OCTOBER 16, 2026
The Building Blocks of Fine and Performing Arts at Brookside — Tuesday, October 20
Please join the Fine and Performing Arts team on Tuesday, October 20, from 8:15–9:00 a.m. for a closer look at our Primary School arts programs. We’ll share examples of what our youngest artists are making, singing, moving, and discovering, and show how our curriculum is scaffolded so that concepts build on one another. Like building blocks, each year’s learning lays the foundation for the next across all five years. Please RSVP here.
If you have missed our previous two workshops in our series, Raising Kids with Big Baffling Behaviors and Amplify Desmos Math Information Session, you can find the recordings here.
Picture Retake Day — Thursday, October 29
The photographer will be returning to campus on Thursday, October 29, from 1:00–2:00 p.m. If your student was absent on Picture Day OR if you would like a retake, please email Colleen Helsel to reserve a spot for your student.
Amplify Desmos Math Caregiver Letter
Please read this letter to learn more about our core math curriculum, Amplify Desmos Math, and the resources available to support your child at school and at home.
New Monthly “Be You” Wednesdays
To kick off our year together, we are excited to announce a fun new monthly tradition: "Be You" Wednesdays! On one designated Wednesday of each month, our school community will celebrate individuality, creativity, and self-expression. Each "Be You" Day will feature a fun theme, and all students are welcome and encouraged to dress in alignment with that theme.
Participation is entirely optional. If your child prefers not to dress according to the monthly theme, they are warmly invited to wear spirit wear or any outfit that makes them feel confident and uniquely themselves. Our goal is simple: to create a supportive environment where every child has the opportunity to feel free to express who they are.
2026–2027 "Be You" Day Schedule & Themes
- October 21 — Crazy Sock Day: Show off your most colorful cozy socks.
- November 18 — Camping / Outdoor Day: Wrap yourself up in warm plaid, camouflage attire, or comfy outdoor gear as the autumn weather cools down.
- December 16 — Festive Sweater/Shirt Day: Wear a cheerful winter sweater or shirt featuring holiday patterns, or dress in shades of ice blue and snowy white to welcome the chilly winter weather.
🎃 Halloween at the Primary School — Friday, October 30
Please take a moment to read this letter regarding Primary School Halloween festivities on Friday, October 30, with details on costume dress codes and other important reminders.
Primary School Academic Program Guide
Explore everything you need to know about the Primary School academic program in the Primary School Academic Program Guide. This resource provides more information on curriculum and course offerings, key academic policies, and essential support resources.
Faculty Trust Grant Applications — Due by Monday, January 11, 2027
Faculty Trust Grants recognize the importance of intellectual pursuit and personal renewal beyond the traditional academic setting. The goal of these grants is to support professional enrichment for faculty while converting those experiences into powerful learning tools for our students.
To apply, please visit the PAMKA Faculty Trust Grants webpage. There, you’ll find eligibility criteria, application requirements, and the online submission form. Applications must be submitted online to the appropriate campus-specific form. If you have any questions, please email Lauren Kaplan, PAMKA Faculty Trust Grant Chair.
Connecting to Your Child’s Seesaw Journal
Primary School students use Seesaw to document their learning experiences in advisor and specialist classes periodically throughout the school year. Primary School families can connect to their child's Seesaw journal on the web at app.seesaw.me, or by downloading the Seesaw app, available on iOS and Android. New families will receive an email invitation to connect to their child's journal and be prompted to create a new account. Returning families can sign in to their existing Seesaw account to connect to their child's journal.
Walker Drop-off and Pick-Up Information
If you choose to walk your child to school in the morning or pick them up on foot in the afternoon, please note that you may not park on Orange Road or in the school parking lot while you walk to the school. If you are walking your child, please park on Llewellyn Road or Melrose Place. We are also reminding everyone to obey the STOP sign at the end of our driveway. Thank you for your help in keeping our morning and afternoon carline as efficient and safe as possible.
Spirit Day Fridays
Students are invited to participate in Spirit Day Fridays each week! Please refer to the Code of Attire guidelines for more details. Go Cougars!
Important Upcoming Dates
- Book Fair Committee Meetings (8:15–9:15 a.m.)
- Monday, October 19
- Monday, October 26
- Monday, November 2
Save the Date
- Thursday, November 6 - Wednesday, November 11 — Scholastic Book Fair
- Friday, November 6, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. — PS Pajama Night
- Monday, November 9, 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. — MS Book Fair Evening Edition
For a complete calendar listing of PAMKA events, please view the PAMKA calendar in Veracross.
Fall Parent Socials
We have been enjoying 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.
Friday, October 16 — Grade 2
Saturday, October 17 — Grade 5
Please note: 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.
📚 PAMKA Scholastic Book Fair — November 6–11
Big dreams begin with great books! PAMKA is excited to bring our Scholastic Book Fair to our MKA community, celebrating this year’s theme: Grow a Reader, Grow a Dreamer. From discovering new favorites to exploring exciting adventures, the Book Fair is a wonderful opportunity to nurture a love of reading and inspire our students’ imaginations.
Learn more: Visit the PAMKA Book Fair webpage for additional information, including shopping schedules and volunteer opportunities. Let’s grow a love of reading and help our young dreamers reach for the stars!
Drop Off Like-New MKA Spirit Wear at Primary & Middle School
PAMKA will be hosting spirit wear and dress code consignment pop-up shops at the upcoming Book Fair evening events—a great way to pass along gently used uniform pieces and help fellow families stock up for the school year. Please drop off at the Primary and Middle Schools in the collection bins. You can donate today and shop during the Book Fair!
Common Grounds Speaks: Helping Our Kids Thrive in a Digital World — Tuesday, November 10
MKA is proud to be a member of Common Grounds Speaks (CGS), a consortium of parent associations from independent schools throughout Central and Northern New Jersey. CGS brings parents together to share education, information, and inspiration on topics that matter most to our families.
Join us on Tuesday, November 10 at 6:00 p.m. at The Wardlaw-Hartridge School for an evening with Max Stossel, award-winning poet, filmmaker, speaker, and Founder & CEO of Social Awakening, an organization dedicated to helping young people survive and thrive in today’s digital world.
Max will explore how technology is intentionally designed to capture our attention, how this can impact our children’s developing minds, and practical strategies families can use to navigate these challenges. View the flyer for more information.
[REGISTER TODAY]
KIPP New Jersey & PAMKA Tutoring Partnership
PAMKA will be offering a 1:1 parent-to-student tutoring opportunity at KIPP Newark SPARK Academy. Parent volunteers will work directly with students to provide individualized academic support and encouragement. No experience necessary—come join us!
If you are interested in volunteering or have questions, please reach out to Liza Helwig, PAMKA's KIPP NJ Tutor Coordinator, at lizalowell@gmail.com.
Stay Connected with PAMKA on Facebook
Join the MKA Parent Watercooler on Facebook.
Connect with PAMKA on LinkedIn
Engage with parents on the PAMKA LinkedIn page, created as a resource to help our parent community connect beyond the school campus. This page provides opportunities for parents to network, share professional connections and expertise, support one another, and build meaningful relationships within our 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, October 19, 7:00–9:00 p.m. — MOSAIC: Black Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group Meeting
- Tuesday, October 20, 7:00–9:00 p.m. — Parents & Caregivers of Gender Expansive Children Meeting
- Wednesday, October 21, 7:00–9:00 p.m. — Single Parents Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group Meeting
- Tuesday, October 27, 7:00–9:00 p.m. — Jewish Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group Meeting
- Tuesday, October 27, 7:00–9:00 p.m. — South Asian Parent & Caregiver Affinity Group Meeting
Stay up to date on Parent and Caregivers Affinity Group meeting dates 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, October 16
4:00 p.m. — Girls’ Varsity Volleyball ECT Prelim vs. West Caldwell Tech (US Gym)
4:15 p.m. — Boys’ Junior Varsity Soccer vs. Henry Becton High School (MS Field)
Saturday, October 17
10:00 a.m. — Girls’ Varsity Soccer ECT 1st Rd vs. East Side High School (Van Brunt Field)
2:00 p.m. — Boys’ Varsity Soccer ECT 1st Rd vs. Irvington High School (Van Brunt Field)
2:00 p.m. — Girls’ Varsity Field Hockey ECT 1st Rd vs. Verona High School (Muenster Field)
3:30 p.m. — Girls’ Junior Varsity Field Hockey vs. Verona High School (Muenster Field)
Annual Golf & Racquet Classic — Monday, October 26
The annual Golf & Racquet Classic takes place on Monday, October 26 at 10:00 a.m. at the Somerset Hills Country Club. We can’t wait to see our 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. Registration is now closed. You can learn more about the event on our website.
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.
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 Golf & Racquet Classic webpage.
The archive of weekly tri-campus newsletters can be located on the homepage of your Veracross Portal.