OCTOBER 10, 2025
The Gathering — This afternoon, Friday, October 10
On Friday, October 10, the entire school will participate in The Gathering. This annual tradition is an opportunity for all three campuses to join together as one school to recognize and celebrate what it means to be one community through shared values and mission. In the morning, Primary School students will join together for a community meeting, collaborative games, and activities on the Brookside campus. Kindergarten through third grade will travel to the Middle School after lunch, where there will be music and brief speeches; kindergarteners will participate in the special tradition of having their names read aloud as they cross over a bridge, where MKA seniors will present them with a cougar stuffed animal. While kindergarten through third grade is at the Middle School, Jr-K will remain at Brookside for activities on campus and will join the carline when the rest of the students return.
We do not anticipate the carline being affected this afternoon. However, we appreciate your patience and flexibility if it takes a few extra minutes to begin the dismissal process. Thank you for your support of this meaningful MKA tradition!
Second Grade Science Open House — Tuesday, October 14
Our Science Specialist, Ms. Glynn, would like to invite the parents of second-grade students to drop by the science room anytime between 8:00 – 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 14, for our Science Open House. While there will be no formal presentation, please feel free to stop in to see the science lab, try some of the hands-on activities your child will experience this year, and ask any curricular questions you may have.
Connection Conversations with Katie — Wednesday, October 15
Join us on Wednesday, October 15, from 8:00 - 8:45 a.m. as we launch our family engagement series, Connection Conversations! This will be an opportunity for families to come together for a lively information session and discussion, led by Katie and various members of the Primary School administrative team. Please make sure you fill out the Google Form survey you received earlier this week so we can best tailor the topic to the interests of the group. The survey closes today at 4:00 p.m., and the topic will be announced on Monday, October 13. The conversation will be recorded and shared afterwards if you are interested by unable to attend in person. We look forward to connecting with you!
Save the Date for Kindergarten Showcases
Each student in kindergarten will share a story they created through collaboration with Dance/Theatre Arts teacher Kristen Weaver. The students brainstormed ideas, improvised scenes, discussed many possibilities, and made choices along the way. As the script took shape, the students discussed what the message to the audience should be. We hope you will join us for a showcase, and know you will enjoy seeing the work these thoughtful students have created!
Showcase Dates and Times:
- Friday, October 17, 8:10 - 8:45 a.m. — Blue Kindergarten
- Friday, October 24, 8:10 - 8:45 a.m. — Green Kindergarten
Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten World Language Open House — Thursday, October 23
Brookside World Language Department invites you to experience your child’s French or Spanish language acquisition class on Thursday, October 23. While understanding what Acquisition Driven Instruction (ADI) is can be interesting, experiencing it first-hand is even more enjoyable. Come as you are—no experience necessary. We look forward to welcoming you into our French and Spanish classrooms from 8:00 - 8:30 a.m. Kindly complete this form if you plan to attend.
Save the Date: A Morning at the Middle School for Third-Grade Parents
Third-grade parents are invited to visit the Middle School on Wednesday, October 29, from 8:15 - 9:45 a.m. During the visit, you’ll have the opportunity to meet Dr. Carlaina Bell, Head of Middle School, Ms. Catherine Gaynor, Assistant Head of Middle School, and Dr. Roshni Shah, Grade 4 Dean, to learn more about the campus and enjoy a tour.
Please RSVP using this Google Form. We look forward to seeing you! If you have any questions, please e-mail Alyson Waldman, Director of Enrollment Management, Admissions & Financial Aid.
Primary School Lunch
Our Primary School lunch program is off and running! From favorites in the cafeteria like breakfast for lunch, to meals celebrating cultures and heritages like pulled pork tostadas, students are loving the options. Want to know what's on offer that day? We encourage you to check out the monthly menu (you can also find it on your Veracross parent portal)! It can also be helpful to preview the options with your child in advance, as this allows them to engage in conversations with you about what a balanced, healthy plate is ahead of time.
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 efforts are 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. Carline will close at 7:55 a.m. and cones will be placed in the driveway. Please reference this map for directions for 7:55 a.m. drop off.
We ask that you kindly keep your family carline sign on your dashboard as you drive through the carline until you exit the parking lot during morning arrival AND afternoon dismissal.
IMPORTANT: Please avoid dropping your student off in the parking lot. Directions will be provided to park at the end of the portico, and will provide a safe place for your student to leave your vehicle.
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 wait under the portico at the end of the building.
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.
Important Upcoming Dates
- Friday, October 10 — Parent Social Grade 3
- Monday, October 13, 8:15 - 9:15 a.m. — PAMKA Book Fair Meeting
- Thursday, October 16 — Jr-K Parent Social
- Thursday, October 16, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — Common Ground Speaks: Author Ruth Whippman
- Friday, October 17 — Grade 6 Parent Social
For a complete calendar listing of events, view the PAMKA Calendar in Veracross.
Don’t Forget to Register for Common Ground Speaks
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.
Middle School Conference Day Volunteers Needed — Thursday, October 23
Middle School Conference Day is Thursday, October 23, and we like to keep our teachers nourished and energized as they get through their meetings. Please visit the MS Conference Day SignUp Genius to donate a food or beverage item or to help with set up/clean up. Any questions, please reach out to Michelle Willford.
Save the Dates for the Scholastic Book Fair — November 7-12
Be the Author of Your Own Story! The 2025 Scholastic Book Fair will be held Friday, November 7, through Wednesday, November 12. Join us as we celebrate books, uncover new stories, meet visiting authors, and participate in exciting events.
Please check out our webpage and stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks, including information about the full Book Fair schedule and opportunities to volunteer! Questions? Contact PAMKA’s Book Fair Co-Chairs Angie Tekriwal and Katie Cocco.
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 Sonia & Sumeet Datwani for hosting the KG Social and to April & Brett Straten and Margaret & Richard Wager for cohosting the 8th Grade Social this past weekend. We are grateful for their hospitality and generosity.
- 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:
- Monday, October 13, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — Jewish Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group Meeting
- Wednesday, October 15, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — AAPI Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group Meeting
- Wednesday, October 15, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — Muslim Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group
- Tuesday, October 21, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — Parents & Caregivers of Gender Expansive Children 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.
Get Ready for MKA Homecoming Tomorrow!
Tomorrow, our community is joining together from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to celebrate Homecoming, for a day full of MKA pride, fall fun, and Cougar Pride. 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.
Last Chance to Register 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.
Hemmeter-McNeal Lecture Series Welcomes Amanda Ripley — Tuesday, November 4
Please join us on Tuesday, November 4, at 7:00 p.m. in Weiss Auditorium to welcome Amanda Ripley, New York Times bestselling author, Washington Post columnist, and co-founder of Good Conflict, as part of the Hemmeter-McNeal Lecture Series. Ripley will present her acclaimed lecture, “Breaking the Spell of High Conflict,” exploring why ordinary disagreements so often escalate into destructive divisions—and how we can find our way out. Her insights promise to challenge, inspire, and offer tools for navigating conflict in today’s world.
Space is limited. Please RSVP to reserve your seat today!
If you have a question you’d like Amanda Ripley to address at the event, please email Gretchen Berra. While we may not be able to answer every question, we’ll do our best.
Did You Know? Your Gift to MKA Could Be Matched!
Many employers will match charitable contributions made by their employees, which means your support of the MKA Fund could go even further.
When you make your gift, don’t forget to check if your company has a matching program. Your donation and your company’s match will both count towards our goal of reaching 800 donors for MKA Day on November 20. It’s an easy way to double your impact for MKA students and teachers! Click below to see if your employer participates.
Stay tuned for more details related to MKA Day! Questions? Please contact Kelly Flippin, Director of Annual Giving.
Custom MKA Boathouse Parkas Are Back — Order by November 1
New arrival at the MKA School Store! Personalize a boathouse parka with a name, graduation year, and sports team! With its durable Pro-Tech® Shell, cozy fleece lining, and two-way zipper, this parka is built for warmth, comfort, and school spirit all season long.
Place your order by Saturday, November 1, by visiting www.mka.org/schoolstore today! Please note there is a 6-8 week delivery time.
The archive of weekly tri-campus newsletters can be located on the homepage of your Veracross Portal.
