OCTOBER 31, 2025
A Letter from Shanie Israel, Dean of Community Life
Please see this week’s letter from Shanie Israel, Middle School Dean of Community Life, where she reflects on how MKA’s Community Belonging Statement guides the Middle School’s ongoing efforts to create an inclusive environment where every student feels seen and valued. She highlights the importance of recognizing Heritage and History Months as opportunities to celebrate diverse voices and stories, both in assemblies and throughout the year.
Patty Strain Thanksgiving Food Drive — October 27 - November 19
Join us in supporting the annual Patty Strain Thanksgiving Food Drive, taking place now through November 19, to benefit the Human Needs Food Pantry in Montclair.
To donate online, please visit the Thanksgiving Food Drive SignUp Genius. You can donate food virtually or make a monetary donation. The amount donated will be charged to your student’s account, and the food will be delivered directly to the Human Needs Food Pantry.
The food pantry is also in need of clean, lightly used clothing. If you wish to donate items directly, there will be food and clothing collection boxes located inside the Primary and Middle School campus lobbies. All food items must be non-perishable and cannot be stored in glass containers.
Many thanks to the Cuellar family of ShopRite of Passaic/Clifton for their generous support of our food drive!
Dress Down Day — November 3
Thanks to the Student Government, there will be a school-wide dress-down day on November 3.
Coffee with Carlaina — Thursday, November 13
Dr. Bell is excited to sit down with small groups of parents on Thursday, November 13, at 8:15 - 9:15 a.m. for a conversation about the Middle School experience. This coffee is open to any parent in grades four through eight. Dr. Bell is interested in discussing key fall events like Back to School Night and Conference Day. Please use this Google Form to register. Participation is limited.
Important Update Regarding Sixth Grade Play
We are thrilled to announce that the sixth-grade will be performing Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! If you missed the mandatory parent meeting on Monday, October 17, and you know your child is interested in participating, please contact Ms. Masterson as soon as possible to discuss next steps. Students are unable to participate unless they attend the parent meeting or speak with Ms. Masterson.
PickUp Patrol and Carline Reminders
Now that most sports seasons are complete and we anticipate changes to children's dismissal plans, please take a moment to update your child's default plans in PickUp Patrol. As a reminder, same-day changes must be made by 2:35 p.m. to ensure your child appears on the correct list.
Additionally, with more cars in the car line, it is essential that families arrive at their designated cohort time (2:55 or 3:10 p.m.).
Families whose last names begin with letters A-L are currently in the first cohort; M-Z is the second cohort. Cohorts will switch after MLK weekend. We appreciate your partnership in maintaining an efficient and safe dismissal process.
Student Peer Tutoring Now Available
We are excited to share that we have Upper School tutors available for Middle School student peer tutoring. Please complete this Google form to request a tutor, and Michelle Barbetta will match requests with tutors as soon as possible.
Individual Student and Class Photos Now Available for Purchase
Student and class photos are now available for purchase. Parents/guardians should have received an email from the photographer; however, if you need help ordering pictures, please see the following instructions.
2025-2026 Yearbooks Now On Sale
2025-2026 yearbooks are now on sale. Please visit the Jostens website for more information.
Important Upcoming Dates
- Monday, November 3, 8:15 - 9:15 a.m. — PAMKA Book Fair Meeting
For a complete calendar listing of events, view the PAMKA Calendar in Veracross.
Patty Strain Thanksgiving Food Drive — October 27 - November 19
Join us in supporting the annual Patty Strain Thanksgiving Food Drive, taking place October 27 through November 19, to benefit the Human Needs Food Pantry in Montclair. To donate online, please visit the Thanksgiving Food Drive SignUp Genius. You can donate food virtually or make a monetary donation. The amount donated will be charged to your student’s account, and the food will be delivered directly to the Human Needs Food Pantry.
The food pantry is also in need of clean, lightly used clothing. If you wish to donate items directly, there will be food and clothing collection boxes located inside the Primary and Middle School campus lobbies. All food items must be non-perishable and cannot be stored in glass containers.
Many thanks to the Cuellar family of ShopRite of Passaic/Clifton for their generous support of our food drive!
Questions? Please contact Community Engagement Middle School Chair Natalie Trento.
Scholastic Book Fair: November 7 through November 12
It’s time to be the author of your own story! The Scholastic Book Fair is just one week away. Join us as we celebrate books, uncover new stories, meet visiting authors, and participate in exciting events.
There are multiple ways to be involved in the Book Fair, and we’d love for you to join us! Sign up to volunteer via the links below or visit mka.org/pamkabookfair for more details.
Volunteer at the Primary School | Donate to the PS Faculty & Staff Tea
Volunteer at the Middle School | Donate to the MS Faculty & Staff Tea
Pre-sales of visiting author books are now live! Don’t miss the opportunity to secure signed copies of exclusive titles from our visiting authors. Pre-ordering is the ONLY way to guarantee an author-signed book. Use this form to place your order now. We’re excited to share this year’s selection of visiting author books!
Mark your calendars for our special events:
- Primary School Pajama Night, Friday, November 7, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.: An evening of fun for our Brookside students. RSVP by November 6!
- Book Fair: Evening Edition, Monday, November 10, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.: Held at the Middle School, this event is for everyone in our MKA community. No RSVP required.
Don’t forget to purchase gift certificates for faculty and staff and set spending limits for Primary School students.
Visit the Book Fair website for more details, including the list of our visiting authors. Questions? Contact PAMKA’s Book Fair Co-ChairsKatie Cocco and Angie Tekriwal.
Primary & Upper School Conference Day Volunteers Needed – Thursday, November 13
Primary & Upper School Conference Day is Thursday, November 13, and we like to keep our teachers nourished and energized as they get through their meetings. Please use the links below to donate a food or beverage item or to help with set up/clean up:
Any questions, please reach out to Besa Owen for Primary School and Maggie Marotta for Upper School.
Last Chance to Order Custom MKA Boathouse Parkas — Deadline November 1
Personalize a boathouse parka with a name, graduation year, and sports team! With its durable Pro-Tech® Shell, cozy fleece lining, and two-way zipper, this parka is built for warmth, comfort, and school spirit all season long.
Place your order by tomorrow, Saturday, November 1, by visiting www.mka.org/schoolstore today! Please note there is a 6-8 week delivery time.
Don’t Forget to Register for the Hemmeter–McNeal Lecture Series — Tuesday, November 4
Please join us on Tuesday, November 4, at 7:00 p.m. in Weiss Auditorium to welcome Amanda Ripley, New York Times bestselling author, Washington Post columnist, and co-founder of Good Conflict, as part of the Hemmeter-McNeal Lecture Series. Ripley will present her acclaimed lecture, “Breaking the Spell of High Conflict,” exploring why ordinary disagreements so often escalate into destructive divisions—and how we can find our way out. Her insights promise to challenge, inspire, and offer tools for navigating conflict in today’s world.
Space is limited. Please RSVP to reserve your seat today!
If you have a question you’d like Amanda Ripley to address at the event, please email Gretchen Berra. While we may not be able to answer every question, we’ll do our best.
Three Things to Know for MKA Day on November 20
Here are three things to know as we get ready to celebrate our community's biggest day of giving:
It’s all about participation! High MKA Day turnout unlocks challenge funds that directly benefit our students.
All gifts between today and November 20 count toward our ambitious goal of 800 donors.
Your gift goes straight to your child’s experience: supporting teachers, facilities, and all the things that make MKA special. Give to The MKA Fund today.
Stay tuned for more details related to MKA Day! Questions? Please contact Kelly Flippin, Director of Annual Giving.
Parents and Caregivers Affinity Group Meetings
Stay up to date on Parents and Caregivers Affinity Group meeting dates for the 2025-2026 academic year using the Community Belonging Calendar in the Veracross Parent Portal under the "Resources'' tab.
Questions? Contact Edie Brennan, Office of Community Belonging/Caregiver Affinity Group Liaison, and/or Paris McLean, Assistant Head of School for Community Belonging.
The archive of weekly tri-campus newsletters can be located on the homepage of your Veracross Portal.
