Middle School Updates

MKA After School Music Program — Enrollment Open

Enrollment is now open for the MKA After-School Music Program, which offers private lessons immediately after school at the Middle School. Lessons are recommended for all serious instrumental music students, as well as beginners. The curriculum of the program is tightly correlated with the MKA Orchestral Program. Scheduling is flexible, and lessons can be arranged at a mutually convenient time. Lesson participation significantly accelerates the learning process. Students who take private lessons do not have to participate in any additional group sessions offered after school. We currently offer private lessons on Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, and Piano. For more information, please contact Strings Teacher and Tri-Campus Director of Orchestras Dimitri Hadjipetkov.

Math Madness Competition — Monday, September 8 (Grades 4 to 8)

The math department has added a new math competition for Middle School students this year—Math Madness. Students will form teams and participate in head-to-head (online) contests against other schools around the country. This competition starts at the end of September and will be offered during Wednesday CWP sessions. Students from fourth to eighth grade can participate. Full details and sign-up will be available after September 8. Contact Liz Coyle for more details.

Sixth Grade Trip to Fairview Lake — September 10 

The sixth grade will travel to Fairview Lake on Wednesday, September 10 for the day. Please see the following letter for more information.

Seventh Grade Overnight Trip to Fairview Lake — September 11-12

We are looking forward to our upcoming overnight seventh-grade trip to Fairview Lake on September 11 -12. Please see the following letter from Shanie Israel and Nathan Gardner for more details.

Spirit Day Fridays Begin Friday, September 12

Spirit Day Fridays will begin on Friday, September 12. You may reference the Code of Attire for more details.

Important Upcoming Dates

• Monday, September 15, 8:15 - 10:15 a.m. — PAMKA Book Fair Meeting
• Wednesday, September 17, 8:15 - 10:00 a.m. — PAMKA Tri-Campus Informational Coffee
• Monday, September 29, 8:15 - 10:15 a.m. — PAMKA Book Fair Meeting
• Tuesday, September 30, 8:15 - 9:30 a.m. — Meet the Counselors Coffee

For a complete calendar listing of events, view the PAMKA Calendar in Veracross.

Tri-Campus Informational Coffee — September 17

The Tri-Campus Informational Coffee will take place on Wednesday, September 17, at 8:15 a.m. at the Primary School Cafetorium. This meeting will provide information about the numerous and varied opportunities on all three campuses to support the school. The coffee is also a perfect opportunity to meet fellow parents and connect with the community. Please kindly RSVP online to this event by Friday, September 12. You can also learn more about PAMKA volunteer opportunities by completing the online volunteer form.

Any questions? Contact Meredith Levine, PAMKA’s Volunteer Coordinator VP.

Fall Parent Socials

Mark your calendars for this year’s Fall Parent Socials. These wonderful evenings are a fantastic way to meet other parents in your child’s grade. Thank you to all the families that are hosting these events.

• Saturday, September 6: Grades 2 and 9
• Saturday, September 13: Grades 1, 7, and 10
• Friday, September 19: Grades 4 and 11
• Saturday, September 20: Grade 5
• Friday, October 3: Kindergarten
• Friday, October 10: Grade 3
• Thursday, October 16: Jr-K
• Friday, October 17: Grade 6

Please note: The eighth-grade social date will be finalized and shared soon. The Grade 12 parent social will be held in Spring 2025. Grade 12 parents will receive an update after Spring Break.

Please watch for an Evite from your Grade Representative with details regarding the host, location, timing, as well as how to RSVP. Invitations will be sent approximately four weeks prior to your social. For any questions, please contact your PAMKA Grade Representative.

Stay Connected with PAMKA on Facebook

Join the MKA Parent Watercooler on Facebook.

New Items in the School Store

Gear up for the school year! New spirit wear is now available for online ordering. Visit www.mka.org/schoolstore to place your order now and show your Cougar pride in style this fall.

Parents and Caregivers Affinity Group Fall Gathering — September 17

The Diversity and Inclusion Parents Committee (DIPC) and Office of Community Belonging would like to invite you to the MKA Parents and Caregivers Affinity Group Fall Gathering. The gathering will be on Wednesday, September 17, from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. in the Middle School Dining Hall.

The Parent and Caregiver Affinity Groups are a key way in which we foster and celebrate

community at MKA, and this event is open to all who have previously participated in these spaces or are interested in learning more. Please complete this form by September 12 to RSVP.

Questions? Contact Edie Brennan, Office of Community Belonging/Caregiver Affinity Group Liaison, and/or Paris McLean, Assistant Head of School for Community Belonging.

International Parent Affinity Group Breakfast — October 1

Are you living in the U.S. temporarily, or have you recently returned to the U.S. after living abroad? Come meet others who have had the same experience and share your story on Wednesday, October 1, from 8:15 - 9:15 a.m., in the Middle School Higgins Common Room.

To RSVP, please contact Callie Bond, Associate Director of Community Belonging and Admissions Liaison.

The archive of weekly tri-campus newsletters can be located on the homepage of your Veracross Portal.