Middle School Updates

Reminder: Robotics Team Application — Due Tomorrow

This year, the Middle School will continue to offer our LEGO Robotics Team. The team participates in the FIRST LEGO League and will compete against other students across Northern New Jersey and possibly beyond! Team members are challenged to design, build, and program a LEGO Spike robot to complete tasks and obstacles on a robot field thematically created for the 2026-2027 season, and they must also research and present a solution to a problem connected to the season’s theme, “BIOGLOW.”

Applications for new team members should be completed by students and are due Friday, September 11. Students who were on the team last year and wish to return should fill out this form.

The Robotics Team will hold required practices Monday through Thursday from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m., starting mid-September and continuing through December. Please note that students interested in joining the Robotics Team are not eligible to participate in a Middle School fall sports team. Please direct any questions to Chris McLaughlin.

Picture Day — Monday, September 14 

📸 Picture Day for all Middle School students is Monday, September 14. Students should adhere to regular dress code rules that day. PE teachers are not requiring students to change for gym, and activities will be modified for the day. Homeroom teachers will inform students when they are scheduled to get their picture taken. Pictures will be used in the class photo composite and the yearbook.

Please note: Even if parents and caregivers are not planning on purchasing pictures, all students must have their picture taken.

Back to School Night — Thursday, September 17 

The Middle School Back to School Night will occur on Thursday, September 17, from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. We are excited to welcome parents to campus to meet teachers and advisors and learn about the Middle School experience. The evening will begin in the Logan Auditorium with remarks from Dr. Bell at 6:00 p.m. sharp.

After School Music Program

Enrollment is now open for the MKA After School Music Program, which offers private lessons right after school at the Middle School. Lessons are highly recommended for all serious instrumental music students, as well as those who are just beginning. The program's curriculum is closely aligned with the MKA Orchestral Program. We offer flexible scheduling, enabling lessons to be arranged at a time that is mutually convenient. Consistent participation in these lessons can significantly accelerate the learning process. We presently provide private instruction in violin, viola, cello, bass, and piano.

Should you require further details or wish to enroll, please reach out to Dimitri Hajipetkov, Tri-Campus Strings Director.

New Jersey Speech & Debate League Competitions

Do you like sharing your ideas, thinking fast on your feet, or just want to feel more confident speaking in front of others? The Speech & Debate team is the place for you! Please see the following letter from Amy Mai Tierney if your student is interested in learning more about this opportunity.

Voices and Visions Magazine — Spring 2026

Please enjoy this year’s edition of Voices and Visions, our student literary magazine. Throughout the year, students at the Middle School produce extraordinary pieces of art and writing. We are grateful to Marsha Kleinman, Joelle Francht, and Diane Giangreco for compiling this publication, which highlights the work of our talented student body.

School Arrival, Dismissal, and Car Line Procedures

Please review the car line guidelines, which include the option to park near the school and walk to pick up your child(ren) from the tennis pavilion if you would prefer not to enter the car line. Please review this letter regarding all dismissal options.

 Please use PickUp Patrol for ALL dismissal plan changes. This is a friendly reminder that Middle School families need to use PickUp Patrol to share your child’s default plan and report ALL daily changes to your child’s dismissal plan.

PickUp Patrol saves us a great deal of time in the office and reduces interruptions in our classrooms. Most importantly, it helps us ensure that all our students are safely dismissed to their correct after-school destinations. Please contact Pia Kutten if you need a registration link for Pick Up Patrol.

Fall Grade-Level Trips

We are excited to share with you information about the fourth through eighth-grade trips scheduled for this fall. It is essential for Middle School students to spend time getting to know one another and building community in the early weeks of school. Please read the grade-level letters to families below:

• Fourth and Fifth Grades — Day trip to Camp Mason, Friday, October 16, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please read this letter for more information and to sign the mandatory Camp Mason Waiver.
• Sixth Grade — Day trip to Fairview Lake, Thursday, October 1, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please read this letter for more information and mandatory medical forms.
• Seventh Grade — Overnight trip to Fairview Lake, beginning Thursday, October 1, at 8:00, and returning Friday, October 2, by 5:00 p.m. Please read this letter for more information and mandatory medical forms.
• Eighth Grade — Four-day trip to Williamsburg, Virginia, beginning Tuesday, October 20, and returning Friday, October 23 (more information coming soon).

Back2School Webpage

As a reminder, all families should check the Back2School webpage for information regarding supplies, Code of Attire, PE clothes, transportation forms, and dining services. This page can also be accessed through the “Resources” tab in the Veracross Parent Portal.

Important Upcoming Dates

• Friday, September 11, 8:15 - 9:30 a.m. — PAMKA Campus VP & Grades Reps Meeting
• Monday, September 14, 8:15 - 10:00 a.m. — Book Fair Meeting
• Wednesday, September 16, 8:15 - 9:45 a.m. — PAMKA Board Meeting
• Wednesday, September 23, 8:15 - 10:00 a.m. — PAMKA Tri-Campus Informational Coffee

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

Fall Parent Socials 

Kick off the school year by connecting with fellow parents at our Fall Parent Socials. These fun gatherings are a great opportunity to meet new parents and reconnect with old friends. We’re excited to bring our parent community together for a few relaxed evenings this fall. Thank you to all the families that are hosting these events.

Saturday, September 19 — Grade 3
Friday, September 25 — Grade 1 & Grade 6
Saturday, September 26 — Grade 8 & Grade 9
Friday, October 2 — K, 7, & 11
Saturday, October 3 — Jr-K
Friday, October 9 — Grade 4

Please note: Dates for grades 2, 5, and 10 will be finalized and shared soon. The Grade 12 parent social will be held in Spring 2027. Grade 12 parents will receive an update after spring break.

Please be on the lookout for an Evite from your grade representatives 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 Representatives.

Tri-Campus Informational Coffee — Wednesday, September 23

The Tri-Campus Informational Coffee will take place on Wednesday, September 23, at 8:15 a.m. at the Primary School Cafetorium. Whether you're a returning volunteer or brand new to the MKA community, this is a chance to learn more about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and ways you can contribute based on your interests and availability. There are opportunities big and small, and we'd love to find something that works for you. The coffee is also a perfect opportunity to meet fellow parents and connect with the community.

Come grab a cup of coffee, meet other parents, ask questions, and learn how you can be part of making this a great year for our students and MKA community. Kindly RSVP online to this event by Friday, September, 18.

You can also learn more about PAMKA volunteer opportunities by completing the online PAMKA Volunteer Form.

Connect with PAMKA on LinkedIn

We’re excited to introduce the new PAMKA LinkedIn page, created as a resource to help our parent community connect beyond the school campus. Rooted in MKA’s commitment to being known and connected, the group will help foster an even stronger sense of community among MKA families.

We hope this page will provide opportunities for parents to network, share professional connections and expertise, support one another, and build meaningful relationships within our community. Members will also receive important updates about upcoming events, opportunities to get involved, and other news relevant to the parent community.

We invite all parents to follow the page, connect with fellow MKA families, and help us grow this new resource together.

Stay Connected with PAMKA on Facebook

Join the MKA Parent Watercooler on Facebook.

Upcoming Parents and Caregivers Affinity Group Meetings

• Monday, September  14, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — Junt@s Hispanic/Latinx Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group
• Tuesday, September  15, 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. — International and Expat Parent & Caregiver Breakfast
• Monday, September 28, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. — DIPC & Office of Community Belonging Parent & Caregiver Affinity Groups Fall Gathering

For questions, please contact Edie Brennan, Community Belonging Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group Liaison; Callie Bond, Associate Director of Community Belonging and Admissions Liaison; and/or Shawna Morton, Director of Community Belonging.

International and Expat Parent & Caregiver Breakfast — Tuesday, September 15

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 Tuesday, September 15, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., in the Middle School Higgins Common Room.

To attend this event, please RSVP to Callie Bond, Associate Director of Community Belonging and Admissions Liaison.

Register for the Annual Golf & Racquet Classic — Monday, October 26

Registration is now open for the annual Golf & Racquet Classic taking place on Monday, October 26 at 10:00 a.m. at the Somerset Hills Country Club. Join fellow MKA parents, alumni, and supporters for an unforgettable day of friendly competition and camaraderie. Your support at this year’s outing does more than create a great day on the green—it strengthens the MKA experience for our students.

This year, event proceeds will combine to create the MKA Athletics Challenge for MKA Day on November 19, our largest day of giving. This means your day out will inspire our entire school community to give back. Spots are limited, so make sure to secure your spot today!

Looking to make a broader impact? Sponsorships at all levels offer high-visibility brand exposure, strategic networking opportunities, and tax-deductible benefits. It's a win-win, supporting students while showcasing your brand to our engaged and dynamic community. You can view our sponsorships on our registration page.

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