, and oral traditions safeguarded the soul of the Hawaiian people. Without her efforts, much of this invaluable knowledge might have been lost. Today, as we continue to revitalize and celebrate ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i, we walk a path paved by her wisdom and passion. Let us honor her by speaking the language, embracing the culture, and sharing her work with future generations. Because of Mary Kawena Pukui, the heartbeat of Hawai‘i remains strong. E ola mau ka ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i! (May the Hawaiian language live on!)
Booker T. Washington’s life and work stand as a powerful reminder that education is the key to empowerment and progress. Rising from slavery to become one of the most influential educators and leaders of his time, he founded the Tuskegee Institute with a vision—one that emphasized vocational training, self-reliance, and economic independence. Washington believed that education was not just about gaining knowledge but about building skills, character, and opportunity. Through his leadership, Tuskegee became a beacon of hope, equipping generations of Black men and women with the tools to uplift themselves and their communities. His legacy teaches us that perseverance, education, and hard work can break barriers and transform lives. Today, as we continue striving for equality and empowerment, let us remember his words: “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.” May we honor his vision by uplifting others, embracing lifelong learning, and carrying forward the torch of progress.
School Bulletins for the Week of 2/7/25
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
Welcome back, Lower School families!
I hope this message finds you well. Mahalo to everyone for their flexibility and understanding during last week’s school closure due to the storm. Many of us had varying experiences on this day, ranging from flooded homes to sunny skies, and I am again reminded of the resilience and adaptability of our community. As we continue to embrace our school’s Core Values and Mālama Kaiāulu, I am grateful for the support and kindness that surrounds us each day.
Yearbook Orders
Have you ordered your Village Campus Yearbook? If not, there’s still time! To order, please email Aunty Lynn Kakugawa at lkakugawa@hpa.edu. If you’re unsure whether you’ve already placed an order, feel free to check with Aunty Lynn. The cost is $55.
World Read Aloud Day
On Wednesday, February 5, we celebrated the joy and power of reading aloud during World Read Aloud Day! This special event highlights the importance of storytelling and sharing books together. Our Lower School students had a wonderful opportunity to participate in read-aloud sessions led by some of our amazing guest readers from across HPA, including Mrs. Tapeiro-Kight, Mrs. Kawakami, Ms. Lincoln, and of course Mr. Wawner! A heartfelt thank you to all who contributed to making this day so memorable.
For those who would like to continue the celebration at home, K-8 Librarian Mrs. Tarnas recommends exploring recorded read-alouds on LitWorld’s virtual read aloud Page and the StoryLine Online YouTube channel , which features many celebrity readers. One of her personal favorites is Jaime Camil’s engaging reading of “Zombies Don’t Eat Veggies!” and “¡Los Zombis No Comen Verduras!” As always, please feel free to visit our Lynn Taylor Library for a wide variety of books for you and your keikiʻs browsing and reading pleasure.
Village Campus Plant Sale
Our 4th graders have an exciting request! On Monday, February 10, and Monday, February 24, they are asking for fruit donations so our students can prepare delicious fruit popsicles to enjoy at the Plant Sale. If you have extra fruit to share, we would greatly appreciate your contributions to help make this event even more special!
Join us for our 4th Annual Plant Sale on Friday, February 28, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at the Village Campus Ulumau Garden! This community event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our connection to the ‘āina and each other while helping to spread more greenery across our island home. Led by our 4th-grade students, this sale exemplifies HPA’s core learning skills—collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking—as they prepare for their capstone projects in 5th grade. Every Lower and Middle School student has played a role in making this event a reality, reinforcing our pilina (connection) as a school-wide effort. Proceeds will support the HPA Garden Program Fund, which last year provided over 7,619 pounds of fresh produce to our community. We look forward to seeing our HPA ‘ohana there and hope you’ll take home some plants to inspire your own spring gardens!
This past Sunday, I had the privilege of serving on the Hawaiʻi Association of Independent Schools (HAIS) visiting committee at a school on a neighboring island. HAIS member schools, including HPA, support one another in the school accreditation process regularly in this way. While it is always a challenge to step away from the daily ongoings and excitement of our own campus, it is also a true honor to visit other schools, immerse myself in their communities, and witness the dedication with which they bring their missions to life.
After four days of deep engagement—filled with meetings, interviews, observations, and report writing—I was reminded that the challenges and opportunities we face are not always unique to us, but rather are shared among many learning communities. It is through the strength of collaboration, adaptability, and a shared commitment to growth that schools continue to thrive. Above all, this experience reaffirmed my immense gratitude for our extraordinary Lower School. With its joyful, intentional, and age-appropriate approach to learning, HPA provides not just an education but a foundation for lifelong curiosity and connection. Our school is “a place to learn like nowhere else,” where warmth, support, and a love of learning truly shine.
Thank you for choosing to be part of our HPA ʻohana. I hope your days ahead will be filled with joy, discovery, and moments of meaningful connection.
Me ke aloha pumehana,
Dora Kwong
Lower School Principal
We are proudly marking a truly momentous occasion — our 75th anniversary! Throughout this school year, we will celebrate together and invite you to join us in remembering that we are all — alumni, students, parents, faculty and friends — Ka Makani. Take a stroll through our historical timeline, meet just a few of the many Ka Makani who make us proud, and read about our vision for the future in the 75th Anniversary feature just launched on our website. There, you will also find information about planned gatherings for the year ahead, and have a chance to pre-order our very special 75th anniversary aloha wear collection. Make sure to follow us on Instagram @HawaiiPrep to stay in the loop about all of the festivities.
Schedule
Our K-5 classes continue with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, February 10.
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 7, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm: First Friday Game Night; Village Campus Taylor Library
• Friday, February 7, from 5:00 to 6:30 pm: Pizza and a play with the Head of School
• Friday, February 7, at 7:00 pm: Opening Night of Ka Makani Players presents Little Women; GPAC, Upper Campus
• Friday, February 14: Faculty Work Day, no classes K-12
• Friday, February 21, from 2:15 to 3:00 pm: “Strictly No Elephants” musical performance grades K-2; GPAC, Upper Campus; all grades, K-5, will be dismissed from GPAC
• Saturday, February 22: Wā Pilina ʻOhana Series – Waipiʻo Valley work day; space is limited, sign up in advance
• Friday, February 28, from 3:15 to 5:00 pm: Village Campus Plant Sale; Ulumau Garden
• Saturday, March 1 & Sunday, March 2: Middle School musical production of The Wizard of Oz; GPAC, Upper Campus
• Thursday, March 6 & Friday, March 7: Lower and Middle School Student-led Conferences
• Monday, March 10 – Monday, March 24: Spring Break, no classes K-12
• Tuesday, March 25: Classes resume K-12
• Thursday, April 10, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm: ʻOhana Association Parent Social and General Meeting; Isaacs Art Center, Village Campus
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.
After School Program, K-5: Spring term, February 10 – May 16, 2025
Please email our Director of After School Programs, Mrs. Mele DeMille (mdemille@hpa.edu), if you would like your child to attend. You may refer to this email for our Lower School families with more information.
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, 2024-2025.
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 Michael Cservenak 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, Michael Cservenak
Aloha Middle School families,
Last week, I shared how our 8th graders were progressing with the implementation of their capstone projects. This past week, 8th-grader Liam Wilson took initiative by organizing a 3-on-3 basketball tournament during recess to promote our school’s basketball season, which kicked off this week. Beyond supporting athletics, the tournament fostered community spirit and encouraged friendly, productive competition among students.
During yesterday’s Experiential Learning block, our Middle School students were engaged in a variety of meaningful activities:
- 8th graders delivered structured presentations of their initial capstone work, gathering valuable peer feedback to refine their projects.
- 6th graders continued their work in the Ulumau Garden, preparing for the upcoming Village Campus Plant Sale.
- 7th graders contributed to trail stewardship, clearing debris along the Waimea Trail, and participated in SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) sessions with our school counselor.
The Experiential Learning block at HPA Middle School is a truly collaborative effort, connecting students with the Mālama Kaiāulu sustainability framework through service, hands-on learning, and curriculum-aligned projects. This approach not only strengthens their academic growth but also deepens their relationships with one another and our broader community.
On Wednesday, our faculty gathered at the Star Compass and E-Lab on the Upper Campus to reflect on the invaluable contributions of those who established the outstanding resources we enjoy as a school. We also engaged in critical discussions about our Experiential Learning program, exploring ways to enhance student engagement and expand opportunities each year. The dedication of our students and educators helps build a culture of belonging, growth, and excellence, where our learners truly thrive.
Join us for our 4th Annual Village Campus Plant Sale on Friday, February 28, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Village Campus Ulumau Garden! We look forward to seeing you there.
Aloha always,
Michael Cservenak
Middle School Principal
Yearbook ordered? If you would like to order a Village Campus Yearbook, please email Aunty Lynn Kakugawa: lkakugawa@hpa.edu or, if you do not remember if you ordered one, please also inquire with Lynn.
HIKI NŌ episode 1610: Magical Moments and Paniolo Pride
We are proudly marking a truly momentous occasion — our 75th anniversary! Throughout this school year, we will celebrate together and invite you to join us in remembering that we are all — alumni, students, parents, faculty and friends — Ka Makani. Take a stroll through our historical timeline, meet just a few of the many Ka Makani who make us proud, and read about our vision for the future in the 75th Anniversary feature just launched on our website. There, you will also find information about planned gatherings for the year ahead, and have a chance to pre-order our very special 75th anniversary aloha wear collection. Make sure to follow us on Instagram @HawaiiPrep to stay in the loop about all of the festivities.
Schedule
Our Middle School 2024-2025 Daily Schedule continues with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, February 10.
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 7, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm: First Friday Game Night; Village Campus Taylor Library
• Friday, February 7, from 5:00 to 6:30 pm: Pizza and a play with the Head of School
• Friday, February 7, at 7:00 pm: Opening Night of Ka Makani Players presents Little Women; GPAC, Upper Campus
• Friday, February 14: Faculty Work Day, no classes K-12
• Friday, February 21: Lip Sync competition
• Saturday, February 22: Wā Pilina ʻOhana Series – Waipiʻo Valley work day; space is limited, sign up in advance
• Friday, February 28: Village Campus Plant Sale; Ulumau Garden
• Saturday, March 1 & Sunday, March 2: Middle School musical production of The Wizard of Oz; GPAC, Upper Campus
• Thursday, March 6 & Friday, March 7: Lower and Middle School Student-led Conferences
• Monday, March 10 – Monday, March 24: Spring Break, no classes K-12
• Tuesday, March 25: Classes resume K-12
• Thursday, April 10, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm: ʻOhana Association Parent Social and General Meeting; Isaacs Art Center, Village Campus
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.
After School Program, Grades 6-8: Spring term, February 10 – May 16, 2025
Please email our Director of After School Programs, Mrs. Mele DeMille (mdemille@hpa.edu) if you would like your child to attend. You may refer to this email for our Middle School families for more information.
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, 2024-2025’.
myHPA
myHPA is where you can find all the resources related to your child’s learning. Two key resource boards that we would like to draw your attention to are the ‘Middle School Family Resources’ and the ‘Middle School Student Resources’.
myHPA Tutorials
myHPA is your window to your child’s progress in school. Here you will find their schedules, their assignments, their grade books and so much more. Ms. Monello and our IT team have put together a number of tutorials to help you navigate the myHPA parent portal.
Please note this myHPA Middle School Parent Tutorial, which gives you an overview of using myHPA as a window to your child’s learning in real time.
Upper School
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.
From the desk of your Upper School leadership team
Aloha Upper School families,
Today, we celebrated International Day on our Upper Campus. This beloved event offers our students the priceless opportunity to proudly showcase their home countries and cultures. Our 9th-12th grades are composed of students from 23 different countries. International Day is a showcase of each of their unique and special languages, cuisines, dances, songs, dresses, customs, and traditions. It’s a cherished day on our HPA calendar, as students from around the world get to invite their classmates to experience a little bit of home with workshops and presentations. But the main draw each year is a lunch feast featuring delicacies from all the countries represented by our student body.
Food is more than just something we eat—it’s a way to connect, to learn, and to appreciate different cultures. When we sit down to share a meal, we’re not just tasting new flavors; we’re experiencing traditions, stories, and the history and heart of the people whose recipes we’re enjoying. Trying new foods is an opportunity to expand your perspective, discover something unexpected, and build friendships across cultures. It opens the door to meaningful conversations about diversity, heritage, and respect.
From the imu that is prepared the day before by our students from Hawaiʻi to the specialty ingredients flown in from Korea and Mexico (to name a few!) – there is pride, appreciation, inspiration, and endless aloha felt across campus during International Day. What a beautiful way to ground our entire student body with a deeper feeling and purpose as we learn and live together!
We are proudly marking a truly momentous occasion — our 75th anniversary! Throughout this school year, we will celebrate together and invite you to join us in remembering that we are all — alumni, students, parents, faculty and friends — Ka Makani. Take a stroll through our historical timeline, meet just a few of the many Ka Makani who make us proud, and read about our vision for the future in the 75th Anniversary feature just launched on our website. There, you will also find information about planned gatherings for the year ahead, and have a chance to pre-order our very special 75th anniversary aloha wear collection. Make sure to follow us on Instagram @HawaiiPrep to stay in the loop about all of the festivities.
Schedule
Our Upper School 2024-2025 Daily Schedule will resume as an ʻUla day with in-person instruction on our Upper Campus on Monday, February 10.
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 7, from 5:00 to 6:30 pm: Pizza and a play with the Head of School
• Friday, February 7, at 7:00 pm: Opening Night of Ka Makani Players presents Little Women; GPAC, Upper Campus
• Friday, February 14: Faculty Work Day, no classes K-12
• Saturday, February 22: Wā Pilina ʻOhana Series – Waipiʻo Valley work day; space is limited, sign up in advance
• Monday, March 10 – Monday, March 24: Spring Break, no classes K-12
• Tuesday, March 25: Classes resume K-12
• Thursday, April 10, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm: ʻOhana Association Parent Social and General Meeting; Isaacs Art Center, Village Campus
Student Support
Should your child need additional learning support, we encourage you to reach out to Amanda Aragon, our Upper School Learning Center Coordinator, by emailing aaragon@hpa.edu. In addition, our counselors are ready to assist any student who needs additional support to navigate these unusual and unprecedented times. Please feel free to reach out to the Upper Campus counseling team of Tiffany Freitas at 808-881-4038 or tfreitas@hpa.edu and Steve Furchner at 808-640-4441 or sfurchner@hpa.edu.
Student Life
Upcoming Student Life Events
- Friday, February 7 to Sunday, February 9: Ka Makani Players presents Little Women at GPAC.Can’t be there in person? Catch the live-stream performance on Saturday, February 8, at 7:00 pm!
- Friday, February 21: Lava Lounge – All students are invited to share their artistic talents on the Perry-Fiske lānai, from 7:00 to 9:30 pm
- February 26 to 28: HPA Olympics – We are in the process of planning one of the biggest events of the year. This annual event is one of our school’s most productive interpersonal activities, where classes compete against one another in fun-filled games and events to become crowned the winner! This has been a beloved tradition since the 1970s.
Ka Makani Athletics
Another winter season is ready to roll. Let the games begin! Here’s the latest winter athletic schedule and our updated weekly schedule. GO KA MAKANI! You can also access the athletics schedule on the myHPA calendar.
Ka Makani Travel
Ka Makani Travel, HPA’s student travel program, is offering
- Spring Break 2026 – The Alps and the Mediterranean Coast with EF Tours: March 2026, $200 early booking discount applied, available for enrollments before before February 14, 2025
Scholarships available from EF’s Global Citizen Scholarship Fund. The deadline to apply for a scholarship with EF is August 12, 2025. You must be enrolled in an EF Tour to apply.
Please contact Ka Makani Travel Coordinator Adrienne White (awhite@hpa.edu) for information on registration, eligibility, and travel grants.
Day Student Attendance Protocols
A parent or guardian must email attendance@hpa.edu before 9:00 am if they need to excuse their child for that day. Please note that students will only be excused for appointments or family or medical reasons. Unexcused absences will result in conduct points which can result in the student being restricted to campus for boarding and/or ineligible for academic awards, i.e. the Dean’s List. Students are responsible for checking their conduct points and attendance records and should reach out as soon as possible if there are any errors.
For long-term absences, please also reach out to the Upper School Office and the student’s advisor to coordinate a plan for the missing classes.
If a day student is ill, please do not send them to school, but email attendance@hpa.edu and include Health Services (infirmary@hpa.edu), and a nurse will follow up with the proper return-to-class procedure. If a student already on campus begins to feel ill, they must report to the infirmary, where the nurses will take care of them. If a student fails to do so and is absent to a class, the absence will be unexcused.
Whom to Contact at HPA
If you are unsure who 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 with one or more of the following:
- Upper School Office (upperschool@hpa.edu)
- US Administrative Assistant, Līhau Wengler-Ioane (lihau@hpa.edu)
- Assistant Head of School for Upper School, Mark Noetzel (hpaus@hpa.edu)
- Curriculum & Instruction Coordinator: Dr. Amanda Aragon, aaragon@hpa.edu
- Capstone Program Coordinator: Pualani Lincoln Maielua ‘01, plincolnmaielua@hpa.edu
- Athletics: Steve Perry (sperry@hpa.edu)
- Extra-curricular programs: Kaʻai Spencer (jspencer@hpa.edu)
- Student’s Advisor
- Student Life Center (studentlife@hpa.edu)
- Health Services (infirmary@hpa.edu)
Residential Life
This week, HPA celebrated our annual International Day, where our students from all over the world have the opportunity to share their homes and cultures with the rest of the student body. While primarily led by our international boarding students, they are joined by day students, and other residential students who jump in to help out their friends.
Throughout the morning, students participated in cultural workshops, hosted by students, sharing games, art, dances, music, or in some cases history lessons about their homes. Meanwhile, hard at work in the dining hall, more of our international students worked alongside our food services team to prepare a culinary medley of flavors from around the world! Crêpes, Okonomiyaki, Wienerschnitzel, Croquetas, Medovnik, Tteok Mandu Guk, Pasta Carbonara, Poutine, and much, much more were served up to the upper school in what is always the favorite lunch of the year! Finally, the day ends with an international talent show, featuring prepared performances from around the world, as well as some of the workshops performing their songs and dances that they learned earlier in the day!
We are honored as a community to host this special day, and grateful to the many boarding students who play such a pivotal role in making it happen. Students from around the world are a huge part of what makes HPA a special place, and we are delighted to give them, and their homes, the spotlight this day.
College Counseling
ACT/SAT Test Prep Boot Camp–Register Now!
For students who would like help preparing for the ACT and SAT, we will once again be partnering with Tutors Across America to provide a discounted Online ACT/SAT Prep Boot Camp on Friday, February 14 through Sunday, February 16, 2025. All Upper School students are welcome to attend. Please review this email from Thursday, January 9, for more information.
Schedule an Individual Check-in Meeting
Mr. Kelsey and Mrs. Montgomery are available for individual check-in meetings. Please click below to select a 30-minute time slot for an individual appointment with your assigned counselor. All meetings will be in the College Counseling Center.
If you need any help with scheduling appointments, please contact us directly at college@hpa.edu.
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, 2024-2025’.
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.
ON STAGE
Ka Makani Players present: Little Women
The beloved American classic novel comes to life at Gates Performing Arts Center this Friday and Saturday at 7 pm and Sunday at 2 pm. A live stream will be available for Saturday's performance!
Admissions
Re-enrollment to HPA for the 2025-26 academic year is underway!
Secure your child’s space for the 2025-2026 academic year before the February 15 deadline. All eligible students should have received notice of a re-enrollment agreement through myHPA on Saturday, February 1. Please reach out to admissions@hpa.edu if you have any questions or technical issues with your submission. We look forward to securing your child’s space at HPA for the 2025-2026 academic year!
Admissions application is still open!
The admission application for the 2025-26 school year is 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
Swing by Ko Kākou Hale on Thursday, February 20, for coffee on us at our new Ka Makani Cafe!
Auxiliary Services
Summer at HPA registration is open. Visit the Summer at HPA New Enrollment form to register for summer enrichment camps, swimming lessons, Ka Makani Keiki Camp, or Summer Academies.
Health and Wellness
We are asking that everyone routinely assess themselves for symptoms of illness — which can be mild, so please pay close attention. If you or your child(ren) develop any symptoms of illness, contact your healthcare provider and HPA Health Services at vcinfirmary@hpa.edu (Village Campus) or infirmary@hpa.edu (Upper Campus). Please keep your child(ren) home until they are no longer sick.
ʻOhana Association
If you missed the latest letter from our HPA ʻOhana Association president, be sure to catch up here.
Next up in our Wā Pilina ʻOhana Series is a special workday in Waipiʻo Valley with Kumu Lanakila Mangauil on Saturday, February 22.
Our ʻOhana Association hosts a variety of events and activities for our school community throughout the year. As parents of HPA, you are automatically part of the ʻOhana Association. There are many ways to participate, and we encourage everyone to get involved. It is a great way to meet your fellow parents and support our amazing Ka Makani community. Mark your calendar for these upcoming events, and be sure to email ohana@hpa.edu with any questions, or to find out what volunteer opportunities are available!
Isaacs Art Center
Hawaiʻi ʻUkulele Ensemble
On Saturday, February 15, 2025, Isaacs Art Center will host the Hawaiʻi ʻUkulele Ensemble to perform from 10:00 to 11:30 am. Join us for the remarkable repertoire by these talented musicians while enjoying the ongoing Wood Show!
The Hawai’i ʻUkulele Ensemble was founded in 2018 by Tom Russell and Shirley Pratt. All are welcome to attend and hear the richly layered sounds of these performers as they play “multiple parts in precise harmony.” Their arrangements range from classical compositions to classic rock!
39th Invitational Masters Wood Show
The 39th Invitational Masters Wood Show is now underway through Friday, February 28, 2025, with extended viewing possible through March. All items in the show are available for purchase. The exhibit is free and open to the public, Tuesday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm with appointments welcomed.
Isaacs Art Center has hosted the Hawaiʻi Wood Guild’s annual Invitational Masters Show since 2009. This year’s exhibition includes pieces by noted island artisans Tai Lake, Michael Felig, David Gomes, Michael Patrick Smith, Greg Pontius, David and Doni Reisland, Scott Hare, Paul Schürch, Mats Fogelvik, Alex Franceschini, Nicole Gomes, Scott Zuziak, Duane Millers, Jr., Marcus Castaing, Tom O’Connor, John Mydock, Robert Woodward, Kelly Dunn, Piergiorgio (Peter) Barbarich, Jimmy Wray, Llosh Winne, and Leslie Pedersen. The exhibition features turned and carved bowls, platters, demi-lune tables, and furniture accented with intricate designs in marquetry, pyrography, and careful bookmatching of beautiful wood. Locally sourced curly koa, mango, milo, and pheasant wood, along with old-growth fir, western red cedar, mahogany, Norfolk, and Cook pines are among the woods highlighted.
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 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. 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.
myHPA Resource Boards
Past HPA communications and other important information can be found on myHPA. We are continuing to make updates to our student and parent resource boards, so please be sure to visit them regularly.