MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES

Trimester 1 Grades and Comments — Tuesday, December 9

Trimester 1 (T1) ended on Friday, November 21. Teachers will provide narrative comments in grades four and five and letter grades and comments in grades six through eight. All grades and comments will be available via the Veracross Parent Portal at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 9. 

Please be mindful that while grades represent academic achievement, the Middle School teachers have taken great care to provide you with feedback on your child’s strengths and areas for growth as a learner in the narrative comments. We encourage you to discuss the feedback with your child and use information gleaned on conference day to help support your child’s academic and social-emotional goals for the year. Please reach out to Catherine Gaynor, Assistant Head of Middle School, if you have any questions.

Seventh Grade Visits the Met — Tuesday, December 9, and Thursday, December 11

The seventh grade will embark on a social studies field trip to explore a myriad of curricularly relevant exhibits at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on Tuesday, December 9, and Thursday, December 11. Half of the grade will visit on December 9, and the other half will visit on December 11. We will share which students are going on which day as we get closer to the trip.

• Students should arrive at school at the normal time and be in homeroom by 7:50 a.m. Students should be in regular dress code and dress for December weather.
• We will travel to the city by school bus.
• After touring the museum, the buses will stop at Pizzeria Uno in Clifton for lunch on the way home. There is no need to bring lunch, and the school covers the cost. If your student has a dietary concern (for example, if they keep kosher, have a lactose intolerance, or have a gluten intolerance), today is the last day to email Bill Bronson .
• Students will be back at school by the end of CWP and be dismissed to their regular after-school activities.

We will share which students are going on which day as we get closer to the trip.

Come See the New Inquiry & Innovation Center — Wednesday, December 17

On Wednesday, December 17, we invite all parents of students in grades 8-12 to the Upper School for a very informal visit to the newly opened I&I Center. The evening will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Academic Center with brief remarks from Dr. Flocco and Dr. Sauer to explain the space and its intended use. Afterwards, our students will be available to give tours of the space. We anticipate concluding the evening around 8:15 p.m. We realize that the Middle School Chorale Concert is that evening. This is a hectic time of year, and our options for parents who want to see this space before the winter break are limited. Please know there will be other opportunities to see this space in the spring.

Chinese Class Trip to Lily Yip Table Tennis Center — Thursday, December 18

Students in sixth and seventh-grade Chinese 1A and 1B classes will be going to the Lily Yip Table Tennis Center in Dunellen, NJ, on Thursday, December 18, to learn about the history of ping pong and to practice together.

Students will need a bagged lunch and a water bottle for the trip. The bus will depart MKA at 8:15 a.m. and return around 1:00 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact Fangzhou Zhang.

Shoutouts and Announcements

Please use this link to view shoutouts and announcements, including important information regarding Spirit Week and upcoming events.

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. More information to follow.

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 to 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.

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.

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.

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.

Important Correction: 2025-2026 Yearbook Personal Ads

The yearbook is a timeless way to capture your child's precious memories from this school year.

We want to clarify an important detail from last week's announcement regarding personal ads. Please note that the opportunity to create a personal ad is reserved exclusively for our eighth-grade students and their families. We sincerely apologize for any confusion this may have caused.

For Our Eighth Grade Families:

Don't miss this chance to celebrate their journey!

• Deadline: Monday, December 15
• How to Create Your Ad: For pricing, design options, and to submit your order, please use this link.
  

For Families of Grades Four Through Seven

Please visit the Jostens website for more information on how to purchase a yearbook.

PickUp Patrol and Carline Reminders

Please take a moment to update your child's default plans in PickUp Patrol if their afternoon activities have recently changed. It is imperative that we know who is riding the shuttles each day. As a reminder, same-day changes must be made by 2:35 p.m. to ensure your child appears on the correct list.

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.

Important Upcoming Dates

• Friday, December 5, 8:15 - 9:15 a.m. — PAMKA Cougar Pride Day Virtual Meeting (Please use this link to join the meeting)
• Tuesday, December 9, 8:15 - 9:15 a.m. — PAMKA Parenting Workshop Meeting
• Tuesday, December 16,8:15 - 9:15 a.m. — PAMKA Spring Social Meeting

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

Tri-Campus Hat, Scarf, Mitten, and Children’s Toy Drives — Now through Friday, December 12

PAMKA is excited to host our annual Tri-Campus Hat, Scarf, Mitten, and Toy Drives to benefit Valley Settlement House and Toni’s Kitchen starting Monday, December 1, through Friday, December 12. This is a wonderful way for our community to help keep local children warm and make their holidays a little brighter.

You can support the drives in two easy ways:

1. Drop-Off Donations - Please bring new hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, and new, unwrapped toys for children ages 4–12. Please place items in the collection boxes located in the lobby of each campus.
2. Order online through Amazon Wish Lists - Choose items from the Amazon Wish List links below and have them shipped directly to the organizations:
   1. Hat, Scarf, & Mitten Drive for Valley Settlement House
   2. Toy Drive for Toni’s Kitchen

Amazon Wish List Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Log in to your Amazon account
• Click on the link for the drive(s) you’d like to support
  • Hat, Scarf, & Mitten Drive for Valley Settlement House
  • Toy Drive for Toni’s Kitchen
• Select the item(s) you wish to purchase and add them to your cart. When you’re done shopping, click “Proceed to Checkout.”
• Under the address options, select Valley Settlement House or Toni’s Kitchen (these should appear at the top) so your items ship directly to the organization.
• Please do not ship to your home, and do not select gift wrap or gift note options.
• Choose your payment and shipping method and complete your order.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Primary School Engagement Chair, Ashley Hirsh. Thank you for your generosity and for helping MKA support our local children and families this season!

Stay Connected with PAMKA on Facebook

Join the MKA Parent Watercooler on Facebook.

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. 
Questions? Contact Edie Brennan, and/or Paris McLean, Assistant Head of School for Community Belonging.

Tri-Campus Hanukkah Party — TODAY

We can’t wait to see you at our Tri-Campus Hanukkah Party today, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. in the Upper School Dining Hall! Come for dinner, crafts, games, and a ceremonial candle lighting. Hosted by Upper School Jewish Cultural Society, the Jewish Parent and Caregiver Affinity Group, and the Office of Community Belonging, this evening is open to all members of the MKA community. Please note, registration for this event is now closed.

EPE Winter Sessions — Registration Opens December 8

Fight the winter blues with EPE! MKA is pleased to offer after-school care for your child(ren) in grades Jr-K to 8 through our Extended Play and Enrichment (EPE) program. After-school care is provided from the end of the school day until 6:00 p.m. each day.

Please visit the EPE webpage to familiarize yourself with the programs, schedule, and registration details. Registration for Winter EPE opens at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 8.

Questions? Please email Amy Pacifico and Amy Moltane.

Parent Challenge Success Survey Extended to Monday, December 8

MKA has partnered with Challenge Success, a nonprofit affiliated with the Stanford University Graduate School of Education, to better understand and enhance the student experience. Through this partnership, MKA has administered a survey to gather feedback from students (Grades 4–12) and parents and caregivers (Jr-K–12), which will inform school culture, well-being, and academic engagement.

All students have now taken the survey. To ensure the results truly reflect our community, we need significantly more participation from families. The survey takes just 5–10 minutes, and our goal is to have at least one parent per family complete it. To help us reach that goal, the deadline has been extended to Monday, December 8.

Holiday Favorites from the MKA School Store

Deck the halls in green and blue! Our school store is making gifting easy this year. From cozy wearables to spirited accessories, our holiday gift picks make celebrating the season even brighter. These hand-picked favorites are ready to add holiday sparkle and school pride to every celebration.