SEPTEMBER 18, 2026
REMINDER: NO SCHOOL MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 (YOM KIPPUR)
A Letter from the MS Admin Team
Please see this week’s letter from Head of Middle School Carlaina Bell, Ed.D., to read about the vibrant first week of school, the campus obstacle course, and how Advisory is helping students build the skills to navigate the school year.
Middle School Academic Program Guide
Explore everything you need to know about the Middle School academic program in the Middle School Academic Program Guide. This resource provides more information on curriculum and course offerings, key academic policies, and essential support resources.
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 be advised that the Montclair Police Department will station a crossing guard on Valley Road near Club Street by October 1.
Please use PickUp Patrol for ALL dismissal plan changes. All 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. If your child is playing a sport, please include the sport in the plan.
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
- Wednesday, September 23, 8:15 - 10:00 a.m. — PAMKA Tri-Campus Informational Coffee
- Monday, September 28, 8:15 - 10:00 a.m. — Book Fair Meeting
- Monday, October 5, 8:15 - 10:00 a.m. — Book Fair Meeting
Save the Date!
- Saturday, October 10, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. — Homecoming
- Thursday, November 5 - Wednesday, November 11 — Scholastic Book Fair (Save the date!)
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 — Grades K, 7, & 11
Saturday, October 3 — Jr-K
Friday, October 9 — Grade 4
Friday, October 16 — Grade 2
Please note: Dates for grades 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.
Last Chance to Register for the 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. Today is the last chance to RSVP to this event. Kindly RSVP online using this link.
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.
Upcoming Parents and Caregivers Affinity Group Meetings
- Monday, September 28, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. — DIPC & Office of Community Belonging Parent & Caregiver Affinity Groups Fall Gathering
- Wednesday, September 30, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — Single Parents Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group Meeting
- Wednesday, October 14, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — AAPI Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group Meeting
- Wednesday, October 14, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — Muslim Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group
Stay up to date on Parent and Caregivers Affinity Group meeting dates for the 2026-2027 academic year using the Community Belonging calendar. 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.
Upcoming Athletics Home Games
Show your Cougar pride this week and cheer on our student-athletes as they defend home turf! For full schedule details, check out the athletics calendar, and don’t forget to follow @mkaathletics on social media.
Friday, September 18
4:00 p.m. — Girls’ Junior Varsity Tennis vs. Glen Ridge High School (MS Courts)
4:15 p.m. — Boys’ Varsity Soccer vs. Ridgewood High School (Van Brunt Field)
4:15 p.m. — Boys’ Junior Varsity Soccer vs. Ridgewood High School (MS Fields Complex)
Saturday, September 19
2:00 p.m. — Girls’ Junior Varsity Soccer vs. Blair Academy (Van Brunt Field)
Last Chance to Register for the 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. Today is the last chance to RSVP to this event. Kindly RSVP online using this link.
You can also learn more about PAMKA volunteer opportunities by completing the online PAMKA Volunteer Form.
Parent and Caregiver Affinity Group Fall Gathering — Monday, September 28
The Diversity and Inclusion Parents Committee (DIPC) and the Office of Community Belonging would like to invite you to the MKA Parent and Caregiver Affinity Group Fall Gathering. The Parent and Caregiver Affinity Groups are a key way we foster and celebrate community at MKA, and this event is open to anyone who has previously participated in these spaces or is interested in learning more.
The gathering will be held on Monday, September 28, from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. at the Head of School's home. Please note that this event is designed for our parents and caregivers only. Light hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be provided. Please RSVP by completing this form by Thursday, September 24.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Edie Brennan and/or Shawna Morton. We hope to see you there!
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.
New this year: We've added Mahjong Open Play and a Mahjong 101 Clinic to the lineup!
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.
REGISTER TODAY
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