Week of 4/17/26
What's Happening at HPA This Week?
School Bulletins for the Week of 4/17/26
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!
There is nothing more exciting for educators than witnessing joy and passion emote from scholars when they are deeply engaged in their learning. This week, we are incredibly proud to celebrate our Heluhelu Quiz Bowl teams, who represented HPA with excellence and enthusiasm! Every year, 4th – 7th grade students are invited to participate in the quiz bowl, which requires them to read 30 books from the assigned book list, in addition to holding weekly lunch meetings to discuss the books, strategize, and encourage further reading! This participation culminates in their competing against school groups from all across the island to answer questions as best they can, from as far as Pahoa and as near as Waimea. During Thursdayʻs event at Kahilu Theatre, our students demonstrated strong reading comprehension, collaborative teamwork, quick thinking, careful listening, and ample enthusiasm. Congratulations to both of our teams, The Fire, The Water, and Ka Makani and Ka Makani Crashes the Underworld, for their outstanding performances all around. We are thrilled to share that HPA earned 1st place overall through the collaborative efforts of Ka Makani Crashes the Underworld! Shoutout to all of our Village Campus students who elected to participate in this yearlong commitment to pursue excellence in celebration and love for literature.

You can read more about the event here. Mahalo nui for our dear K-8 Librarian, Mrs. Kristin Tarnas, for her inspired leadership and coordination of this fantastic opportunity.
As we know, the fourth quarter is the season for many culminating events and learning celebrations. Wā Pilina has been at the forefront as we bring our scholars together to acknowledge their work and connect together in recognition, celebration, and camaraderie. This week brought a special Wā Pilina experience for our Kindergarten and 6th grade students, who came together for an exciting butterfly release, as they end their unit of study observing and learning about the four-stage metamorphosis of monarch butterflies. Partners throughout this year, this meeting provided a shared moment of wonder, alongside a creative art activity, allowing students to reflect on growth, transformation, and connection—hallmarks of our Wā Pilina program.
We have also begun our Wā Pilina Art Exhibit Opening Receptions, celebrating the collaborative work of our young artists. This week, we welcomed families to openings at Isaacs Arts Center featuring our 1st and 4th grade, and our Kindergarten and 3rd grade pairings. Next Tuesday, we look forward to hosting our 2nd and 5th grade Opening Reception. All of the artwork will remain on display through May Day (through May 2), and we invite you to visit at your leisure to enjoy the creativity and connections reflected in these pieces.
As well, our 4th graders in particular will have their artwork showcased as a class in the 2026 Waimea All Schools Art Exhibition at Kahilu Theatre. This year, we celebrate Moʻolelo ʻĀina, Moʻolelo ʻOhana or “Land Stories, Family Stories.” Students were encouraged to illustrate a family story that is tied to a special place in their lives, and their artwork reflects their many special connections. Artwork will be on display through May 31, with the opening reception next Thursday.
2026 Waimea All Schools Art Exhibition
Opening Reception
Thursday, April 23, 5 – 7 pm
Kahilu Theatre
Today, we were thrilled to welcome author Kristiana Kahakauwila to campus. The accomplished author of Clairboyance (HarperCollins, 2024), Kahakauwila visited with students in grades 4–8 to share her journey as a writer. She serves as the Director of the Creative Writing Program at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and brings a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to our community. To learn more about her work, you may visit her website or listen to her interview on Hawaiʻi Public Radio. Additional information can also be found on our HPA Libraries website. Kahakauwila was also the host of our Heluhelu Quiz Bowl!
Looking ahead, with many thanks to our ʻOhana Association, we look forward to celebrating our incredible faculty and staff during Teacher Appreciation Week in May. Please take a look at this SignUp Genius for ways to support our teachers and express our gratitude for all the seen and unseen work they do, day in and day out. Our Village Campus representatives, Angelina Forrest and Emily Hoover have been hard at work coordinating this amazing effort!
Lastly, thank you to all those who have already signed up for our volunteer Earth Day event, next Wednesday, April 22. Our Student Council leaders are excited for this special partnership with the Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative and the Wamea Nature Park. Please sign up your keiki here!
As we move through the busy weeks ahead, please take a moment to check our Lost and Found, as items continue to accumulate.
Mahalo for your continued partnership and support. As always, thank you for choosing HPA as the place for your ʻohana. We wish you all a beautiful weekend ahead!
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, April 20.
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 14 –May 2: K-5 Wā Pilina Art Reception and Exhibits, Isaacs Art Gallery
• Wednesday, April 22: Earth Day Volunteer Event – Sign up here
• Saturday, April 25: Open House, Robotics at the Engineering Shed, Upper Campus, 4:00 to 6:00 pm
• 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
• Monday, May 4: K-8 Faculty Work Day, no classes
Wear Your Aloha
We’re excited to announce a May Day Flash Sale on all HPA limited edition 75th Anniversary Aloha Wear!
Whether you’re preparing for May Day festivities or looking ahead to graduation, you can celebrate this special milestone in style and show your HPA pride with our exclusive anniversary collection.
Don’t miss your chance to secure these commemorative pieces before they’re gone!
Shop now and be ready to celebrate in true HPA style.
*Discount automatically applied at checkout
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,
A heartfelt mahalo to our 8th grade Capstone team, Mr. Bernstein, Ms. Sturla, Ms. Kawakami, and Ms. Dewey, as well as to our 8th grade families. We know that Capstone is not only a student endeavor but also a meaningful partnership with caregivers, and we deeply appreciate the time, energy, and support you provide throughout the process. Congratulations to our 44 8th graders who brought this yearlong journey to its culminating moment with their presentations last Wednesday. Capstone represents deep, transfer-based learning rooted in the 4 C’s, giving students the opportunity to synthesize their knowledge, learn from one another, and share their work with purpose. It was a wonderful reflection of our students at their best.
We also extend a huge mahalo to Ms. Tarnas and her Heluhelu team for organizing an inspiring author visit with Kristiana Kahakauwila. Speaking to our entire Middle School as part of our Pursuit of Excellence assembly series, she offered students a powerful example of how curiosity, discipline, and storytelling come together to create meaningful work.
This weekend, several of our students will be participating in the Hawaiʻi International Film Festival. We are proud to recognize Finnegan, Nanea, Manase, Anuhea, Natalie, Cy and Aaron from our current 8th grade, along with Sofia and Kaha from the 9th grade, whose films are featured in the ʻŌpio Junior Showcase. It is exciting to see our Ka Makani students share their voices and be recognized for their creative work.
Looking ahead, we begin our End of Year NWEA MAP Growth Assessment cycle. On Thursday, April 23, students will take the Reading assessment during a modified schedule. As we have shared previously, MAP Growth is designed to measure individual academic progress over time. Completing both the Reading and Math assessments will allow us to see each student’s growth across the year and will support thoughtful instructional planning moving forward. Directions on how to access your studentʻs MAP Growth assessment results thus far are here.
Please keep the following important dates in mind:
- Thursday, April 23: NWEA MAP Growth Reading Assessment
- Thursday, April 30: NWEA MAP Growth Math Assessment
- Thursday, May 7: Middle School Performing Arts ShowcaseSaturday, May 9: 8th Grade Dinner Dance at Annaʻs Ranch
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
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, April 20.
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
• Saturday, April 25: Open House, Robotics at the Engineering Shed, Upper Campus, 4:00 to 6:00 pm
• Tuesday, April 28: ʻOhana Association Annual Spring Meeting & Parent Social, 4:30 to 6:30 pm, Upper Campus Energy Lab
• Thursday, May 7: Middle School Performing Arts Showcase
• Saturday, May 9: 8th Grade Dinner Dance at Anna’s Ranch
Wear Your Aloha
We’re excited to announce a May Day Flash Sale on all HPA limited edition 75th Anniversary Aloha Wear!
Whether you’re preparing for May Day festivities or looking ahead to graduation, you can celebrate this special milestone in style and show your HPA pride with our exclusive anniversary collection.
Don’t miss your chance to secure these commemorative pieces before they’re gone!
Shop now and be ready to celebrate in true HPA style.
*Discount automatically applied at checkout
Summer Performing Arts Opportunity at the Kahilu Theatre
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,
Haʻina Senior Capstone Showcase
Congratulations to the seniors who presented this week. To all the families who were able to attend, thank you, for your support. We appreciate the work of our Capstone team of leaders and teachers, Ms. Lincoln-Maielua, Ms. Jim, Dr. Anton, Ms. Scarth, Mr. Piercy, Mr. Lustik, Ms. Craven, Mr. Flores, Mr. Quayle and Ms. Swarz-Burt.
2026 – 2027 Course Offering Expo
On Monday, April 20 from 1:35 pm – 3 pm, faculty will be on the lanai’s of their department to answer questions from students about their course offerings for next year. Faculty will also be able to sign off on student forms that require a signature (honors, AP level, other courses that have prerequisites).
Class of 2027 Capstone Process Begins
Wednesday, April 22, the junior class, will meet with the capstone teachers to begin, or continue, their journey with their capstone project for Spring 2027.
Class of 2030 (Current 8th graders) – Upper Campus Visit
Thursday, April 23 Mr. Dagan Bernstein and Mr. Cservenak, have coordinated with Ms. Dowd, HPA Dean of Students, and Ms. Sebastian, the Freshmen Class Dean/Health Teacher, to introduce them to life at the upper campus. We are excited for their visit.
HPA Sophomores – College Counseling Office Offer
Our college counseling office offered an opportunity to all of our sophomores, the class of 2028, to come to a meeting on April 21, 3:15 pm in the energy lab.
AP Exams – May 4 through 15
HPA will administer AP exams between May 4 – 15. All exams must be taken at their scheduled times or during the designated make-up sessions (May 18 – 21). We recognize that some state tournament schedules may conflict with exam dates. In such cases, students will be required to complete their exams during the official make-up window, in accordance with College Board policies. Please refer to the official AP exam schedule. A detailed schedule of on-campus testing locations will be shared via email and posted across campus next week.
End-of-Year Commitments, 2026
When booking your travel, please be mindful of the end-of-year commitments that each class is required to participate in. If you have questions about your end-of-year commitments or if your travel is already booked and you cannot participate, please reach out to your Class Leaders immediately.
- Freshmen:
- Wednesday, May 20 – Campus beautification for graduation.
You may depart campus for the year after 6 pm on Wednesday, May 20. Please be advised that HPA will provide complimentary airport transportation beginning on the morning of Thursday, May 21.
- Wednesday, May 20 – Campus beautification for graduation.
- Sophomores:
- Thursday, May 21 – Assisting with the Baccalaureate brunch.
You may depart campus for the year after 3 pm on Thursday, May 21.
- Thursday, May 21 – Assisting with the Baccalaureate brunch.
- Juniors:
- Thursday, May 21 – Decorating Castle Gymnasium for the Commencement ceremony. You may depart campus for the year after 3 pm on Thursday, May 21.
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, April 20.
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
• Tuesday, April 21: Class of 2028, College Counseling Presentation
• Wednesday, April 22: Class of 2027 Capstone Launch
• Saturday, April 25: Open House, Robotics at the Engineering Shed, Upper Campus, 4:00 to 6:00 pm
• Monday, April 27: Upper School Teacher and Staff Appreciation
• Tuesday, April 28: ʻOhana Association Annual Spring Meeting & Parent Social, 4:30 to 6:30 pm, Upper Campus Energy Lab
• Monday, May 11: HPA Academic Awards Program, Castle Gymnasium, 3:30 pm
• Thursday, May 21: Baccalaureate Services, Class of 2026
• Friday, 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
Wear Your Aloha
We’re excited to announce a May Day Flash Sale on all HPA limited edition 75th Anniversary Aloha Wear!
Whether you’re preparing for May Day festivities or looking ahead to graduation, you can celebrate this special milestone in style and show your HPA pride with our exclusive anniversary collection.
Don’t miss your chance to secure these commemorative pieces before they’re gone!
Shop now and be ready to celebrate in true HPA style.
*Discount automatically applied at checkout
Summer Performing Arts Opportunity at the Kahilu Theatre
Ka Makani Athletics
Spring season is here! Go KA MAKANI!
Track & Field
Saturday, April 18, at HPA, 9 am
Tennis
Saturday, April 16-18, BIIF Individual Championships at Mauna Lani
Water Polo
Saturday, April 18, at Hilo & Kamehameha, 11:00 am
Lacrosse
Sunday, April 19, vs Konawaena, Senior Day 1:00 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
New York City (TENTATIVE)
Student Informational Meeting Tuesday, May 12, 2:00 – 2:30 pm in Classroom #13
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
Student Informational Meeting Tuesday, April 21,⋅11:30 am – 12:15 pm in Kennedy Square Classroom
New Zealand led by Ms. White, Ms. Kight, Mr. Ford & Mr. Moltz
Student Informational Meeting Tuesday, April 28, 2:00 – 3:00pm in Classroom #13
Spring Break March, 2028
Europe at Leisure with Sorrento Extension with EF Tours
Thailand with Rustic Pathways
8th Grade Student Informational Meeting
Monday, April 27 2:40 – 3:10 pm Village Campus
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
College Acceptance Next Steps
April has arrived, which means our seniors have received their college decisions. Congratulations! We are excited for the opportunities ahead for our seniors and the positive impact they will have in the world.
Below are some important next steps for seniors:
Choosing a College
For students who have been accepted to multiple colleges, the next step is deciding which one is the best fit. Don’t worry about finding the one “perfect” college; there’s no such thing. Instead, focus on finding a place to thrive. Questions to consider:
- How many first-year students return?
- What is the graduation rate?
- How strong is the college in my intended major(s)?
- What opportunities exist for hands-on learning or research?
- What would I do for fun there?
- Can I see myself being happy and successful?
- Is this option financially comfortable for my family?
- Does this school meet my “must-haves?”
College Financial Aid
Affordability is an important factor for many families. If this is the case for you, you’re not alone.
- Talk openly with your family about what is financially feasible.
- Use tools (like those from the College Board) to compare offers.
- Ask us! We have been reading financial aid offers for decades and can help you understand and compare your financial aid packages.
I’ve Chosen My College—Now What?
Once you’ve made your decision:
- Submit your enrollment deposit by the deadline
- Decline your other offers*
Sending a brief email to colleges thanking them for their offer of admission and letting them know you will not be attending is a thoughtful step, as it allows them to offer your spot and any financial aid or scholarship to another student.
Update SCOIR
Please update your SCOIR account with your final admissions results.
- Select “Enrolling” for the college you will attend (This ensures we send your final transcript to the correct school).
- Please update all of your colleges in SCOIR with “Accepted,” Denied,” “Deferred” or “Withdrawn.” Your personal information remains confidential, and this data helps us support future students.
Please stop by or reach out anytime via email college@hpa.edu. We’re always happy to help.
Upper School Teacher & Faculty Appreciation
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.
Join us for an Open House in the Engineering Shed
Join us for an Open House in the Engineering Shed on the Upper Campus on Saturday, April 25 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. All are welcome to stop by and explore what our Robotics team has been working on as they prepare to qualify for the MATE ROV competition, along with other exciting opportunities available to students in the space.

Come see innovation in action—where problem solving meets creativity and “we’ll fix one thing” can turn into a whole new design. Enjoy light refreshments while connecting with our HPA community.
ʻOhana Association
The HPA ʻOhana Association warmly welcomes you to our Annual Spring Meeting and Parent Social on Tuesday, 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 or fill out this form. 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
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
The admissions office is busy with final enrollment for the upcoming academic year. Please reach out to the office with any questions in this area admissions@hpa.edu . We are happy to assist!
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.



