MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES

The Summer Strings Session

The summer months are the perfect time for young string players to elevate their playing to a higher level. Scheduling is flexible, and piano lessons are also available. If you are interested in our summer sessions, please contact Dimitri Hadjipetkov.

Eight Grade Science Presentations — May 15 - May 22

Eighth-grade students will be presenting their science projects starting on Friday, May 15. Please see the following letter with more information.

Student Government Association Sponsored Events

• Week of May 18: Bake Sale Fundraiser for Mental Health Awareness (Cash only!)
• Week of May 18: Sports Equipment Drive (Donate lightly used equipment in Pennick Lobby.)

Seventh Grade Academic Preview Night — Wednesday, May 20

We are excited to host seventh-grade parents and students at the Upper School for an evening focused on our academic program at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20. Department Chairs will speak on the courses offered in their departments, a typical pathway of courses from ninth through twelfth grade, and unique opportunities within their disciplines. You will also hear from a recent MKA alum about the journey through academics at MKA and how it prepares students for college. If you have questions about this event, please contact Charlotte Lillard.

Greek Fest 2026 — Thursday, May 21

The fifth grade will participate in Greek Fest on Thursday, May 21. Please see the following letter for more information, including links for parent donations and volunteer opportunities.

Shakespeare Project at MKA — Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30

It’s the 30th anniversary of the Shakespeare Project at MKA! Please join our seventh-grade team of actors, stage managers, and crew as we journey into the world of Macbeth. Ambition, greed, and a dose of the supernatural take the lead in this compelling story.

Performances are Friday, May 29, at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 30, at 5:00 p.m.

End-of-Year Grade Level Picnics

• Eighth Grade - Wednesday, May 27 - Please see the following letter with more information.
• Fourth Grade - Thursday, May 28 - Please see the following letter with more information.
• Fifth Grade - Friday, May 29 - Please see the following letter with more information.
• Seventh Grade - Monday, June 1-  Please see the following letter with more information.
• Sixth Grade - Wednesday, June 3 - Please see the following letter with more information.

Auditions for Eighth Grade Performance Ensemble — Tuesday, June 2

We will hold auditions for the Eighth Grade Performance Ensemble on Tuesday, June 2, during class (8:00 - 8:55 a.m.) and FLEX (10:10 - 10:55 a.m.) in the theatre arts room (102). All interested seventh-grade students must audition to participate.

Please note: Students must bring a signed contract to the audition.

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

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.

Important Upcoming Dates

• Wednesday, May 20, 8:15 - 10:15 a.m. — PAMKA Annual Meeting
• Wednesday, May 27, 8:15 - 9:45 a.m. — PAMKA Board Meeting
• Wednesday, May 27, 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. — PAMKA Maintenance Appreciation Lunch

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

PAMKA Annual Meeting — Wednesday, May 20

PAMKA’s Annual Meeting is on Wednesday, May 20, at the Middle School.

Please join us in the dining room to celebrate PAMKA’s achievements, learn about the new slate of volunteers, and hear about PAMKA’s gifts to MKA. Head of School Nigel Furlonge will also speak. A continental breakfast will start at 7:45 a.m. with the meeting to follow at 8:15 a.m. We hope to see you there!

Please see a copy of the 2026-2027 Budget Summary. You can also review our annual meeting
agenda in advance, along with the PAMKA Board Annual Reports.

Middle School Supply Sale — Order by Tuesday, June 30

Get a jump on school shopping and help support PAMKA, too! Order your Middle School student supplies for next year from now until Tuesday, June 30. They will be delivered directly to your home. Prices are competitive, and PAMKA earns a portion of the sales.

Our school ID is MON348. Place your order online or view this flyer for more information. School supplies will be shipped directly to your home address by August 21.

Please Note: For all grades, organizational binders and folder systems (such as case-its, trapper keepers, and accordion files) are not included in these supply packs and will need to be purchased separately. Calculators are only included in supply packs for fifth graders. For grades six through eight, calculators will be provided by the school for classroom use. Parents are welcome to purchase calculators for home use separately. For questions, please contact PAMKA Finance VP, Rupa Coutinho.