PRIMARY SCHOOL UPDATES

Parent Coffee: Navigating the Return to School After Winter Break

Join our Primary and Middle school counselors for a warm cup of coffee and conversation as we discuss strategies to help your child transition smoothly back to school after the holiday break. We'll cover topics like re-establishing routines, managing post-break emotions, and setting a positive tone for the new year.

• Wednesday, January 14 – 8:15 a.m. — Grades Jr-K through 2nd (at the Primary School)
  Thursday, January 15 – 8:15 a.m. — Grades 3 through 5 (in the Higgins Conference Room at the Middle School)

Come with your questions, share your experiences, and connect with other parents as we support our students in getting back into the swing of school life. Please use this link to RSVP. We look forward to seeing you there!

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 your student does not have appropriate clothing for the weather that day, they will not be permitted to go outdoors. 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.

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 Tabak Fass.

PAMKA Holiday Drives — Many Thanks

Thank you to all MKA families, faculty, and staff who made this year’s PAMKA Hat, Scarf, Mitten, and Toy Drives a success! Because of your generosity, we collected over 500 toys for Toni’s Kitchen as well as over 700 pairs of socks, hats, mittens, and glove sets for Valley Settlement House. Primary School students made wrapping paper and holiday cards that were delivered to both Toni’s Kitchen and Valley Settlement House in conjunction with the drives.

A special shout-out to Community Engagement Primary School Chair Ashley Hirsh and Primary School faculty member Brittany O’Neill for organizing this project. Thank you!

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)

For a complete calendar listing of events, view the PAMKA Calendar in Veracross.

Stay Connected with PAMKA on Facebook

Join the MKA Parent Watercooler on Facebook.

Parents and Caregivers Affinity Group Meetings

• Tuesday, January 13, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — Junt@s Hispanic/Latinx Parent & Caregivers Meeting at the Middle School Library.
• Tuesday, January 13, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. —South Asian Parent & Caregivers Meeting in Small Conference Room (Little Higgins) located in the Middle School building
• Thursday, January 15, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. — Jewish Parent and Caregivers Meeting at the Upper School’s Large Conference Room
• Thursday, January 15, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. —AAPI Parent and Caregivers Meeting at the Upper School’s Small Conference Room
• Wednesday, January 21, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. —International & Expat Parent and Caregivers Meeting at the Middle School Library

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.

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.

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!

Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day — Tuesday, April 28

The Primary School is excited to celebrate Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day on the morning of Tuesday, April 28, 2026! The event will take place at the Primary School campus, where guests will enjoy outdoor activities and a performance in the auditorium.

Each Primary School family may invite up to four guests. Guests can be grandparents, relatives, non-parent caregivers, and/or special friends. Please submit your guests' names using the button below so we can send each guest an electronic invitation in early February 2026.