MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES

Introducing MKA’s STEM+ Explorers Summer Program — Priority Registration Open Now

Step Into Summer at MKA! We’re thrilled to be launching our STEM+ Explorers Summer Program, an immersive program for rising sixth through ninth-grade students that extends innovation beyond the classroom. Guided by dedicated faculty and supported by Upper School mentors, students will explore robotics, coding, bioethics, and architecture. We welcome you to browse weekly offerings on the STEM+ Explorers webpage, where you’ll find information regarding morning classes and exciting weekly themes. 

• When: July 6-31, 2026
• Where: Inquiry and Innovation (I&I) Center, Upper School Campus

Priority registration for Middle School families is available now with both full-day and half-day options. Registration will be open to the general public beginning Sunday, February 1. Questions? Visit the FAQ page or contact mkasummer@mka.org.

Annual AMC 8 Examination — Tuesday, January 27

Registration is now closed. If you have already received an email from AMC, your child is signed up. Please do not sign up twice. Please reach out to Elizabeth Coyle with any questions.

The Middle School Math Department is hosting the annual American Mathematics Competition (AMC) 8 on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 9:50 a.m. in the Logan Auditorium. This competition is open to students in grades six, seven, and eight. Students who participate in the competition will be missing their FLEX that morning. The AMC 8 is a 25-question, 40-minute, multiple-choice examination in middle school mathematics designed to promote the development of problem-solving skills. This challenging test assesses mathematical problem-solving with algebra, arithmetic, counting, geometry, logic, number theory, and probability. Past contests are available on the Art of Problem Solving website.

Fifth Grade Trip to the MET — Thursday, January 29 and Friday, January 30

On January 29 and 30, the fifth grade will visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City to view the Egyptian Art collection. Please see this letter for more information.

Faculty/Student Basketball Game — Friday, February 6

The Student Government Association is excited to host its annual Student/Faculty Basketball Game on Friday, February 6, from 6:00–9:00 p.m. in the MS Main Gym.

This fun, community-filled event is always a highlight for our middle school babies. All proceeds from the evening—including the bake sale and admissions—will go to three charities selected by the MS SGA as their organizations of choice.

We hope you’ll join us to cheer them on and to see some new surprises this year, including the debut of a brand-new BIG trophy!

Do you want to play or volunteer? Please complete this Faculty/Student Basketball Game Sign Up Form. More details coming soon. We look forward to seeing you there!

Parent Book Club Coffee — Thursday, February 26

Join us for a meaningful discussion about Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic—and What We Can Do About It by Jennifer Breheny Wallace. This insightful book explores how our culture's obsession with achievement is impacting our children's mental health and offers practical strategies for raising healthier, more resilient kids.

This coffee will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 8:15 a.m. (location TBD) and is open to parents of students in grades 6-12 and will be facilitated by Daniella Kessler, Director of Counseling, along with members of MKA’s Counseling Team.

Come connect with other parents, share experiences, and gain valuable perspectives on supporting our teens through the pressures of achievement culture. Please use this link to RSVP. Any questions, please reach out to Daniella Kessler.

Sixth Grade Trip to Buehler Challenger & Science Center and Newark Art Museum — February 26-27

On Thursday, February 26, and Friday, February 27, half of the sixth grade will travel to the Buehler Challenger & Science Center in Paramus, NJ, as part of the science curriculum, while the other half of the class will travel to the Newark Art Museum for social studies. More information will be provided closer to the trip dates.

Important Upcoming Dates

• Tuesday, January 27, 8:15 - 9:15 a.m. — PAMKA Spring Social Meeting
• Tuesday, February 3, 8:15 - 9:15 a.m. — Parenting Workshop Meeting

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

Cougar Pride Day T-Shirt Design Contest — Due Monday, January 26

Please remind your Middle and Upper School students that the last day to submit designs for this year’s Cougar Pride Day T-Shirt is this coming Monday, January 26. We are looking for creative designs that celebrate school spirit, community, and what it means to be a Cougar. All submitted designs will be shared with the school community for voting. Please email your designs to Cougar Pride Day Co-Chairs Amira Artis and Aparna Shah.

Winter Coat and Sweater Drive — Starts January 26

PAMKA is hosting a Coat and Sweater Drive to benefit MESH Montclair, a local non-profit organization dedicated to helping Montclair’s vulnerable homeless adults and families, from January 26 to February 6.

We are collecting used/new ADULT coats, ADULT sweaters, and other essential items. Drop-off bins for coats and sweaters will be located at the Primary, Middle, and Upper School campuses. Online donations of other essentials can be made via MESH Amazon Wish List. Select the address "MESH Executive Director, Joe Granger, Montclair, NJ" so that your items will be sent directly to the organization.

Questions? Contact Upper School Community Engagement Chair Erica Ajayi.

Reminder: Nominating Slate Deadline is Friday, January 30

Be a part of the PAMKA team! It is time to begin the search for the 2026-2027 PAMKA Board of Officers, Committee Chairs, Grade Representatives, and more. The Nominating Committee will be slating nearly 60 positions in February. Your input is critical in helping us fill these roles.

The online nominating form lists every position on the PAMKA Slate and allows you to nominate yourself or another parent for any open positions. The deadline for nominations is Friday, January 30.

As you review the various roles and responsibilities, please note:

• Self-nominations are strongly encouraged, as they support the Nominating Committee’s work in knowing what position(s) interest you.
• If you have any questions about any positions, please feel free to reach out to the Nominating Chairs.
• Please be assured that both the forms and the process are confidential. All nominations go through the committee's process.
• Being a parent volunteer is a great way to stay involved in your child's MKA experience, meet fellow parents, and give back to the community.

We look forward to hearing from you! Questions? Contact Nominating Chairs Meredith Gardner and Lauren Fass.

Volunteers Needed for Middle School Student vs. Faculty Basketball Game — Friday, February 6

The Middle School Student vs. Faculty Basketball Game is on Friday, February 6, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the Middle School Gym! We need parent volunteers to donate baked goods and sell items at the concession stand during the game.

If you are interested in helping out with the basketball game, please fill out this SignUpGenius form.

Upcoming Parents and Caregivers Affinity Group Meetings

• Wednesday, January 21, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — International & Expat Parent and Caregivers Meeting (Middle School Library)
• Thursday, January 29, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — Single-Parents Affinity Group Meeting
• Thursday, February 5, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — MOSAIC: Black Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group meeting

Stay up to date on Parents and Caregivers Affinity Group meeting dates for the 2025-2026 academic year using the Community Belonging Calendar. Questions? Contact Edie Brennan, Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group Liaison, and/or Paris McLean, Assistant Head of School for Community Belonging.

Last Call for Exclusive Valentine’s Day Sweatshirt — Order by January 26

Last call! Don’t forget to head to the school store to grab this exclusive Valentine’s Day release so you can spread the love and your MKA Cougar pride everywhere you go.

💕 Orders are open through January 26.

Fourth Annual International Cultural Night — Wednesday, January 28

Join us for our fourth annual International Cultural Night on Wednesday, January 28, from 6:30-8:00 in the Upper School Dining Hall! The evening is a celebration of all the various unique cultures that make up MKA, and what better way to do that than with food and music? Come enjoy food from around our world and music by our very own Jazz Band. Please RSVP here if you are excited to join.

The various Upper School Affinity Groups and Cultural Societies will be bringing food, but we would also love for anyone from the MKA community to contribute to the dinner and bring food to share. If you are interested in bringing food, please take a moment to fill out this spreadsheet as soon as possible. 

NEW Single-Parents Affinity Group Meeting — Thursday, January 29

Save the date for the first Single-Parents Affinity Group meeting on Thursday, January 29, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. in the Upper School Large Conference Room.

Purpose: The Single-Parents Affinity Group brings together parents who are raising children on their own, whether by choice, circumstance, or loss, to build connection, share resources, and support one another. Our goal is to foster community and belonging while centering the student experience and helping every family thrive at MKA.

If you are interested in joining this new Single-Parents Affinity Group, please attend the first meeting or contact Edie Brennan, the Community Belonging Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group Liaison.

Re-enrollment for 2026-2027 School Year

Re-enrollment contracts for the 2026-2027 school year will be released via e-mail on January 28.  Families will be prompted to complete their enrollment via Veracross. The deadline to return your contract and deposit to reserve your place for next year is Wednesday, February 11. Families applying for financial aid will receive their contracts in late February.

If you have any questions, please contact Alyson Waldman, Director of Enrollment Management, Admissions and Financial Aid, or call (973) 509-7930. We look forward to welcoming you back to MKA next year!

Reminder: 2026-2027 Preliminary Calendar Available to View

Families can now view and download the 2026-2027 Preliminary School Calendar. Please note that dates are subject to change, and additions may be made in the coming months. The calendar can also be found in the Veracross Parent Portal under the Resources tab. We recognize the importance of sharing this early version with families to anticipate childcare needs and/or plan family vacations.