Week of 9/12/25

What's Happening at HPA This Week?

Message from the Head of School

Aloha HPA ʻohana,

Earlier this month I had the opportunity to get my hands in the dirt. As I’ve gotten a little older, I have grown to really enjoy gardening and cooking — and they should, and do, interconnect for most. But for me, they seem to remain separate and not that equal. I cook all the time and enjoy the peace and head space it provides (Eddie Vedder radio pandora station on loud firing up my grandmaʻs Sunday sauce). Gardening is a little different. The Upper Campus is our home, making for a an expansive and inspiring planting canvas. I think about what I can contribute to the landscape, what I would like to put in the ground and help to grow, but don’t often take the time to truly dig in.

This late afternoon, close to sunset, was a little different. I’ve had my eyes on a few different seedlings that were planted around campus at different times and through student and native planting projects over the last year or so. I was checking in on these, while planting a few new ones, digging, weeding, adding soil, and lastly — often most critical — building in a layer of protection.

Each unique seedling gets surrounded with small lava rocks, creating both a protective and sturdy base, while providing a natural catchment in order to store any moisture that presents itself in our recent arid air. At a minimum, it prevents young ones from getting stepped on. This can be a meticulous process that gives the small tree the best chance to thrive in an environment that can be challenging, and at times, quite brutal. I love this concept and the important role the rocks play in the protection, nurturing, and eventual growth of the plant. They provide just the right space and support for integrity to root and stems to reach.

In a time where we are shaken by news of violence in familiar spaces and across the world, this concept and vital calling to care and nurture is clear. We parents, educators, and gardeners are connected through the same core foundations. We are thoughtful and intentional in our planning, consistent in the care and support we provide, and guided by hope and love for what — and whom — we are cultivating.

The activity of teaching and coaching, or planting and watering, requires a mindset and level of compassion and humility that is a selfless service to others. Much like the foundational rocks surrounding the seedlings, we provide the windbreak, the structure, and the nurturing environment that stabilizes and allows growth to occur safely, carefully, and naturally.

At each stop across campus, I pulled away the rocks from their original placement, dug out weeds, added a little soil, some water, and mostly just positive vibes, knowing they only need this amount of support and protection for what will be a short time in their lives. Over and over again, I tried to follow the same process, in hopes that each small tree will eventually gather the nutrients it needs to root, grow, and thrive in order to then give back mightily to its surrounding environment. Knowing that I have played a part in this beautiful and bounding ecosystem is magnificent and an honor.

Just as the lava rocks surround and embrace with the perfect balance, know that our everyday actions, constant thoughts, and caring energy do the same for our young people. Let’s hold them close this weekend.

Happy Aloha Friday!

Gratefully

Fred Wawner
Head of School

School Bulletins for the Week of 9/12/25

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.

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Pilina: Weekly Highlights Connecting Us on Campus

Bringing together highlights, stories, and connections from across our Lower School community this week.

Aloha Lower School ʻOhana!

• Scholastic Book Fair: We cannot wait to see you at the Scholastic Book Fair on September 17 and 18

• Photo Retakes: Village Campus photo retakes will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 8:30am – 9:00am. If you choose for your child(ren) to have their photo retaken, they will need to return their entire photo package to the VC Office or bring it on the photo retake day. Students who were absent on the original photo day will also have their photo taken on this day.

• Lower School Student Council: All students in 1st grade through 5th grade have the opportunity to submit ideas for the chance to be elected to the Lower School Student Council. Talk with your child about their application! Each class runs its own elections independently, and two students are elected from each grade level. Elected representatives will meet with Ms. Kwong weekly to share ideas and collaborate on community service projects and activities on behalf of the lower school! The Student Council leaders will rotate three times in a school year, so children have multiple opportunities to be considered for these leadership positions.

• Specialist Teachers: Specialist Teachers have posted learning guides and newsletters on myHPA. After logging in, click on your child’s name and you will see “LS Specialists” under Courses. From there, click on Topics and you can explore the various Specialist topics.

Important Reminders:

Attendance: If you are picking up your child early, let us know so we can prepare your student and have them ready when you arrive. Email vcattendance@hpa.edu or call directly at 808-885-2500

‘Ohana Days: Please be sure to RSVP for Village Campus ʻOhana Day: Experience HPA! On Wednesday, September 24.

Check It Out:

Queer Youth Circus Club offers self-identifying queer youth 11+ (and allies, friends and supporters) an exciting setting to learn new skills, hang out and have fun with a network of like-minded community peers and instructors! Check it out at Aerial Arts Hawaii in Hilo: Queer Youth Circus Club! | Aerial Arts Hawai’i

Have a wonderful weekend, Lower School ʻohana!

Me ka mahalo nui,

Dora Kwong
Lower School Principal

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4.9.26 Lower School with UC Capstone_Dylan Vincent_Gyotaku Painting Demo

Schedule

Our K-5 classes continue with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, September 15.

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

• Monday, September 16: Join us for coffee, Upper Campus at the Ka Makani Cafe, all parents and alumni welcome, 8:30 – 9:30 am

• Wednesday, September 17 to Thursday, September 18: Scholastic Book Fair

• Friday, September 19: Lower & Middle School Faculty Workday, No Classes, Grades K-8

• Wednesday, September 24: ʻOhana Day: Experience HPA

• Wednesday, October 15: 3rd-5th Grade Musical Performance, GPAC

Scholastic Book Fair

We’re excited to host our Scholastic Book Fair on Wednesday, September 17, and Thursday, September 18 in the Taylor Library

This much-loved event is a highlight for our students, and we’d love your help to make it a success. If you’re available, please share your availability here: Book Fair Volunteer Form

Please visit our Book Fair Homepage to set up your child(ren) eWallet for the fair.

Questions? Stop by the library or contact Ms. Tarnas at ktarnas@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, 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.

HPA Fund - It Takes All of Us

Powering Possibilities

The HPA Fund powers everything that makes HPA extraordinary—every student, teacher, classroom, and program. From financial aid to capstone projects, libraries to gardens, giving to the HPA Fund fuels the wonder our students experience every day. Our overall HPA Fund goal is $800,000, and every gift counts. What matters most is participation—when we all join in, every student benefits.

Each year, tuition covers most—but not all—of the cost of an HPA education. The difference, or “gap,” makes up the rest. This year, that gap is $1,290 per student. Collective support for the HPA Fund helps us reach 100% participation and fills the gap, ensuring that we can continue to provide the outstanding HPA experience for every Ka Makani. It takes all of us!

All-in Party!

Each class that reaches 100% family participation in the HPA Fund between now and December will earn a pizza party to celebrate the accomplishment! And the first class to get there will receive a special surprise gift!

Donor Offers $25,000 per class! Yes, you read that right—$25,000 per class!

To sweeten the deal, an anonymous donor has stepped forward with an incredible challenge: for each class that reaches at least 80% participation, this donor will give $25,000 to the HPA Fund. This is a true game-changer for our HPA Fund effort, and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with you. Make your gift today and help us unlock this amazing gift and get this friendly inter-class competition underway!

Many thanks to those who have already given. Join in, everyone!

Support the HPA Fund

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.

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Pilina: Weekly Highlights Connecting Us on Campus

Bringing together highlights, stories, and connections from across our Middle School community this week.

Aloha Middle School Parents and Families,

Thanks for a great week. Please see these important updates below:

• Middle School Student Council: Last week marked the first meetings with our Middle School Student Council. We established norms rooted in the fundamentals of civil discourse and got to business, deciding on a theme for our Back to School Dance.

• Back-to-School Dance: Our theme for this year’s dance is “Into Space.” Hale ‘Īnana will be decorated with planets, stars and spaceships of all kinds to celebrate our “launch” into this school year so far. ʻOhana Association will be reaching out to 7th-grade families about serving as the primary decorating team for this dance, while food donations are welcome from all families. ‘Ohana Association will host a Middle School Parent mixer concurrently at Isaacʻs Art Center. The dance is from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 26.

7th Grade Families: Please see this letter soliciting your support to decorate Hale ‘Īnana for the Dance.

• Service Learning: Next week on Thursday, September 18, our 6th graders will engage in their first service learning experiential work time on the Waimea Trail. This ongoing work has maintained and expanded this essential walking and biking trail for our community for years. Please make sure your 6th grader wears comfortable shoes suited to yard work and to be prepared with a water bottle, hat and sun block.

Important Reminders:

Cell Phone Usage: Kind reminder that all expectations regarding cell phones and Yondr pouches for Middle School students extend to our After School programs. Middle Schoolers can use phones in the pick up/drop off area between school and after school to make contact home and get permission to contact home during after school sessions. Ms. DeMille can help with any clarification of that process after school.

Faculty Work Day: September 15 – 18 is a four-day school week for K-8 students; there is no school for students on Friday, September 19, for a Faculty PD and workday.

With aloha,

Michael Cservenak
Middle School Principal

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