BOARDING DECEMBER 2023
REPORT
BOARDING REPORT | DECEMBER 2023
Notes from the dorms
Director of Residential Life, Hamilton Ford ’05 Aloha residential students and families! As we approach the end of the Fall semester, it is a great time to reflect on the many experiences our students have had so far this year, as well as some of the different ways we seek to help our students develop. In addition to the many experiential programs such as the Outdoor Program, Tuesday Night Leagues, athletics, classes, student clubs, and more, we also take time to have important conversations with our boarding students — the kinds of conversations that a family might have around the dinner table. As part of our Residential Life “Purpose and Goals,” we seek to develop the whole student, and use our Residential Curriculum to address a number of topics. On Monday night of each week, our residential students will gather in one of five settings—by dorm, by hall, in small groups, as a whole residential community, or at Formal Dinner. At these meetings, in addition to announcements and reminders, we frequently discuss topics around health and wellness, caring for your community, personal development, Hawaiian culture, among many others. Our mission is to equip our students with the skills they need to navigate various aspects of their lives effectively. This includes developing the ability to manage different types of relationships they will encounter in the future. These relationships may encompass social interactions with friends and roommates, romantic partnerships with future significant others, professional connections with professors or supervisors, and even their interactions with the environment, technology, and social media. Our intention is that by engaging in these conversations and learning how to listen to one another, they will be better prepared for life after HPA. As you prepare to welcome your children home for Winter Break, we hope that we are sending them to you happy, excited to spend time with you, and maybe a little wiser. We wish you all a happy holiday season, and look forward to seeing all of our students back in January!
The ‘Why’ Behind the Residential Life Program As we reflect on the Fall semester, we wanted to share with all of our families what our purpose and goals in Residential Life are here at HPA. There is not a set playbook or precise recipe for achieving these goals and living up to this purpose. But rather they are a guide for us, as we make decisions on policy, programs, and the student experience. The learning we strive for is achieved through the accumulation of lots of little lessons, distributed through our programs, relationships, and myriad other experiences.
Purpose Statement The purpose of the Residential Life Program at HPA is to promote the development of students as ethically sound individuals and responsible community members in an enriching environment where students from Hawai‘i and the world come to live and learn with each other. The program focuses on the growth of the whole student while striving to positively affect the intellectual, physical, emotional, social, and philosophical aspects of each student.
Residential Life Goals • A safe, healthy, and nurturing community designed to enhance the continual learning process that takes place intentionally and naturally. • Competent learners who are independent, resourceful, inquisitive, and creative. • Sophisticated and perceptive thinkers. • Effective communicators who listen objectively and critically.
• Culturally-aware individuals who respond to cultural differences with understanding, knowledge, and consideration. • Responsible individuals with sound ethical foundations. • Wholesome young students who set high standards for themselves while also leading lives that are intellectually, physically, emotionally, and spiritually balanced.
BOARDING REPORT | DECEMBER 2023
Voices from the Halls Dorm Heads’ Roundup
While we have the same policies and procedures throughout our Residential Life Programs and dormitories, each residence hall has its own unique culture and community. Below, our Dorm Heads reflect on ways that each of them try to steer their dormitory towards one of these goals.
Delaney Yuko Ross ‘12: Carter Hall Aloha nō kākou! In Carter Hall this year, we are always trying to strengthen and develop our residents as whole beings with strong emotional intelligence. We are so pleased to have an in-house counselor, with the addition of Tiffany Freitas to our hall faculty. Another addition to our dorm has been Ella Atoa, affectionately referred to as “Auntie Ella” in the dorm. Myself, along with Adrienne White make up the in-house residential dorm team and hall faculty for Carter. While each of us connects with the residents in different ways, we attempt for every Carter resident to rely on their Hall Faculty as a mentor and support in any emotional crises. Recognizing the inherent challenges of fostering emotional growth among 50 teenage girls in the same space, we consistently strive to establish meaningful connections. By promoting open communication and honesty within a controlled environment, Carter residents are empowered to navigate emotional crises, fostering the development of both confidence and emotional intelligence. Our team remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing the well-rounded growth of each resident under our care.
Dr. Mark Ravaglia: Perry-Fiske Hall In Perry-Fiske Hall, we aim to help students develop into wholesome individuals who set high standards for themselves while also leading intellectually, physically, emotionally, and spiritually balanced lives. We do this both through our formal residential life curriculum and through the natural discussions that arise every day when our diverse dorm faculty are on duty. Study hall encourages intellectual growth, but so do conversations in the commons about current events or more abstract concepts. Through encouraging and celebrating participation in the Tuesday Night Leagues and in a range of co-curricular activities, we pay attention to the importance of physical activities for finding balance. Through conversations, counseling, and curriculum, we also support students emotionally and spiritually. Our prefects model a balanced lifestyle and they, along with the dorm faculty, encourage the participation in a wide range of activities that lead to diverse growth outcomes.
Adriana Piercy: Robertson Hall At Robertson Hall, our primary focus is on fostering an inclusive culture that values diversity and develops friendships and understanding, irrespective of one’s background or beliefs. Being the sole co-ed dormitory in the school, our students infuse the commons area with continuous laughter and lively social connections, forming enduring relationships. The courtyard is a daily hub for students engaged in various games — from outdoor activities to indoor favorites like chess, Connect Four, and Uno. These diverse options cater to both physical and mental inclinations, accommodating a wide range of interests among our residents. Furthermore, our dorm organizes three major annual social events that are very successful: the Halloween Party and two “fiestas” held at the end of each semester. These events feature delicious food and Latin dance music, drawing considerable participation. By making sure the students have a cohesive group, our long-term goal is for children to grow into self-regulated, socially intelligent, open-minded people who can find something in common with humans all over the world. Our team of 12 adults from five different countries offers a variety of perspectives that enrich the dorm life in many ways, all of us working together thrive to provide a well-rounded life to the students.
BOARDING REPORT | DECEMBER 2023
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BOARDING REPORT | DECEMBER 2023
SHOTS
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Celebrating Lā Kūʻokoʻa For a second year in a row, HPA’s Upper School community engaged in a day of experiential learning to honor a proud moment in Hawaiʻi’s history — Lā Kūʻokoʻa. November 28 marks a major milestone for Hawaiʻi: the full and formal recognition of the Hawaiian Kingdom as an independent nation state.
BOARDING REPORT | DECEMBER 2023
Ka Makani Pride: HPA Talking Points Achievements, events, and moments that tell our story Bringing Home the Bacon At HPA, there’s one award that stands out from the conventional accolades. The HAM Award is as literal as it sounds. Instead of a traditional certificate or engraved plaque, the first senior to secure a college admission receives an actual can of ham to celebrate their accomplishment. READ MORE
Championship Rally In a high-stakes battle for the BIIF title, HPA and Kaʻū engaged in an unforgettable championship game — a contest that could easily be remembered as one of the most legendary in the league’s history. READ MORE
News & Notes: From the Admissions Office The period for re-enrolling at HPA for the 2024-25 academic year is just around the corner! Mark your calendars: this important window opens on Thursday, February 1, 2024, and will remain open until Thursday, February 15, 2024. We’re committed to making this process as smooth as possible for you and will be sending more detailed information in the coming weeks. Moreover, we understand the power of community and the role it plays in shaping the future of our school. Our admissions team is more than just a resource; we are partners in your journey with HPA. We are always eager to collaborate with our families in spreading the word about our school. Your recommendations and referrals are invaluable, and we encourage you to share your experiences and insights about HPA with friends and family who might be interested in joining our community. Mahalo! The HPA Admissions Team
BOARDING REPORT | DECEMBER 2023
CENTERSTAGE Legally Blonde the Musical lights up Gates Performing Arts Center
In November, the talented Ka Makani Players brought an exceptional rendition of Legally Blonde the Musical to the stage at Gates Performing Arts Center, showcasing the diverse range of skills and creativity within the student body. The performance was open to the public and was a testament to the students’ hard work and dedication, illustrating the HPA’s focus on providing enriching and challenging experiences in the arts. The play, known for its dynamic characters and uplifting narrative, offered a perfect platform for students to explore complex roles, engage in collaborative efforts, and develop confidence and stage presence. This opportunity to engage in a high-quality theatrical production not only showcased the students’ artistic talents but also their ability to work together harmoniously and rise to the occasion.
BOARDING REPORT | DECEMBER 2023
For the Love of the Game Tuesday Night League fosters camaraderie, community among Ka Makani
As the sun sets over HPA’s Upper Campus,
Tuesday nights take on a vibrant and competitive glow. Cheers echo through the tranquil Waimea evening, as the growing tradition of Tuesday Night Leagues ignite the spirit of camaraderie, competition, and a dash of friendly boasting among Ka Makani. Tuesday Night Leagues, a relatively recent addition, have been steadily gaining momentum on the Upper Campus. Stemming from the resounding success of the 2019 4-on-4 basketball tournament, the Residential Life Program decided to expand the concept. They introduced wiffle ball and indoor soccer competitions into the schedule, injecting a delightful dose of excitement into the community.
But there’s more to Tuesday Night Leagues than the pursuit of glory and bragging rights; it’s also about fostering a tight-knit community and camaraderie among our students. These spirited competitions — that are in addition to the much more formal, co-curricular activities — provide a platform for students from diverse backgrounds to come together, support one another, and build lasting bonds. It’s a chance to forge connections that extend far beyond the playing field, creating a sense of unity and belonging that makes HPA’s Upper Campus feel like a second home. The wiffle ball season concluded in October, and in a thrilling finale, it was the Bussers who emerged as the champions. Comprising a formidable roster featuring Alex Goodman ’24, Max Heilmann ’24, Emperor Lex Ni ’25, Ed Lustik ’26, and Alice
BOARDING REPORT | DECEMBER 2023
Cestari Furquim Marinho ’25, their bats came through to secure victory in the championship game. The final score? An impressive 18-10, as they overcame the formidable WaffleBallers and etched their names into the annals of Tuesday Night Leagues history. “What makes it so special is that the boarding community really comes together through friendly competition and the integration of dorms on each team is a nice wrinkle. It also lets us display a sense of pride and passion,” Goodman said. “I won’t forget that day. It was a day that we all successfully did our part and contributed. An amazing experience with everyone and I got to know my teammates even better.”
“We are always chasing opportunities for our student community to come together, both day and residential. Tuesday Night Leagues have become a great way for us to gather and connect with the focus on play and fun.” • Head of School Fred Wawner
While Head of School Fred Wawner may caution you against scrutinizing the box score for his ERA as the all-time pitcher for the wiffle ball contests, his passion for the community-building competitions is unwavering. “We are always chasing opportunities for our student community to come together, both day and residential. Tuesday Night Leagues have become a great way for us to gather and connect with the focus on play and fun,” said Wawner, who also moonlights as the ref during the 4-on-4 basketball games. “This little bit of structure creates some really enjoyable moments for our students and faculty — often breaking us out of our routines, and reminding us to laugh a little.” Basketball season recently wrapped up, with 4-on4 squads battling under the lights on Atherton Court. It ran for five weeks before Winter Break and indoor soccer will follow next semester.
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Hoʻonanea A Celebration of the Arts at HPA
The recent Hoʻonanea event was a resounding celebration of student creativity and artistic prowess. The art showcase featured a spectacular array of performances and art exhibits. From theatrical acts and musical performances to captivating visual art displays, Hoʻonanea offered a glimpse into the diverse talents nurtured within HPA’s walls. The event exemplified the HPA’s commitment to fostering a love for the arts, highlighting the artistic journey and growth of its students across various disciplines.
Your gift creates exceptional Ka Makani learning. With your support, an HPA education is filled with experiences that go far beyond the ordinary and would not be possible through tuition alone. Through the HPA Fund, you open eyes to astronomy and world politics. You ignite creativity in art studios, Gates Performing Arts Center, and The Michael and Jeannette Saalfeld Energy Lab. You inspire mālama kaiāulu for our community, our islands, and the world beyond. Our students can follow their dreams with confidence and a superb academic foundation—because of YOU. On behalf of the countless professions, people, and places they will influence, thank you.
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