Week of 3/27/26
What's Happening at HPA This Week?
Message from the Head of School
Aloha HPA ʻohana,
“Play like a champion today.” Coach Lou Holtz, who led the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football program in the 1980s and 1990s, made that phrase famous, posting it at the end of the tunnel so his players and coaches would see it—and touch it—as they ran onto the field. With family members working with Coach Holtz over the years, I’ve had the chance to hear some of the many stories about him as a person and a leader. He passed away over Spring Break at the age of 89. Keeping in the Irish theme, I quietly toasted his legacy on St. Paddy’s Day.
While he was a football coach, he was also an educator and a leader, deeply committed to helping young people become their best selves. What stays with me from his legacy is the idea of pursuing excellence, especially the emphasis on one word: today.
Not someday. Not when it’s convenient. Not when everything is lined up perfectly. Today.
And while the phrase comes from athletics, its meaning reaches far beyond the field. It applies to classrooms, studios, stages, fields, and relationships. It applies to how we show up for one another. Even during our time away during breaks. Can we find the mindset to be present and stay in those moments — reading, resting, playing, or parenting? I’ll admit that I often lean into sports metaphors. This one works because it’s simple and true.
Every day, our students arrive on campus with an opportunity in front of them—the chance to get a little better. Better in reading, in math, in problem-solving, in creativity. Better in kindness, and in how they support and show up for others.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about effort. It’s about showing up fully, doing the work in front of you, and committing to growth.
At the end of the day, we should feel it—mentally, physically, emotionally. A good kind of tired that comes from having given your best. A day well earned. The feeling of contentment that helps define Wonder. Then we rest, recover, and get ready to do it again.
Because the next morning comes quickly. And whether it’s stepping out of a car, walking onto campus, or entering a classroom, we all have a choice in that moment. To show up. To engage. To give our best.
In our own way, we will do our best to “teach, coach, advise, care for, love, and play like a champion today.” The good news is that this focus and intention for today only builds our foundations for tomorrow. When we know how to really bring it in a moment and show up, this sticks. It becomes part of us and our wiring. While there is always a choice, the idea of today is in there and ready.
At HPA, this mindset connects directly to who we strive to be—people grounded in Respect, Integrity, the Pursuit of Excellence, and Wonder. It is also how we grow into confident navigators: by showing up consistently, doing the work, and learning from each day.
While we may not have these placards on the inside of our cars as our kids get out in the morning, it’s worth a subtle reminder to play like a champion—today.
Welcome back! Let’s have a great week ahead.
Gratefully,
Fred Wawner
Head of School
School Bulletins for the Week of 3/27/26
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.
News & notes
Aloha Lower School ʻOhana!
We hope everyone had a rejuvenating spring break! It is wonderful to reconvene and get back into our routines. As we move fully into the fourth quarter, there is a palpable sense of energy and momentum across campus. This time of the school year is filled with both busyness and excitement as our students are engaged in culminating unit studies, projects, performances, and meaningful learning experiences that reflect their growth throughout the year, preparing them for the next school year.
Please be sure to save the date for our upcoming May Day performance on Friday, May 1 at the Gates Performing Arts Center (GPAC) at the Upper Campus. Doors will open at 9:00 a.m., with the program beginning at 9:30 a.m. Additional details regarding attire and lei will be shared by teachers in the coming weeks. In the meantime, we encourage you to support your keiki in practicing at home using the Seesaw for Schools app and the instructional videos shared by Kumu Kūwalu.
We would also like to extend our gratitude to our second trimester Student Council leaders for their thoughtful contributions and leadership. In upcoming weeks, grade-level classrooms will begin holding elections for our next and final Student Council term. We are excited to see this new group of student leaders help guide our community as we prepare for upcoming community events and opportunities. Talk to your keiki to see if they are interested in becoming a Lower School Student Council leader!
Mahalo for your continued partnership and support. Have a wonderful weekend, Lower School ʻohana!
Me ka mahalo nui,
Dora Kwong
Lower School Principal
Schedule
Our K-5 classes continue with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, March 30.
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
• April 3 –4: Middle School Musical, Annie Jr.
• Tuesday, April 28: ʻOhana Association Annual Spring Meeting & Parent Social, 4:30 to 6:30 pm, Upper Campus Energy Lab
• Friday, May 1: Lower School May Day, GPAC
HPA ʻOhana Testimonials
We’re looking to hear from our community!
If you’re a K-12 HPA student or parent/guardian, we’d love for you to share your experience. Your insights help us highlight what makes our school so special and support future families in their journey.
Please take a few minutes to fill out this short form — your voice makes a difference! Mahalo for your time and support.
Past Email Communications
All past email communications can be accessed by visiting the Lower School Family Resources tile on myHPA and scrolling down to Past Parent Email Communications, 2025-2026.
myHPA
In addition to Seesaw, many important resources can be located on our community portal, myHPA. Check the Lower School Family Resources tile for the most up-to-date information.
Middle School
Each week, 6–8 families receive updates reflecting on recent activities and accomplishments, along with a preview of what students and parents can look forward to in the coming days.
News & notes
Aloha Middle School Families,
Welcome back from Spring Break. I am very proud of our students and the thoughtful, reflective way they engaged in Student Led Conferences. This level of metacognition is proven to support growth at all stages of learning, and it was wonderful to see students take ownership of their progress and goals.
Over the break, you received communication from our Academic Office with instructions for accessing your child’s NWEA MAP Growth Reading and Math scores. You can revisit those instructions here. Students will take an end of year assessment at the end of April, which will allow us to measure growth across the school year. Mahalo for your support as we continue to integrate this important data point into our Middle and Upper School programs.
Looking ahead, next week marks tech week and the premiere of Annie Jr. at GPAC. To our cast families, thank you for supporting your performers. We know the week ahead requires a strong commitment from both students and families, and we are excited for what promises to be a fantastic show. A heartfelt mahalo to Ms. Wadlegger and Ms. DiBartolo for their outstanding leadership and dedication.
We hope you will join us for the performances:
• Friday, April 3 at 6:30 p.m. at GPAC
• Saturday, April 4 at 2:00 p.m. at GPAC
Tickets are $10 (no charge for HPA students/faculty), and it is sure to be a joyful and memorable production for our community.
Aloha,
Michael Cservenak
Middle School Principal
Schedule
Our Middle School 2025-2026 Daily Schedule continues with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, March 30.
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
• April 3 –4: Middle School Musical, Annie Jr.
• April 28: ʻOhana Association Annual Spring Meeting & Parent Social, 4:30 to 6:30 pm, Upper Campus Energy Lab
HPA ʻOhana Testimonials
We’re looking to hear from our community!
If you’re a K-12 HPA student or parent/guardian, we’d love for you to share your experience. Your insights help us highlight what makes our school so special and support future families in their journey.
Please take a few minutes to fill out this short form—your voice makes a difference! Mahalo for your time and support.
Past Email Communications
All past email communications can be accessed by visiting the Middle School Family Resource tile on myHPA and scrolling down to ‘Past Email Communications, 2025-2026’.
myHPA
myHPA is where you can find all the resources related to your child’s learning. Two key resource boards that we would like to draw your attention to are the ‘Middle School Family Resources’ and the ‘Middle School Student Resources’.
Upper School
Each week, our Upper School leadership team provides valuable insight about campus culture while sharing updates with 9-12 students and parents on academics, athletics, and arts, and what day and residential families can expect throughout the semester.
News & notes
Aloha Upper School Families,
Welcome back, everyone!
The Upper School is a vibrant campus with many, many events happening. Today, Friday, we will hear from more seniors in Davies Memorial Chapel, as they share their stories of their path through HPA. Many thanks to Olivia F., Leontyna S., and Tae D. for their speeches as part of our Senior Speaker Series.
Gerry Clark Art Center Open Studio Night
Tonight, Friday, March 27, from 3:30–6:30 PM. Ms. Lundburg has emailed all students a link to sign up for the event.
Student Council Elections
Students have been told of the process for the 2026-27 student council election process.
HPA Prom
The prom tickets have been selling for the event, held April 4 at the Four Seasons.
Fire Drill – Upper Campus
Monday, March 30 we will have a fire drill at the upper campus, and we will have the Hawaii County Fire Department observing the evacuation and then inspecting the classrooms and offices.
ACT for Juniors
Tuesday, April 7, HPA Juniors will be taking the ACT.
2026 – 2027 Course Catalog
The 2026-2027 HPA Course Catalog is now available. This is a great time to explore the courses being offered next year, learn about new opportunities, and begin thinking about the classes that spark your interest. While the catalog provides a strong preview of the year ahead, please note that courses and offerings are subject to change as we continue to finalize teaching assignments and scheduling details.
Course registration will begin in late April, so we encourage students and families to take some time over the coming weeks to review the catalog and begin forming a thoughtful plan for next year. As registration approaches, students will receive guidance and support from their advisors, and we encourage them to speak with their college counselors if they would like additional help with course choices and long-term goals.
Have a great weekend,
Mark Noetzel
Assistant Head of School for Upper School
Schedule
Our Upper School 2025-2026 Daily Schedule will resume with in-person instruction on our Upper Campus on Monday, March 30.
We encourage all students and families to access the School Calendar in myHPA for the most up-to-date information. In addition, a list of Key Dates (school openings and closures) can also be located on the Upper School Family Resources tile located in myHPA.
Coming Up
• April 3 –4: Middle School Musical, Annie Jr.
• April 4: HPA Prom, at the Hualalai Resort – Four Seasons Hotel
• April 15: College Fair on the HPA Campus, 11-1:00 pm
• April 28: ʻOhana Association Annual Spring Meeting and Parent Social, 4:30 to 6:30 pm, Upper Campus Energy Lab
• May 11: HPA Academic Awards Program, Castle Gymnasium, 3:30 pm
• May 21: Baccalaureate Services, Class of 2026
• May 22: Commencement Ceremony, Class of 2026, Castle Gymnasium
Student Support
Should your child need additional learning or counseling support, we encourage you to reach out to:
- US Learning Specialist: Spencer Williams at swilliams@hpa.edu
- US Counselor: Tiffany Freitas at tfreitas@hpa.edu or 808-881-4038
- US Counselor: Steve Furchner at sfurchner@hpa.edu or 808-881-4038
HPA ʻOhana Testimonials
We’re looking to hear from our community!
If you’re a K-12 HPA student or parent/guardian, we’d love for you to share your experience. Your insights help us highlight what makes our school so special and support future families in their journey.
Please take a few minutes to fill out this short form—your voice makes a difference! Mahalo for your time and support.
Ka Makani Athletics
Spring season is here! Go KA MAKANI!
Track & Field
Saturday, March 28, at Kamehameha, 9 am
Tennis
Saturday, March 28, vs Waiakea, 10 am
Boys Volleyball
Saturday, March 28, vs Honokaʻa, JV 10 am, Varsity to follow
Water Polo
Saturday, March 28, vs Kamehameha, 10:30 am
Flag Football
Saturday, March 28, vs Kealakehe, 12 pm
Baseball
Saturday, March 28, at Kohala, 1 pm
Catch the action
Watch the Ka Makani action as it happens! Watch HPA sports live on Hudl and never miss a play.
Ka Makani Travel
Labor Day Weekend September, 2026
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Thanksgiving Break November, 2026
San Diego & Los Angeles led by Ms. White & Ms. Scarth
January Long Weekend, 2027
Oʻahu
February Long Weekend, 2027
Glamping on Maui
Spring Break March, 2027
Japan: Land of the Rising Sun with EF Tours led by Mrs. Inaba & Mr. Piercy
New Zealand led by Ms. White, Ms. Kight, Mr. Ford & Mr. Moltz
To express interest in joining any of the trips planned, please complete this form: Travel Survey
Please contact Ka Makani Travel Coordinator Adrienne White (awhite@hpa.edu) for information regarding travel eligibility and registration.
College Counseling
FAFSA Completion Webinars
To help families complete the FAFSA for college financial aid, the Pacific Financial Aid Association is offering several Free FAFSA Completion webinars. In addition, Free scholarship webinars are also available on scheduled dates throughout the fall.
Past Email Communications
All past email communications can be accessed by visiting the Upper School Family Resources tile on myHPA and scrolling down to ‘Past Email Communications, 2025-2026.
Whom to Contact at HPA
If you are unsure whom to contact regarding a specific question or issue, please refer to our Whom to Contact guide.
As a reminder, HPA is a closed campus, so if a parent or guardian wishes to come to campus during the academic day, they will need an appointment.
myHPA
myHPA is where you can find all the resources related to your child’s learning. Two key resource boards that we would like to draw your attention to are the ‘Upper School Family Resources’, and the ‘Upper School Student Resources’.
All-School
Need to know information for our entire Ka Makani ʻohana.
Advancement & Alumni
Help Us Make a Match!
We’re getting close!
Our community is within reach of unlocking additional matching funds for the HPA Fund—but we need just a few more families to participate. Our K-5 classes have already unlocked $25,000 for each grade (woohoo)!), so middle and high school, we are looking at you! Join in with a gift today!
If you’ve already made your gift this year, mahalo. Your support makes a real difference for our students and programs every day.
If you haven’t had a chance yet, there’s still time—and every gift counts. Whether it’s $10 or $10,000 or something in between, your participation helps us reach the goal and unlocks the match. It’s quick and easy to give.
Together, we can get there.
Mahalo for being part of this effort and for all you do to support HPA.
ʻOhana Association
The HPA ʻOhana Association warmly welcomes you to our Annual Spring Meeting and Parent Social on Monday, April 28 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm at the Upper Campus Energy Lab. The gathering is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow HPA parents, learn more about exciting initiatives at the school, and engage with members of the HPA community. We are pleased to welcome two special presentations:
- Dr. Bill Wiecking, Director of the HPA Energy Lab, who will share insights into the innovative programs run at the Energy Lab.
- The HPA College Counseling Team, including Andrew Kelsey and Cindy Montgomery, who will provide valuable updates and guidance on the college counseling process.
Following the presentations, we will hold a vote for the 2026-2027 ‘Ohana Association Board. If you are interested in joining the Board next year, please email ohana@hpa.edu. Mahalo!
Food and refreshments will be provided.
We hope you join us for this informative and engaging evening. We look forward to welcoming you!
Upper School Teacher & Faculty Appreciation
Join us in celebrating our teachers at the “ʻOhana Teacher Appreciation Pop-Up Shop” and luncheon on Monday, April 27!
Help us show our gratitude by contributing pop-up shop items, luncheon dishes, or volunteering your time to set up and support the event. Gift cards, thoughtful items, or prepaying for a dish from Fish & Hog are all great ways to participate.
Sign up to contribute or volunteer.
Mahalo for your generosity and support!
Summer at HPA Enrollment is Now Open!
We’re excited to announce that Summer at HPA is officially open for enrollment! Families can now sign up for our Academy Program, Ka Makani Keiki Camp, and Enrichment Swimming sessions.
Check out our current program listings on the Summer at HPA page on the school website, or enroll directly through our CampSite Enrollment form.
If you have any questions, please email summer@hpa.edu
We look forward to another amazing summer!
Isaacs Art Center
Isaacs Art Center is free and open to the public, Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 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.
Admissions
Re-enrollment closed on February 15. Please contact admissions@hpa.edu if you have any questions or concerns.
Safety Protocols
Campus Access
Campus access is limited to current students, employees, essential contractors, and approved guests. Guests to campus will have had their hosting faculty or staff member fill out the appropriate form and will have received permission from their supervisor.
If a family member of a student needs to meet with a faculty, staff, or administrative team member, please contact them to arrange a meeting on campus. From that point, security team members will be alerted to your appointment date and time and let you onto campus.
At the Upper School, please do not park and walk onto campus without an appointment. Similarly, at the Village Campus, kindly call or email for an appointment so that arrangements can be made. Mahalo, for your understanding and respect for this process.
If you See Something, Say Something
We ask all families to join HPA in keeping our campus safe. While on the HPA campus, if you see anything out of the ordinary, we ask that you please report it to the school or local authorities immediately. This will help us maintain the safest campus for our students.
- Imminent threat to life or property: call 911 immediately. Follow up with your supervisor ASAP.
- Anything out of the ordinary: email Dan Wilkinson, HPA Security Supervisor at dwilkinson@hpa.edu
CrisisGo for Parents
It is important that all families are set up with CrisisGo, HPA’s school emergency communication tool. To set up CrisisGo SMS/Email subscription, please click on this invitation link and complete the form by adding your name, email, and cell number (this is an important step if you would like to receive an SMS message), and click on the Subscribe button. Should an emergency occur, you will be alerted by email and SMS messaging. You can also locate these instructions by logging into myHPA, clicking on the resource tab, and selecting the CrisisGo Safe2SpeakUp tile.
Safe2SpeakUp for Middle and Upper Students
Similarly, Middle and Upper School students received instructions during orientation on how to upload the Safe2SpeakUp app. This is a companion app to CrisisGo. It will allow the school to alert students of emergencies that happen on or off campus and enable students to communicate with us about their safety status. They can also use the app to alert the school about any behaviors they are concerned about. Students can also locate instructions on setting up Safe2SpeakUp in myHPA, and they were also emailed the video shown at orientation which walks them through the process of uploading the app and registering, step-by-step.
All students can also submit an Online Bully/Harassment report by clicking on this link, which can also be located on the CrisisGo Safe2SpeakUp tile on myHPA.