Week of 9/13/24
What's Happening at HPA This Week?
Message from the Head of School
Aloha HPA ʻohana,
“How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie roll?” Watching this cartoon commercial in the late 70’s, the kid had summoned a wise old owl to offer the answer. I was pretty sure that on my television, from my apartment, in Trenton, New Jersey, was about as close as I would ever come to seeing— let alone talking to — an owl of any kind. Fast forward four or so decades, and here we go.
Reason number 1,001 why this place is so special: for about a month now, I keep noticing a particular owl or pueo on our Upper Campus. A few of the times have been fairly significant, as I was working through things in my head during evening walks, looking for answers or at least a feeling of fortitude. I often take walks to get some air, change perspective – and sometimes – find some clarity in things. Often, I forget how I got to where I end up. You’ve been there, right?
As I told our staff at orientation this year, there are days that have me taking walks in the morning, afternoons, and evenings. I also shared with them my special place on campus and the things I look at when there. What I didn’t share, because at that time, I had only witnessed it once, was the owl that sometimes flies through the air during my walkabouts. It is so elegant and powerful, as if it is communicating something. I’m not a bird watcher or enthusiast, but for whatever reason, I can tell this bird is an owl and is different. After sightings over the last few months, I did a little research to see how different cultures view the owl. Similar characteristics come up, mainly as positive symbols of protection, support, guidance, and wisdom. I didn’t see anything with a negative connotation. Even the field mouse, it appears, was generally content and respectful of the owl, their competitive relationship, and its place in the world.
The owl is a powerful symbol across cultures around the world, often associated with wisdom, knowledge, and insight. In Greek mythology, the owl is linked to Athena, the goddess of wisdom. In many Native American traditions, the owl represents a protector and guide through life’s challenges. Across various cultures, the sighting of an owl often signifies a moment of clarity or a reminder to stay attentive and grounded, particularly in times of uncertainty.
In Hawaiʻi, the pueo, or Hawaiian short-eared owl, holds a deep cultural and spiritual significance. Unlike owls in other parts of the world, the pueo is often considered an ʻaumākua, a protective ancestral spirit or family deity in Hawaiian culture. It is believed that the pueo can appear as a guardian, guiding individuals through challenges, offering protection, and delivering important messages. After multiple sightings of the owl here on campus, I have come to look for it on my walks, excited when I see it, and assuming the best when I don’t. I figure it is a gift every time.
So here’s how I convinced myself to share the owl story in this week’s ASB. On Sunday, my wife and I went on a long, slow, jog on the eastern side of town. It is a special road many folks know for its beauty and long, rolling terrain. Well, I had reached the point in the run (not long for many of you runners, but long enough for me) that I was mentally and physically done — ready to stop or at least turn around. My wife let me know we weren’t to our goal yet and to keep moving forward. I didn‘t cry, but I wanted to. You know the feeling. Well doggonit if out of the corner of my eye, I don’t see a pueo gracefully cruising over the open pasture just to my right. I didn’t hear what it said, but didn’t really need to. The message was clear. I knew I needed to keep going, so I did. Keep going – I think thatʻs been the message each time.
As we stand one month into our school year, the sighting of an owl can serve as a meaningful reminder. Like the owl, with its keen vision in the dark, we are encouraged to maintain focus, even as the school year stretches ahead with much more to come. The owl teaches us to navigate challenges with wisdom and to trust that, though we may not always see the full path, we are capable of moving forward with clarity and purpose.
Just as an owl’s sharp senses allow it to adjust to the changing environment, so too must we adapt and persevere as we continue to learn and grow throughout the year. Whether the road ahead is smooth or filled with obstacles, the owl reminds us to remain calm, observant, and wise in our actions.
In a week that held the energy of a presidential debate and the emotions of 9/11 remembrances as well as uplifting days filled with K-8 pictures, swim units, Middle School clubs, Upper School Convocation, intense athletic competitions, and a start of school dance, I am grateful we are here together, moving forward.
Let this symbol of the owl inspire us to embrace the journey ahead, knowing that with patience, wisdom, and the courage to stay the course, we are well-equipped for the rest of the year.
By the way, for those of you who are old enough to remember the commercial, the answer is here.
Happy Aloha Friday!
Gratefully,
Fred Wawner
Head of School
Links:
Lower School Student-Parent Handbook, 2024-2025
Middle School Student-Parent Handbook, 2024-2025
Upper School Student-Parent Handbook, 2024-2025
School Bulletins for the Week of 9/13/24
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!
K-5 Dining
In response to the changing health safety landscape, teacher and student feedback, weather response logistics, and community observations — this school year, all Lower School students are enjoying a return to our Village Campus Dining Hall to eat lunch daily. We continue to have children eat lunch outside for particular occasions and on special days, but returning to routines indoors helps to support responsible dining and eating habits during our two lunch services, K-2nd and 3rd-5th. The first weeks of school, in addition to choosing their seats and getting accustomed to the dining hall, students participated in practicing the roles and responsibilities of being a responsible community member in the space — sweeping, wiping, spraying, and cleaning up after ourselves; composting, stacking, and collecting our wares; greeting and thanking our lunchroom staff, Uncle Kyle and Uncle Kane, as well as our rotational Lower School lunchroom duty teachers.
This week, our students also returned to a pre-COVID practice of participating in rotating lunch tables with students across different grade levels. Every few weeks, students are placed in new table groups to encourage making new connections, strengthening existing ones, reducing isolating behaviors, supporting children who may not have a buddy to sit with, and encouraging cross-level grade interactions and conversations. Among these and many other benefits, modeling and mentoring across our K-2 and 3rd-5th grade levels support our Lower School community to feel and encourage a sense of knowing and belonging, a moment in the day to practice haʻina, lōkahi, pilina, and kuleana in our small school community. “Open choice” seating opportunities will also be built in through these rotations so they can practice choice and reconnect with friends. We hope that students can feel encouraged to be open to this lunch practice (which may be new for some), and the teachers and I will continue gathering feedback and being responsive to what is working best for the children.
Scholastic Book Fair & Family Reading Guide
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming, Wednesday, September 18 through Thursday, September 19! Our students are excited to shop for their own books and every purchase at the fair benefits our Author Visit program! Our students have enjoyed many Newberry and award-winning authors visiting the Village Campus as a direct benefit of book fairs such as this, with thanks to you. Students will be visiting the fair during the day during designated class times, and they are also welcome to visit after school hours with their families. Note that popular “creator tools” will be available during the after-school hours of the book fair (this would include fun favorites like themed pens and pencils, journals, erasers, posters, and the like). Click here for more info about our fair. Mahalo for supporting our students and Author Visit program! Please reach out to our librarian, Mrs. Tarnas, at ktarnas@hpa.edu if you have any questions.
Families may also be interested to know that Scholastic has published a new family guide that goes through the stages of a child’s growth as a reader and their connection to self. In it, they reinforce just how important the relationship between families and their children’s teachers can be — and just how much of a cheerleader you are, particularly when a child is learning how to read. Thank you for partnering with us to support lifelong readers, and lifelong learners!
Aloha Festivals Paniolo Parade
For the first time in several years, the Aloha Festivals parade is returning to Waimea. This year’s theme is “Nā Paniolo Hoʻohanohano, Grand are the Cowboys”!
The Paniolo Parade is on Saturday, September 21, at 10:00 am and we would love to gather together and walk the parade as a school community! It would be amazing to have a collection of employees, students, and families walking in the parade in our HPA red shirts! In addition, everyone who signs up will receive a limited-edition 75th Anniversary HPA bandana (hot off the presses!) to wear while they walk the parade route!
The parade route starts at Waimea Park behind ʻĀnuenue playground, and goes through town all the way down to the Spencer Kalani Schutte District Park. If you and your ʻohana are interested, here is the sign-up form: HPA – Aloha Festivals Waimea Paniolo Parade – Saturday, September 21, 2024
According to event organizers, Aloha Festivals is the largest Hawaiian cultural celebration in the U.S. In 1946, Aloha Festivals began as “Aloha Week,” a cultural celebration of Hawaiʻi’s music, dance and history intended to perpetuate the islands’ unique traditions. A group of former Jaycees – known as the Jaycees Old-timers of Hawai‘i – had the vision to create a public celebration to honor Hawaiʻi’s heritage. In 1991, Aloha Week became Aloha Festivals. Aloha Festivals has become a statewide celebration of Hawaiian culture with major events on all islands.
We hope you will consider joining us in the parade!
Save the Date for our Village Campus ʻOhana Day: Wednesday, September 18!
Mark your calendars and please plan to join us for Village Campus ʻOhana Day: Experience HPA! on Wednesday, September 18, from 2:00 to 5:30 pm. Plan for an afternoon that includes classroom visits to each of your child’s grade-level, advisory, and specialty classes. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with our incredible HPA faculty and see your child(ren) engaged in their daily learning spaces.
If you would like to attend Experience HPA!, please RSVP here by Sunday, September 15 at 5:00 pm (HST).
For more information, please review this email from Thursday, September 5.
Have a wonderful weekend, Lower School ʻohana!
Me ke aloha pumehana,
Dora Kwong
Lower School Principal
Portrait of a Graduate: We need your input!
We are also in the process of developing our school’s Portrait of a Graduate, and we need your help! This process aims to define the qualities and skills we hope all our students will embody upon graduation from HPA. With a foundation in our Core Values of respect, integrity, wonder, and pursuit of excellence, we are asking parents to contribute their ideas on the qualities they would like their children to possess and what they hope our teachers will model for them in the classroom.
To gather your valuable input, we have created a survey that we encourage all parents to complete. Your feedback is crucial in helping us shape a vision for our graduates that reflects our shared aspirations for their future.
We are excited to work together to enrich our students’ experiences and help them grow in multiple dimensions. Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement in our school community.
Kīpona Scholarships
Kīpona Scholarships for the 2025-26 school year are open now through December 1. Offered through Kamehameha Schools, eligible applicants must be entering grade 6 or 9 (current 5th and 8th graders), and be a Hawai‘i resident. (Lived continuously in Hawai‘i for at least 12 months of application date.) More details and the application are available here. Current Kīpona Scholarship recipients must reapply by December 1.
It is with great pride that we officially announce the beginning of 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, September 16.
As a reminder, there are no K-12 classes on Friday, September 20, as it is a Faculty Work Day.
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
• Wednesday, September 18 at 2:00 to 5:30 pm: Village Campus ʻOhana Day: Experience HPA!
• Wednesday, September 18 at 2:00 pm: Early Release Wednesday
• Friday, September 20: Faculty Work Day, all divisions, no classes K-12
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
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,
In addition to keeping you up to date on the learning going on at Middle School, I also want to personally invite and welcome you to our ʻOhana Day: Experience HPA! event this coming Wednesday, September 18, from 2:00 to 5:30 pm. This is a chance to meet our whole team and set the stage for the rest of the school year. It also serves as my first in person introduction to our school community beyond our student assemblies, so I hope to see you there! Please RSVP here by Sunday, September 15 at 5:00 pm (HST), if you haven’t already done so. For more information, please review this email from Thursday, September 5.
I am also excited to share the fantastic experiential learning opportunities that our students have been engaging with each week on Thursday afternoons. These sessions are a cornerstone of our commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
Last Thursday, our 6th graders participated in engaging lessons and demonstrations centered around the theme of belonging. Through these activities, they explored what it means to be a part of our school community and how each individual’s unique qualities contribute to the whole. In addition to these meaningful discussions, students had the opportunity to explore the Taylor Library, expanding their love for learning and curiosity.
Our 7th graders worked closely with our Educational Technology Specialist, Ms. Monello, to create their “About Me” videos. This project allowed them to work in pairs to showcase their individuality and personal stories. It was a wonderful chance for them to reflect on their identities and learn new skills in filming and editing, all while celebrating what makes each of them unique.
The 8th graders began designing their kīhei in preparation for their 8th-grade Transition Ceremony in May. This meaningful activity not only allows them to express their creativity but also connects them with our school traditions, symbolizing their journey and growth at HPA.
These Thursday afternoon sessions enable our school community to build systems, engage in place-based culture, and develop character together. It is through these shared experiences that we reflect our Core Values and strengthen the bonds that unite us as a school.
Looking ahead, please note that this coming week will be a four-day week for students, as our faculty and staff will have a professional learning and work day on Friday. We appreciate your support and understanding as we continue to work on enhancing the educational experience for all our students.
Thank you for being such an integral part of our community. Together, we continue to make HPA Middle School a place to learn like no other.
Aloha Festivals Paniolo Parade
For the first time in several years, the Aloha Festivals parade is returning to Waimea. This year’s theme is “Nā Paniolo Hoʻohanohano, Grand are the Cowboys”!
The Paniolo Parade is on Saturday, September 21, at 10:00 am and we would love to gather together and walk the parade as a school community! It would be amazing to have a collection of employees, students, and families walking in the parade in our HPA red shirts! In addition, everyone who signs up will receive a limited-edition 75th Anniversary HPA bandana (hot off the presses!) to wear while they walk the parade route!
The parade route starts at Waimea Park behind ʻĀnuenue playground, and goes through town all the way down to the Spencer Kalani Schutte District Park. If you and your ʻohana are interested, here is the sign-up form: HPA – Aloha Festivals Waimea Paniolo Parade – Saturday, September 21, 2024
According to event organizers, Aloha Festivals is the largest Hawaiian cultural celebration in the U.S. In 1946, Aloha Festivals began as “Aloha Week,” a cultural celebration of Hawaiʻi’s music, dance and history intended to perpetuate the islands’ unique traditions. A group of former Jaycees – known as the Jaycees Old-timers of Hawai‘i – had the vision to create a public celebration to honor Hawaiʻi’s heritage. In 1991, Aloha Week became Aloha Festivals. Aloha Festivals has become a statewide celebration of Hawaiian culture with major events on all islands.
We hope you will consider joining us in the parade!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Mahalo nui loa,
Michael Cservenak
Middle School Principal
Portrait of a Graduate: We need your input!
We are also in the process of developing our school’s Portrait of a Graduate, and we need your help! This process aims to define the qualities and skills we hope all our students will embody upon graduation from HPA. With a foundation in our Core Values of respect, integrity, wonder, and pursuit of excellence, we are asking parents to contribute their ideas on the qualities they would like their children to possess and what they hope our teachers will model for them in the classroom.
To gather your valuable input, we have created a survey that we encourage all parents to complete. Your feedback is crucial in helping us shape a vision for our graduates that reflects our shared aspirations for their future.
We are excited to work together to enrich our students’ experiences and help them grow in multiple dimensions. Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement in our school community.
Kīpona Scholarships
Kīpona Scholarships for the 2025-26 school year are open now through December 1. Offered through Kamehameha Schools, eligible applicants must be entering grade 6 or 9 (current 5th and 8th graders), and be a Hawai‘i resident. (Lived continuously in Hawai‘i for at least 12 months of application date.) More details and the application are available here. Current Kīpona Scholarship recipients must reapply by December 1.
It is with great pride that we officially announce the beginning of 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, September 16.
As a reminder, there are no K-12 classes on Friday, September 20, as it is a Faculty Work Day.
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
• Wednesday, September 18 at 2:00 to 5:30 pm: Village Campus ʻOhana Day: Experience HPA!
• Wednesday, September 18 at 2:00 pm: Early Release Wednesday
• Friday, September 20: Faculty Work Day, all divisions, no classes K-12
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
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 into campus culture while sharing updates with 9-12 day and Residential Life students and parents on everything taking place, from academics to athletics and the arts.
From the desk of your Upper School leadership team
Aloha Upper School families,
The expansion of my role as Faculty Growth Coordinator has been truly rewarding. Our faculty is incredibly talented, dedicating themselves to all aspects of school life while demonstrating exceptional leadership and expertise in the classroom. As a team, we have all set professional goals to energize and inspire us, driving improvement in student outcomes. The ongoing growth and development of our faculty directly enhance student achievement and empower us to create dynamic and effective learning environments.
In the last week, I observed Aimee Donoho’s Spanish I students moving to music while practicing vocabulary, Nanci Morse’s sophomore English class analyzing themes and thinking deeply about Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist (a must-read if you haven’t done so already), and was delighted to listen to Mario Flores’ Music Ensemble practicing Mozart’s Symphony No. 1 in G major. It has been a joyful week of learning for all of us.
Embracing growth opportunities cultivates a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, resulting in a stronger, more cohesive learning community. I am honored to observe our faculty in action and provide support as we strive to enhance our skills and perfect our craft.
Daena Craven
Faculty Growth Coordinator
HPA parent Henoch Heimana and student photographer Kelen K. ’26 contributed to this week’s gallery images.
Aloha Festivals Paniolo Parade
For the first time in several years, the Aloha Festivals parade is returning to Waimea. This year’s theme is “Nā Paniolo Hoʻohanohano, Grand are the Cowboys”!
The Paniolo Parade is on Saturday, September 21, at 10:00 am and we would love to gather together and walk the parade as a school community! It would be amazing to have a collection of employees, students, and families walking in the parade in our HPA red shirts! In addition, everyone who signs up will receive a limited-edition 75th Anniversary HPA bandana (hot off the presses!) to wear while they walk the parade route!
The parade route starts at Waimea Park behind ʻĀnuenue playground, and goes through town all the way down to the Spencer Kalani Schutte District Park. If you and your ʻohana are interested, here is the sign-up form: HPA – Aloha Festivals Waimea Paniolo Parade – Saturday, September 21, 2024
According to event organizers, Aloha Festivals is the largest Hawaiian cultural celebration in the U.S. In 1946, Aloha Festivals began as “Aloha Week,” a cultural celebration of Hawaiʻi’s music, dance and history intended to perpetuate the islands’ unique traditions. A group of former Jaycees – known as the Jaycees Old-timers of Hawai‘i – had the vision to create a public celebration to honor Hawaiʻi’s heritage. In 1991, Aloha Week became Aloha Festivals. Aloha Festivals has become a statewide celebration of Hawaiian culture with major events on all islands.
We hope you will consider joining us in the parade!
Portrait of a Graduate: We need your input!
We are also in the process of developing our school’s Portrait of a Graduate, and we need your help! This process aims to define the qualities and skills we hope all our students will embody upon graduation from HPA. With a foundation in our Core Values of respect, integrity, wonder, and pursuit of excellence, we are asking parents to contribute their ideas on the qualities they would like their children to possess and what they hope our teachers will model for them in the classroom.
To gather your valuable input, we have created a survey that we encourage all parents to complete. Your feedback is crucial in helping us shape a vision for our graduates that reflects our shared aspirations for their future.
We are excited to work together to enrich our students’ experiences and help them grow in multiple dimensions. Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement in our school community.
It is with great pride that we officially announce the beginning of 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 a Mamo day with in-person instruction on our Upper Campus on Monday, September 16.
As a reminder, there are no K-12 classes on Friday, September 20, as it is a Faculty Work Day.
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, September 20: Faculty Work Day, all divisions, no classes K-12
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
Ka Makani Athletics
Another fall season is ready to roll. Let the games begin! Here’s the updated fall athletic schedule and the weekly schedule. GO KA MAKANI! You can also access the athletics schedule on the myHPA calendar.
Back-t0-School Dance: Friday, September 13
The school year is off to a great start, and to celebrate, our sophomore class is hosting a Back-to-School Dance on Friday, September 13, 2024. The decor and refreshments for the dance will be tied to a Glow The Sea theme. We encourage students to join in the school spirit and dress up in theme attire.
Who: HPA students. This dance is only open to currently enrolled HPA students.
When: Friday, September 13, from 6:30 to 9:00 pm.
Location: Kennedy Square and Ko Kākou Hale, student union
Tickets: Free of charge!
Dress Code: Students may opt to dress more formally, but it is not necessary. All attire must adhere to the HPA dress code. If you would like to wear white, it will make the glow-in-the-dark effect more visible.
Refreshments: Light refreshments and snacks will be provided.
Parking; Drof off and Pick up for Day Students: Please enter the first entrance and proceed to the Day Student Parking Lot (in front of Rutgers Tennis Center). Drop off no earlier than 6:30 pm. Please make arrangements to pick up your child no later than 9:15 pm. All sophomore students must be off campus by 9:30 pm. HPA students who wish to drive themselves must park in the Day Student Parking Lot.
Attendance: As this dance is FREE, students must express their intent by signing up ahead of time and completing the conduct form. You will be entered into a raffle for a 20$ Starbucks gift card. If you do not pre-sign up, you may still attend the dance, but you will have to complete the conduct form and sign up when you enter the dance via a QR code. All students must check in no earlier than 7:00 pm. To ensure their safety, students will be asked to sign in upon arrival and sign out before leaving.
Student Council: All HPA dances and proms are drug, alcohol, vape, and nicotine-free. Any student suspected of being under the influence will have parents called, and they will be held for parent pick-up and are subject to an administrative hearing.
- All students who sign up early to attend will be assigned a Dance Student Conduct Form in myHPA that must be completed by noon on Wednesday, September 11.
- Please refer to the Student Behavior Expectations section in the Upper School Student-Parent Handbook, 2023-2024.
- All students must be passing Citizenship ( three or less conduct points) by end of day on Wednesday, September 11.
Leaving the Dance Early: If a student leaves the dance area before the end of the dance (returns to their car, dormitory, etc.), they will not be readmitted. Students must sign out, and HPA will contact the parents of day students to obtain permission for them to leave should they depart before 8:15 pm.
Boundaries: Students must remain in the immediate area of the dance. Other areas of the campus are strictly off-limits.
Mahalo: Mahalo to the sophomore student Class Representatives Jasmine Larson, Robert McIntosh, and Lili Negulescu Class Dean: Robyn Brewer, and the Class of 2027 Class Leaders: Willie Quayle & Vaipuarii Tapiero-Kight for working together and with us to put this dance together. Other chaperones for the dance will include members of the Class of 2027 advisory team.
Safety is our primary concern for students, particularly those driving at night. Please note the dance will end promptly at 9:00 pm, and all-day students must be off campus no later than 9:30 pm.
Day Student Check-in and Check-out
Starting Monday, September 9, students may stop checking in at the Student Life Center once they are able to show that they have downloaded the app Safe2SpeakUp. Until the app is downloaded and they have logged in successfully, day students will still be required to check in before attending their first commitment of the day, even if they are running late to class. Students must sign out at the Student Life Center if they are leaving campus before their last commitment of the day, including athletics and co-curriculars. If a student is returning to campus during the academic day, they must sign in at the Student Life Center before heading to class along with a note from their appointment.
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)
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.
Ka Makani Travel
Ka Makani Travel, HPA’s student travel program, is offering four trips for the 2024-25 school year:
- Thanksgiving 2024 – New York City: An Urban Adventure (tentative itinerary & cost); the deadline to enroll and full payment is due Friday, September 20, 2024 → space available
- Spring Break 2025 – Japan: Land of the Rising Sun with EF Tours, the deadline to enroll is November 8, 2024 → limited space available
- Spring Break 2025 – The Alps and the Mediterranean Coast with EF Tours; the deadline to enroll is November 8, 2024 → available
Please contact Ka Makani Travel Coordinator Adrienne White (awhite@hpa.edu) for information on registration, eligibility, and travel grants.
Outdoor Programs
HPA’s Outdoor Program is planning a trip to Kauaʻi from Wednesday, November 27 through Sunday, December 1, 2024. It is a five-day adventure trip packed full of outdoor activities including hiking along the famous Nā Pali Coast, surfing lessons in Hanalei Bay, ziplining adventures, mountain tubing, kayaking, visiting waterfalls, and more. We will be staying in rustic beachside yurts. The cost of the trip is $1,600 and is inclusive of flights, transportation and accommodations, all meals, activities and gratuities. Click here for additional trip details.
Spots are limited! The deadline to apply is Friday, September 20: Thanksgiving on Kauaʻi Student Application 2024
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.
Residential Life
One month into school, and our residential community is getting into its groove! This coming weekend is in many ways emblematic of life at school, with the Back-to-School dance on Friday, our first home football game on Saturday, two different Outdoor Program trips, a collaboration with local businesses for a karaoke night in town, and all manner of other activities happening on or around campus this weekend!
However, as we settle more comfortably into our routines, it is also important to continue to develop our students’ independence. At the start of the year, our new students had a lot of information thrown at them, and naturally some of our parents stepped in to help. Specifically, some parents are submitting leave requests for their child on Orah, and we would like to encourage all of our parents to help us guide our students along their journey by having them submit these requests themselves. As with all things, there will be a learning curve, but if we work together now, you, your child, and the school will soon begin to reap the benefits of a more independent and self-determined student! Thank you for your support in this endeavor. For additional information, be sure to carefully review the email sent out on Thursday, September 5, regarding our procedures for signing out using Orah when our Residential Life students wish to leave campus. It also reiterates HPA travel dates, which are when HPA provides transportation to and from the Kona airport for scheduled school breaks. If you have any questions, please contact HPA’s Student Life and Travel Coordinator, LeeAnn Ganley, at travel@hpa.edu.
College Counseling
College Visits, September 16 – September 20, 2024
Monday, September 16: University of Rochester (Rochester, NY) 8:00 – 8:30 am
Monday, September 16: Creighton University (Omaha, NE) 9:15 – 9:45 am
Tuesday, September 17: Lewis & Clark College (Portland, OR) 11:45 am – 12:15 pm
Wednesday, September 18: Oregon State University (Corvallis, OR) 11:45 am – 12:15 pm
College Counseling Parent Night Recordings and Slides
Junior Parent Night: Recording and Slides
Mahalo to those who were able to join us this week for our Junior Parent Night presentation. For those who were unable to attend, attached are the presentation slides as well as a recording of the presentation. All juniors and their parents should have received an email invitation to Scoir. Please follow the link to register for your parent account. In the coming months, please feel free to “suggest” colleges for your student by adding these schools to the “Suggested” column on your student’s My Colleges page in Scoir. It will also be very helpful if you encourage your student to complete each of the short tasks that college counseling has assigned in Scoir. Reach out if you have any trouble accessing Scoir. Thank you for your support and partnership. We look forward to working with you and your students in the year ahead.
Senior Parent Night: Recording and Slides
Mahalo to those who joined us this week for our Senior Parent Night presentation. For those who were unable to attend, here are the presentation slides, as well as a recording of the meeting. The Parent Input Form that we referenced is also attached here. Mahalo for completing this by October 1, if you have not already done so. To access the resource tiles we highlighted in our presentation, please log into your myHPA account, open the “Groups” tab where you will see “College Counseling 12.” If you are having trouble accessing your student’s Scoir account, email college@hpa.edu.
Important: All new seniors and any seniors planning on applying Early Action, Restrictive Early Action, or Early Decision are required to schedule their first appointments with Mr. Kelsey and Ms. Montgomery by the end of the August. Before your appointment, please review our list of tasks below that you should try to complete in advance of your first senior meeting.
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 are a new senior, or are unsure of your assigned counselor, please contact us directly at college@hpa.edu.
Register for the SAT and/or ACT and Test Prep (if appropriate)
We will offer the following SAT and ACT tests at HPA. Seniors register and pay for these tests by logging on to their College Board or ACT accounts and paying with a credit card. Listed below are the fall test dates that will be offered on the HPA Upper Campus this fall.
SAT Dates – Fall 2024
- Saturday, October 5 (registration deadline September 20)
- Saturday, November 2 (registration deadline October 18)
- Saturday, December 7 (registration deadline November 22)
ACT Dates – Fall 2024
- Saturday, September 14 (late registration deadline has passed)
- Saturday, October 26 (registration deadline September 20)
- Saturday, December 14 (registration deadline November 18)
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.
Paniolo Parade: Saturday, September 21, at 10:00 am
We would love to gather together and walk the parade as an HPA school community! Rock your HPA red and, in addition, everyone who signs up will receive a limited-edition 75th Anniversary HPA bandana (hot off the presses!) to wear while they walk the parade route!
Admissions
Our application for the 2025-2026 academic year is now available! We are excited to welcome the new season of admissions! Be sure to apply for a sibling and share it with your friends and family.
If you are a current family applying for a new child for the 2025-2026 school year, go to myHPA and find the “To apply a new child to HPA” resource tile.
Our admissions team is on the road in a variety of locations locally and around the world to meet up with prospective students, parents, alumni, and more! We look forward to many good times together as we dive into the new school year. Mahalo for your partnership and enthusiasm for HPA!
Advancement & Alumni
As we kick off the new school year, we are filled with gratitude for your incredible generosity in support of our outstanding students and programs.
Looking ahead, we are excited to work together with our HPA community of families, alumni, and friends to carry last year’s extraordinary momentum forward with purpose and aloha for HPA.
Health and Wellness
In partnership with Waimea Primary Care, HPA is offering our annual flu clinic on two upcoming dates at the end of this month. While the influenza vaccine is not required, we highly encourage students, faculty, and family members to get vaccinated.
You do not have to attend the clinic that aligns with your division. Please feel free to sign up for whichever one works best for your schedule.
Upper Campus
Date: Friday, September 27, 2024
Time: 12:00 to 2:30 pm
Where: HPA Upper Campus, Gates Performing Arts Theater *Parent/guardian attendance NOT required
Village Campus
Date: Friday, September 27, 2024
Time: 3:00 to 4:30 pm
Where: HPA Village Campus, Kohala Field
*Parent/guardian must be present
Please register in advance by the end of the day, Friday, September 20, using the form below, and bring both and ID and insurance card with you to the clinic.
Click here for the Waimea Primary Care Influenza sign-up link
For Students, Employees, and Adults:
Influenza vaccines provided by Waimea Primary Care are the following:
- Flucelvax Quadrivalent, Preservative-free (Children and Adults)
- Fluzone High-Dose, Preservative-free (Adults 65+)
The brand of vaccine used is based on availability of supply. On the day of vaccination, you will be informed, by Waimea Primary Care, of the vaccine received. Most insurance companies — including Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association (HMSA), LewerMark, Aetna, United Health Alliance (UHA), Hawaii Medical Assurance Association (HMAA) — cover the cost of the influenza vaccinations. Kaiser insurance is NOT eligible. Please reach out to your insurance provider to determine your eligibility for coverage.
We encourage you to contact your physician or child(ren)’s physician if you have any questions about the seasonal influenza vaccine. You also may speak to any of HPA’s Registered Nurses by contacting either of our infirmaries:
Upper Campus: (808) 881-4022, infirmary@hpa.edu
Village Campus: (808) 885-2504, vcinfirmary@hpa.edu
Links:
Waimea Primary Care Influenza sign-up link
CDC Influenza Vaccine Information Statement
Flucelvax Quadrivalent
Fluzone High-Dose
Magnus Health forms are now overdue. Please log into your child’s Magnus Health portal, via your myHPA parent account, to complete outstanding items. Students will not be allowed to attend classes if these items are not completed. If you have any issues logging in, reach out to infirmary@hpa.edu for assistance, as soon as possible so we can help.
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
We hope you had the opportunity to review our welcome letter from ʻOhana Association President Annette Hodges.
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!
Save the date for our first ‘Ohana Association General Meeting and Parent Mixer on Thursday, September 19. All are welcome to attend! Come meet your fellow Ka Makani parents, and learn more about what the ‘Ohana Association is all about! The event will be held at the Isaacs Art Center adjacent to the Village Campus. More details to follow.
We are excited about the first Middle School event of the year, the Middle School Dance, on Friday, September 27, from 6:00 to 8:30 pm in Hale ʻĪnana. To help make this a great night for our students, we need your help! There are many ways to get involved — check out the sign-up sheet here.
While the kids are dancing the night away, the ʻOhana Association will host the Middle School parents at Isaacs Art Center for some fun of their own! Join us for lively conversation, pūpūs and refreshments. Please RSVP, we look forward to seeing you!
Isaacs Art Center
We hope you had the opportunity to read the welcome letter from our Isaacs Art Center Director Mollie Hustace.
Become a Docent at the Isaacs Art Center
As we continue to grow and expand our outreach, we are looking for passionate individuals to join our team of volunteer docents. We are particularly in need of docents on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you or someone you know has a love for art and education and would like to contribute to our mission, we would be thrilled to have you on board.
This is a unique opportunity to engage with the art and culture of Hawai‘i, connect with our community, and make a meaningful impact.
If you’re interested or know someone who might be, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We would love to discuss how you can be a part of this special endeavor.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to support the Isaacs Art Center and the Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy community.
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.