SEPTEMBER 19, 2025
REMINDER: NO SCHOOL TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 (ROSH HASHANAH)
Back to School Night Remarks from Dr. Bell
It was a pleasure to welcome parents and caregivers to Back to School Night yesterday. For those of you who missed the event, please see Dr. Bell’s opening remarks.
A Letter from Shanie Israel, Dean of Community Life
Please see this week’s letter from Shanie Israel, Middle School Dean of Community Life, where she reflects on her own middle school experiences in nature and shares why MKA’s start-of-year trips to Fairview Lake and Camp Mason are such a powerful tradition for connection, growth, and community.
Speech and Debate — Wednesday, September 24
Attention parents and caregivers of students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. We are beginning our next Extra Curricular Team after school, starting on September 24. If your child is interested in participating in Speech and Debate, please complete this form. Speech and Debate will take place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:00 - 4:00 in room 208. You can read more about the programming in the sign-up form. Please reach out to Amy Mai Tierney or Shanie Israel if you have any questions.
A few families have reached out regarding Model UN. Please know that Model UN will begin after fall sports, as the Model UN Facilitator is also a football coach. Sign-up for Model UN will begin after Thanksgiving break.
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.
Save the Date: Virtual Mandatory Parent/Caregiver Meeting for Sixth-Grade Play — Monday, October 27
There will be a mandatory parent/caregiver meeting for the sixth-grade play on Monday, October 27, at 7:15 a.m. in the auditorium and 7:30 p.m. (virtual). The link will be provided before the meeting. Any student wishing to participate must have a parent at one of these meetings.
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. 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. Even if parents and caregivers are planning on purchasing pictures, all students must get their picture taken.
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.
MS Global Experience Programs Informational Meeting — Tuesday, October 28
Learn about this year's trips to France, Spain, and Costa Rica on Tuesday, October 28, at 7:00 p.m.! If your student is interested in participating in one of these GE programs, families must attend this important virtual meeting. The Google link will be shared as we get closer to the event.
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.
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.
Important Upcoming Dates
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.
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 the Higgins Conference Room 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
Our Fall Parent Socials are in full swing! These wonderful evenings are a fantastic way to meet other parents in your child’s grade.
- 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.
Upcoming Parents and Caregivers Affinity Group Meetings
Join us for the following Parents and Caregivers Affinity Group meetings:
- 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.
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.
MKA Homecoming — Saturday, October 11
Mark your calendars! Join the MKA community to celebrate Homecoming on Saturday, October 11, from 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. for a day full of MKA pride, fall fun, and community spirit. There will be sports games, family-friendly activities like face painting, and more.
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.
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.
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.
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The archive of weekly tri-campus newsletters can be located on the homepage of your Veracross Portal.