Through hands-on, real-world experiences, MKA students cultivate empathy, develop a deeper understanding of social responsibility, and recognize their power to effect positive change. Whether they are volunteering locally, leading school-wide initiatives, or partnering with organizations beyond MKA’s walls, students are encouraged to listen, act, and reflect. Through authentic learning experiences, students develop lifelong social-emotional habits and learn to partner with others to make a difference within a community.
Students Learn To:
Use Dialogue
to establish relationships with community partners that provide insight into the partners' perspective and needs.
Act
on the understanding of their responsibility as citizens to positively impact a community.
Reflect
to foster personal growth and refine their strategy for impact.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT BY CAMPUS
Primary School
The Primary School introduces children to the joys of giving and the responsibility we share in helping members of our immediate, as well as our global community. Community engagement at this level ranges from reading appropriate empathic literature to participation in classroom activities designed to empower students to take caring actions and change.
Through a longstanding partnership with Toni’s Kitchen, students walk to the local soup kitchen to help those in need. Third graders perform a holiday bell concert at Senior Care and explore advocacy in their culminating Agents of Change unit. Schoolwide efforts like the Thanksgiving Share, annual Food Drive, and Giving Tree reinforce that even the youngest Caring Cougars can make a big impact.
Middle School
Community engagement is a significant part of the lives and education of all Middle School students. Through the advisory program, students develop their awareness of the world and the role they can play in fostering positive change through service. Each grade level also participates in a project, whether it's managing the recycling program, sharing gifts and talents with seniors at the Montclair Inn, selecting causes to support, or fundraising through a student-led run/walk.
In addition to their service by grade level, Middle School students participate in school-wide community engagement projects, such as the Thanksgiving food drive and student-faculty basketball game, along with optional service clubs, which reinforce students’ growing understanding of their ability to lead and serve.
Upper School
At the Upper School, students are involved in myriad community service projects. From playing with autistic high school students and tutoring elementary students to organizing benefit concerts, assisting at the food bank, and donating to various causes. Students can also join —and run—an after-school Community Service Initiative (CSI) that is meaningful to them.
During a fall service day, students in grades nine and ten assist various local nonprofits. Additionally, students in grades 11 and 12 participate in a formal community service program; they are required to complete and log a minimum of 10 hours of service to nonprofit organizations annually.
Opportunities for Community Engagement
Curricular Connections
Curricular Connections
Whether it’s fourth graders managing campus recycling, science units exploring energy and sustainability, or history lessons examining waste through the lens of immigration and Indigenous cultures, students are able to connect academic inquiry with real-world responsibility.
Student-Driven Initiatives
Student-Driven Initiatives
Weekly Outreach Trips, Service Saturdays, and capstone experiences such as the senior May Term are all ways in which students are empowered to take the lead in shaping meaningful service experiences that reflect their interests and values.
Community Events & Drives
Community Events & Drives
Schoolwide events like the Fleming 5K, Thanksgiving Food Drive, PAMKA Blood Drive, and The Giving Tree bring the MKA community together in support of others. These shared experiences build school spirit, foster empathy, and highlight the power of collective action, instilling in students a sense of responsibility.
Global Experience Service Trips
Global Experience Service Trips
Upper School students have the amazing opportunity to travel across the world to help others via our Global Experience program. These service-based trips promote cross-cultural understanding, ethical leadership, and a deeper awareness of global issues through hands-on engagement and meaningful partnerships.
