MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES

Middle School Assemblies  – An Invitation

Are you interested in attending a future Middle School assembly? In an effort to build community by sharing common experiences, the Middle School Administrative Team likes to invite Middle School parents and caregivers to assemblies throughout the year. Assemblies, led by Student Government and Ms. Israel, take place on Mondays from 9:50 - 10:35 a.m. New this year, parents are invited to stay after for a short conversation with Dr. Bell. If you are interested in attending an assembly between now and Winter Break, please complete this form. You will receive an invitation for a future date and time. We look forward to putting a spotlight on some Cougar Superpowers at an upcoming assembly for you.

Back to School Night — Thursday, September 18

The Middle School Back to School Night will occur on Thursday, September 18, from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. (Please note the earlier start time this year). We are excited to welcome parents to campus to meet teachers and advisors and learn about the Middle School experience. The evening will begin in the Logan Auditorium with remarks from Dr. Bell at 6:00 p.m. sharp.

Schedules for parents will be available on Veracross at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday. 

• Directions for students in grades 4 and 5
• Directions for students in grades 6-8

Back to School Night is a special opportunity designed for parents and caregivers to experience what it’s like to be in middle school and to gain a glimpse into their child’s daily school life. Due to space constraints, this event is limited to parents and caregivers.

Virtual Meeting for Eighth Grade Families — Wednesday, September 24

There will be a virtual information session for all parents and caregivers of eighth graders on Wednesday, September 24, at 7:00 p.m. for the class trip to Williamsburg—link to follow.  Please see the following letter from CherylAnne Amendola, History Department Chair, for more information.

Coffee and Conversation with Carlaina — Thursday, September 25, and Friday, September 26

Dr. Bell is excited to sit down with small groups of parents this year for a conversation about the Middle School experience. The first coffee will be for parents in the Lower House (grades four and five) on Thursday, September 25. Please complete this form to RSVP. For parents of students in grades six to eight, please complete this form to join Dr. Bell on Friday, September 26, at 8:15 a.m.

Picture Day — Wednesday, October 1

Picture Day is Wednesday, October 1, for all Middle School students. Students should adhere to regular dress code rules that day. Students may bring a change of clothes, however. PE teachers are not requiring students to change for gym, and activities will be modified for the day.  Homeroom teachers will inform students when they are scheduled to get their picture taken. Pictures will be used in the class photo composite and the yearbook.

Fourth and Fifth Grade Trip to Camp Mason — Friday, October 3

The fourth and fifth grades will be traveling to Camp Mason on October 3. Please see the following letter for more information.

MKA After School Music Program — Enrollment Open

Enrollment is now open 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.

Reminder: PickUp Patrol and Dismissal Changes

All changes to pick up must be submitted through PickUp Patrol by 2:40 p.m. each day. Notes, emails, or phone calls will no longer be accepted. If you have any questions, please first check the PUP Parent Guide.

Important Upcoming Dates

Saturday, September 13 — Parent Social Grades 1, 7, and 10
Monday, September 15, 8:15 - 10:15 a.m. — PAMKA Book Fair Meeting
Wednesday, September 17, 8:15  - 10:00 a.m. — PAMKA Tri-Campus Informational Coffee
Friday, September 19 — Parent Social Grades 4 and 11
Saturday, September 20 — Parent Social Grade 5
Monday, September 29, 8:15 - 10:15 a.m. — PAMKA Book Fair Meeting
Tuesday, September 30, 8:15 - 9:30 a.m. — Meet the Counselors Coffee

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

Tri-Campus Informational Coffee — Wednesday, September 17

The Tri-Campus Informational Coffee will take place on Wednesday, September 17, at 8:15 a.m. at the Primary School Cafetorium. This meeting will provide information about the numerous and varied opportunities on all three campuses to support the school. The coffee is also a perfect opportunity to meet fellow parents and connect with the community. Please kindly RSVP online to this event by Friday, September 12. You can also learn more about PAMKA volunteer opportunities by completing the online Volunteer Form.

Any questions? Contact Meredith Levine, PAMKA’s Volunteer Coordinator VP.

Jr-K–12 Parent Coffee: Meet the Counselors — Tuesday, September 30

Please join MKA's school counseling team for a brief overview of the tri-campus counseling program on Tuesday, September 30, at 8:15 a.m. in Higgins at the Middle School. Hear about the Office of Student Support and how the counselors collaborate with members of the Academic Support team, and learn what you can expect for support for Jr-K–12 students. There will also be time for Q&A for campus-specific questions. Coffee and refreshments will be served.

Jr-K–12 parents are welcome to attend. Please RSVP by September 25.

Fall Parent Socials

Mark your calendars! These wonderful evenings are a fantastic way to meet other parents in your child’s grade. Many thanks to Besa and David Owen for generously hosting the Second-Grade Social—their hospitality helped make the evening a great success. We’re also deeply grateful to Ruchi Misra and Nicholas Hailey, and Courtney and Christopher Meeker for cohosting the Ninth-Grade Social, which was the first ever to be held on campus. Their generosity and willingness to try a new format created a memorable and well-attended event.

Saturday, September 13: Grades 1, 7, and 10
Friday, September 19: Grades 4 and 11
Saturday, September 20: Grade 5
Friday, October 3: Kindergarten, Grade 8
Friday, October 10: Grade 3
Thursday, October 16: Jr-K
Friday, October 17: Grade 6

The Grade 12 Parent Social will be held in Spring 2025. Grade 12 parents will receive an update after Spring Break.

Please watch for an Evite from your Grade Representative with details regarding the host, location, timing, as well as how to RSVP. Invitations will be sent approximately four weeks prior to your social. For any questions, please contact your PAMKA Grade Representative.

Stay Connected with PAMKA on Facebook

Join the MKA Parent Watercooler on Facebook.

MKA’s Website Has a New Look

As you may have noticed, MKA’s website has a brand new look! The refreshed design highlights the vibrancy of our community and provides a welcoming first impression for prospective families interested in learning more about our school.

Current families should continue to visit the Veracross Parent Portal for all important information and use resources like WeAreMKA for reminders and updates.

Please note, you can access the parent portal from the website by clicking “Veracross Portals” at the top left-hand corner of the homepage. On mobile devices, you can locate the portals by tapping the magnifying glass symbol next to the main menu.

Thank you for joining us in celebrating and sharing all that makes MKA extraordinary.

Upcoming Parents and Caregivers Affinity Group Meetings

Join us for the following Parents and Caregivers Affinity Group meetings:

• Monday, September 15: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — Junt@s Hispanic/Latinx Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group
• Wednesday, September 17: 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. — Office of Community Belonging Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group Fall Gathering
• Wednesday, October 1: 8:15 - 9:15 a.m. — Admissions & Office of Community Belonging - International & Expat Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group Breakfast

Questions? Contact Edie Brennan, Office of Community Belonging/Caregiver Affinity Group Liaison, and/or Paris McLean, Assistant Head of School for Community Belonging. The Parents and Caregivers Affinity Group meeting dates for the 2025-2026 academic year can be found on the Community Belonging Calendar in the Veracross Parent Portal under the "Resources'' tab.

Parents and Caregivers Affinity Group Fall Gathering — Wednesday, September 17

The Diversity and Inclusion Parents Committee (DIPC) and Office of Community Belonging would like to invite you to the MKA Parents and Caregivers Affinity Group Fall Gathering. The gathering will be on Wednesday, September 17, from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. in the Middle School Dining Hall.

The Parent and Caregiver Affinity Groups are a key way in which we foster and celebrate community at MKA, and this event is open to all who have previously participated in these spaces or are interested in learning more. Please complete this form by September 12 to RSVP.

Questions? Contact Edie Brennan, Office of Community Belonging/Caregiver Affinity Group Liaison, and/or Paris McLean, Assistant Head of School for Community Belonging.

International Parent Affinity Group Breakfast — Wednesday, October 1 

Are you living in the U.S. temporarily, or have you recently returned to the U.S. after living abroad? Come meet others who have had the same experience and share your story on Wednesday, October 1, from 8:15 - 9:15 a.m., in the Middle School Higgins Common Room.

To RSVP, please contact Callie Bond, Associate Director of Community Belonging and Admissions Liaison.

Join Us for MKA’s Golf & Tennis Classic — Monday, October 27

The Golf & Tennis Classic returns to Somerset Hills Country Club on Monday, October 27! Hosted by Board of Trustees President Naveen Ballem ’90, M.D., F.A.C.S., the day will feature friendly competition, school pride, and meaningful connections.

Secure your spot by registering today! Questions? Contact Gretchen Berra for more information.

New Items in the School Store

Gear up for the school year! New spirit wear is now available for online ordering. Visit www.mka.org/schoolstore to place your order now and show your Cougar pride in style this fall.

The archive of weekly tri-campus newsletters can be located on the homepage of your Veracross Portal.