MKA Launches New "MLK Day-On" Project

This year sees the launch of an exciting new initiative for the MKA community "MLK Day-On" day of service on Monday, January 17 - a two-stage project that will ultimately involve the entire MKA community in a purposeful and rewarding venture.

Inspired by their service learning experience earlier this year, a group of Upper School students returned to campus with a mission - to help clean, renovate and furnish a library area in the Valley Settlement House day care center in West Orange.  Fueled by their enthusiasm, plans have been now put in place for this work to be done by MKA students in grades 7-12 over the MLK weekend.

There will be two opportunities for Upper School students to volunteer - on the late afternoon of Friday, January 14 and on the morning of the 17th, where they will be joined by 7th and 8th graders. Because of the labor-intensive nature of the work, this "hands on" effort is being restricted to older students; however, those in grades Pre-K-6 have not been forgotten! While they will not directly participate in the weekend activities, younger students will learn more about Valley Settlement House over the course of their in-school MLK celebrations and throughout the year. Plans include showing video of the older students working at the center, becoming involved in book and toy drives for children at the center and ultimately visiting the center to meet the children it serves.

If you have any questions or would like to offer assistance, please contact Dominique Gerard at dgerard@mka.org