SEPTEMBER 26, 2025
REMINDER: SCHOOL CLOSED THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2 (YOM KIPPUR)
A Letter from Shanie Israel, Dean of Community Life
Please see this week’s letter from Shanie Israel, Middle School Dean of Community Life. Shanie highlights how students in eighth grade are stepping into their roles as ethical leaders.
Speech and Debate
Speech and Debate will take place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:00 - 4:00 in room 209.
If your child is interested in participating in Speech and Debate, please complete this form. 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.
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.
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
Please read this important letter regarding the fourth- and fifth-grade trip to Camp Mason and ensure that you complete the waiver included in this letter as soon as possible. Without the waiver, students will not be able to attend the trip.
When students return from Camp Mason at 5:00 p.m. on October 3, they will be dropped off at Central Avenue. Parents and caregivers should pick up students in carline. Parents/caregivers are also permitted to legally park their car on a neighboring street and walk to the portico to pick up their student and belongings. Our 5:00 pm carline will run with the help of security personnel, so that it is as smooth and efficient as possible.
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.
MS Global Experience Programs Virtual 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
- 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
- Friday, October 3 — Parent Social for Kindergarten and Grade 8
- Friday, October 10 — Parent Social for Grade 3
For a complete calendar listing of events, view the PAMKA Calendar in Veracross.
KIPP NJ Parent Tutoring Opportunities
KIPP New Jersey and PAMKA are thrilled to continue their long-standing partnership. We will be offering a 1:1 parent-to-student tutoring opportunity at KIPP Newark SPARK Elementary School. Providing 1:1 support for their students can be very impactful! The program will provide students with English Language Arts support ranging from help with sight words to reading comprehension and fluency. There may also be some math support for Kindergarten through second grade.
To volunteer, please fill out our online Volunteer Form. If you have additional questions about this program, feel free to reach out to Sarah Nassauer, PAMKA’s KIPP NJ Tutor Coordinator. Also, please visit the KIPP NJ Website to learn more about their schools.
Established tutors should expect communication regarding scheduling in the next few weeks from Nailah Brown, who is the Manager of Special Projects & Events for KIPP NJ & KIPP Miami.
Jr-K–12 Parent Coffee: Meet the Counselors — Tuesday, September 30
MKA's school counseling team will provide 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.
Thank you to all those who have RSVP’d. We can’t wait to see you there!
Common Ground Speaks — Thursday, October 16
MKA is a member of Common Ground Speaks, a consortium of parent associations of independent schools in the Central/Northern New Jersey area. CGS works in a collaborative effort to bring education, information, and inspiration to the community.
CGS is very excited to host Ruth Whippman on Thursday, October 16, at 7:00 p.m., at Far Brook School. Ruth Whippman, author of the acclaimed book BOYMOM, takes a sharp, witty look at what it means to raise boys in today's world and how cultural expectations shape the lives of kids, their families, and the communities they grow up in. Drawing on research and personal storytelling, she offers practical ways to nurture emotional health, resilience, and connection for every child. Please register by October 13.
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. Many thanks to Ashley & Craig Hirsh for hosting the fourth-grade social, to Jamie & Matt Reichstein for hosting the fifth-grade social, and to Justyna and Jan Kwapniewski for hosting the eleventh-grade on-campus social this past weekend. We are grateful for their hospitality and generosity.
- 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
- Tuesday, October 7, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — MOSAIC: Black Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group meeting
- Wednesday, October 8, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — South Asian Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group meeting
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 11:00 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 games and face painting, and more. Please also consider bringing donations for Toni's Kitchen, which can be dropped off in bins at the ticket tables. View the Homecoming flyer to learn more about the day's festivities and what donation items are needed most.
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.
Save the Date — MKA Day is Thursday, November 20
Mark your calendars, Cougar Nation! On November 20, our entire community will rally together for MKA Day, our biggest day of giving, with one goal: 800 gifts in 24 hours to support our students and school.
Stay tuned for more details on how you can join the excitement. Questions? Please contact Kelly Flippin, Director of Annual Giving.
The archive of weekly tri-campus newsletters can be located on the homepage of your Veracross Portal.