MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES

MLK and Lunar New Year Dance Recital — Thursday, January 22

Please come out to support your children as they display their artistic talent during the MLK and Lunar New Year Dance Recital on Thursday, January 22, from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. in the Logan Auditorium at the Middle School. Families are also welcome to attend the 9:50 a.m. performance if they are unable to attend the evening event.

Please see the following letter from Dr. Elmore regarding mandatory dress rehearsals and costumes. 

Parent Coffee: Navigating the Return to School After Winter Break

Join our Primary and Middle school counselors for a warm cup of coffee and conversation as we discuss strategies to help your child transition smoothly back to school after the holiday break. We'll cover topics like re-establishing routines, managing post-break emotions, and setting a positive tone for the new year.

• Wednesday, January 14 – 8:15 a.m. — Grades Jr-K through 2nd (at the Primary School)
• Thursday, January 15 – 8:15 a.m. — Grades 3rd through 5th (in the Higgins Conference Room at the Middle School)

Come with your questions, share your experiences, and connect with other parents as we support our students in getting back into the swing of school life. Please use this link to RSVP. We look forward to seeing you there!

Last Call: Lost and Found to be Donated

Please note that all non-MKA clothing in the lost and found will be donated to the local food pantry if not claimed by winter break. All jackets in the lost and found were displayed at an assembly, and a slide show with pictures of all jackets and non-MKA sweatshirts was shown in homerooms. However, there are still many items of clothing that have not been claimed. If you suspect your child may have items in the lost and found, please encourage them look through the collection during their lunch period.

Annual AMC 8 Examination — Tuesday, January 27

The Middle School Math Department will be 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.

Please complete this form before January 20, 2026, if your student wishes to participate. Reach out to Elizabeth Coyle with any questions.

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.

After School Music Program — Enrollment Open

Enrollment is open again 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 closely correlated to the MKA orchestral program. Scheduling is flexible, and lessons can be arranged at a mutually convenient time. Participating in lessons 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.

PAMKA Slate — Be a Part of our Team

The nominating process for next year’s slate will begin in January 2026. As self-nominations are preferred, we encourage you to start considering which role(s) you may be interested in taking on. Additional information will be shared after we return from winter break. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact the Nominating Chairs, Meredith Gardner and Lauren Tabak Fass.

PAMKA Holiday Drives — Many Thanks

Thank you to all MKA families, faculty, and staff who made this year’s PAMKA Hat, Scarf, Mitten, and Toy Drives a success! Because of your generosity, we collected over 500 toys for Toni’s Kitchen as well as over 700 pairs of socks, hats, mittens, and glove sets for Valley Settlement House. Primary School students made wrapping paper and holiday cards that were delivered to both Toni’s Kitchen and Valley Settlement House in conjunction with the drives.

A special shout-out to Community Engagement Primary School Chair Ashley Hirsh and Primary School faculty member Brittany O’Neill for organizing this project. Thank you!

Save the Dates for Our PAMKA Spring Events

• PAMKA Spring Social — Friday, April 17
• Cougar Pride Day — Saturday, April 25 (Rain date Sunday, April 26)

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

Stay Connected with PAMKA on Facebook

Join the MKA Parent Watercooler on Facebook.

Upcoming Parents and Caregivers Affinity Group Meetings

• Tuesday, January 13, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — Junt@s Hispanic/Latinx Parent & Caregivers Meeting at the Middle School Library.
• Tuesday, January 13, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — South Asian Parent & Caregivers Meeting in Small Conference Room (Little Higgins) located in the Middle School building
• Thursday, January 15, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — Jewish Parent and Caregivers Meeting at the Upper School’s Large Conference Room
• Thursday, January 15, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — AAPI Parent and Caregivers Meeting at the Upper School’s Small Conference Room
• Wednesday, January 21, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — International & Expat Parent and Caregivers Meeting at the Middle School Library

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, and/or Paris McLean, Assistant Head of School for Community Belonging.

2026-2027 Preliminary Calendar

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.

Celebrate the Season of Generosity: Make Your Year-End Gift By December 31 

As the year comes to a close, many choose this time to give generously to the organizations that matter most to them. MKA’s highest philanthropic priority is The MKA Fund, and we invite you to consider making a gift this holiday season.

Your generosity creates an immediate and meaningful impact, enriching the experience of every student and faculty member in our community.

Our goal is to reach 100% participation from families in every grade. Please consider making a gift to The MKA Fund before December 31 and contribute in a way that feels meaningful to you and your family. Thank you and happy holidays!

Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day — Tuesday, April 28

The Primary School is excited to celebrate Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day on the morning of Tuesday, April 28, 2026! The event will take place at the Primary School campus, where guests will enjoy outdoor activities and a performance in the auditorium.

Each Primary School family may invite up to four guests. Guests can be grandparents, relatives, non-parent caregivers, and/or special friends. Please submit your guests' names using the button below so we can send each guest an electronic invitation in early February 2026.