Week of 9/26/25

What's Happening at HPA This Week?

Message from the Head of School

Aloha HPA ʻohana,

Think back. Would your younger, school-aged self rather: a) tour your parents around your school to meet your teachers, b) talk to an intervention specialist about the risks of addiction, or c) attend a middle-school dance?

This week, the answer is d. All of the above.

For those who selected answer b): I can remember my own drug prevention talk in the early 80’s in Trenton, New Jersey. That was during the years of the “scared straight” philosophy. I wasnʻt quite sure why they would ever let that guy come yell at a bunch of kids about drugs and situations we didnʻt quite understand, but I do remember thinking, I don’t want to be like him. So maybe it was a bit effective. Unfortunately, later data on that decade didn’t show much progress. In those same years, when at home between TV shows, a certain well known ad was constantly showing up – do you remember the cracking of the egg into the frying pan and the stern voice saying, “This is your brain. Now this is your brain on drugs” as the eggs sizzled in the pan? I may seriously be dating myself with this one…

At HPA, we’ve moved far beyond the old “scared straight” and data-dump approaches. Today, our focus is holistic, teaching students in age-appropriate ways about how substances affect the brain and body, while also building resilience, connection, and healthy habits. We focus on skills that matter at every stage: play and exercise for our youngest learners, stress management and goal-setting for adolescents, and safe decision-making for teens who will likely face real-world choices. Most importantly, research shows that belonging, trust, and strong relationships – with family, school, and peers – are the greatest protectors against substance misuse. Together, we share the work of creating safe, healthy environments where all children can thrive.

This week and next, we’re putting that holistic approach into action. Ian Groves from Atom Theory Prevention – a trusted partner to HPA for nearly ten years – is back on campus working with our students. Ian knows our programs, understands our kids, and has built strong relationships with staff, students, and families alike. He brings the latest insights in prevention, helping us all keep our children feeling safe, connected, and supported.

We are working hard at this at every division – education, community, connection, and responsibility to others and self. HPA remains a place of closeness and understanding. It is a place where every student is known and seen. A place where we take our collective responsibility for one another to heart. We have healthy, sometimes nerve rattling, activities throughout our weekend with a middle school dance, sport competitions, and my favorite, the annual HPA Keiki Triathlon. If you want to see some serious healthy competition, come see our kindergarten class swim, bike and run. These experiences invite students to stretch, discover, have fun, and grow in ways that build confidence and resilience.

Thank you for a great K-8 ʻOhana Days at our Village Campus. Thank you for a great parent and family giving season – go 4th grade! Thank you for your energy and commitment to our mission and the health and wellness of your children

I am grateful to be a leader in education during a time when best practices are rooted in understanding, belonging, and support – rather than egg-frying fear or punishment. This approach resonates with me personally and reflects the core values of HPA.

Have safe and fun-filled final days of September.

Gratefully,

Fred Wawner
Head of School

HPA FUND UPDATE

The race is on! Our lower school is leading the charge in the HPA Fund participation challenge. Fourth grade is holding strong in first place at 64% family participation, with second grade close behind at 60%, and first grade in third at 45%.

Which class will be the first to hit 100% participation? The winners will celebrate with a special surprise party—and every class that reaches 80% unlocks an additional $25,000 for the HPA Fund.

Make your gift

School Bulletins for the Week of 9/26/25

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!

Mahalo to all families who were able to make it to our Village Campus ʻOhana Day: Experience HPA! on Wednesday! I hope you enjoyed your time visiting our classrooms and learning spaces, and connecting with teachers and fellow families. What a pleasure it was to engage with so many of you and to witness the excitement of your children leading you on their school campus. We adore having our community at the Village Campus!
We look forward to seeing everyone again during Parent Teacher Conferences on Thursday, October 23 and Friday, October 24. A letter from the office will inform you when you can sign up via PTC Wizard. As always, families are welcome to schedule individual appointments outside of these community times to check in on their child’s learning and progress.
I hope to see many of you at our annual Keiki Triathlon this Sunday! Thank you to our ʻOhana Association for volunteering to support with refreshments and snacks for the end of their heats.
3rd-5th grade musical
- Along with 3rd- 5th-grade families, all students in Kindergarten-2nd grade will get to be in the audience supporting our upper elementary schoolmates at their performance on Wednesday, October 15.
- All Lower School students, K-5, should be picked up at GPAC between 2-2:15 pm on this day. Students heading to the After School program will be bussed back to the VC by our staff.
- 3rd-5th Morning Drop Offs (Monday, October 13 and Tuesday, October 14): 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders should be dropped off at GPAC on the Upper Campus between 7:40 and 8:00 am. They will be shuttled by bus to the Village Campus to finish the school day.

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 29.

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

• Sunday, September 28: Keiki Triathlon, Upper Campus

• Friday, October 10: LS & MS Faculty Workday, No Classes, Grades K-8

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

Keiki Triathlon

It’s triathlon season again! This year’s event will take place Sunday, September 28, at the Upper Campus from 9:00 to 11:00 am.

The objective of the Keiki Triathlon is to provide an opportunity to celebrate movement, learning, and our Core Values that are an integral part of our physical education and health classes.

Important Links:
Keiki Triathlon Information
Frequently Asked Question’s

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.

Video Highlight of the Week

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,

By the time this bulletin reaches your inbox, our Middle Schoolers will be gearing up to dance and celebrate at our yearly Back to School Dance. This year’s theme is “Into Space.” A huge mahalo to our ʻOhana Association and all of the support they provide in decorating our “space” and feeding our hungry Ka Makani at this great event. I also want to highlight the extra mile our faculty goes to ensure the safe supervision of our students during these events.

It was incredible to meet with you all during our ʻOhana Day afternoon this past Wednesday. Our Experience HPA Passports were a hit and it was delightful to engage our Student Council as leaders during the raffle process. Middle School teachers loved opening up their spaces to you all.

Here are some helpful highlights for the coming week:

• Guest Speaker: The Middle School is thrilled to welcome Ian Groves, a prevention specialist, to empower our students to make healthy choices and recognize signs of substance issues. This coming week, Mr. Groves will speak with our 7th-grade PE classes, 8th-grade Capstone students, and our entire school in both large and small formats.

• Mālama Kaiāulu Theme Week: A kind reminder that Mālama Kaiāulu Theme Week is Monday, October 6 to Thursday, October 9 and there is no school for students on Friday, October 10. Please read emails from your childʻs advisor closely for detailed information regarding each grade level’s trips. Our Mālama Kaiāulu Theme Week immerses each student in learning, service and fun on our incredible island and it is an essential part of our curriculum and programming.

• Upcoming: Details will be shared soon regarding our upcoming Parent/Teacher Conferences on October 23 and 24, along with our Spirit Week, October 27 – 31.

• Attention Middle School Performers: Kahilu Theater is holding auditions for A Charlie Brown Christmas. Click here for details.

With aloha,

Michael Cservenak
Middle School Principal

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