SEPTEMBER 18, 2026
REMINDER: NO SCHOOL MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 (YOM KIPPUR)
Important Carline/Student Schedule Updates
Thank you, everyone, for your cooperation and patience on the carline. We are off to a great start, thanks to you. As we go forward, our goal is to have all students in their classrooms by 8:00 a.m. when instruction begins. A helpful tip is to arrive between 7:30 a.m. and 7:40 a.m. You will most likely breeze through the morning carline. The carline will close at 7:50 a.m., and cones will be placed in the driveway.
Please see this communication from Head of Campus, Katie Banks, that was sent on Thursday, September 17, for more important safety details.
IMPORTANT: Families may not park on Orange Road and walk into the school to drop off or pick up their children, per signage posted by the Montclair Police Department. This is unsafe and unfair to others, as well as against school policy.
Please also note that spots 1- 44 in the parking lot are reserved for faculty and staff. Please do not park in those spaces.
Families who live within one mile of the Primary School are eligible to be walkers. If you would like to be a walker, kindly submit your request to psnotifications@mka.org. During dismissal, parents of walkers should come up to the front doors. Someone will locate your student and bring them to you. Do not enter the gym.
Please be sure to send student absences, late arrivals, early pickups, carpools, or play date information to psnotifications@mka.org and copy your student's advisor.
MKA’s No Pets on Campus Policy
Please note that pets are prohibited on all MKA properties, including outdoor and/or athletic events, even if they occur after school hours. MKA does recognize the rights of people with disabilities to be accompanied by their service animal while on campus. Thank you for your understanding of and adherence to this policy.
Extended Play and Enrichment Program (EPE) Reminders
If you are registered for EPE, you can always refer to your CampBrain account to see which days/courses you signed up for. Also, be on the lookout for our email blasts with important updates!
Please contact Amy Pacifico or Amy Gonzalez by 1:00 p.m. if:
- Your child will not attend on their scheduled day.
- Your child will be going home with someone other than an MKA-authorized pick-up person.
- Your child will be leaving before their scheduled pick-up time.
Spirit Day Fridays Have Begun
Students are invited to participate in Spirit Day Fridays each week! You may reference the Code of Attire guidelines for more details. Go Cougars!
Primary School Snack Time
Our food service company provides one daily snack option for each student. If your student has specific preferences, you are invited to send a snack from home in their backpack.
Family Partnership and Education Series — Thursday, September 24
We are excited to launch the 2026-2027 Family Partnership and Education series! Join us on Thursday, September 24, from 8:15 - 9:00 a.m. in the Primary School Cafeteria for our session on “Brains, Behaviors, and Balance: Supporting Your Child’s Growth” to learn how the Primary School helps children grow and develop strategies to manage their "big, baffling behaviors." Using the faculty and staff summer reading book, Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors, you will learn how we help children return to their "owl brain" while at school and even walk away with some tips and strategies for home. Please RSVP using this link to let us know if you are able to attend.
Picture Day — Tuesday, September 29
📸 Smile! Primary School Picture Day is scheduled for Tuesday, September 29. A retake date will be announced at a later time for students who are absent on picture day or need a retake. Stay tuned.
Back to School Night — Thursday, October 1
The Primary School Back to School Night will take place on Thursday, October 1, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. This is an in-person event. We are excited to welcome parents to campus to meet advisors, specialists, and support staff, and learn about the Primary School experience. Stay tuned for more information from our campus head, Katie Banks.
Important Upcoming Dates
- Wednesday, September 23, 8:15 - 10:00 a.m. — PAMKA Tri-Campus Informational Coffee
- Monday, September 28, 8:15 - 10:00 a.m. — Book Fair Meeting
- Monday, October 5, 8:15 - 10:00 a.m. — Book Fair Meeting
Save the Date!
- Saturday, October 10, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. — Homecoming
- Thursday, November 5 - Wednesday, November 11 — Scholastic Book Fair (Save the date!)
For a complete calendar listing of PAMKA events, please view the PAMKA calendar in Veracross.
Fall Parent Socials
Kick off the school year by connecting with fellow parents at our Fall Parent Socials. These fun gatherings are a great opportunity to meet new parents and reconnect with old friends. We’re excited to bring our parent community together for a few relaxed evenings this fall. Thank you to all the families that are hosting these events.
Saturday, September 19 — Grade 3
Friday, September 25 — Grade 1 & Grade 6
Saturday, September 26 — Grade 8 & Grade 9
Friday, October 2 — Grades K, 7, & 11
Saturday, October 3 — Jr-K
Friday, October 9 — Grade 4
Friday, October 16 — Grade 2
Please note: Dates for grades 5 and 10 will be finalized and shared soon. The Grade 12 parent social will be held in Spring 2027. Grade 12 parents will receive an update after spring break.
Please be on the lookout for an Evite from your grade representatives 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 Representatives.
Last Chance to Register for the Tri-Campus Informational Coffee — Wednesday, September 23
The Tri-Campus Informational Coffee will take place on Wednesday, September 23, at 8:15 a.m. at the Primary School Cafetorium. Whether you're a returning volunteer or brand new to the MKA community, this is a chance to learn more about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and ways you can contribute based on your interests and availability. There are opportunities big and small, and we'd love to find something that works for you. The coffee is also a perfect opportunity to meet fellow parents and connect with the community.
Come grab a cup of coffee, meet other parents, ask questions, and learn how you can be part of making this a great year for our students and MKA community. Today is the last chance to RSVP to this event. Kindly RSVP online using this link.
You can also learn more about PAMKA volunteer opportunities by completing the online PAMKA Volunteer Form.
Connect with PAMKA on LinkedIn
We’re excited to introduce the new PAMKA LinkedIn page, created as a resource to help our parent community connect beyond the school campus. Rooted in MKA’s commitment to being known and connected, the group will help foster an even stronger sense of community among MKA families.
We hope this page will provide opportunities for parents to network, share professional connections and expertise, support one another, and build meaningful relationships within our community. Members will also receive important updates about upcoming events, opportunities to get involved, and other news relevant to the parent community.
We invite all parents to follow the page, connect with fellow MKA families, and help us grow this new resource together.
Upcoming Parents and Caregivers Affinity Group Meetings
- Monday, September 28, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. — DIPC & Office of Community Belonging Parent & Caregiver Affinity Groups Fall Gathering
- Wednesday, September 30, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — Single Parents Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group Meeting
- Wednesday, October 14, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — AAPI Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group Meeting
- Wednesday, October 14, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — Muslim Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group
Stay up to date on Parent and Caregivers Affinity Group meeting dates for the 2026-2027 academic year using the Community Belonging calendar. For questions, please contact Edie Brennan, Community Belonging Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group Liaison; Callie Bond, Associate Director of Community Belonging and Admissions Liaison; and/or Shawna Morton, Director of Community Belonging.
Upcoming Athletics Home Games
Show your Cougar pride this week and cheer on our student-athletes as they defend home turf! For full schedule details, check out the athletics calendar, and don’t forget to follow @mkaathletics on social media.
Friday, September 18
4:00 p.m. — Girls’ Junior Varsity Tennis vs. Glen Ridge High School (MS Courts)
4:15 p.m. — Boys’ Varsity Soccer vs. Ridgewood High School (Van Brunt Field)
4:15 p.m. — Boys’ Junior Varsity Soccer vs. Ridgewood High School (MS Fields Complex)
Saturday, September 19
2:00 p.m. — Girls’ Junior Varsity Soccer vs. Blair Academy (Van Brunt Field)
Last Chance to Register for the Tri-Campus Informational Coffee — Wednesday, September 23
The Tri-Campus Informational Coffee will take place on Wednesday, September 23, at 8:15 a.m. at the Primary School Cafetorium. Whether you're a returning volunteer or brand new to the MKA community, this is a chance to learn more about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and ways you can contribute based on your interests and availability. There are opportunities big and small, and we'd love to find something that works for you. The coffee is also a perfect opportunity to meet fellow parents and connect with the community.
Come grab a cup of coffee, meet other parents, ask questions, and learn how you can be part of making this a great year for our students and MKA community. Today is the last chance to RSVP to this event. Kindly RSVP online using this link.
You can also learn more about PAMKA volunteer opportunities by completing the online PAMKA Volunteer Form.
Parent and Caregiver Affinity Group Fall Gathering — Monday, September 28
The Diversity and Inclusion Parents Committee (DIPC) and the Office of Community Belonging would like to invite you to the MKA Parent and Caregiver Affinity Group Fall Gathering. The Parent and Caregiver Affinity Groups are a key way we foster and celebrate community at MKA, and this event is open to anyone who has previously participated in these spaces or is interested in learning more.
The gathering will be held on Monday, September 28, from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. at the Head of School's home. Please note that this event is designed for our parents and caregivers only. Light hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be provided. Please RSVP by completing this form by Thursday, September 24.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Edie Brennan and/or Shawna Morton. We hope to see you there!
Register for the Annual Golf & Racquet Classic — Monday, October 26
Registration is now open for the annual Golf & Racquet Classic taking place on Monday, October 26 at 10:00 a.m. at the Somerset Hills Country Club. Join fellow MKA parents, alumni, and supporters for an unforgettable day of friendly competition and camaraderie. Your support at this year’s outing does more than create a great day on the green—it strengthens the MKA experience for our students.
New this year: We've added Mahjong Open Play and a Mahjong 101 Clinic to the lineup!
Event proceeds will combine to create the MKA Athletics Challenge for MKA Day on November 19, our largest day of giving. This means your day out will inspire our entire school community to give back. Spots are limited, so make sure to secure your spot today!
Looking to make a broader impact? Sponsorships at all levels offer high-visibility brand exposure, strategic networking opportunities, and tax-deductible benefits. It's a win-win, supporting students while showcasing your brand to our engaged and dynamic community. You can view our sponsorships on our registration page.
REGISTER TODAY
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