DECEMBER 12, 2025
Second Grade Showcase — TODAY
The second-grade students from 2Mc, 2LG, and 2P will share stories they wrote through collaboration with Dance/Theatre Arts teacher Kristen Weaver today, Friday, December 12, from 8:10 - 8:45 a.m.
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!
Save the Date: Primary School Winter Concert — Friday, December 19
The Primary School looks forward to welcoming families to the annual Winter Concert on Friday, December 19. The concert will begin promptly at 8:15 a.m. Seating for the concert will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
The following dress code is required for all students:
- White MKA polo shirt
- Khaki slacks, skirts, skorts, or shorts
- Solid colored tights with skirts or skorts.
- Sneakers
Jr-K classes do not participate in the Winter Concert on Friday, December 19. Instead, both Jr-K classes will host a special Reggio celebration. This decision aligns with our commitment to creating experiences that are developmentally appropriate and meaningful for students.
The celebration will allow us to honor the unique strengths and needs of our Jr-K students. By designing an event that centers around the Reggio Emilia philosophy, we can encourage each child’s creativity, curiosity, and comfort within a smaller setting. This gathering will be an opportunity for the children to share their learning and joy in a way that feels authentic and playful, and singing will be included. More information to come from your student’s advisor.
Please inform your student’s teacher if your child plans to be absent that day. It is also important to inform psnotifications@mka.org if you plan to take your child home after the concert or the first, second, or third-grade writing celebration.
Important Carline/Student Schedule Updates
Thank you, everyone, for your cooperation and patience on the carline. 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.
As always, please navigate thoughtfully to the Primary School driveway while providing road space for other vehicles using Orange Road. 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
Please be sure to follow the below important dismissal carline procedures:
Do not arrive at school for the afternoon carline BEFORE 2:10 p.m.
- Parents/caregivers arriving before 2:10 p.m. will be asked to leave, park on Llewellyn Road, and walk to campus to collect their students (you will not be permitted to rejoin the carline).
- After parking, walk to the Portico. You can tell the person on duty the name and grade level of the student(s) you will be picking up. This person will get your student(s).
- Do not park on Orange Road and walk into the school to pick up your children; you must use Llewellyn Road if you wish to park and collect your student(s). This is unsafe and unfair to others as well as against school policy.
MKA Music Program Enrollment
Enrollment is now open for the MKA After School Music Program, which offers private lessons right after school at the Middle School. Lessons are recommended for all serious instrumental music students or beginners. The curriculum of the program is tightly correlated with the MKA Orchestral Program. Scheduling is flexible, and lessons can be arranged at a mutually convenient time. Lesson participation accelerates the learning process a great deal. We currently offer private lessons on Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, and Piano. For more information and enrollment, contact tri-campus strings director Dimitri Hajipetkov.
Winter Dress Code
Same as fall and spring, excluding skirts, skorts, and jumpers unless worn with tights or SPIRIT FRIDAYS (every Friday unless otherwise notified):
- Dress code bottoms or jeans
- Green and navy blue tops (solid or patterned)
- Shirts with visible MKA logos must be from MKA Bookstore or MKA-sponsored events
- (i.e., previous Field Days, New Cougar t-shirts, Field Trip t-shirts)
- No non-MKA sweatshirts
A Reminder Regarding Appropriate Clothing for Recess
Weather permitting, students go outside daily unless they have a written medical excuse. It is important that students have appropriate clothing for the winter season. Hats, gloves, boots, and snow pants (or extra pants) are required in the winter months. If the temperature goes below 25° Fahrenheit, recess will be held indoors. Please remember to mark all items with your child’s first and last names.
Important Upcoming Dates
- Tuesday, December 16, 8:15 - 9:15 a.m. — PAMKA Spring Social Meeting (POSTPONED UNTIL JAN 13 2026)
For a complete calendar listing of events, view the PAMKA Calendar in Veracross.
Last Call to Support the Tri-Campus Hat, Scarf, Mitten, and Children’s Toy Drives
The annual Tri-Campus Hat, Scarf, Mitten, and Toy Drives this year will benefit Valley Settlement House and Toni’s Kitchen, and today is the last day to drop off donations or order online through Amazon wish lists. This is a wonderful way for our community to help keep local children warm and make their holidays a little brighter.
You can support the drives in two easy ways:
- Drop-Off Donations - Please bring new hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, and new, unwrapped toys for children ages 4–12. Please place items in the collection boxes located in the lobby of each campus.
- Order online through Amazon Wish Lists - Choose items from the Amazon Wish List links below and have them shipped directly to the organizations:
Amazon Wish List Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Log in to your Amazon account
- Click on the link for the drive(s) you’d like to support
- Select the item(s) you wish to purchase and add them to your cart. When you’re done shopping, click “Proceed to Checkout.”
- Under the address options, select Valley Settlement House or Toni’s Kitchen (these should appear at the top) so your items ship directly to the organization.
- Please do not ship to your home, and do not select gift wrap or gift note options.
- Choose your payment and shipping method and complete your order.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Primary School Engagement Chair, Ashley Hirsh. Thank you for your generosity and for helping MKA support our local children and families this season!
PAMKA Slate — Be a Part of Our Team
The nominating process for next year’s slate will begin in January 2026. As self-nominations are preferred, we encourage you to start considering which role(s) you may be interested in taking on. Additional information will be shared after we return from winter break. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact the Nominating Chairs, Meredith Gardner and Lauren Fass.
Save the Dates for Our PAMKA Spring Events
- PAMKA Spring Social — Friday, April 17
- Cougar Pride Day — Saturday, April 25 (Rain date Sunday, April 26)
Stay Connected with PAMKA on Facebook
Join the MKA Parent Watercooler on Facebook.
Important Notice Regarding Cold And Flu Season
Cold and flu season is upon us. In order to prevent widespread flu and other illnesses within the school, we recommend that your child stay home if experiencing flu or cold symptoms. Please include your campus nurse on emails regarding a child’s absence due to illness. To decide whether or not to send your child to school, please review the guidelines on our Health & Safety webpage.
- Rachael Masters, R.N., Primary School Nurse
- Debra Van Eerde, R.N., Middle School Nurse and Tri-Campus Nursing Supervisor
2026-2027 Preliminary Calendar
Families can now view and download the 2026-2027 Preliminary School Calendar. Please note that dates are subject to change, and additions may be made in the coming months. The calendar can also be found in the Veracross Parent Portal under the Resources tab. We recognize the importance of sharing this early version with families to anticipate childcare needs and/or plan family vacations.
Parents and Caregivers Affinity Group Meetings
Stay up to date on Parents and Caregivers Affinity Group meeting dates for the 2025-2026 academic year using the Community Belonging Calendar.
Questions? Contact Edie Brennan, and/or Paris McLean, Assistant Head of School for Community Belonging.
EPE Winter Sessions — Registration Closes Today, December 12
Fight the winter blues with EPE! MKA is pleased to offer after-school care for your child(ren) in grades Jr-K to 8 through our Extended Play and Enrichment (EPE) program. After-school care is provided from the end of the school day until 6:00 p.m. each day.
Please visit the EPE webpage to familiarize yourself with the programs, schedule, and registration details. Questions? Please email Amy Pacifico and Amy Gonzalez.
Celebrate the Season of Generosity: Make Your Year-End Gift By December 31
As the year comes to a close, many choose this time to give generously to the organizations that matter most to them. MKA’s highest philanthropic priority is The MKA Fund, and we invite you to consider making a gift this holiday season.
Your generosity creates an immediate and meaningful impact, enriching the experience of every student and faculty member in our community.
Our goal is to reach 100% participation from families in every grade. Please consider making a gift to The MKA Fund before December 31 and contribute in a way that feels meaningful to you and your family. Thank you and happy holidays!
Holiday Favorites from the MKA School Store
Deck the halls in green and blue! Our school store is making gifting easy this year. From cozy wearables to spirited accessories, our holiday gift picks make celebrating the season even brighter. These hand-picked favorites are ready to add holiday sparkle and school pride to every celebration.
The archive of weekly tri-campus newsletters can be located on the homepage of your Veracross Portal.