MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES

Middle School Trimester 2 (T2) — Available Today

Middle School Trimester 2 (T2) reports will be published today at 3:00 p.m. Please see the following letter from Catherine Gaynor, Assistant Head of Middle School, with more information.

Annual Art Show and Spring Choir Concert — Wednesday, April 15 

The Middle School Fine and Performing Arts Department is proud to present the Annual Art Show and Spring Choir Concert on Wednesday, April 15. Selected artwork from the 2025 - 2026 school year will be exhibited from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. in the dining hall, followed by the concert at 7:00 p.m. in the Logan Auditorium. Please see the following flyer for more details.

Fourth Grade Trip to Ellis Island — Friday, April 17

Our fourth-grade students are so excited about our upcoming field trip to Ellis Island on Friday, April 17. Please make sure to send your child to school with a packed lunch and a water bottle. The students WILL NOT be allowed to purchase lunch at Ellis Island.

Students can bring a small drawstring bag with their lunches and bottled water. Students should be dressed in Spirit Wear with an MKA top (we suggest dressing in layers). As a reminder, cell phones are not allowed on the trip and will be kept in students' lockers at school.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to your child's homeroom teacher.

Student Government Association Update

Our Middle School student government association (SGA) spent Monday afternoon at Van Vleck House & Gardens for our annual SGA Retreat, and it was such a special day. Students had time to step away from the usual routine to reflect on their leadership, strengthen connections, and think intentionally about how they want to show up for our community for the rest of the year. We were also so lucky to be joined by Upper School student leaders, including President Nate Chou and Vice President Julia Flocco, whose presence, insight, and leadership added so much to the day.

Special Elections for President, Vice President, and Eighth-Grade Reps will be on Friday, April 17. Stay tuned for the results!

Spring Band Concert — Wednesday, April 22

The Spring Band Concert will take place on Wednesday, April 22, at 7:00 p.m. (6:30 p.m. student arrival). Please contact Paul Murphy, Middle School Band Director, with any questions.

Global Experience Costa Rica Meeting Reminder — Tuesday, April 28

As a reminder, the mandatory second meeting for the June Costa Rica trip for parents/guardians will take place on Tuesday, April 28, from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Please note that the meeting has been changed from an in-person meeting to a virtual one. Detailed information and the Google Meet link will be sent prior to the meeting time. Student travelers are welcome to join.

Middle School Spring Dance Concert — RESCHEDULED to Thursday, April 30

Attention Middle School parents and guardians! The spring dance concert has been rescheduled to allow the performance groups additional time to prepare. The dance concert will now take place on Thursday, April 30, from 9:50 - 10:55 a.m. in the Logan Auditorium at the Middle School. Please see the following letter from Dr. Monica Elmore with more information.

Studio Arts Class Trip to Princeton — Friday, May 8

Students in Studio Arts 7 and 8 will be visiting Princeton on Friday, May 8, to view and learn about the Princeton University Art Museum's collection. Students will depart school after 8:00 am and return by the end of the regular school day. Please email Joelle Francht by May 1 if your child does not want a pizza lunch or if you have any questions.

Information Regarding End-of-Year Activities for Eighth Grade Students

Eighth Grade Class Photo — Friday, April 17

Please note that the eighth-grade class photo will take place on Friday, April 17, at 8:00 a.m.

Students are asked to wear the following:

• Summer dress of any solid, spring color (NO black) and dress shoes
• Pantsuit of any solid, spring color (NO black) and dress shoes
• Navy blue or black, solid-colored blazer with white dress shirt and tan, gray, or light blue slacks; tie; and dress shoes

After the photo is taken, students will be able to change into dress code. Therefore, they should bring a change of clothing if they choose to do so. If you have any questions, please reach out to Shanie Israel, Middle School Dean of Community Life.

Eighth Grade Closing Exercises — Friday, June 5 

The Eighth Grade Closing Exercises will take place on Friday, June 5, at 11:30 a.m. in the Logan Auditorium at the Middle School. Please see this letter from Dr. Carlaina Bell, Head of Middle School, with more details.

Eighth Grade Name Preferences for Closing Exercises

As we prepare for the Eighth Grade Closing Exercises, we recognize that some families may prefer a more formal or informal version of their child’s name. Please use this link to indicate how you would like your child’s name to appear in print and be announced during the ceremony.

Eighth Grade Dinner Dance — Friday, June 5

The eighth grade is invited to attend a dinner and dance on Friday, June 5, from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m., at the Middle School. More details will follow shortly.

Don’t Forget to Snap a Photo of Your Lawn Sign! 

Help us celebrate the Eighth Grade Class of 2026 by snapping a photo of your lawn sign and sharing it with MKA! Tag MKA in your photo on Instagram, Facebook, or email it to socialmedia@mka.org.

STEM+ Explorers Summer Camp — Registration Open

Step Into Summer at MKA! We’re thrilled to be launching our STEM+ Explorers Summer Camp for rising sixth through ninth-grade students. Empowered to become “STEMists,” students will spend July solving real-world design challenges while having fun and getting a step ahead in STEM. 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

Registration for Middle School families is available now with both full-day and half-day options. Questions? Visit the FAQ page or contact mkasummer@mka.org.

Important Upcoming Dates

• Tuesday, April 14, 8:15 am - 9:45 am — PAMKA Workshop Meeting
• Friday, April 17, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. — PAMKA Spring Social
• Wednesday, April 22, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm — Common Ground Speaks: AI, Education, and the Human Skills That Still Matter
• Saturday, April 25, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm — Cougar Pride Day

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

Cougar Consignment — Last Chance to Drop Off Donations

Do you have Spirit Wear and Code of Attire clothing that has been outgrown? The Cougar Consignment is here—an initiative that gives you the chance to rehome those lightly used MKA clothes and to shop at Cougar Pride Day. April 13 is the last day to drop off donations. Collection boxes have been placed at each campus.

Please only donate items that are in good or new condition. Questions? Please contact Janice Jacobson and Nicole Harris.

Don’t Miss The PAMKA Social — Purchase Tickets Before April 15

The PAMKA Social will be held on Friday, April 17, at 4Sixty6, from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.  Please join us for an evening centered on connection and celebration. There will be no auction and no speeches—just a fun, vibrant evening that we hope many will choose to attend. Purchase your tickets here before Wednesday, April 15.

Help PAMKA continue to support MKA faculty with the 2026 50/50 Raffle!

PAMKA's 50/50 raffle is now more than $24,000!

Purchase your tickets here! The winner will be announced at The PAMKA Social on Friday, April 17. All proceeds go directly towards Faculty Trust Grants and Faculty Wish Lists. 

Tickets are $50 each. One lucky winner will take home 50% of the total pot! Questions? Please contact Sara Elwell.

Cougar Pride Day — Volunteers Needed

Get ready for Cougar Pride Day on Saturday, April 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Rain date, Sunday, April 26) at Van Brunt Field!

Join us for an unforgettable day filled with thrilling inflatables, creative arts and crafts, and expanded field activities. Get ready to enjoy bites from our newly added food trucks, charity bake sale, and more.

Sign up to Volunteer! Be part of the excitement on this special day by signing up for a volunteer slot—your support is key to making this event a success!

The Cougar Auction — Tuesday, April 22 - Saturday, April 25 

Get ready to bid big on some unforgettable perks! This year, PAMKA is hosting a virtual auction of exclusive “Cougar Spirit Items”—think Head of School for the day, VIP car line spots, and guaranteed event seating. Timed to close on Cougar Pride Day, this limited virtual auction ensures families can still access their favorite items while supporting Faculty Trust Grants and Faculty Wish Lists.

Details on how to register and bid will be shared by Monday, April 21, with bidding open Tuesday, April 22, through Saturday, April 25. Don’t miss your chance—quantities are limited!

Common Ground Speaks Panel Discussion — Wednesday, April 22

Please register to attend “AI, Education, and the Human Skills That Still Matter,” a Common Ground Speaks panel discussion on Wednesday, April 22, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Far Hills Country Day School. The moderated panel will bring together national research, classroom insight, institutional leadership, and the parent perspective to examine how AI is transforming education and why human skills matter now more than ever.

Volunteers Needed for Junior Mock Interviews

Have you formerly or do you currently interview for your alma mater? Stephanie Salzman, PAMKA’s College Counseling Office (CCO) Liaison, is seeking interviewers for the CCO’s Junior Mock Interviews that will take place in May. This is an incredible program that helps students in 11th Grade prep for college interviews next fall. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Stephanie Salzman.

Stay Connected with PAMKA on Facebook

Join the MKA Parent Watercooler and stay connected to the community!

Last Chance To Submit Founders' Cup Nominations — Due Monday, April 13

At the heart of MKA’s vibrant community are the extraordinary educators who shape minds, inspire curiosity, and guide students far beyond the classroom. The Founders’ Cup Award honors MKA’s proud tradition of teaching excellence and celebrates an outstanding faculty member who embodies the very best of what it means to teach at MKA, in the classroom, on the field, in the studio, and through coaching and mentorship.

Nominate a faculty member whose impact is lasting, whose dedication is unwavering, and whose presence strengthens the fabric of our school community.

Tri-Campus Art Mural Initiative: Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month

This spring, MKA's counseling team is partnering with One River Art School in Montclair to bring a meaningful, school-wide art initiative to all three campuses in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month in May.

Students across every age group will create artwork that reflects what mental health, emotional well-being, and feelings mean to them—with projects thoughtfully designed and scaffolded to meet each developmental stage. One River's instructors will collaborate with the counseling team and faculty to guide and execute the project on each campus during the first week of April.

By May, a community mural will be on display at each campus, weaving together every student's contribution into a collective expression of wellness, resilience, and connection. We can't wait for you to see it!

If you have any questions, please reach out to Daniella Kessler, Director of Counseling.