Week of 6/2/23
What's Happening at HPA This Week?
Message from the Head of School
Aloha HPA ʻohana,
As we officially closed our 74th year of service as an educational institution last week Friday with our 72nd Annual Commencement Exercises, I helped to send off our graduating Class of 2023 into their next life chapter. I was reminded of a similar journey my wife and I took 14 years ago when we first arrived in Hawaiʻi and how much has changed since then — especially those things that once seemed new and unusual.
Entering a dinner party last week, my wife and I instinctively took our slippers off at the door before entering the space. I paused for a brief moment and my face evolved into a slight grin. I love this custom. In digging into its origin, I learned that, culturally, there are two primary and connected reasons for taking our shoes off before entering someone’s home. One is to limit bringing dirt and outside germs into their house, and the other is generally about offering your respect to the host. I understand, appreciate, and respect both of these concepts.
I always love that moment when you arrive and have to jump over all the other shoes left at the entryway before walking through the door. It brings a feeling of celebration and joy. Then there’s the end of gatherings like these, where maybe it’s a little dark, and maybe that means you end up with a slight upgrade from your original footwear. Or, the contrary, when you are one of the last ones to leave and are forced to settle for the pair with just a little more mileage and a few strategic pieces of duct tape. You know what I’m talking about. Regardless of the outcome, for me, the practice brings comfort and a sense of connection.
Here is some of what I shared with the Class of 2023:
“For you graduates, as you head to new and different environments, I want to offer another reason to take pause as you enter a new space – whether it be a home, a classroom, a job, or a room filled with known or unknown people. While you will potentially not be in slippers and not be in an environment that would be a good spot to enter without shoes, I suggest taking a brief moment to merely pause. Breathe in, collect your thoughts, even grab ahold of us in this room when you need to – find virtue in this habit. Allow your love for one another, your experiences in this place, and the traditions you have honored and even promoted, to settle you. Then enter that space with equal parts confidence and humility, intent to contribute with wisdom, with care, and with aloha.
If I have any final advice for you, it is to continue to support others, cheer for others, welcome others, and love others as you have each other. That way of being seems to come back around. It will reciprocate. When you get off track — and you will get off track — reach out. You are not alone. Never worry alone. Lean on what got you here and trust that others will be there for you to help you reset. You have so many wonderful gifts to offer the world. Go forth with pride, with humility, and with your generous amounts of spirit.
Whenever your mind is racing or the pace of life is getting a little too quick, don’t forget to pause, take a second, and at least mentally, LEAVE YOUR SLIPPERS AT THE DOOR.
I am grateful for your class of 2023. You leave a legacy that is special and a foundation on which HPA will continue to build. Thank you for being you and caring for each other, for this school, and this place.”
I am excited to take some time in the coming month to reflect on all that has occurred this school year. The cyclical nature of education provides so many opportunities to make new friends, learn new things, and forge new paths.
Our community is so special and so vibrant. In order to assess this year’s journey, we must start and end with the core tenants of our mission. We remain committed to providing exceptional learning opportunities in a diverse environment honoring the traditions of Hawaiʻi. To deliver this mission we must do so in the pursuit of excellence, with respect, integrity and a sense of wonder. These core values bind us together, immeshing critical ways of being and allowing our community to thrive.
It is a joy to serve you, and I look forward to seeing you again in August during our Opening Day events for students and families. (You’ll receive more information about this in the coming weeks!) If you are heading off to new adventures, let’s not have it be “goodbye”, but merely, “a hui hou”, or “until we meet again.”
Gratefully
Fred Wawner
Head of School
School Bulletins for the Week of 6/2/23
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,
Suddenly the playground, the classrooms, and the hallways are quiet. A lonely broken crayon in the doorway, a few water bottles remaining in the lost and found. The only sounds are the ever present chirping of the birds, Ka Makani reliably billowing our curtains, and the quiet chatter of teachers meeting together to close out the year. As student progress reports are completed and year-end reflections take place, I am reminded once again of the unique learning opportunities our students engage in, the joy and love of our community, and the gratitude I have for every adult and child here. Mahalo to you all for another wonderful school year, for your support and collaboration, and for choosing HPA as the place for your child to receive their education.
You might enjoy this beautiful May Day photo album, put together by Mrs. Monello, our EdTech specialist, documenting students K-5. She also created a special Lower School Year End Slideshow video, which we shared in part with students at the final Lower School assembly of the year last week, celebrating our gratitude for a wonderful school year. I hope you get to watch it together as an ʻohana so they can reflect on and reminisce about the beautiful learning and connections in which they engaged. Please feel free to share with the rest of your ʻohana as well.
Lower School families will receive one more communication from me in the coming days, letting you know when our student progress reports are live and accessible on myHPA. In the meantime, I hope your summer has been off to a great start, full of connection, joy, and ʻohana.
Me ka mahalo nui,
Dora Kwong
Lower School Principal
Important Lower School Information for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
- HPA Key Dates, 2023-2024 (as all dates are subject to change, please refer often to the calendar in myHPA)
- Lower School Supply List, 2023-2024
Throughout the summer you will be receiving updates from HPA. If you have any questions, or if we can be of assistance, please contact us at 808-885-2500 or by email at villagecampusoffice@hpa.edu.
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.
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,
It seems every year goes by faster and faster, and this year certainly kept pace with that. It seems it was just a few months ago that our 6th graders were wide-eyed and bushy-tailed about their first days in Middle School. But with the beautiful, welcoming climate set by our 7th and 8th graders, it didn’t take them long to settle into the swing of things and steal the show at our Lip Sync Contest. Grade 7 was not to be outdone, as their advisory teams were strong throughout all of our lunchtime tournaments. And Grade 8 showed leadership throughout the year, including all students in their games and friendships and leading lower school students during Makahiki games and a number of capstone projects.
We took a moment to enjoy some of these memories from the year at our last assembly. Please enjoy here: 2022 – 2023 Middle School Memories
In a beautiful way to end the year, we were thrilled to be back at Gates Performing Arts Center last week for our Class of 2027 8th-grade Transition Ceremony. Our 6th and 7th grade students were on hand to witness our 8th graders stand and deliver, and I am sure they were inspired and are now looking forward to their own Transition Ceremonies. From a heart-felt address by our class speaker, the presentations of our Virtue Awards, and the class hula, it was a wonderful celebration of the Class of 2027’s time in Middle School and Lower School too.
I’d like to end this year’s All-School Bulletin with a big mahalo to all Middle School parents for trusting and partnering with us in the education and development of your children as we all look to help them become the best versions of themselves. Your support and partnership have been instrumental in our efforts to provide a nurturing and enriching environment for your children to thrive. Thank you for collaborating with us on this important responsibility.
One of my favorite quotes about what a school should be comes from Sir Ken Robinson:
“A gardener does not make the plants grow. The role of the gardener is to create optimal conditions for growth.”
When parents and teachers are working together, we are creating those optimal conditions.
We hope that your families enjoy a wonderful summer, and we look forward to many more adventures ahead.
Mahalo,
Glenn Chickering
Middle School Principal
A Message from Ms. Monello, K-8 Educational Technologist
Aloha families and students!
The next season for after-school HPA First Lego League (FLL) Robotics (4th-8th Grade) will be an amazing one! When we return from summer break, the official season will launch!
We are gathering information on intent to join for our August-December season. Before we return to school, Mrs. DeMille and I will register our HPA teams with First Lego League Challenge (up to 2 Lower School teams of <10 students/per team & 2 Middle School Teams of <10 students/per team.
Click here for more information! Within the flyer, you’ll also find links to a Google Form (intent of interest) and additional information about First Lego League Challenge. If you or your student are interested, please fill out the form.
If you have any questions about robotics, please email me, Ms. Monello at mmonello@hpa.edu. If you have questions specific to the after-school program, please email Mrs. DeMille at mdemille@hpa.edu.
Mahalo,
Ms. Monello
K-8 Educational Technologist
Important Middle School Information for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
- HPA Key Dates, 2023-2024 (as all dates are subject to change, please refer often to the calendar in myHPA)
- Middle School Supply List, 2023-2024
- Middle School Academic Schedule, 2023-2024
- Middle School Summer 2023 Reading List
Middle School students will be able to register for their courses in June. Once we have opened our course registration, we will alert you by email.
Here’s wishing you a safe and fun-filled summer! If you have any questions, or if we can be of assistance, please contact us at 808-885-2500 or by email at villagecampusoffice@hpa.edu.
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.
Upper School
From the desk of your Poʻo Kumu (Division Principal), Kaʻai Spencer
Aloha e nā ʻohana o ka makani!
Mahalo nui for a great year! Now it is time to enjoy a great summer vacation and recenter ourselves. I look forward to hearing everyone’s wonderful summertime stories when we return in the fall. Kau ka peʻa, holo ka waʻa. Ā hui hou nō kākou!
Ke aloha nō,
Kaʻai Spencer
Upper School Poʻo Kumu
Be sure to check-out the Graduation playlist on our HPA YouTube Channel, which features:
- Senior Awards
- Hole Waimea
- Senior Hula – No Kuʻu Hawaiʻi
- Senior Hula – He ʻOhana Kākou
HPA Commencement Highlights: Class of 2023
Class of 2023 End-of-Year Events photo album
Important Upper School Information for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
- Upper School Supply List
- Upper School Summer Reading List
- Upper School Academic Schedule, 2023-2024
- HPA Key Dates, 2023-2024 (as all dates are subject to change, please refer often to the calendar in myHPA)
Information on ordering class textbooks will be emailed to families in early summer.
We are so happy to welcome you to our Upper School ʻohana! You will be hearing more from us soon. In the meantime, if you have any questions, we are here to help! Please contact us at 808-881-4002 or at upperschool@hpa.edu.
Ka Makani Athletics
Mahalo for an incredible 2022-2023 year!
As a reminder, the following team sports are offered in the fall:
- Girls JV and Varsity Volleyball
- Girls and Boys Cross Country
- Football
- Cheerleading
More information regarding team sports and try-outs will be sent in July
College Counseling
Congratulations to our graduating Class of 2023! We are so proud of all of you! Enclosed below is a list of the colleges and universities our newest alumni will be attending in the final. We have also included how many of our graduates will be heading off to their next adventure together!
College Decisions
Adrian College
Amherst College
Arizona State University – 2
Babson College
Berklee College of Music
California Polytechnic State University (SLO) – 3
Clemson University – 2
Colorado College
Colorado State University – 7
Dartmouth College
Emory University – 2
Florida Atlantic University
Fort Lewis College – 2
Greensboro College
Gonzaga University
Kapiolani Community College
Keio University (Japan)
Linfield University
Loyola Marymount University – 2
Menlo College
Mercer College
North Carolina State University
Northeastern University
Northern Arizona University – 2
Northwestern University
Nova Southeastern University
Pepperdine University
Pomona College
Rutgers University
San Diego State University – 4
Savannah College of Art and Design
Seattle Pacific University
Stanford University
Sophia University (Japan)
Temple University (Japan) – 2
The New School
Trinity College
Tufts University
Tulane University
University of British Columbia
University of British Columbia – Okanagan
University of California – Davis
University of California – Santa Barbara
University College Dublin
University of Alabama – Huntsville
University of Colorado – Boulder – 3
University of Connecticut
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo – 2
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa – 3
University of Michigan – 2
University of Missouri
University of Oregon – 2
University of Portland
University of Puget Sound – 2
University of San Diego
University of San Francisco
University of Washington
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Wake Forest University
Testing
AP Exam scores will be available to students online at apscore.org in July. Students will also be able to access their scores at that time by signing in through My AP.
Accessing Scores from the School Day ACT
Scores from the April 4th School Day ACT exam will be available 4-8 weeks after the exam date. Once scores become available, students will receive an email from ACT with directions on how to access exam scores through their myact.org account.
Rising seniors of the Class of 2024
We have truly enjoyed getting to know you this semester as you began working on the college search and application process. Don’t forget to review this important email from May 4, 2023. Just take it one step at a time. You’ve got this!
Ka Makani Travel
It’s not too early to be thinking about next year’s adventure opportunities with Ka Makani Travel!
Spring Break 2024
Expedition to Australia & New Zealand with EF Tours $5,849 per student
Summer 2024
Splendors of the Mediterranean with EF Tours $4,999 per student
For more information, please contact Ka Makani Travel Coordinator, Ms. Adrienne White, at awhite@hpa.edu.
Student Life
Back-to-School – Important Opening Days & Orientation Dates
Residential Life students
New and returning residential students are expected to arrive on campus to move into their dorms on Friday, August 11, 2023.
FAMILIES: On Friday, August 11, we will host campus tours, family information sessions, Ka Makani Showcase (highlighting programs at HPA), and an E Komo Mai (Welcome) dinner with other families, parents, your child’s advisor, and administrators.
A series of orientation sessions and fun activities (on and off campus) have been planned for our residential students from Saturday, August 12, to Monday, August 14.
ʻOhana Association Back-to-School Bash
On Sunday, August 13, 2023, all families and students are invited to our Back-to-School Bash hosted by our ʻOhana Association (Parents’ Association).
Day students
New and RETURNING students are expected to be on campus for a mandatory orientation session on Tuesday, August 15.
FAMILIES: On Monday, August 14, we will host campus tours, family information sessions, and our Ka Makani Showcase (highlighting programs at HPA).
Residential Life
Important Travel Dates
All flight itinerary due dates and HPA travel dates for the 2023-2024 academic year can be found on the calendar on myHPA. Please ensure that you have the filter ‘Res Life’ selected to view these important dates. You can also locate these important dates on the Residential Life for Students tile on the myHPA Resource Board.
To arrange for transportation from the airport to our campus, we ask that all residential students submit their airline’s confirmation email or travel agent itinerary. New and returning flight itineraries are due to Mrs. Ganley by July 28, 2023.
Please forward your airline’s confirmation, complete with a confirmation code (no screenshots) that includes your entire travel itinerary so we can confirm your flights and arrange transportation.
The most important pieces of information are:
- Flight confirmation code
- Airline and flight number
- Date and time of arrival to your final destination, which is the Kona Airport (airport code: KOA), on Hawaiʻi Island
- Please provide a student mobile number and/or a WhatsApp number/id, if available.
Please forward this email to Ms. LeeAnn Ganley, HPA’s Student Life and Travel Coordinator, at travel@hpa.edu as soon as possible and no later than Friday, July 28, 2023.
COVID-19 Testing
At this time, HPA will not require residential students to take a pre-travel COVID-19 test before arrival on campus. However, students are encouraged to test shortly before leaving home so as to reduce risk to our community and the possibility of having to quarantine upon arrival. This recommendation applies to all residential students, regardless of whether they live on Hawaiʻi Island or are traveling here.
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.
All-School
Need to know information for our entire Ka Makani ʻohana.
Advancement & Alumni
Congratulations Class of 2023 graduates!
We are thrilled to welcome you as the newest members of our HPA Alumni ʻohana!
We look forward to following along with you on your next adventure, wherever life may take you, so please be sure to keep in touch and send updates our way to alumni@hpa.edu. Mahalo to those of you who have already filled out the alumni contact form. For additional details, see this email.
We’ll see you next year at HPA Alumni Reunion Weekend from Thursday, May 30, to Sunday, June 2, 2024!
P.S. Save the Date for Alu Mai Gala 2023
Mark your calendars, Alu Mai 2023 is coming! It’s never too early to start planning for a FABULOUS party in support of a WONDERFUL cause! Save the date for this year’s Alu Mai Gala in Support of Financial Aid at HPA. Can’t wait to see you there!
ʻOhana Association Back-to-School Bash
On Sunday, August 13, 2023, all families and students are invited to our Back-to-School Bash hosted by our ʻOhana Association (Parents’ Association).
Day students
New and RETURNING students are expected to be on campus for a mandatory orientation session on Tuesday, August 15.
FAMILIES: On Monday, August 14, we will host campus tours, family information sessions, and our Ka Makani Showcase (highlighting programs at HPA).
Health & Wellness
The time of year for updating student health records has arrived. Returning students should have already begun to receive weekly email reminders from Magnus Health SMR. Please log-in and complete the requirements as soon as possible. Once the requirements are complete, the reminder emails with stop. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Health Services at infirmary@hpa.edu (Upper Campus) or vcinfirmary@hpa.edu (Village Campus).
Hawaii Poison Control Center has trained nurses, pharmacists, and toxicologists available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. They offer free advice, and it is 100% confidential. Their telephone number should be on everyone’s cell phone: 1-800-222-1222.
Hawaii CARES (formerly The Crisis Line of Hawaii) offers 24-hour-a-day, 7-days-a-week resources, including crisis and mental health resources and substance use treatment services. If you or someone you know need help, please call 9-8-8 or 1-800-753-6879 OR text ALOHA to 741741.
Isaacs Art Center
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 student’s family member 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.