OCTOBER 3, 2025
Registration for Extended Play and Enrichment (EPE) Fall Session 2 opens at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 6
Junior Kindergarten Fine and Performing Arts Open House
Jr-K parents are invited to attend the Fine and Performing Arts (F&PA) Open Classroom on Tuesday, October 7, from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m. During this time, parents will have the opportunity to learn about the curriculum specific to Jr-K and view materials, instruments, images, and documentation relevant to their child's music, art, and dance/theatre arts experience.
Kindergarten Science Open House
Our Science Specialist, Ms. Glynn, would like to invite the parents of Kindergarten students to drop by the science room anytime between 8:00 – 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 7, for our Kindergarten 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.
The Gathering — 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 that 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!
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
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.
Primary School Lunch Program
A full lunch program is available for Primary School students for $2,425 for the academic year. The program is currently accepting students, and the cost will be prorated depending on the day your child starts.
If you would like to enroll in the lunch program, please email Eileen Richardson.
Important Upcoming Dates
- Friday, October 3 — Parent Social (Kindergarten and Grade 8)
- Friday, October 10 — Parent Social (Grade 3)
- Monday, October 13, 8:15 am - 9:15 am — PAMKA Book Fair Meeting
- Thursday, October 16, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm — Common Ground Speaks: Author Ruth Whippman
For a complete calendar listing of events, view the PAMKA Calendar in Veracross.
Homecoming Volunteers Needed on Saturday, October 11
You are invited to join the MKA Community for a fun-filled day of food, football, and more! MKA students, parents, alumni, and guests will all celebrate Homecoming on Saturday, October 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (6 Lloyd Road, MKA Upper School).
We’re also looking for help with ticket sales and MKA spirit wear sales. Please volunteer for fun jobs during or after the event. We need parent volunteers to assist with sales, setup, and breakdown at the MKA Spirit Wear Table and Tickets Tables.
Please review the available slots here and click the button to sign up. Your help is greatly appreciated!
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.
Save the Date for the Scholastic Book Fair — November 7-12
Be the author of your own story! The 2025 Scholastic Book Fair will be held on Friday, November 7, through Wednesday, November 12. Join us as we celebrate books, uncover new stories, meet visiting authors, and participate in exciting events.
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.
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.
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, 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:
- 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
- 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
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.
Tri-Campus Counselor Coffee Recap
Earlier this week, our tri-campus counselors hosted a coffee for Jr-K–12 parents to introduce the team and discuss counseling support across all campuses. It was wonderful connecting with so many families!
Missed the event? Here's what we covered:
We explored strategies for helping children develop resilience, referencing the article "How to Help Kids Learn to Fail." Parents also received this additional resource to support their children's growth.
For questions or concerns, please contact Daniella Kessler, Director of Counseling.
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.